Bakersfield news

• High-speed rail foes argue environmental law

  10-02-2015 23:42
  
  Opponents of California's high-speed rail project have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn a federal agency's ruling that says U.S. environmental law trumps the state's environmental law, which opponents have previously used to try to stall construction.
  
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• RUSS ALLRED: To capitalize on creativity, you must risk taking action

  10-02-2015 23:30
  
  Nikola Tesla pioneered wireless technology in the late 1800s, before household electricity was common. He made and lost a few fortunes from his inventions. Tesla was most famous for the lightning machine we refer to as a "Tesla Coil."
  
  After studying a short biography on the creative genius, I perceived that success is less about talent, education, opportunity and timing and more about creativit
  
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• High School District seeks public input

  10-02-2015 22:56
  
  The Kern High School district hopes parents will come to a series of public forums about school funding.
  The Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) is an educational action plan to improve the learningoutcomes of our students. Under the new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), districts are required to submit an LCAP, which describes how each district intends to meet the specific planning and budget criteria identified by LCFF.
  A series of public forums will be scheduled for our communit
  
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• County supervisors approve 1 percent budget cuts

  10-02-2015 22:54
  
  Amid a fiscal emergency, the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved a one-percent budget cut for the 2014-2015 fiscal year, resulting in a $3 million saving to the general fund.
  
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• Mayor takes applications for college scholarships

  10-02-2015 22:32
  
  Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall has announced the application period for his scholarships for 2015-2016 is underway.
  
  Each year he uses his mayor's salary to pay for three scholarships to local colleges.
  
  Students can apply for $500 scholarships to Taft College and Bakersfield College, or $1,000 to CSUB.
  
  The application deadline is March 24 at 5 p.m.
  
  If you are interested in applying click here.
  
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• Is Spring here already?

  10-02-2015 22:30
  
  Bees are buzzing and flowers are blooming, showing all the signs of Spring, but the first day of the season is still pretty far off... It officially starts March 20.
  
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• Sheriff, Supervisors tussle over budget

  10-02-2015 22:25
  
  County Supervisors and the Sheriff exchanged sharp words this morning over the county budget and the suggestion by the Sheriff the Ridgecrest jail should be shutdown.
  There are holding facilities in Mojave and Ridgecrest where they are held temporarily.
  The Sheriff says it would take about an hour for deputies to travel from Ridgecrest to Mojave to book people who are arrested if the Ridgecrest facility were shutdown as he propiosed.
  But the Sheriff says it costs $9 million to operate the
  
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• CHP conducts saturation patrols in Tehachapi

  10-02-2015 22:11
  
  The following is a media release from the California Highway Patrol:
  
  On February 6, 2015, The California Highway Patrol saturated the Tehachapi area in an effort to reduce traffic incidents and violations. The results are as follows: 30 – Citations18 – Speed5 – Seatbelt2 – Cell Phone1 – Registration There was also one DUI arrest from the Tehachapi area. The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Servi
  
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• High-speed rail foes argue state environmental law applies

  10-02-2015 22:08
  
  Opponents of California's high-speed rail project have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn a federal agency's ruling that says U.S. environmental law trumps the state's environmental law, which opponents have previously used to try to stall construction.
  
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• Bakersfield father: Kids can be taught to safely use guns

  10-02-2015 22:01
  
  One Bakersfield father is a proponent of children using guns, as long as they're taught in a safe manner.
  
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• State grape report shows decline

  10-02-2015 21:58
  
  SACRAMENTO – The 2014 crush totaled 4,160,444 tons, down 11 percent from the record high 2013 crush of 4,700,377 tons.  Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 2,134,995 tons, down 12 percent from 2013.  The 2014 white wine variety crush totaled 1,775,183 tons, down 3 percent from 2013.  Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 155,643, down 53 percent from 2013, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 94,623, down 25 perce
  
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• Overnight power outage impacts 19K Bakersfield customers

  10-02-2015 21:47
  
  Power has been restored to roughly 19,000 Pacific Gas and Electric customers in Bakersfield after an overnight outage.
  
