Bakersfield news

• LA police speak to boxer about murder-suicide

  11-12-2014 23:53
  
  Los Angeles police have spoken to boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. about the murder-suicide of rapper Earl Warren Hayes and his wife but details aren't being released.
  
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• DOJ says tribes can decide whether to legalize pot

  11-12-2014 23:48
  
  The U.S. Justice Department said Thursday Indian tribes can grow and sell marijuana on their lands as long as they follow the same federal conditions laid out for states that have legalized the drug.
  
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• Skateland set to open under new management

  11-12-2014 23:39
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Skateland fans are rejoicing today after learning their favorite skating rink will remain in operation.
  After the sale to an owner who planned to turn the business into a storage facility fell through, the future of Skateland was up in the air.     However, it was revealed on Dec. 10 that the rink had been sold to new owners -- one of which is a member of Skateland's own Bakersfield Diamond Divas roller-derby team.     New owner Helen Swall and
  
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• 1901 San Francisco Bay ship wreck found

  11-12-2014 23:28
  
  Scientists have located the wreckage of a passenger ship that crashed in 1901 near the site of what is now the Golden Gate Bridge, killing 128 people.
  
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• Harley riders set out to donate blankets to cancer patients

  11-12-2014 23:09
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A group of local Harley riders have rallied together to make patients in a local hospital a little warmer this season.
  The Ladies of Harley will be donating their hand-crafted blankets to patients undergoing cancer treatment at San Joaquin Community Hospital's AIS Cancer Center.
  The Harley-riding ladies have raised more than $10,000 in the past two years for the center.
  A few of the ladies are cancer survivors themeselves and are doing what they can to give back.
  
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• One Classroom at a Time: Alena Robertson of McAuliffe Elementary

  11-12-2014 22:46
  
  The One Classroom at a Time program has been awarding grants since 2006.
  
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• California's population grows to 38.5 million

  11-12-2014 22:15
  
  California's population climbed to 38.5 million people over the last year as the state recorded its most significant back-to-back growth in a decade.
  
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• California battles whooping cough epidemic

  11-12-2014 22:12
  
  California officials are battling the worst whooping cough epidemic to hit the state in seven decades as a recent rebound in cases raises questions about the effectiveness of the pertussis vaccine.
  
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• Public forum to discuss meth in Kern scheduled for January

  11-12-2014 21:03
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Kern County Board of Supervisors will host a community forum open to the public on Jan. 5. 
  The forum will feature the Kern Stop Meth Now Coalition, who will discuss their work and strategies used to reduce the impact methamphetamine has on Kern County.
  The forum will take place at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, located at 1115 Truxtun Ave.
  The coalition is a product of the board of supervisors, created to study devise a strategy to respond to the
  
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• 'First Look': Santa's appearance on show is sweet

  11-12-2014 20:54
  
  It was the three-foot-tall Santa Claus made of rich chocolate that heralded a Christmas conversation on "First Look with Scott Cox" Thursday.
  Mike Dewar brought the sweet concoction to the show's studio.
  
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• Amber alert leads to four children safely found

  11-12-2014 20:46
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Officers with the California Highway Patrol have taken a father into custody today after a standoff in connection with an Amber Alert issued over four missing Montebello children.
  The arrest followed a dramatic standoff on a San Diego-area freeway.     Police had been desperately searching for the father and his four boys from Montebello today, a day after a woman's body turned up in the trunk of the family's car.     Officials are not saying i
  
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• Taft elementary schools supe removed from paid leave

  11-12-2014 20:42
  
  The Taft City School District took Superintendent Ron Bryant off paid administrative leave Wednesday after the administrator was sentenced a day earlier for driving under the influence of alcohol.
  
  The district's school board president, Les Clark, said the district is "pursuing its options" on Bryant's employment.
  
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• Dodgers get 2B Howie Kendrick, work to add SS Jimmy Rollins

  11-12-2014 20:31
  
  The Dodgers acquired second baseman Howie Kendrick from the Los Angeles Angels and were working to obtain shortstop Jimmy Rollins from the Philadelphia Phillies in a remake of their middle infield.
  
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• Volunteer center sells out of cinnamon rolls

  11-12-2014 20:24
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Volunteer Center of Kern County asked the community for help this morning, and the community turned out in a big way!
  The Volunteer Center held a cinnamon roll fundraiser to raise money to keep their doors open and they sold out of the rolls in a matter of hours.
  The center sold packs of a dozen cinnamon rolls for $10.
  They planned to sell them until 6 p.m., however, things didn't go as planned. Executive Director Brenda Ratliff said the response this year was
  
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• AP Source: Padres acquire Kemp in five-player deal

  11-12-2014 20:23
  
  The San Diego Padres, desperate for a power bat to punch up the worst offense in the majors, have a deal in place to acquire outfielder Matt Kemp and catcher Tim Federowicz from the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers for catcher Yasmani Grandal and two pitchers, two people familiar with the trade said Thursday.
  
