Bakersfield news

• 'First Look': First News for Dec. 17

  17-12-2014 23:44
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  MISTRIAL DECLARED IN OLIVER SHOOTING TRIAL; RETRIAL SET FOR JAN. 26: The trial of school shooter Bryan Oliver featured students recounting the terror they felt as Oliver entered a classroom armed with a shotgun, contentious battles between attorneys over Oliver's intent and strong disagreement between psychologists about whet
  
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• Dolls cast own glow at CALM

  17-12-2014 23:15
  
  The story sounds like one of those classic animated Christmas specials -- a bunch of once-beloved toys are discarded and then, after hardship and tough times, find a new home and once again are loved by all.
  
  Ten Christmas seasons ago, California Living Museum proudly displayed a set of dolls in fancy costumes, re-creating a moment from Tchaikovsky's beloved "Nutcracker" ballet. Anyone who h
  
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• 'First Look': Lois Henry discuses Bryan Oliver trial outcome

  17-12-2014 22:55
  
  On Tuesday afternoon after Judge John W. Lua declared a mistrial in the Bryan Oliver case, Californian columnist Lois Henry thought about the conversations she'd been having with other staff.
  
  "I would hate to be a juror in this trial," Henry said Wednesday on "First Look with Scott Cox."
  
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• Results for BPD's annual employee awards event

  17-12-2014 22:47
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department held its annual Employee Award Ceremony today at 10:00 a.m. at Bakersfield Police Headquarters, 1601 Truxtun Ave.
  
  Police Chief Greg Williamson and Command Staff recognized the following employees:
  
  · Civilian Employee of the Year – Clerk Typist Karen Hulsey
  
  · Dispatcher of the Year – Dispatcher II Stephanie Underwood
  
  · Officer of the Year – Officer David Brantley
  
  · Detective of the Year –
  
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• Taft superintendent 'disappointed' by Oliver mistrial

  17-12-2014 22:39
  
  Blanca Cavazos, superintendent of the Taft Union High School District, said in a statement Wednesday she was "disappointed" by Tuesday's mistrial in the Kern County Superior Court trial of school shooter Bryan Oliver.
  
  "We are disappointed that this tragic incident has not been resolved in the judicial system so that we can move forward," she wrote in an email.
  
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• Greenfield school district gives new shoes to local kids

  17-12-2014 22:35
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - About 150 kids in the Greenfield Union School District will have warm shoes as they walk through the winter months, and it's all thanks to the kindness of donors.
  This morning the Greenfield Family Resource Center took the kids to Payless shoe store to pick out their shoes.     The kids were identified by school officials as being most in need of a little extra help.
  "There are a lot more families in need of other resources. Ninety-two percent of our f
  
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• Stay Focused Ministries toy giveaway this Sunday

  17-12-2014 22:31
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Stay Focused Ministries will present its 23rd Annual FREE Christmas Toy and Teddy Bear Giveaway this Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Grace Assembly of God church.
  
  Last year, more than 10,000 toys were handed out at the event at the Kern County Museum with each child receiving more than one toy. People lined up as early as 6 a.m. 
  This year, organizers said underprivileged families are urged to come, receive a message of hope and receive toys for the kids.
  
  WHO:  
  
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• Carmike Cinemas to pull 'The Interview' from theaters

  17-12-2014 22:24
  
  In the wake of threats and a major cyberattack against Sony Pictures, the company pulls the plug on the New York premiere of "The Interview."     The hack-attack has had a devastating impact on the entertainment company -- an avalanche of leaks revealed personal information of employees and salacious email exchanges from executives and A-list celebrities.
  As a result, Carmike Cinemas is pulling "The Interview" from 270 of its theaters across the US.
  Now, t
  
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• Settlement proposed for victim of police dog attack

  17-12-2014 22:12
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - New details have been released about a settlement reached for the estranged wife of Kern County's Sheriff who was severely bitten by a police k-9 during a drug search of her home.
  According to attorneys, the proposed settlement is for half-a-million dollars for 60-year-old Victoria Youngblood.     She was sleeping in her bedroom alone in April 2012 when police officers walked in to serve a search warrant, following the arrest of her son Aaron earlier that day
  
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• Several injured in RV crash on Rosedale Highway