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• NFL formalizes panel to assess Los Angeles stadium plans

  10-02-2015 21:37
  
  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has established an internal committee to review stadium options in Los Angeles and coordinate any possible move to Southern California, according to a league memo obtained Monday by The Associated Press.
  
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• Amid fiscal emergency, Kern supervisors OK 1 percent cuts

  10-02-2015 21:30
  
  The Kern County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a 1 percent cut to the the current county budget.
  
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• Sprouts Farmers Market opening Feb. 25

  10-02-2015 21:17
  
  Sprouts Farmers Market is opening off Stockdale Highway on Feb. 25.
  
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• Final Crisp and Cole defendant sentenced

  10-02-2015 21:17
  
  The final defendant in the infamous Crisp and Cole case has been sentenced.
  A federal judge in fresno sentenced jerald texiera (teh-share-uh) to three years probation for his role in the massive fraud scheme.
  In the mid 2000's, with Bakersfield's housing market red hot, the high-flying  Crisp and Cole team took advantage of lax lending rules and launched their mortgage fraud scheme.
  Prosecutors say david Crisp, Carl Cole and a handful of their associates and family members defrauded
  
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• Syudy offers clues about why bee hives are declining

  10-02-2015 21:05
  
  The collapse of honeybee colonies has been a pressing issue facing our local ag industry that depends on the insects to pollinate crops.
  Now a new study may shed some light on why the bees are dying.
  The Los Angeles Times reports environmental stressors that push honey bees to begin foraging earlier in life can cause a domino effect on hives, accelerating their sudden collapse.
  The study showed that any stress that causes younger bees to begin leaving the hive can cause a tipping point.
  
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• Study offers clues about why bee hives are declining

  10-02-2015 21:05
  
  The collapse of honeybee colonies has been a pressing issue facing our local ag industry that depends on the insects to pollinate crops.
  Now a new study may shed some light on why the bees are dying.
  The Los Angeles Times reports environmental stressors that push honey bees to begin foraging earlier in life can cause a domino effect on hives, accelerating their sudden collapse.
  The study showed that any stress that causes younger bees to begin leaving the hive can cause a tipping point.
  
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• Man pleads no contest in deadly DUI crash

  10-02-2015 21:02
  
  A man pleaded no contest Monday to charges stemming from a deadly drunken driving crash.
  
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• Sprouts coming to Bakersfield

  10-02-2015 20:45
  
  Sprouts, a healthy grocery store, will open its first Bakersfield location on February 25.
  
  The 25,000 square foot store will be located on Stockdale Highway between Calloway Dr. and Buena Vista Road.
  
  Sprouts bills itself as a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods at great prices. 
  
  They say they offer fresh produce, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, packaged groceries, meat and seafood, baked goods, dairy products, frozen foods, natural body care
  
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• Police hunt for high risk sex offender

  10-02-2015 20:34
  
  Bakersfield police are asking for the public's help in finding a high risk sex offender.
  
  Police say 33-year-old Harold Jiovani Marchelly has violated his parole and his whereabouts are unknown.
  
  He is decscribed as an Hispanic male, 5'5", 145 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes.
  
  Anyone with information regarding Marchelly's location encouraged to call Detective Francisco Esquerra at (661) 326-3870 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
  
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• Man, 21, accused of drunken driving, injuring pedestrian

  10-02-2015 20:33
  
  A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, speeding and striking a pedestrian.
  
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• Tehachapi manhunt details: body in pickup, suspect named

  10-02-2015 20:25
  
  The Kern County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday released details on a manhunt that took place Monday around Tehachapi.
  
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• Oil prices on wild ride: How will it all end?

  10-02-2015 20:20
  
  The price of oil is on a wild ride, and there is little agreement on where it's headed.
  
