Bakersfield news

• Jury deliberating in 'retrospective competency hearing'

  20-02-2015 23:53
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Closing arguments wrapped and have gone to the jury in the "retrospective competency hearing" for convicted murderer Christopher Lightsey.     The state supreme court said Lightsey shouldn't have represented himself during his original competency hearing in 1995.     He was convicted of killing 76-year-old William Compton. 
  Lightsey will be returned to death row if the jury finds he was competent, but if it finds he was incompeten
  
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• Real life drama for character in McFarland movie

  20-02-2015 23:40
  
  Victor Puentes is trying to restart his life, in search of a Hollywood ending.
  
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• Obama looks to avoid halt on immigration plans

  20-02-2015 23:28
  
  The Department of Justice will ask a higher court to stay a Texas judge's ruling that put on hold plans to begin carrying out President Obama's immigration orders.
  The White House announced on Friday, Feb. 20 that the request for a stay will be filed by Monday at the latest in a district court.
  If granted, it would set aside a ruling on Monday from a federal district judge that blocked the US government from providing deportation deferrals for about four million undocumented immigrants.
  O
  
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• Pets of the week for February 20, 2015

  20-02-2015 23:10
  
  If you're interested in adopting our pet of the week, you can call the SPCA at 323-8353, or go down and visit the many animals they have up for adoption at the Bakersfield SPCA, located at 3000 Gibson street in northwest Bakersfield.
  
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• 'First Look': First News for Feb. 20

  20-02-2015 23:03
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  DEFENDENT PLEADS NO CONTEST TO MURDER IN CHILD'S DEATH: An 18-year-old Bakersfield woman pleaded no contest to second-degree murder Thursday in connection with the death of a 21-month-old boy she was babysitting. Asiah Hines faces 15 years to life in prison at her March 19 sentencing, a District Attorney's office news rele
  
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• Discount vouchers available to spay/ neuter your pet

  20-02-2015 23:03
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - In honor of World Spay Day, Kern County Animal Services is offering residents half-priced spay/ neuter vouchers.
  
  It all takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Bakersfield shelter, located at 3951 Fruitvale Ave., between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  
  “Spaying and neutering saves pets’ lives while reducing the pet overpopulation problem that shelters face every year,” said Nick Cullen, Interim Director for Kern County Animal Services.  “We
  
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• 'First Look': Unique-looking puppy featured as 'Pet of the Week'

  20-02-2015 22:51
  
  At first glance Gizmo looks a little different. The eight-week old Chinese Crested Shih Tzu has a bald head but furry ears.
  
  "In all my life I have never seen a dog like this," said Julie Johnson, executive director of the Bakersfield Animal Care Center, Friday on "First Look with Scott Cox."
  
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• KCSO: Body found in orange orchard near Lamont

  20-02-2015 22:50
  
  A body has been found north of Lamont, according to Kern County Sheriff's Office homicide detectives.
  
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• "Dump Your Junk" for charity event

  20-02-2015 22:45
  
  Real Estate Professionals Family Relief Fund is hosting an event to "dump your junk for charity."
  
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• BPD looking for Target store robbery suspect

  20-02-2015 22:35
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA  - The Bakersfield Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for robbery.
  
  The incident occurred on Feb. 1 around 6:30 p.m. when two suspects, a male and a female, entered the Target store on Rosedale Highway, selected items, and fled the store without paying for the merchandise.
  
  According to police, the suspects were then confronted by store employees. That's when police say the male suspect attacked
  
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• Police: Suspect bragged about Vegas road-rage killing, fired 22 shots

  20-02-2015 22:13
  
  A police report says the suspect in the road-rage killing of a Las Vegas mother boasted to friends about the shooting and fired 22 shots from a semiautomatic handgun outside the victim's home.
  
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• KCSO on scene now of a body found near Lamont

  20-02-2015 22:10
  
  KCSO detectives are on scene of a body found in an orange orchard near the intersection of Muller and Vineland, north of Lamont. 
  