  17-12-2014 22:05
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Several people were injured this morning in a crash in front of the Northwest Promenade on Rosedale Highway.
  The incident happened just after 8 a.m.     Bakersfield police said a motorhome crashed into an SUV, another car, and then a box truck carryinig tortillas.     Six people inside the motorhome -- some of them children -- received minor injuries. Two were taken to a local hospital.     Eastbound lanes of Rosedale were partia
  
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• Volunteers needed for holiday lights at CALM

  17-12-2014 21:49
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The California Living Museum is looking for volunteers to help at HolidayLights at CALM. Approximately 30 volunteers are needed each night from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., through Jan. 3 (closed Dec. 25), to act as hosts and direct guests
  Businesses or organizations that sponsor a night by supplying 25 volunteers will be able to set up an information table the evening(s) they volunteer.
  As the zoo’s way of thanking those who donate their time, CALM is giving volunteers
  
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• Body found hanging from tree at Jastro Park

  17-12-2014 21:23
  
  A white male was found dead hanging from a tree Wednesday morning at Jastro Park.
  
  Bakersfield Police Department Sgt. Damon Youngblood was one of the first responders and said when he arrived, the man was "obviously deceased."
  
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• 3 take oath for Arvin City Council

  17-12-2014 21:20
  
  Jazmin Robles, Erika Madrigal and former mayor Jess Ortiz were sworn into office for the Arvin City Council during Monday night's meeting.
  
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• Rosamond teens tied to around 30 thefts

  17-12-2014 20:01
  
  The boys, ages 16 and 17, have been tied to about 30 thefts throughout the Rosamond area, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
  
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• Woman killed in crash on Camino Media in SW Bakersfield

  17-12-2014 19:51
  
  A woman was killed Tuesday night in a single-vehicle crash in southwest Bakersfield.
  
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• two juveniles arrested for stealing items from vehicles

  17-12-2014 19:49
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Two juvenile males have been arrested by deputies from the Rosamond Substation for stealing items from unlocked vehicles.
  
  The juveniles are reportedly tied to approximately 30 thefts throughout the Rosamond area.
  
  Some items have been returned and are in the process of being returned to the owners, according to the KCSO news release.
  
  The juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall for PC182(a)(1) Conspiracy, PC488 Theft from Vehicle, PC496(a) Receiving Stolen Prope
  
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• Lane closures expected on Panama and Taft Highway

  17-12-2014 19:40
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A traffic advisory is being released by The Thomas Roads Improvement Program as a result of the State Route 99/ Hosking Avenue Interchange construction project.
  
  The work will happen on Dec. 19 and Dec. 22, and will require lane closures  between Panama Lane and State Route 119 (Taft Highway). 
  
  The closures will be in the outside northbound and outside southbound travel lanes in this area from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  
  TRIP would like to remind motorists
  
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• Silver Alert issued for San Bernardino County man

  17-12-2014 19:33
  
  A Silver Alert has been issued for an 84-year-old man out of San Bernardino County. James Alexander was last seen overnight, driving off with his 4-year-old granddaughter.
  
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• Fresh rain in Southern California causes mudslide

  17-12-2014 19:22
  
  The latest storm in a string of wet weather hammered Southern California overnight, unleashing heavy rain and triggering a mudslide that stranded motorists early Wednesday.
  
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• California gets more rain, 1 big mudslide

  17-12-2014 19:22
  
  The latest in a string of storms noisily marched across Southern California early Wednesday, hurling lightning bolts, coating mountains with snow and unleashing downpours that triggered a freeway-blocking mudslide but missed most vulnerable areas.
  
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• Santa Paws adopt a pet event this Saturday

  17-12-2014 19:14
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - If you're looking for a new pet this holiday season, come out for the Santa Paws adoption day event on Dec. 20.
  
  The event happens from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Round Up Feed Store on 5805 Rosedale Highway.
  
  The City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center is joining together with The ROC Animal Care Program Skills USA Team and Round Up Feed Store to sponsor the adoption event.
  
  In addition to the adoption event, they will be accepting donations of blankets, towels, or
  
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• RUSS ALLRED: What leaders do to motivate

  17-12-2014 19:02
  
  The term is over, finals are graded, it's dark in the Bakersfield College parking lot, but a light is shining in one of the classrooms. The BC Chamber Singers are warming up for another gig, still polishing their tone and perfecting the phrases. They all started practicing before the semester started and they'll be singing Christmas carols for another two weeks.
  