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• Deputies update murder that lead to Tehachapi manhunt

  10-02-2015 20:12
  
  Deputies with the Kern County Sheriff's Office say the man who led them on a chase that reached speeds of 100 mph on Monday had a body in the bed of his pickup the whole time.
  
  Deputies say they got a tip that 34-year-old William Patterson was driving a truck in the area of California City with a body in the back.
  
  When deputies spotted Patterson they say he took off and lead them on a 20 minute chase. They say he dumped his pick and fled on foot just southeast of Tehachapi.
  
  A huge
  
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• Bakersfield police seeking 'high-risk' sex offender

  10-02-2015 19:59
  
  Police are searching for a "high-risk" sex offender who has allegedly violated the terms his parole.
  
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• Alleged identity thief caught on camera using victim's credit

  10-02-2015 19:58
  
  Bakersfield police are releasing pictures of a woman they say is an identity thief.
  
  They hope the public can help them identify and locate the woman. 
  
  On December 23, 2014, the suspect used the victim's identity to purchase items at the Verizon Wireless store located at 3400 Panama Ln. The suspect is described as a white or hispanic female in her 30's. 
  Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Patrick Hayes at (661) 326-3537 or the B
  
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• Man arrested for DUI after hitting man in Wasco

  10-02-2015 19:51
  
  On Sunday, February 8 at approximately 12:41 a.m., deputies from the Kern County Sheriff's Office Wasco Substation responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident in the 1900 block of Shamrock Court.
  
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• Suspect in San Francisco dismembered body case dies

  10-02-2015 19:45
  
  A man arrested, then released in connection with a dismembered body found inside a suitcase in San Francisco has died, authorities said Sunday.
  
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• Drunk drive seriously injures pedestrian in Wasco

  10-02-2015 19:43
  
  The following is a media release from the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
  
  On 2/8/2014 at approximately 0041 hours deputies from the Wasco Substation responded to a vehicle versus a pedestrian accident in the 1900 block Shamrock Ct.
  
   Upon arrival they found Jorge Gomez (40) suffering from severe injuries to his head and legs.  He was transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries which were listed as major.
  
   During the investigation it was determined Josh
  
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• BPD: Woman used victim's ID to make purchase

  10-02-2015 19:31
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department is asking the community for help in identifying and locating a woman wanted for identity theft.
  
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• Bakersfield esthetician offers tips on protecting your skin

  10-02-2015 19:25
  
  Nondy Llewellyn, owner of Bakersfield Acne Care, offers tips on skin care.
  
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• BPD looking for high-risk sex offender

  10-02-2015 19:22
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department is asking the community for help in locating a high-risk sex offender who has violated the terms and conditions of his parole. His whereabouts are currently unknown.
  
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• Wild LA police chase captured on video

  10-02-2015 19:18
  
  A gunman leading police on a wild chase east of Los Angeles smashed into cars, veered into oncoming traffic, stole a vehicle at gunpoint and ran down a crowded street before officers shot and wounded him.
  
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• 'McFarland, USA' gets red carpet premier in Hollywood

  10-02-2015 19:11
  
  The true story of the McFarland High School cross-country team that overcame challenges hits the big screen, starring Kevin Costner.
  
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• Police looking for teen who shot another boy

  10-02-2015 18:36
  
  Police are searching for a 14-year-old gang member who allegedly shot another boy in the face over the weekend in central bakersfield. 
  It happened around 4 Sunday afternon on R Street near Lowell Park.
  Police say 14-year-old Angel Rodriguez fired a gun into a bucket on the floor of a garage.The round ricocheted and struck another boy in the chin.
  The 13-year-old, whose name has not been released, was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
  Police say Rodrigue
  
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• McFarland USA premieres in Hollywood

