Bakersfield news

• NASA scientists launch final airborne science missions

  05-03-2015 23:51
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- NASA’s airborne science mission is making its last flights. This will be the fifth and final year of flights for the Global Hawk research aircraft. It is remotely controlled and will track the transport of water vapor into the upper atmosphere. The mission continues to focus on the transport and exchange of greenhouse gases, in particular water vapor, in the tropical tropopause region of the atmosphere. Studies show that even slight changes in the amount of water
  
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• Youth Art Month kicks off Friday

  05-03-2015 23:35
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Art lovers have a unique chance to see local young artists display their work. March is Youth Art Month, a national celebration sponsored by the Council for Art Education. According to the Council, the event emphasizes the value of art education and encourages people to support art programs in school. The Bakersfield display for Youth Art Month will will be open to the public from March 6th- 27th. The Younger Gallery is hosting the display and will have a reception Mar
  
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• Bakersfield police: Man, 18, suspected in 448 graffiti offenses

  05-03-2015 23:17
  
  A man suspected in 448 graffiti offenses throughout Bakersfield has been arrested.
  
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• Dad who admired Superman saved two lives the day he died

  05-03-2015 23:08
  
  A Bothell dad who considered Superman his role model finally had the chance to save lives the day he died.
  
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• Bakersfield reverend slams idea of Snapchat confessions

  05-03-2015 23:00
  
  "When I got the news about the Snapchat and the confession I was shocked. I thought it was a joke," said Rev. Maurice Emelu of St. Francis Catholic Church in Bakersfield.
  
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• Job Fest provides community with multiple job fairs

  05-03-2015 22:52
  
  If you're looking for a new job, there's a local resource you should take advantage of.
  
  You can also ge resume assistance and job leads available weekdays at all DHS locations in Kern County. Visit www.KCDHS.org for location information. The JobFest series continues through June, 2015.
  • Lake Isabella JobFest will take place on Thursday, March 12th from 9:00 a.m. – Noon at The Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd. The Unemployment rate in the Kern River Valley
  
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• Jury returns verdict in favor Tehachapi woman in vaginal mesh lawsuit

  05-03-2015 22:22
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Kern County jury has returned a $5.7 million verdict Thursday in favor of a Tehachapi woman who sued Johnson and Johnson plus a subsidiary over a pelvic mesh device. The attorney representing the plaintiff Coleen Perry confirmed to 17 News the jury award consisted of $700,000 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
  
  Officials say the case involved Ethicon's TVT Abbrevo pelvic mesh. The device is used as a minimally invasive treatment for women suffe
  
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• Jury returns $5.7 million verdict in favor of Tehachapi woman

  05-03-2015 22:22
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Kern County jury has returned a $5.7 million verdict Thursday in favor of a Tehachapi woman who sued Johnson and Johnson plus a subsidiary over a pelvic mesh device. The attorney representing the plaintiff Coleen Perry confirmed to 17 News the jury award consisted of $700,000 in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
  
  Officials say the case involved Ethicon's TVT Abbrevo pelvic mesh. The device is used as a minimally invasive treatment for women suffe
  
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• Cement mixer tips over in SW Bakersfield

  05-03-2015 21:58
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A cement truck made a mess when it made a left turn onto Stine Road from White Lane. Witnesses say the cement load must have shifted and the truck hit a traffic light and overturned, spilling cement. The driver was knocked unconscious, but otherwise received just minor injuries. No one else was hurt. Southbound Stine Road was closed for a short time. 
  
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• Multi car accident snarls morning traffic

  05-03-2015 21:49
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Several minor car crashes backed up traffic on Highway 58 Thursday morning. They happened in the westbound lanes, just before Union Avenue. The California Highway Patrol says no one was hurt, but about 8 cars were involved in total. It happened just before 8 a.m. and traffic was slow going for about an hour.CHP says traffic is now back to normal.
  
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• Cement truck crashes in Bakersfield

  05-03-2015 21:35
  
  A cement truck crashed Thursday morning in the area of Stine and White Lane in Bakersfield.
  
