Bakersfield news

• Wetter than usual start to new year in California predicted

  19-12-2014 23:55
  
  Federal scientists say there is a 75 percent chance of average or above-average precipitation between January and the end of March for California.
  
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• HSR Authority, Bakersfield reach settlement

  19-12-2014 23:47
  
  The California High-Speed Rail Authority today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement with the City of Bakersfield, which will result in the dismissal of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) litigation over the Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the Fresno to Bakersfield project section of the high-speed rail program.
  
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• Lawyer convicted of laundering pot clinic profits

  19-12-2014 23:36
  
  An attorney who helped hide profits from a series of Southern California marijuana dispensaries has pleaded guilty to money laundering and conspiracy charges.
  
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• Valley Fever class for physicians coming to Bakersfield

  19-12-2014 23:36
  
  SACRAMENTO, CA -- Cases of Valley Fever are reported from most of the counties in California, with over 75% of reported cases in people who live in the San Joaquin Valley.
  
  "The number of reported Valley Fever cases in California is rising, with more than 4,000 cases reported in 2012," says Kat DeBurgh, executive director of the Health Officers Association of California (HOAC).
  
  "This likely represents only a small number of the total cases of Valley Fever. This is part
  
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• Goodbye Albertsons, Hello Haggen!

  19-12-2014 22:49
  
  Pacific Northwest grocery chain Haggen today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 146 stores as part of the divestment process brought about by the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) review of the Albertson's LLC and Safeway merger. With this acquisition, which remains subject to FTC approval, Haggen will expand from 18 stores with 16 pharmacies to 164 stores with 106 pharmacies; from 2,000 employees to more than 10,000 employees; and from a Pacific Northwest company with loc
  
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• Houchin urging the community to donate blood

  19-12-2014 22:27
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Houchin Community Blood Bank is encouraging the community to come in and donate blood as reserves are running low. They say the holidays is a time when donations are needed most.
  
  According to Houchin: Blood donors just need to be in good health, weigh 110 pounds and have a photo ID with date of birth to get started.  Donors must be 17 years of age, or 16 with parental consent. There is no upper age limit. It takes only an hour to donate blood. 
  
  A list
  
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• A free Christmas dinner will be held this Saturday

  19-12-2014 22:19
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A traditional Christmas dinner is being prepared for members of the community on Dec. 20 
  
  The first-ever HALO Event, is an effort to give back to the community, according to organizers.
  
  The dinner event is geared toward serving veterans, though organizers say everyone is welcome to join in for dinner, adding that no one will be turned away.
  
  "We have been very blessed this year and would like an opportunity to share our good fortune with others,"
  
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• New report shows unemployment up in Kern County

  19-12-2014 22:04
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - New unemployment numbers and they show good news for California, but a different picture for Kern County.     Statewide, California added 90,100 jobs in November.     That's one of the state's largest monthly gains in more than a decade, according to federal data.     The rate dropped to 7.2 percent, which is down from 7.3 percent in October.     That is still far above the national rate of U.S. jobless rate of 5.8 p
  
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• 'First Look': Dr. Dev discusses buttocks implants

  19-12-2014 21:51
  
  While buttocks implants aren't the most in-demand procedures in the plastic surgery field, they're definitely creating a buzz among young and older women.
  
  And that's thanks to the hundreds and maybe thousands of Kim Kardashian or Nicki Minaj buttocks pictures that flood the Internet.
  
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• Obama: Shelving 'The Interview' a mistake

  19-12-2014 21:50
  
  President Barack Obama said Friday that Sony Pictures Entertainment "made a mistake" in shelving a satirical film about a plot to assassinate North Korea's leader.
  
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• 'First Look': Discover event planning, marriage officiants in new "Bakersfield Life"

  19-12-2014 21:29
  
  Coming up with the perfect theme for a party or event is sometimes overwhelming. So instead of stressing over what colors work with a table set, leave it to the professionals.
  