  More information to come when available.
  
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• SHERRY DAVIS: Dogs do communicate when they need to 'go'

  20-02-2015 22:05
  
  A couple of weeks ago while channel-surfing I happened upon the movie "Ted." If you haven't seen it or heard of it, it's a comedy about a guy and his best friend, a foul-mouthed teddy bear. As I watched, it made me think about all the clients who express frustration that their new puppies/dogs don't "tell" them when they have to go outside to eliminate. As if a dog should be
  
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• Sheriff's office: Body found in orchard north of Lamont

  20-02-2015 21:46
  
  Sheriff's detectives are on scene of a body found in an orange orchard near the intersection of Muller and Vineland, north of Lamont.
  
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• Sheriff's deputies on scene of body found

  20-02-2015 21:46
  
  Sheriff's detectives are on scene of a body found in an orange orchard near the intersection of Muller and Vineland, north of Lamont.
  
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• Showtimes for opening day of 'McFarland, USA '

  20-02-2015 21:31
  
  List of McFarland USA Screenings in the Bakersfield Area: 
  The movie is listed as 2 hours, 9 minutes long.
  Reading Cinemas Valley Plaza 1610:30 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 1:20 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 2:40 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 4:50 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 8:20 p.m., 9:50 p.m., 11:10 p.m.
  Regency East Hills Mall 11:20 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:25 p.m., 7:20 p.m., 10:50 p.m. 
  Edwards Bakersfield Stadium 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m.,
  
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• CHP in Mojave looking for senior volunteers

  20-02-2015 21:18
  
  MOJAVE, CA - The California Highway Patrol’s Mojave office is looking for senior citizen volunteers who want to make a difference in their community.
  Senior volunteers are CHP employees who assist in both administrative and field capacities.
  If you're interested in participating in the program, here's a description of the requirements, duties and objectives:
  Objectives:
  • To assist the CHP in providing enhanced public service to the community.
  
  • To provide an oppo
  
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• Raiders, Chargers plan possible shared Los Angeles-area home

  20-02-2015 20:25
  
  The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers are planning a shared stadium in the Los Angeles area if both teams fail to get new stadium deals in their current hometowns, the teams said in a joint statement Thursday night, adding another layer of complexity to a possible NFL return to the region.
  
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• Missing teddy bear with baby's cremains inside found

  20-02-2015 20:21
  
  A mother’s desperate search to find a lost family memento came to a happy conclusion Thursday thanks to a kind stranger.
  
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• Man accused of kidnapping, attempted rape in Taft

  20-02-2015 20:17
  
  A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and trying to rape his former girlfriend.
  
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• Lawyer: Teen infected by 'superbug' struggling to survive

  20-02-2015 20:03
  
  An 18-year-old student is struggling to survive after he was infected by a "superbug" outbreak tied to contaminated medical instruments at a Los Angeles hospital, his attorney said.
  
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• County supervisors consider banning more fireworks

  20-02-2015 19:58
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - County supervisors are considering a ban on certain fireworks and bumping up penalties for those who use illegal fireworks.
  Supervisors are looking at banning Piccolo Petes, which have been modified to be used as explosions, and ground blooms, which spin along the ground and can run into dry brush, causing fires.     The proposed ordinance would increase the fine for people caught with illegal fireworks multiple times.    The ordinance would als
  
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• TRAFFIC: Work to prepare for widening project

  20-02-2015 19:46
  
  Pacific Gas and Electric Company is relocating utility poles and upgrading electrical equipment along Rosedale Highway from Gibson Street to Allen Road in advance of the Rosedale Highway Widening Project, managed by the Thomas Roads Improvement Program.
  