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• New report says Bakersfield population increasing

  05-03-2015 21:33
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A new census bureau report shows Bakersfield is among the top 10 cities in the country that saw the greatest population gains between the year 2000 and 2010.
  Bakersfield's high ranking comes among cities with a population of 100,000 people or more.     According to the report, Bakersfield saw a jump in population  to 347,000 people during those 10 years, a 40.6 percent increase.
  During that same period, California's overall population growth was well un
  
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• Man gets 41 years to life in prison for killing teen

  05-03-2015 21:30
  
  A man was sentenced Thursday to 41 years to life in prison for murdering a woman and stuffing her body in a garage.
  
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• Some students out of school early in Lake Isabella

  05-03-2015 21:27
  
  LAKE ISABELLA, CA- A water main break at Kern Valley High School in Lake Isabella ended the school day early for students. The Kern High School District confirms the break was first reported just after 9:30 a.m. Students are being let out early for the day. No word on whether any damage was done, or whether class will be in session on Friday.
  
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• Sewage spill on east Bakersfield street

  05-03-2015 21:24
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A smelly situation is under control in east Bakersfield after raw sewage was spilling down Union Avenue.
  The spillage happened at Union Avenue and Quincy Street just after 10 a.m.
  Two norhtbound lanes were closed at Quincy Street. Crews on scene said it was due to a clog in the line and they have since fixed the problem.
  
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• March Meet roars into Kern County this weekend

  05-03-2015 21:17
  
  Kern County will be the center of the drag-racing world this weekend. The annual March Meet will feature more than 500 competitors at the Auto Club Famoso Raceway.
  
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• Convicted murderer sentenced today

  05-03-2015 21:13
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield man, convicted of murdering an 18-year-old woman whose body was found rolled up in a carpet inside a garage was sentenced today.
  Earlier this month, 20-year-old Eddie Rivas was found guilty of 2nd degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Mia Ramirez.     On March 5, Rivas was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, plus 11 years.     Ramirez's wounds were very gruesome.      Prosecutors said she suffered 11 st
  
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• Adult vaccines recommended for community saftey

  05-03-2015 21:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Adults can now see which vaccines they may need to help keep the community safe. The California Medical Association Foundation has released an adult vaccine schedule that can be used by doctors and patients to see which vaccines adults may need booster shots for. Adults getting vaccinated for childhood illnesses has become a hot topic after recent outbreaks of measles and whooping cough. David Holley, MD, CMA Foundation Chair said, “The threat of these diseases is
  
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• Adult vaccines recommended for community safety

  05-03-2015 21:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Adults can now see which vaccines they may need to help keep the community safe. The California Medical Association Foundation has released an adult vaccine schedule that can be used by doctors and patients to see which vaccines adults may need booster shots for. Adults getting vaccinated for childhood illnesses has become a hot topic after recent outbreaks of measles and whooping cough. David Holley, MD, CMA Foundation Chair said, “The threat of these diseases is
  
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• Local oil company denied permission to drill in Hermosa Beach

  05-03-2015 20:47
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A Bakersfield oil company has been denied authorization to begin planned drilling in Hermosa Beach, leaving the city in debt to the company for millions of dollars. The Los Angeles Times reports Hermosa Beach residents struck down a measure yesterday that would have given E&B Natural Resources authorization to drill 34 oil wells within their city limits. Activists against the drilling have been working for years to ensure drilling would not occur near their homes. A
  
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• New hospital to be built in Tehachapi

  05-03-2015 20:46
  
  TEHACHAPI, CA - The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District is teaming up to bring a new hospital to the mountain community.      Adventist Health, owner of San Joaquin Community Hospital, has been selected to possibly forge an affiliation with the hospital.
  The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District board said it almost ran out of money to finish the project, but thanks to a pending partnership with Adventist Health, the project seems to be back on track to open in the fall of
  
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• Bakersfield mayor awards Raiders QB Derek Carr key to the city

  05-03-2015 20:41
  
  Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall presented Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr the key to the city during Wednesday night's council meeting.
  
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• Blaze owner on leaving to Salinas: 'It's looking good'

  05-03-2015 20:39
  
  The Bakersfield Blaze might be closer to leaving town that ever before. The Salinas Californian reports team owner D.G. Elmore is excited about a new ballpark site in Salinas.
  
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• Blaze owner on leaving for Salinas: 'It's looking good'

  05-03-2015 20:39
  
  The Bakersfield Blaze might be closer to leaving town that ever before. The Salinas Californian reports team owner D.G. Elmore is excited about a new ballpark site in Salinas.
  