  10-02-2015 18:20
  
  It was a big night in Hollywood for the town of McFarland and its soon-to-be famous cross country team.
  "McFarland USA" premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood last night.   The red carpet was covered with a mix of stars from the movie and the hispanic community, as well as the real life families the movie is centered around.
  Among those in attendance, actor Kevin Costner who plays Jim White in the movie, latin music sensation Juanes, and world champion boxer Os
  
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• 18,000 lose power in Bakersfield

  10-02-2015 18:04
  
  A power outage hit 18,000 PG&E customers this morning.
  The utility says it happened just after 4 Tuesday morning.
  The cause of the outage is unknown and power was restored about an hour later.
  The utility says the outage was centered in down town and east Bakersfield.
  PG&E says high voltage power lines at a substation were damaged trigger the outage, but they don't know how or why the lines were damaged.
  
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• 18,000 without power early Tuesday morning

  10-02-2015 16:41
  
  More than 18,000 PG&E customers were without power early Tuesday morning, according to Pacific Gas & Electric.
  
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• Vet to vet program honors those in hospice care

  10-02-2015 08:50
  
  It's hard to think about, but many veterans who serve their country often find themselves alone at the end of their life. We Honor Veterans is looking to change that with its Veteran to Veteran program. 
  
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• McFarland USA red carpet premier

  10-02-2015 05:51
  
  Inspired by the 1987 true story, "McFarland, USA" follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school.
  
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• Newly empaneled jury must decide if convicted murderer Christopher Lightsey was competent 20 years ago

  10-02-2015 05:37
  
  Jury selection was completed Monday in Christopher Charles Lightsey's retrospective competency hearing, which will determine whether he was mentally suited to stand trial for murder in 1994.
  
  The jury of eight women and four men will hear opening statements followed by evidence Tuesday morning. The case is unusual in that the jury has been tasked to determine the competency of a defendant from 20 year
  
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• Bullet train board to weigh Bakersfield pledge

  10-02-2015 05:22
  
  The California High-Speed Rail Authority board will consider a resolution aimed at demonstrating its willingness to work with Bakersfield on a new bullet train path at its meeting Tuesday.
  The resolution commits the rail agency to not approve its "hybrid alignment" -- which would bisect Mill Creek Linear Park, decimate the city's corporation services yard and 526 structures -- before reviewing "the Refined Locally Generated Alternative."
  
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• How did a Kern 911 call get routed to Canada? Still no answers in tragedy

  10-02-2015 05:19
  
  BY STEVEN MAYER
  The Bakersfield Californian
  
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• World Ag Expo underway in Tulare

  10-02-2015 04:18
  
  The World Ag Expo draws thousands of people from dozens of countries.
  
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• County budget cuts loom, sheriff deputies' union worries about impacts

  10-02-2015 04:11
  
  All county departments will be asked to cut spending by 1 percent, but the deputies' union worries about impacts on sheriff operations.
  
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• 'McFarland, USA' allows 'celebration to go beyond the city'

  10-02-2015 04:05
  
  The new movie "McFarland, USA" shows just how talented these runners are. The movie is based on a true story of a 1987 team from McFarland High School. It follows a group of Latin American immigrants who show that with discipline and hard work they can become champions.
  
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• Bakersfield crime rate hits 10-year low

  10-02-2015 04:03
  
  Bakersfield's crime rate hit a 10-year low last year, with 442 reported crimes per 10,000 citizens, police officials said Monday.
  
  Year over year, crime dropped 13.2 percent, the Bakersfield Police Department said.
  
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• Councilman calls for bigger arson unit to fight vacant house fires

  10-02-2015 03:54
  
  Many vacant houses quickly turn from an inferno to a wasteland. Late last year, two homes in east Bakersfield burst into flames within just a few hours of one another.
  
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• US gas prices jump 13 cents a gallon; could go higher

  10-02-2015 03:27
  
  he average price of a regular gallon of gas jumped 13 cents in the past two weeks to $2.20, ending a sustained drop.
  
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