Bakersfield news

• 'First Look': Give thanks to local law enforcement and first responders at rally

  22-01-2015 23:59
  
  Kern County law enforcement and first responders are an important sector of the community. They are the men and women in uniform who protect our streets.
  
  That was the idea that drove City Councilman Chris Parlier to organize the first Law Enforcement and First Responders Appreciation Rally.
  
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• Man pleads guilty in throat-slashing at California casino

  22-01-2015 23:11
  
  A defendant accused of slashing the throat of a man outside a Southern California casino has pleaded guilty to attempted murder.
  
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• Update: Missing woman found safe by CHP

  22-01-2015 23:06
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police say an at-risk missing woman has been found safe.   Nancy Lynn Merrick, 78, was found Thursday afternoon at the base of the grapevine by Bakersfield CHP officers.  She is being transported back to Bakersfield.  
  
  She was last seen Wednesday morning near Stockdale Hwy. and Real Rd. driving her 2009 silver Subaru hatchback, CA Lic.#6HYA537. Merrick was following her boyfriend, who was in a separate vehicle, to Tehachapi w
  
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• Police looking for at-risk missing woman

  22-01-2015 23:06
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police need your help finding an at-risk missing woman. She is Nancy Lynn Merrick, 78, 5’7”, 127 lbs. with white hair, brown eyes.
  
  She was last seen Wednesday morning near Stockdale Hwy. and Real Rd. driving her 2009 silver Subaru hatchback, CA Lic.#6HYA537. Merrick was following her boyfriend, who was in a separate vehicle, to Tehachapi when it appears she became disoriented and took a wrong turn, possibly southbound
  
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• Teen pleads guilty to murder in pot shop robbery

  22-01-2015 23:02
  
  A teenager pleaded guilty Thursday to a single count of murder stemming from a 2013 double killing at a Bakersfield pot shop.
  
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• Coaching change coming to Independence High School

  22-01-2015 22:56
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA -  There's another coaching change going into the upcoming high school football season.  Independence varsity football coach Sean McKeown has resigned.
  
  He has accepted a teaching and assistant coaching position at Bakersfield High School. McKeown resigned as head coach in order to spend more time with his young son who has special needs.
  
  He says the responsibilities as a head coach from the months of January to June are too much at this ti
  
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• Teen pleads guilty to murder in pot shop shooting

  22-01-2015 22:49
  
  The teen accused of robbing a Bakersfield pot shop during which two people were killed pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of murder and will be eligible for parole in five years in exchange for testifying against her co-defendant in his upcoming capital murder trial.
  
  Miracle Jackson, 17, will be free by the time she's 23 years old.
  
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• Guilty plea to murder in pot shop shooting

  22-01-2015 22:42
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield teen accused in robbing a pot shop during a shooting that left two people dead has pleaded guilty to one count of murder.  
  
  Miracle Jackson, 17, entered the plea Thursday morning in a closed hearing in Kern County Juvenile Court before Judge Raymonda Marquez.  
  
  Jackson and Aaron Burris were charged with two counts of murder and robbery for the July 2013 shooting at First Reliable Cooperative on Chester Avenue.  In the shooting Deven Dan
  
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• California surgeon convicted in liposuction death case

  22-01-2015 22:26
  
  A former Southern California cosmetic surgeon has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of a 61-year-old patient during a liposuction operation that lasted more than 11 hours.
  
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• Water district officials announce new director

  22-01-2015 22:22
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Kern County Water Agency has announced that Charles W. Wulff will be the new Director of Division 5. The division governs the central and southern portions of metropolitan Bakersfield.
  
  Wulff will replace longtime director Adrienne Mathews, who served Division 5 for 28 years.
  
  Wulff was sworn in at the Jan. 22 meeting. Wulff began his service as director on Jan. 5.
  
  "The Agency welcomes Bill Wulff and looks forward to working together to preserve and enhan
  
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• Old phone unveiled in California 100 years after first call

  22-01-2015 22:20
  
  On Jan. 25, 1915 the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (now AT&T) conducted the call before the opening of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition and World's Fair in San Francisco.
  