  Lotta Alexandersson of MINT DESIGN can help you plan and "wow" your guests.
  
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• Local film about human trafficking premieres in January

  19-12-2014 21:15
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A locally produced documentary film made to raise awareness about human trafficking in Kern County is set to premiere in January.
  
  The film by Michael Fagans, titled "A Trafficked Life," will premiere at the Maya Cinemas Theater on California Avenue on Jan. 8. 
  
  The film is sponsored by the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking and Magdelene Hope, who are inviting the public to attend.
  
  In addition to the film premiere, there will be an art exhib
  
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• 'First Look': Friendly poodle featured as 'Pet of the Week'

  19-12-2014 20:46
  
  Popcorn is probably the only poodle who could pull off the mohawk-poof look. And it doesn't hurt that he's also the most mellow and relaxed dog who has ever visited the "First Look with Scott Cox" show.
  
  The one-and-a-half-year-old dog has been at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center for a month and would definitely make the perfect Christmas gift for a family.
  
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• KHSD rolls out new digital lunch program

  19-12-2014 20:31
  
  The Kern High School District has rolled out a new digital lunch program to help students make it through the lunch line quicker.  
  
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• California schools selected for fresh produce program

  19-12-2014 20:20
  
  SACRAMENTO, CA. - A new initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide more students with locally grown fruits and vegetables has chosen California as one of eight states selected to participate in the pilot program. 
  
  “This program will give schools more flexibility in how they procure fresh produce directly from local farmers,” said State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson. “This is of great benefit to both local economies and local food producers.”
  
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• Notorious graffiti suspect arrested

  19-12-2014 20:11
  
  A notorious graffiti suspect whose tags have defaced freeways, buildings and fences from Bakersfield all the way up to Seattle has been arrested in Sonoma County.
  
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• Taft quadruplets: It takes fourtitude

  19-12-2014 20:00
  This time last year, Christina and Jared Harp were disheartened that after years of trying, they still didn't have a new baby to add to their family of four.
  
  "I write notes to myself when I'm packing up Christmas stuff, about my goals for the next year, and as I'm unpacking I'll remember them," Christina said at her Taft home during a recent interview. "Last year, I wrote &
  
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• Church hosts living nativity walkthrough event

  19-12-2014 19:52
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A local church is presenting "The Living Nativity," a live recreation of the first Christmas.
  
  The event is happening tonight and tomorrow night from 6 - 8 p.m. at the First Assembly of God church, located at 4901 California Ave.
  
  The self-guided walkthrough begins with the shepherd's field and the Bethlehem Inn before reaching the stable where you'll find the shepherds, wise men (completewith camel), and of course, Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. 
  
  Or
  
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• Young boy is 4th to die after car crashes into church crowd

  19-12-2014 19:40
  
  A 6-year-old boy whose mother and two other women were killed when a motorist slammed into a crowd outside a California church has also died from his injuries, authorities said early Friday.
  
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• FBI formally accuses North Korea of Sony hack

  19-12-2014 19:29
  
  The Obama administration on Friday formally accused the North Korean government of being responsible for the devastating hacking attack against Sony Pictures Entertainment, providing the most detailed accounting to date of a hugely expensive break-in.
  
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• Eyewitness News Mornings recreates 20 year old Christmas commercial

  19-12-2014 18:49
  
  Our Eyewitness News Mornings team found a vintage 1994 Eyewitness News Christmas commercial. the goal... recreate it for a 20 year celebration. Enjoy watching from Christmas past to Christmas present.
  
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• Eyewitness News Mornings recreates 1994 holiday commercial

  19-12-2014 18:49
  
  Our Eyewitness News Mornings team found a vintage 1994 Eyewitness News holiday commercial. The goal was to recreate it for a 20-year celebration. Enjoy watching from holiday past to holiday present.
  
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• Mom of accused TUHS shooter: Son was the victim

  19-12-2014 18:37
  
  Sheri Oliver says that her son was the victim and that Taft Union High School officials didn't do anything to protect her child.
  