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• Taft couple arrested with explosives and drugs

  05-03-2015 20:21
  
  TAFT, CA- Kern County Deputies say they stopped Barry Mongomery, 33, and Shanea Harrison, 21, because they were walking along a Taft street carrying 2 rifles. When deputies searched the pair they say they found Montgomery had 2 machete’s on him and Harrison was carrying a pipe bomb in her pocket. They say Harrison also had narcotics and syringes with her. When they went to the couples house they say they found a grenade and meth. The Kern County Bomb squad was called to deal with
  
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• Graffiti suspect arrested by police

  05-03-2015 19:54
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A teen accused of thousands of dollars worth of graffiti has been arrested according to Bakersfield Police. Wednesday, Police say they went to a home near H Street and White Lane to serve a search warrant. Police said they got the warrant after a year-long investigation into Uriel Valdez, 18. Members of the Department Graffiti Habitual Offender Suppression Team (GHOST) say Valdez is responsible 448 separate acts of graffiti that cost the city more than $53,000 to remove
  
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• Kern COG awards ceremony tonight

  05-03-2015 19:32
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Several local organziations will be featured at the Kern Council of Governments Regional Awards of Merit Ceremony.
  The council is awarding local individuals, organizations and programs from nine categories tonight, March 5, at the Seven Oaks Country Club.     KGET will also be honored in the journalism category for our coverage of the controversial Hydrogen Energy California, or HECA project.     Others honored include the city of Tehachapi for
  
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• No death sentence for Jodi Arias after jury deadlocks

  05-03-2015 19:02
  
  A judge has declared a mistrial in the Jodi Arias sentencing retrial after jurors deadlocked on whether the convicted murderer should be executed or sent to prison for life for killing her lover in 2008.
  
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• Mistrial in Jodi Arias boyfriend killing; jury deadlocks on sentence

  05-03-2015 19:02
  
  A judge has declared a mistrial in the Jodi Arias sentencing retrial after jurors deadlocked on whether the convicted murderer should be executed or sent to prison for life for killing her lover in 2008.
  
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• Ringling Bros. circus to eliminate iconic elephant acts by 2018

  05-03-2015 19:00
  
  The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will phase out the show's iconic elephants from its performances by 2018, telling The Associated Press exclusively that growing public concern about how the animals are treated led to the decision.
  
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• Man crashes into Bakersfield canal

  05-03-2015 18:57
  
  A man crashed overnight into a canal in northwest Bakersfield.
  
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• NFL Player to speak to local gay rights group

  05-03-2015 18:38
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Former NFL player David Kopay will be speaking Thursday evening at the First Congregational Church in Bakersfield. Kopay was the first professional team sport athlete to publicly come out as gay. He played professionally from 1964 to 1972 with five different teams; The 49ers, The Lions, The Redskins, The Saints, and The Packers. Kopay is speaking to the local chapter of P.F.L.A.G also known as "Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. P.F.L.A.G. says af
  
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• Gleaners food drive is next week

  05-03-2015 18:30
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- It is time again for the 17News Annual Gleaners Food Drive. We'll be out collecting food and donations that will help the Golden Empire Gleaners feed local families in need. It's happening next Wednesday, March 11th from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the KGET studios at 22nd and L Streets in downtown Bakersfield. Fruits, vegetables, and non-perishable items will be accepted. Cash, PayPal, and credit card donations are also accepted.  
  
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• Derek Carr receives key to the city

  05-03-2015 18:20
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield native and Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was honored at the city council meeting on March 4 with a special presentation from Mayor Harvey Hall.
  "I'd like to present you with the keys to this city, Derek, and wish you well in your future with the NFL," said Hall.
  Carr, a graduate of Bakersfield Christian High School, just wrapped up his rookie season with the Raiders.     The team finished with three wins on the season., but Car
  
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• Bakersfield Blaze may have found home in Salinas

  05-03-2015 18:18
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- After stalled efforts, the Bakersfield Blaze may find its new home in Salinas after all. The Salinas Californian reports Blaze owner D.G. Elmore is looking to close a deal with Uni-Kool Company, with locations in Salinas, after negotiations fell through to build a ballpark with the owners of Hayward Lumber. Elmore reportedly said he is hopeful to make an official announcement within the next few weeks and is expected to be in Salinas Thursday to continue meetings regardi
  
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• City website to get a new look soon

  05-03-2015 18:09
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The city of Bakersfield is looking to become more tech savvy as council members voted to make the city's 15-year-old website more user friendly.     The site was launched in the new millenium, but 15 years in the technology world is nearly a lifetime. So, the city council voted unanimously on March 4 to invest up to $50,000 to update the site to make it easier for residents to access.
  "A complete revamp of the website to make it more user friendly; make i
  
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• Man arrested in Taft for Meth and grand theft

  05-03-2015 17:52
  
  TAFT, CA - A Ford City man was arrested in Taft for grand theft and methamphetamine sales.
  