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• Warriors' Steve Kerr to coach West All-Stars

  22-01-2015 22:17
  
  The NBA confirmed Thursday that Kerr clinched the spot after the Warriors' 126-113 victory over Houston on Wednesday night assured his team of the best record in the conference through Feb. 1.
  
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• 8 arrested as San Jose police shut down home-based casino

  22-01-2015 22:11
  
  San Jose police say eight people have been arrested after officers broke up a home-based casino with roughly 15 video gambling machines.
  
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• Woman, 84, killed in Tulare County by hit-run driver

  22-01-2015 22:08
  
  Authorities in Tulare County are search for a hit-and-run driver who killed an 84-year-old woman.
  
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• KCSO searching for missing teen

  22-01-2015 22:04
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Kern County Sheriff's Office has revealed that the investigation of a runaway 13-year-old girl, whose family says is with a 28-year-old man, is now a criminal case.     KCSO is now circulating wanted posters and issued a felony search warrant in this case.
  Ashley Arellano's family members said they believe she is now in Twentynine Palms with 28-year-old Aaron Wierich.     The girl's mother said she last saw her daughter Sunday night before b
  
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• Bicycle "sharrows" installed in E. Bakersfield

  22-01-2015 21:29
  
  Bike Bakersfield, along with the Kern County Roads Department, has installed more than 20 miles of new bicycle infrastructure across East Bakersfield.
  
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• 3 children found in home with drugs, guns

  22-01-2015 21:29
  
  Three young children were found in a home with weapons and drugs, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
  
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• Special Report - Maddie's Mommy Mondays

  22-01-2015 21:10
  
  SPECIAL REPORT - MADDIE'S MOMMY MONDAYS
  I'm overjoyed to share some 'personal' news with you...
  Even though my husband and I have our hands full with little Eli, who is almost one year old by the way, baby number two is on the way!
  Our new little bundle will be joining us in a few short months in early july.
  So on that note, I am inviting you all to share in my journey as we add to our family.     For the next few monday mornings on 17 News at Sunrise, I'll bring you info
  
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• Disney parks-linked measles outbreak grows to 70 cases

  22-01-2015 21:03
  
  Seventy people have been infected in a measles outbreak that led California public health officials to urge those who haven't been vaccinated against the disease, including children too young to be immunized, should avoid Disney parks where the spread originated.
  
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• 8 earthquakes shake near Oregon/Nevada border overnight

  22-01-2015 21:02
  
  A cluster of 8 earthquakes shook northwestern Nevada overnight, about 40 miles southeast of the Oregon town of Lakeview.
  
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• Star-Lord, Capt. America square off over Super Bowl allegiance

  22-01-2015 20:52
  
  Two Hollywood superstars, one from Seattle, the other from Boston, have made an epic Super Bowl wager that will have one superhero in costume visiting sick children in the winning city.
  
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• Homeless man stops abduction of young girl

  22-01-2015 20:48
  
  A homeless man is credited with stopping the attempted abduction of a young girl in broad daylight, police say.
  
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• KCSO investigating reckless shooting in southwest

  22-01-2015 20:40
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Deputies are investigating a case in southwest Bakersfield concerning the reckless discharge of a firearm.
  
  The incident took place on Jan. 21 around 9 p.m. in the area of Feliz Drive and Jastro Street.
  
  Deputies on scene reported seeing a subject fire three rounds from an unknown type of firearm into the air.
  
  The subject was reportedly a block away from the deputies when the shots were fired.
  
  During a search of the area, which included assistance from BPD of
  
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• Cattle thief arrested in Delano

  22-01-2015 20:24
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A suspect in Delano has been arrested by deputies after a lengthy investigation into the theft of cattle.On Aug. 4 of 2014, Valley Tre Ranch reported the theft of six cows. 
  
  Kern County Sheriff's Deputies with the Delano Sub Station conducted the investigation and arrested 24-year-old Jonathan Heath Lopez after he admitted to the theft of four cows during an interview.
  