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• KHSD meets with community to discuss program funds

  19-12-2014 18:33
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The community had the opportunity last night to weigh in on plans to improve academic achievement among struggling student groups in the Kern High School District.
  School districts receive state funds earmarked specifically for programs directed at low-income students, foster youth, and those learning English as a second language.     Trustees said that amounts to more than 60-percent of the district's student population.     KHSD will receive
  
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• Eyewitness News Mornings celebrates 20 year old Christmas commercial

  19-12-2014 18:27
  
  Our Eyewitness News Mornings team found a vintage 1994 Eyewitness News Christmas commercial. the goal... recreate it for a 20 year celebration. Enjoy watching from Christmas past to Christmas present.
  
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• Community gathers to walk against violence

  19-12-2014 18:22
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Escalating violence on the streets, much of it gang violence, is pushing law abiding citizens into action.
  Members of Stay Focused Ministries and The Bakersfield Violence Interrupters joined with several police officers and neighbors for a peace walk last night in the vicinity of L and 8th Street.     The location is the same street where two weeks ago 25-year old Abel Trujillo was shot and killed.
  Two men in connection with that shooting, 22-year old Errol
  
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• Charges filed against man accused of attacking anchor

  19-12-2014 18:04
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Charges were filed today against the man accused of attacking Telemundo news anchor Andres Herrera.      Telemundo is KGET's sister station and the assault, which took place outside our building, was captured on security camera.     According to police, 41-year-old Jason Aydelotte asked Herrera if he worked here, then punched him.    Herrera suffered a bruise and scratches underneath his eye.     This week, pros
  
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• Prepackaged caramel apples linked to 4 deaths

  19-12-2014 18:00
  
  Health officials are warning consumers to avoid prepackaged caramel apples because they are linked to four deaths and more than two dozen illnesses in 10 states.
  
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• Thieves steal from Boys and Girls Club...

  19-12-2014 09:29
  
  As the sun sets in east Bakersfield, Marian Ladia and her young helpers are hard at work, soaking up every last ray of light and tending to the Boys and Girls Club Community Garden. 
  
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• B-Glad helps the deaf celebrate the holidays

  19-12-2014 08:58
  
  The Bakersfield Office of the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness -- or B-Glad is bringing the joy of the holidays to many deaf and hard of hearing families in Kern County.
  
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• Peace Walk participants call for a stand against gang violence

  19-12-2014 06:09
  
  Standing near the spot where a Bakersfield gang member was fatally shot Dec. 6, participants in Thursday’s Peace Walk agreed on one thing: The death was senseless and unnecessary — and it endangered innocent residents.
  
  The Peace Walk began at 6 p.m. outside the N & S Market at the corner of Eighth and L streets. That’s the place two men from opposing gangs shot at each other earlier
  
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• New LAX bus service from Bakersfield turns 1 year old

  19-12-2014 03:47
  
  The new service providing a bus link between Bakersfield and Los Angeles International Airport is marking one full year in operation as of Friday.
  
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• CITY BEAT: Tandy highest paid among valley city employees

  19-12-2014 03:40
  
  TANDY'S SALARY RATES HIGH: Bakersfield City Manager Alan Tandy was the highest-paid municipal employee in 48 Central Valley cities in 2013, according to new data from website Transparent California.com, which tracks salaries and compensation packages.
  
  In the Central Valley, Transparent California found 220 city employees in the valley earned at least $200,000, including Tandy, who topped the list.
  
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• Kern County woman sentenced for child cruelty

  19-12-2014 03:25
  
  A Ford City woman was sentenced Thursday in Kern County court to six years in prison for willful cruelty to child.
  
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• HERB BENHAM: He just rolled up his sleeve and gave - and gave

  19-12-2014 03:05
  
  If someone gave me a license plate frame for my birthday, I'd be frothed, tell them to take it back and remind them I could go to Pep Boys and buy one for $4.99.
  