  How does one motivate a team of co
  
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• The CSUB men's basketball team give gifts to kids at Memorial

  17-12-2014 18:27
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The Cal State Bakersfield mens basketball team scored some big points yesterday with some kids at memorial hospital.   The team visited the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center.      They got to play Santa, hand delivering toys to the children who are there receiving treatment over the holidays.      They even got to give newborns their very first teddy bears.     The players collected the donated to
  
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• The D'oh of Homer: Professors employ TV's Simpsons

  17-12-2014 18:22
  
  Bart and Lisa Simpson have been in elementary school for 25 years. But that hasn't stopped them from showing up on college campuses.
  
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• Top movie theater chains cancel 'The Interview' amid threats

  17-12-2014 18:09
  
  The top theater chains in North America have dropped "The Interview" after hackers threatened terrorist attacks at theaters showing the comedy, effectively squashing the Christmas Day release of the film.
  
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• Sony cancels 'The Interview' Dec. 25 release amid threats

  17-12-2014 18:09
  
  The top theater chains in North America have dropped "The Interview" after hackers threatened terrorist attacks at theaters showing the comedy, effectively squashing the Christmas Day release of the film.
  
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• Sony cancels 'The Interview' Dec. 25 release

  17-12-2014 18:09
  
  Under the threat of terrorist attacks from hackers and with the nation's largest multiplex chains pulling the film from its screens, Sony Pictures Entertainment took the unprecedented step of canceling the Dec. 25 release of the "The Interview."
  
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• Woman dies in crash in southwest Bakersfield

  17-12-2014 18:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Police have released new details about a fatal accident in southwest Bakersifeld last night.
  Bakersfield police officers responded to the scene of a single vehicle accident last night at 10:17 p.m.     A female driver, whose name has not yet been released, was pinned in the vehicle.      Police said she struck a wall of The Springs apartment complex in the 8200 block of Camino Media.     Police said they do not yet know if d
  
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• Cleveland v. TUHS civil case set for August 2015

  17-12-2014 17:46
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A mistrial was declared late yesterday in the Taft Union High School shooting case.     Accused shooter Bryan Oliver is charged with two counts of attempted murder, but the jury could not reach a verdict. 
  The civil case filed by Bowe Cleveland's family against the Taft Union High School District, was also in court yesterday.
  Cleveland's family believes the school district did not do enough to keep cleveland and other students safe.     
  
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• Local vets spend 'stress-free' day with horses

  17-12-2014 16:48
  
  From the outside, Rising Moon Ranch might look like any other ranch, but inside the gates, lives are being transformed.
  
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• Sources: U.S., Cuba swap prisoners, seek to normalize relations

  17-12-2014 16:47
  
  The United States and Cuba have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and open economic and travel ties, marking a historic shift in U.S. policy toward the communist island after a half-century of enmity dating back to the Cold War, American officials said.
  
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• Obama: U.S. re-establishing relations with Cuba

  17-12-2014 16:47
  
  President Barack Obama announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and an easing in economic and travel restrictions on Cuba Wednesday, declaring an end to America's "outdated approach" to the communist island.
  
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• Body found at Jastro Park

  17-12-2014 16:34
  
  Wednesday morning police discovered a body in Jastro Park near 18th Street.
  
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• List of school delays for Wednesday, December 17

  17-12-2014 16:26
  
  The following is a list of school delays for Tuesday, December 17th:
  
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• Fatal crash shuts down Camino Media

  17-12-2014 16:24
  
  UPDATE: The roadway at Camino Media and Mill Rock Way has now been re-opened. 
  
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• UPS prepares for busy shipping day

  17-12-2014 08:32
  
  The Monday before the Christmas holiday is when UPS expects to move about 34-million packages worldwide, that's the double the volume for a typical day.  That means a lot of packing and wrapping will be going on in the days ahead.
  