  However, the cows have not been located yet.
  
  Anyone having information on this incident i
  
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• Boron couple arrested for burglary

  22-01-2015 20:21
  
  BORON, CA - A couple in Boron has been arrested by deputies for their involvement in a burglary of a home in North Edwards.
  
  On Jan. 13, a resident in the 13600 block of Flint Street reported unknown suspects forcibly entering his home.
  
  The suspects reportedly took numerous items from the home, including two dirt bikes.
  
  Deputies received a tip from a citizen concerning the whereabouts of the stolen dirtbikes, which were found on Jan. 15 at a home in the 27000 block of Jerome Stree
  
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• Patriots coach says he doesn't know how balls were deflated

  22-01-2015 20:06
  
  Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Thursday he doesn't know how footballs became deflated during the game that got his team to the Super Bowl.
  
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• ASK TBC: Where has all the city utility surcharge money gone?

  22-01-2015 19:56
  
  Q: I would like The Californian to provide information on the city of Bakersfield utility surcharge revenue.
  
  How much money is collected yearly? How much money has been collected to date? How is this money used?
  
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• Independence High football coach stepping down

  22-01-2015 19:55
  
  Sean McKeown is stepping down as head football coach at Independence High.
  
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• City Council OKs final layout of 24th St widening project

  22-01-2015 19:31
  
  The Bakersfield City Council on Wednesday night unanimously approved the final layout of the 24th Street widening project. That will be presented to the public Feb. 4.
  
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• City Council votes to hire four new building inspectors

  22-01-2015 19:11
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA -  In an effort to cut down on a backlog of work in the city's planning department, the council voted unanimously to hire four new building inspectors.
  The cost is pegged at about $500,000 annually, but councilman Harold Hanson said the fiscal impact will be negligible, as those positions will essentially be paid for out of building fees collected by the city.   
  
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• Health officials advise against visiting theme parks

  22-01-2015 19:04
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - According to Union Times San Diego, state health officials are now recommending that anyone who is not vaccinated against Measles, including babies too young to be vaccinated, avoid Disneyland and public places that might have a lot of foreigners.
  This as the outbreak linked to the southern California theme park continues to grow.    On Jan. 21, state public health official revised the time frame they believe people contracted the virus at the park, saying add
  
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• Back to the drawing board for 24th Street Project

  22-01-2015 18:31
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The 24th Street Improvement Project is going back to the drawing board.
  After a lengthy discussion, the Bakersfield City Council decided at their meeting on Jan. 21 to send the project blueprints back to staff for design refinements.     Councilmembers Terry Maxwell, Bob Smith and Willie Rivera pushed for a design review regarding the asthetic aspects of soundwalls and landscaping.     No date has been set for groundbreaking on that project.
  
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• Actor Jason Lee takes a dramatic turn in his new film

  22-01-2015 17:28
  
  Now, he's taking over our hearts with an uplifting new Hallmark film, "Away and Back." Typically prone to comedy, actor Jason Lee opens up his dramatic side to tell this story.
  
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• 'First Look': First News for Jan. 22

  22-01-2015 16:46
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  SUSPICIOUS MAN ENTERS HOME NEAR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARK: A man entered an unlocked residence Tuesday morning and spoke to a female inside as if they knew each other, placing his arms around her waist. Police said the female denied knowing him, and the man left her home in the 1100 block of Gorrill Street near Dr. Martin L
  
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• Kern County Homeless Census begins

  22-01-2015 15:53
  
  Volunteers are canvassing the streets and local homeless shelters during the annual Homelessness Census, which started Thursday morning and lasts until Friday night.
  
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• Homelessness Census begins today

  22-01-2015 14:45
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - In an effort to reduce homelessness in our community, volunteers are conducting a survey. The Kern County Homeless Collaborative will begin its census Thursday -- counting the number of people who don't have a permanent place to stay.
  
  In the last six years, the Kern County Homeless Collaborative estimates the number of people who are homeless has gone from more than 1,500 to less than 1,000.
  