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• New report finds Kern is lacking core essentials

  11-12-2014 20:14
  
  KERN COUNTY, CA. - Kern County lags behind much of the state in health, education and income.     That's the finding of a new report from the United Way, which said those are the building blocks of a decent life and the core focus of it's community impact work.
  The report finds a child born in Kern can expect to live a life three and a half times shorter than much of the state's population.     Almost 28 percent of Kern County residents have less than a high scho
  
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• TUHS superintendent pay to be removed

  11-12-2014 20:06
  
  Taft, CA. - Taft City School District Superintendent, Ron Bryant, still has a job, but he will no longer be getting paid. 
  
  The move comes after a decision by school board members during their meeting last night.
  
  The meeting was held to discuss Bryant's status after he was recently sentenced for driving under the influence on Nov. 15.
  
  Bryant also received another DUI on Aug. 27, and another last September, making that three DUIs in the last 14 months.
  
  Bryant received 150
  
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• Police still searching for shooting suspect

  11-12-2014 19:49
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Bakersfield police are searching for a man suspected in a deadly shooting in central Bakersfield.
  
  Tuesday night, Bakersfield police thought they had Errol Joseph Scorza, the man they believe is responsible for killing a man and shooting another Saturday in central Bakersfield surrounded in a house near the 600 block of "P" Street.
  But police said it appears Scorza escaped through a chimney opening in the ceiling. 
  Now, officials are seeking a late mode
  
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• Red Kettle Drive embraces technology

  11-12-2014 19:49
  
  'Tis the season the Salvation Army dusts off its red kettles and fills the air with sounds of ringing bells.
  
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• Alcohol a factor in early morning crash

  11-12-2014 19:39
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The California Highway Patrol said that alcohol may be to blame in a wrong-way crash early this morning in east Bakersfield.
  According to CHP, the driver of a truck was heading north in the southbound lane of Oswell Street just after midnight when he crossed the center divider and collided with another vehicle near Pioneer Drive.
  The driver of the truckhas been identified as Samuel Quiroz Resendez from Bakersfield. 
  The driver of the other vehicle has been identifi
  
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• Wendale Davis Foundation looking for stolen van

  11-12-2014 19:27
  
  A van belonging to the Wendale Davis Foundation has been stolen, and the owner, Wesley Davis, is asking the public for help in finding it.
  
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• Search for family continues; body found in trunk

  11-12-2014 19:26
  
  Detectives searched through the early Thursday morning hours for a missing Southern California family as relatives pleaded for the couple's four young sons to be safely returned.
  
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• Police swarm abduction suspect; children rescued

  11-12-2014 19:26
  
  Police in San Diego swarmed an abduction suspect to the ground and rescued his four children Thursday after a highway pursuit and standoff.
  
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• Father captured on freeway bridge, 4 sons safe

  11-12-2014 19:26
  
  A three-day search for a man wanted for questioning in his wife's disappearance and the abduction of their four young sons ended dramatically Thursday when police officers tackled him on a freeway bridge as he began climbing over a railing 150 feet above the ground. All four boys were safe.
  
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• Community helps to support children's hospital mediathon

  11-12-2014 19:23
  
  The Miracles on 34th Street mediathon for the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital raised a total of $60, 348 from your generous donations.All of the money raised stays local and goes toward providing services for families who would otherwise have to travel for emergency pediatric medical care.
  
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• Taft school superintendent no longer on paid leave

  11-12-2014 19:19
  
  School board takes action in the matter of Superintendent Ronald Bryant, convicted of three DUIs in 14 months.
  
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• City council welcomes new, returning members

  11-12-2014 19:14
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Last night the city council swore in new and returning members, as well as addressed some issues concerning local bus stops.
  Council members Willie Rivera of Ward 1, Ken Weir of Ward 3, Bob Smith of Ward 4, and council member-elect Chris Parlier of ward 7 took the oath of office at the city council chambers.     Current Ward 7 council member Russell Johnson will be leaving office.
  In addition, the council and the Golden Empire Transit have declared nearly 7
  
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• City council votes bus stops no parking zones

  11-12-2014 19:14
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Last night the city council swore in new and returning members, as well as addressed some issues concerning local bus stops.
  Council members Willie Rivera of Ward 1, Ken Weir of Ward 3, Bob Smith of Ward 4, and council member-elect Chris Parlier of ward 7 took the oath of office at the city council chambers.     Current Ward 7 council member Russell Johnson will be leaving office.
  In adition, the council and the Golden Empire Transit have declared nearly 70
  
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• Wild storm soaks California, thousands lose power

  11-12-2014 17:41
  
  A powerful storm churned through Northern California on Thursday, knocking out power to tens of thousands and delaying commuters while soaking the region with much-needed rain.
  
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• Powerful storm begins to pound Northern California

  11-12-2014 17:41
  
  A storm expected to be one of the windiest and rainiest in five years pushed across parts of Northern California early Thursday after schools canceled classes and residents stocked up on supplies.
  
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• California storm knocks out power, delays flights

  11-12-2014 17:41
  
  A powerful storm churned through Northern California Thursday, knocking out power to tens of thousands and delaying commuters while soaking the region with much-needed rain.
  