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• Taft man arrested on suspicion of kidnapping

  20-02-2015 19:43
  
  TAFT, CA - Deputies from the Taft substation have arrested a man for kidnapping and other serious felonies.
  The incident happened on Feb. 5 in Taft in the 900 block of Pico Street. 
  According to deputies, 38-year-old Taft resident Jerrod Romagno is suspected of chasing a female on foot. Deputies said the female victim was screaming for help as she ran.
  The female was able to escape after a passerby offered her assistance.
  Romagno was later found and identified as the suspect.
  Dep
  
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• Spontaneous combustion blamed for haystack fire

  20-02-2015 19:35
  
  Spontaneous combustion is blamed for a haystack fire late Thursday night.
  
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• Wounded Heroes Fund director speaks out

  20-02-2015 19:13
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The executive director of The Kern County Wounded Heroes Fund is speaking out to make sure people know their organization has no affiliation with the Wounded Warrior Project.
  According to Wendy Porter of the Kern County Wounded Heroes Fund, a national news report recently alleged the Wounded Warrior Project mishandled donations and its executive director is paid more than $300,000 a year.     Porter said since the story came out, people have confused it with h
  
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• Possible presidential contender Rick Perry in Bakersfield

  20-02-2015 19:10
  
  Former Texas governor Rick Perry was in Bakersfield for the Lincoln Day dinner and said he'll hold off on deciding whether to run for his party's nomination for president.
  
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• Fog delays for Friday, February 20th

  20-02-2015 19:07
  
  The following is a list of fog delays for Friday, February 20th:
  
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• Former Taft superintendent taken into custody

  20-02-2015 18:25
  
  Update: 
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Former Taft School Superintendent Ronald Bryant was taken into custody after showing up late to his court hearing.
  Bryant was due in court on Feb. 20 to face his fourth DUI charge in 18 months but didn't show until two hours later.     Once he showed up the judge ordered he be taken into custody because he had not completed his work release program that had been court ordered for his last DUI conviction.
  
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Former Taft Sc
  
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• Former Taft superintendent in court for fourth DUI

  20-02-2015 18:25
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Former Taft School superintendent Ronald Bryant is back in court to face his fourth DUI charge in 18 months.
  On Feb. 19, prosecutors filed two felony DUI charges against Bryant and a misdemeanor charge for driving with a suspended or revoked license for his latest arrest Feb. 6.     Bryant resigned his superintendent post effective Jan. 31, following his sentencing for two prior DUI's.
  
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• Local gastroenterologist facing board review

  20-02-2015 18:16
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The state medical board is looking to revoke or suspend the license of a Bakersfield doctor following the death of a patient.
  An accusation was filed Feb. 13 against Dr. Robin Matuk, a gastroenterologist.     In it, the board accuses Matuk of negligence and incompetence, specifically, it claims Matuk performed a medical procedure on a high-risk woman in the wrong setting -- in this case -- an outpatient facility.     The woman went into cardiac
  
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• Local Internet gambling cafes to be shut down

  20-02-2015 18:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Law enforcement officials estimate that all Bakersfield Internet cafes will be closed down by the end of the week.
  The announcement came at the safe neighborhoods and community relations committee on Feb. 19.
  A deputy district attorney has been sending cease-and-desist orders to the businesses.     Cafe owners say they are running legit businesses, but authorities maintain the cafes amount to illegal Vegas-style gambling.     All but one Inter
  
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• 'Two and a Half Men' wraps up a dozen years of comedy

  20-02-2015 18:00
  
  Charlie Harper lives — at least, he lived until the final moments of Thursday's series finale of "Two and a Half Men."
  
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• BPD: AB 109 responsible for more gang shootings

  20-02-2015 17:42
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield Police Department officials revealed two recent gang-related shootings, where suspects fired on police officers, involved suspects who had recently been released from prison as part of the AB-109 prison realignment.
  The announcement came during a safe neighborhoods and community relations committee meeting on Feb. 19 from Lt. Joe Mullins, who commented on recent gang activity.
  He also reported that so far this year there have been five gang-related shootings, b
  
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• 'McFarland, USA' raises money for students

  20-02-2015 17:34
  
  A local high school is in the Hollywood spotlight this week. The Maya Cinemas will host a red carpet premiere of 'McFarland, USA" Friday night. 
  