  However, a license plate frame from Houchin Blood Bank packs a punch when it is stamped with a 25 as in 25 gallons. As in blood. As in somebody donated that.
  
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• Gardening tools stolen from Boys and Girls Clubs

  19-12-2014 02:57
  
  Gardening tools and supplies were stolen from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County.
  
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• Taft elementary schools superintendent resigns

  19-12-2014 02:44
  
  Taft City School District Superintendent Ron Bryant resigned his post after pleading no contest to two counts of driving under the influence.
  The school board accepted his resignation Thursday during a special board meeting held at the district office.
  
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• 2 men guilty in foreclosure scheme conducted in Bakersfield

  19-12-2014 02:43
  
  Two men who operated a home foreclosure scam in Bakersfield have pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy charges.
  
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• UPDATE: Missing east Bakersfield woman located

  19-12-2014 02:41
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Deputies need your help finding a missing Bakersfield woman.  Sheriff's investigators say Karen Ortiz, 26, was last seen around 7 Thursday morning in the 2100 block of Sunshine Avenue in east Bakersfield.  
  
  Ortiz is five feet tall, 115 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.  She was last seen wearing a grey top and purple pants.  
  
  If you have any information, call the Sheriff's office at 661-861-3110.  
  
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• Deputies searching for missing east Bakersfield woman

  19-12-2014 02:41
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Deputies need your help finding a missing Bakersfield woman.  Sheriff's investigators say Karen Ortiz, 26, was last seen around 7 Thursday morning in the 2100 block of Sunshine Avenue in east Bakersfield.  
  
  Ortiz is five feet tall, 115 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.  She was last seen wearing a grey top and purple pants.  
  
  If you have any information, call the Sheriff's office at 661-861-3110.  
  
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• County to transition out of fire season Friday

  19-12-2014 02:06
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - County fire officials say the end fire is coming soon.  Since there have been recent rains and cooler temperatures, the county will officially transition out of fire season effective at 8:00 a.m. Friday December 19.
  
  Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall in a news release acknowledged that, “The extreme drought across California taxed firefighters throughout the summer. CAL Fire and firefighters from many local agencies battled over 5,500 wildfires within the S
  
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• Man accused of stealing bicycle off car's rack

  19-12-2014 01:44
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police need your help finding a man accused of stealing a bicycle that was secured on a rack of the victim's car.   Police say on Tuesday morning, the suspect, depicted in the attached surveillance photograph, approached the victim's vehicle which was parked in the 900 block of Oak St.
  
  Police believe the suspect removed a bicycle that was secured to the rear bumper bicycle rack. The victim, who is from out of town and had pulled over to sleep, was inside the ve
  
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• Funeral services for Dec. 19

  19-12-2014 01:32
  
  Services scheduled
  
  Amanda Andrade, 87, Bakersfield, Dec. 16. Visitation 5 to 8 p.m., rosary 6 p.m. Dec. 21, Hillcrest Memorial Chapel; Mass 10 a.m. Dec. 22, St. Joseph Catholic Church. Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary.
  
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• Animal rights activists take California rodeo to court

  19-12-2014 01:19
  
  Animal rights activists are taking a historic California rodeo to court, saying organizers should have reported dozens of cattle injured in roping contests.
  
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• Sides 'far apart' in West Coast port negotiations

  19-12-2014 01:08
  
  While West Coast seaports struggle to keep up with billions of dollars of cargo, dockworkers and their employers apparently aren't close to a new contract nearly six months after their old deal expired.
  
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• Man charged in 1989 Southern California murder

  19-12-2014 00:59
  
  A California man has been charged with the 1989 stabbing death of a 35-year-old woman in Orange County after a new cold case team re-examined the killing, officials said Thursday.
  
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• Police: Drunk man shot while entering wrong house

  19-12-2014 00:57
  
  Police say an intoxicated man was shot by a suburban San Francisco homeowner after breaking into a house he thought was his own.
  
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