  The incident happened on Feb. 25 when a deputy from the Taft substation stopped 34-year-old Bobby Sherrell Jr. for not having an operational headlight. Once Sherrell was identified, he was arrested for a previous case in which he is a suspect in.
  
  Taft deputies have identified Sherrell as a suspect for the theft of fencing panels in the 1000 block of  North Lincoln Street on Jan. 17.
  
  De
  
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• Hwy 58 slowing due to several car crashes

  05-03-2015 17:43
  
  Several cars crashed during the morning commute, causing only minor injuries according to officers, but creating a big delay on one of Bakersfield's busiest highways.
  
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• Boys and Girls Club, PG&E employ local teens

  05-03-2015 17:14
  
  The Boys and Girls Club is partnering with PG&E to help employ dozens of Bakersfield teens this summer. 
  
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• 'First Look': First News for March 5

  05-03-2015 17:03
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  BAKERSFIELD AMONG LEADERS IN US POPULATION GROWTH, DENSITY: Increasingly, Americans are living in cities, those cities are becoming more densely populated, and California is a major factor in both trends, a new U.S. Census Bureau report indicates. And Bakersfield, the report confirms, is among the fastest-growing. Nearly two-thir
  
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• New Tehachapi hospital may merge with Adventist Health

  05-03-2015 16:52
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA.-The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District is teaming up to bring a new hospital to the mountain community. Adventist Health, owner of San Joaquin Community Hospital, has been selected to possibly forge an affiliation with the hospital.     
  The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District board says it almost ran out of money to finish the project, but thanks to a pending partnership with Adventist Health, the project seems to be back on track to open in the fall of 201
  
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• Bakersfield veteran's therapy dog lost

  05-03-2015 16:49
  
  It can be hard for any family to have a pet go missing, but for one local military family the loss is especially hard. Their bulldog Liberty has helped the family through the most trying times, and they need your help to get her home. 
  
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• New app being used to cyberbully in schools

  05-03-2015 08:38
  
  There's a new app out that parents need to know about. It's called BrunBook and it target's students based on where they go to school
  
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• Bakersfield among leaders in US population growth, density

  05-03-2015 07:17
  
  Increasingly, Americans are living in cities, those cities are becoming more densely populated, and California is a major factor in both trends, a new U.S. Census Bureau report indicates.
  
  And Bakersfield, the report confirms, is among the fastest-growing.
  
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• Water pacts, new city website get council’s nod

  05-03-2015 07:06
  
  The city’s website, now in its teenage years, will be redone as recommended by city staff, the Bakersfield City Council decided by unanimous vote Wednesday, in a meeting that also examined residential water agreements and development.
  
  Website will come online: With a 6-0 vote, the council approved spending up to $50,000 in capital outlay funds to hire Newport Beach-based Civica.
  
  Councilwoman Ja
  
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• Cattle Ranchers share drought concerns

  05-03-2015 06:54
  
  The drought has had a huge impact on cattle ranchers, not only costing them livestock, but cash to feed what's left of the herd.
  
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• BPD: Two men wanted for stealing beer from 7-11

  05-03-2015 06:04
  
  Two men are being sought by the Bakersfield Police Department for allegedly stealing beer from a 7-11 store in Southwest Bakersfield. 
  
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• BPD: Man wanted for theft at Fastrip store

  05-03-2015 05:56
  
  A man is being sought by the Bakersfield Police Department for suspicion of theft in South Bakersfield. 
  
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• BDP: Man stole from TJ Maxx store in the SW

  05-03-2015 05:49
  
  Police want your help to find a suspect wanted for theft.
  
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• Sheriff disagrees with "green tip" ban

  05-03-2015 05:23
  
  Ammunition is flying off shelves at guns stores across the county after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms announced a potential ban on "green tip" bullets. 
  
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