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• Massive hay fire causes thousands in damage

  20-02-2015 17:23
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A "spontaneous combustion" appears to be the cause of a massive hay fire that burned overnight in south Bakersfield, according to authorities.
  The fire started after 9:30 on Feb. 19 at a dairy off Panama Lane and Fairfax Road.     According to authorities, the fire involved around five-hundred tons of hay -- at a value of $90,000..     Firefighters were able to save about a quarter of the hay by working with staff and bulldozers to mov
  
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• Labor secretary threatens to move West Coast port talks to D.C.

  20-02-2015 15:56
  
  The nation's top labor official ratcheted up pressure on the two sides haggling over a new contract for dockworkers at West Coast seaports, telling them if they don't reach an agreement by Friday, they'll have to leave California and negotiate in Washington.
  
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• Bakersfield sees water reduction of nearly 25%

  20-02-2015 11:38
  
  Although the state is suffering through one of the worst droughts in its history, there appears to be a glimmer of good news. 
  
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• Hay stack fire burning east of Bakersfield

  20-02-2015 11:26
  
  Kern County fire crews battled a massive hay stack fire east of Bakersfield late Thursday evening.
  
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• Funeral Services for Feb. 20

  20-02-2015 08:51
  
  Services scheduled
  
  Marge Mae Abbott, 73, Bakersfield, Feb. 14. Service 1 p.m. Feb. 21, Hillcrest Memorial Park. Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary.
  
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• Outdated 911 system a factor in Delano debacle

  20-02-2015 08:46
  A hiker lost in the mountains of New Mexico called 911 repeatedly, but was routed seven times to non-emergency lines.
  
  A 911 call made by an elderly woman from her home in Texas was picked up by an emergency dispatcher in Tennessee, some 700 miles away.
  
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• STEVEN MAYER: In the valley, we’re praying for some good old-fashioned gloom amid all this sunshine

  20-02-2015 08:40
  
  A gathering storm, in literature and in life, has long foreshadowed trouble on the horizon, a coming crisis.
  
  But here in California’s Great Central Valley the opposite is true.
  
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• Teachers tackle bullying on social media

  20-02-2015 08:34
  
  Administrators at Norris Middle School are tackling a different type of subject on campus.  They are teaching parents about the growing problem of bullying happening on social media.
  
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• Heart Hospital sets up Fast Track program in ER

  20-02-2015 08:32
  Bakersfield Heart Hospital is hoping to shorten wait times for less serious cases in its emergency room with a new Fast Track program.
  
  People suffering heart attacks and other major health crises will continue to be seen in the emergency room right away, but starting Friday, patients with less serious conditions will be diverted.
  
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• BPD looking for vehicle in grand theft case

  20-02-2015 05:39
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for your assistance in helping them find a vehicle which they said was used to commit grand theft in Central Bakersfield.
  
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• BPD: Woman stole vehicle in the northwest

  20-02-2015 05:21
  
  A woman is being sought by the Bakersfield Police Department for reportedly stealing a person's vehicle.
  
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• KCFD's Juvenile Fire Setter teaches fire safety

  20-02-2015 04:39
  
  Children and fire, it's a dangerous combination.
  
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• Kern High School District defends credit card spending

  20-02-2015 04:16
  
  Principals and district administrators collectively charged $700,000 on district cards in 2014
  
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• Man arrested, suspected of flashing two women

  20-02-2015 04:11
  
  A man is in jail tonight for reportedly flashing several women in Rosamond.
  
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• In spite of ban, pot shops still open in Kern County

  20-02-2015 03:45
  
  Medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed in Kern County or the city of Bakersfield, so parents are wondering why there's one open near a school.
  
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