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• The day's wrap up of the Taft Union High School shooting case

  17-12-2014 08:29
  
  After four full days of deliberations, jurors told the judge no matter how much information they received, it wouldn't help. Judge John Lua declared a mistrial. Family members of both Oliver and Bowe Cleveland were in court as they judge declared a mistrial Tuesday afternoon. Oliver's mom hugged supporters and cried, while Cleveland's family remained emotionless to the news. A gag order is still in place, so we can't speak with family, witnesses, attorneys-- anyone still tied to the case.
  
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• Mistrial declared in Oliver shooting trial; retrial set for Jan. 26

  17-12-2014 06:28
  
  The trial of school shooter Bryan Oliver featured students recounting the terror they felt as Oliver entered a classroom armed with a shotgun, contentious battles between attorneys over Oliver’s intent and strong disagreement between psychologists about whether Oliver was aware of his actions.
  
  But its end was relatively quiet as Judge John W. Lua declared a mistrial at 3:40 Tuesday afternoon after
  
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• PHOTO GALLERY: Chanukah on Ice marks tradition with a twist

  17-12-2014 05:41
  
  Chabad of Bakersfield held its first Chanukah on Ice Tuesday night, marking the first night of the holiday.
  
  It blended tradition — lighting the menorah, songs and special foods — with the new idea of ice skating.
  
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• Mistrial ruled in TUHS shooting trial

  17-12-2014 05:38
  
  A judge has ruled a mistrial in the Bryan Oliver case Tuesday as jurors were unable to come to an agreement on the charges.
  
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• Man arrested for allegedly stealing two cars

  17-12-2014 05:32
  
  Officers with the Bakersfield Police Department and deputies with the Kern County Sheriff's Office worked together to stop a man who allegedly stole two cars in East Bakersfield. 
  
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• No resolution yet in city's bullet train lawsuit

  17-12-2014 04:27
  
  After a nearly two-hour closed session City Council meeting Tuesday, the city of Bakersfield appeared to be chugging along on its quest to stop the bullet train -- but its exact destination was unknown.
  
  The council, City Attorney Ginny Gennaro, and other city staffers emerged from closed session shortly before 5 p.m., and Gennaro announced only that by a unanimous vote, "staff was given direction.&q
  
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• Case of Bryan Oliver: Jury Choices

  17-12-2014 04:25
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Bryan Oliver, the alleged shooter in the Taft Union High School shooting, is charged with two counts of attempted murder.
  The first count is for shooting Bowe Cleveland and the other count for shooting at another student Jacob Nichols, who was not injured.
  The prosecution had the burden of proving Bryan Oliver guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and apparently didn't convince all the jurors.
  
  To convict Bryan Oliver of attempted murder, the prosecution had to prove Oliver
  
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• One Classroom at a Time: Marisol Alvarez and Buttonwillow School

  17-12-2014 04:00
  
  The One Classroom at a Time program has been awarding grants since 2006.
  
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• Kern deputies getting body cams, but will it be big benefit?

  17-12-2014 03:56
  
  The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is about to implement a program that will put body cameras on deputies in Wasco, but with those cameras comes a new set of rules.
  
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• Police, store owners want holiday shoppers to stay safe

  17-12-2014 03:44
  
  Christmas is almost a week away, and people are still scrambling to get those last-minute gifts. However, our season of giving is also a season for criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.
  
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• Supervisors approve new domestic violence program

  17-12-2014 03:21
  
  The deal went through without a hitch -- this time.
  
  Kern County supervisors approved a new domestic violence diversion program Tuesday, one week after unexpected opposition sidelined the idea.
  
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• 35 new BPD officers to hit the streets

  17-12-2014 03:20
  
  Bakersfield will add 30 newly trained police officers to its ranks by Dec. 29, and another five with more experience by the third week in January, Police Chief Greg Williamson said Tuesday.
  
  The increases are the result of 30 new officers, recently graduated from police academy, completing 22 weeks of field training, and five others who have joined Bakersfield Police Department through lateral transfers f
  
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• Man arrested after car chases, foot chases and crash

  17-12-2014 02:54
  
  A man was arrested Tuesday after leading authorities on a couple chases marked by dangerously high speeds in residential areas.
  
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• Taft superintendent on probation for 3 years

  17-12-2014 02:40
  
  A Taft Superintendent who was arrested three times on DUI charges in the past 14 months will serve more than 100 days of work release and will be on probation for several years.
  
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