  The collaborative is made up of non-profit organizations, service provider
  
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• KCSO helps students explore the future

  22-01-2015 08:14
  
  The Explorer Program at the Kern County Sheriff's Office continues to give young adults insight into law enforcement.  Just recently deputies added advisors from within the department.
  
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• Council hires city staff, talks 24th Street

  22-01-2015 08:02
  
  Anticipating $645,000 more than expected in development fees through June, the Bakersfield City Council approved spending more than $200,000 to hire four city staffers to speed up building permitting and inspections.
  
  * Development levels rising:
  
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• Medical board accuses local OB-GYN of gross negligence

  22-01-2015 07:58
  
  The California Medical Board has moved to either revoke, suspend or deny the medical license of Bakersfield OB-GYN Dr. Philipp Ramon Melendez, accusing him of gross negligence in failing to properly treat a high-risk pregnancy that ended with the death of a fetus.
  
  According to a formal accusation filed Jan. 13, the pregnancy was riddled with complications that were not addressed with standard treatment a
  
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• THE GRADE: Eighth-grader and published author

  22-01-2015 06:46
  
  GOOD KNIGHTS: Isaac Bowers, 14, plays football every day. He's been playing the sport for seven years and earning straight A's in the meantime.
  
  Worth noting? Yes. Unusual? Not really.
  
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• Man tries to break into 2 homes in east side

  22-01-2015 05:10
  
  A man is on the loose Wednesday night after allegedly trying to break into the homes of two East Bakersfield women.
  
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• Man gets life for kidnap, murder of Oxnard woman

  22-01-2015 05:08
  
  A Bakersfield man who kidnapped and murdered an Oxnard woman back in 1979 has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
  
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• Driver's license workshop to be held Thursday

  22-01-2015 04:06
  
  A town hall meeting will be held in Lamont Thursday giving information on how to obtain a driver's license in California in light of a new law extending the right to people who can't prove they're living in the country legally.
  
  The meeting, hosted by Assemblyman Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the California Highway Patrol, will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at
  
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• GET board chairwoman Patricia Norris resigns

  22-01-2015 04:00
  
  After more than 15 years as a board member for the Golden Empire Transit District, Patricia Norris resigned Tuesday during the agency's regular meeting.
  
  Norris was appointed to the board of directors in January 1999 and was one of only two original directors on the board prior to the five-week 2014 summer strike by GET union employees.
  
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• Bakersfield receives flunking grade on tobacco report card

  22-01-2015 03:58
  
  On the American Lung Association’s annual state of tobacco control report, Bakersfield received failing grades across the board.
  
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• Woman with cancer supports right-to-die legislation

  22-01-2015 03:36
  
  State Senators Bill Monning and Lois Wolk have proposed the End of Life Option Act, which would give people who are terminally ill the option of legally ending their lives with a doctor-prescribed lethal dose of drugs.
  
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• Docents needed at California Living Museum

  22-01-2015 03:26
  
  The California Living Museum needs twice as many docents this year compared to last and they're struggling to get volunteers to sign up, according to Curator Don Richardson.
  
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• ASK EMILY: Covered California's confusing mail

  22-01-2015 03:16
  
  Another in a series of Q&A columns answering consumers' questions about the Affordable Care Act.
  
  You've jumped through all of Covered California's hoops. You figured out what makes a bronze plan different from a silver one. You made your best guess at how much money you'll earn next year. You paid your first month's premium.
  
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• Companies excited about BC's industrial training

  22-01-2015 03:11
  
  As Bakersfield College gets ready to offer a new four-year degree, local companies say the jobs are there for students who graduate from it.
  
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• Local woman encourages others to volunteer

  22-01-2015 03:11
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A woman from Bakersfield is encouraging others to support our military men and women by dedicating 10 hours this year to help veterans. She posted the challenge on her Facebook page Monday night -- and already hundreds of people are showing their support.
  
  Laura Mitts says she felt inspired to reach out to veterans after seeing the film that broke the box office record on opening weekend -- "American Sniper." It's a war drama about the true story of Navy SEAL sh
  
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