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• Fog Delays for Thursday, December 11th

  11-12-2014 17:03
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The following is a list of fog delays for Kern County schools on Thursday, December 11th:
  
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• Woman hit by two cars on Niles Street

  11-12-2014 16:51
  
  A pedestrian was taken to Kern Medical Center with major injuries after being hit by two cars Wednesday.
  
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• 'First Look': First News for Dec. 11

  11-12-2014 16:46
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  JURY IN OLIVER TRIAL BEGINS DELIBERATIONS: The jury in the trial of Bryan Oliver begain deliberations Wednesday after the prosecutor and defense attorney delivered their closing arguments about the January 2013 shooting at Taft Union High. The jury of seven women and five men only had time to deliberate for about 10 minutes before
  
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• Taft superintendent taken off paid leave

  11-12-2014 08:15
  
  The Taft City School District has voted on the future of its superintendent.
  
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• The 2014 Bakersfield Christmas Parade

  11-12-2014 07:56
  
  The Bakersfield Californian was the official broadcaster of the 2014 and 32nd annual Bakersfield Christmas Parade. Here's the complete broadcast, which was streamed live on bakersfield.com on Dec. 4, along with a video for every parade entry.
  [View the story "2014 Bakersfield Christmas Parade" on Storify]
  
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• Bakersfield's lawsuit to stop bullet train could be resolved

  11-12-2014 07:25
  
  Talks between the California Attorney General's office and city officials could resolve Bakersfield's nearly six-month-old lawsuit to stop the bullet train, the city attorney said Wednesday.
  
  During council comments at Wednesday's City Council meeting -- members' final remarks at what was supposed to be the council's last gathering of 2014 -- newly appointed Vice Mayor Harold Hanson as
  
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• Study: Warming West Coast will send fish north

  11-12-2014 04:35
  
  Warming seas will likely send West Coast fish species northward by about 20 miles a decade, and some species probably will disappear from southern ranges off California and Oregon, a new study says.
  
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• Jury in Oliver trial begins deliberations

  11-12-2014 04:26
  
  Bryan Oliver thought, wrote about and planned revenge.
  
  And on the morning of Jan. 10, 2013, he entered Taft Union High School armed with a loaded shotgun and 29 extra rounds to exact revenge against students he perceived as having bullied him, Chief Deputy District Attorney Mark Pafford said during his closing argument Wednesday. Oliver was fully aware of what he was doing and timed his attack to avoid d
  
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• Bakersfield Toy Run takes place this Sunday

  11-12-2014 04:24
  
  Thousands of bikers are expected to come together on Sunday for the annual Bakersfield Toy Run.
  
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• Car plunges through roof of San Diego County home

  11-12-2014 04:19
  
  A sport utility vehicle went airborne and sailed through the roof of a home in California's San Diego County, but the residents inside weren't hurt.
  
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• Dangerous drive: 4 early morning crashes claim 3 lives

  11-12-2014 04:17
  
  Kern County roads turned deadly Wednesday morning, with four serious crashes. But, California Highway Patrol and Bakersfield police say even with the recent fog, none of the crashes appear to be weather related.
  
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• Kern County braces for Thursday storm arrival

  11-12-2014 04:00
  
  Locals are bracing for heavy winds Thursday as a storm system makes its way into town.
  
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• Kern County braces for storm arrival

  11-12-2014 04:00
  
  Locals are bracing for heavy winds Thursday as a storm system makes its way into town.
  
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• THE GRADE: More on BCSD pay demands, discipline policy concerns

  11-12-2014 03:35
  
  BCSD TEACHERS WANT CHANGE: Bakersfield City School District teachers raised more issues Tuesday at a board meeting than could fit in Wednesday's Californian.
  
  Dozens of teachers and other union employees criticized district approaches to school discipline and district responses in ongoing employee pay negotiations.
  
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• Bryan Oliver jury begins deliberating

  11-12-2014 03:19
  
  The jury heard closing arguments Wednesday in the case that will decide the fate of the Taft Union High School shooter.
  
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• Why are the punishments for DUI drivers so low?

  11-12-2014 03:18
  
  Overcrowded jails and new legislation could be to blame when it comes to the punishments drunk drivers are receiving in Kern County.
  
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• Suspect stacked boxes in garage to aid escape from SWAT team

  11-12-2014 03:17
  
  Bakersfield police continued their search Wednesday for a murder suspect who escaped capture late Tuesday by the SWAT team by apparently climbing through a hole in a garage ceiling.
  
  Errol Joseph Scorza, 22, is wanted in connection with Saturday's fatal shooting of Abel Ibarra Trujillo, 25, who was killed outside the N & S Market in the 800 block of L Street.
  
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• Martin J. Zaninovich, Delano grape grower and industry leader, dies

  11-12-2014 03:10
  
  Martin J. Zaninovich, a Delano table grape grower who helped lead the industry during the tumult of the 1960s and '70s, died this week at the age of 91.
  
  His family said the co-founder of Jasmine Vineyards and 38-year member of the California Table Grape Commission died in his sleep Tuesday in Santa Barbara from natural causes.
  
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• Bakersfield police want info on car with possible connection to weekend gunfight

  11-12-2014 03:07
  
  The investigation into a deadly midday gunfight continued Wednesday with police asking about information on a car.
  
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