Bakersfield news

• New health center in east Bakersfield

  06-03-2015 23:59
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Clinica Sierra Vista held a grand opening ceremony today for its newest center in east Bakersfield.
  The East Niles Community Health Center is located in the 7800 block of Niles Street.     The health center will provide primary care services including family practice, internal medicine,  pediatrics, and obstetrics and ­gynecology.     The 1400 square foot clinic has eight exam rooms and two triage rooms, along with digital x-ray capabi
  
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• Mountain lion dies after being tranquilized outside California mall

  06-03-2015 23:26
  
  A mountain lion that was tranquilized after it wandered into the parking lot of a Southern California mall has died.
  
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• Low cost vaccination clinic for dogs Saturday

  06-03-2015 23:03
  
  The City of Bakersfield Animal Control Division is having a low cost vaccination, licensing and microchip clinic for dogs living within the city limits.
  
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• Officials say man found dead in an orchard now a homicide

  06-03-2015 22:55
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The coroner has released the cause of death of a man found in an orchard in southeast Bakersfield two weeks ago.
  An autopsy found 32-year-old Jaime Puente of Bakesfield died from gunshot wounds and the manner of death is homicide.     Deputies said Puente's body was discovered by a farm worker in an orange orchard near the intersection of Muller and Vineland Roads, Just north of Lamont.
  The investigation is ongoing.
  
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• Fishing derby brings community support

  06-03-2015 22:36
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Firefighters' Relief Association will be holding its 4th Annual Bakersfield Firefighters' Trout Fishing Derby at Riverwalk Park on March 7. 
  The event will support the children at the Jamison Childrens Center, who will be on hand to participate in the fun.
  The BFRA said it's an opportunity for disadvantaged youth to get one-on-one interaction with local firefighters as well as enjoy a day at the park.
  The BFRA  is a non-profit organization that
  
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• Golden Hawks get new head football coach

  06-03-2015 22:28
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Kern High School District has announced today that Centennial High School has a new head varsity football coach. Chad Brown will take over coaching duties for the Golden Hawks this season. Brown is currently the head varsity football coach at North High School.
  
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• Man convicted of second degree murder sentenced

  06-03-2015 22:19
  
  A man convicted of choking his wife who later died in the hospital has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
  
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• New GET facility postponed

  06-03-2015 22:06
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Golden Empire Transit has put off plans to build a new transportation building for now.
  According to GET spokesperson Gina Hayden, the board voted this week to temporarily halt the $39 million project so staff can produce a risk assessment.     In December, the city of Bakersfield reached an agreement with the high speed rail authority to review a proposed new route that will have less enviromental impact on Bakersfield.     But the planned rout
  
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• Councilman looks to ban bath salts and Spice

  06-03-2015 22:00
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield city councilman is hoping to follow in Taft's footsteps by establishing a citywide ban on the use of the designer synthetic drugs bath salts and Spice.
  At the city council meeting on March 4, Councilman Chris Parlier asked the legislative and litigation committee to consider crafting a new ordinance prohibiting the sale of both drugs in Bakersfield.     Bath salts are a synthetic stimulant sometimes sold in convenience shops with the warning &quo
  
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• Coroner: Man dumped in orchard was killed by shotgun

  06-03-2015 21:58
  
  The coroner's office on Friday released the cause of death for a man found dead last month in an orchard near the intersection of Muller and Vineland, north of Lamont.
  
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• 'First Look': First News for March 6

  06-03-2015 21:57
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  BAKERSFIELD TEEN ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH 448 GRAFFITI OFFENSES: A year-long investigation ended this week with the arrest of an 18-year-old man accused of 448 graffiti offenses. Uriel Valdez was arrested at 11:40 a.m. Wednesday on suspicion of 10 counts of felony vandalism, Bakersfield police said. The total cost for the remo
  
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• 'First Look': Former Bakersfield College student bringing change to Africa one step at a time

  06-03-2015 21:55
  
  It takes a single moment to change your life forever.
  
  And for Abdallah Ben-Hamallah -- a Mali native who arrived to Bakersfield in 1997 -- that moment became the fire behind Afriqaid, a nonprofit that brings medical aid to poverty-stricken African communities.
  
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• 'First Look': Viewing party for TEDxManhattan Changing the Way We Eat, Saturday at Dagny's

  06-03-2015 21:54
  
  TEDxManhattan is a nonprofit organization whose focus is to change the world with ideas. The organization gathers speakers like Bill Gates and Isabel Allende at a conference in hopes to inspire people worldwide to become the change in their community.
  
  The conference will live stream Saturday.
  
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• Man who murdered his wife sentenced 15 years to life

  06-03-2015 21:49
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield man convicted for the beating death of his wife was sentenced today to 15 years to life.     Prosecutors said Jorge Aceves-Cortez killed his wife Maria in October 2013 in front of their children.     They say Maria Cortez was trying to leave the abusive relationship when she was killed.     Aceves-Cortez was convicted of second-degree murder.     Aceves-Cortez received the maximum sentence.
  
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• Bakersfield home prices on the rise

  06-03-2015 21:43
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - After one of the worst winter real estate markets in recent memory, local home prices came roaring back in February.     The latest report from appraiser Gary Crabtree shows a $20,000 montly increase in the median Bakersfield home price.
  February's gains were the highest since June 2004, almost a decade ago.     Sales volume is also picking up.
  The median price in February was $215,000.     That's a 10.3 percent increase over Ja
  
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• Man sentenced for killing wife

  06-03-2015 21:37
  
  A man was sentenced Friday to 15 years to life in prison for killing his wife in front of their children in October 2013.
  
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• Color Me Rad challenges Aaron Perlman, Rob Finnerty gets chased

  06-03-2015 21:36
  
  Color Me Rad returns to Bakersfield at 9 a.m. Saturday.
  
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• New trial ordered for convicted murderer

  06-03-2015 21:36
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The state appelate court has overturned the first degree murder conviction of a local man and ordered he receive a new trial.
  Elezar Morales Ambriz was convicted of shooting and killing Juan Ponce in 2008.     On March 5,  Judge John Somers sentenced Ambriz to 50 years to life in prison.     But he appealed saying the local court should not have allowed jurors to hear about prior acts of misconduct -- particularly evidence that he shot and
  
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• Baker Hughes to layoff more employees

  06-03-2015 21:00
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Oilfield service giant Baker Hughes announced another round of layoffs through March 12.      In a letter to the board of supervisors, the company said 50 employees in California will be laid off, including some in Shafter.     The letter did not specifiy how many workers or the types of positions, but the layoffs are expected to begin immediately.     Last month, another 130 employees lost their jobs.   The company r
  
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• Reminder: Don't drink & drive

  06-03-2015 20:39
  
  The Kern Avoid DUI Task Force will be conducting a DUI and driver's license checkpoint in the greater Bakersfield area on Saturday, March 7.
  
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• BPD: Woman wanted for forgery at Bank of America

  06-03-2015 20:32
  
  The Bakersfield Police Department is asking the community for help in identifying and locating a woman wanted for forgery.
  
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• "Suspicious package" was beer inside of backpack

  06-03-2015 20:26
  
  Bakersfield police have determined  that a "suspicious object" that was found near the federal courthouse on 18th Street in downtown Bakersfield was beer cans inside of a backpack.
  
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• Supervisors will take a long-term look at the county and its finances Tuesday

  06-03-2015 19:45
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA.-On Tuesday, county supervisors will take a long-term look at the county and it's finances, with the goal of increasing efficiency and maximizing resources. 
  
  Among the topics that county administrative officer John Nilon has put on the table to consider are consolidating county departments and taking a closer look at volunteer and internship programs. 
  
  The county might implement a six sigma program to help root out waste and maximize efficiency. Superviso
  
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• Supervisors to discuss county finances on Tuesday

  06-03-2015 19:45
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA.-On Tuesday, county supervisors will take a long-term look at the county and it's finances, with the goal of increasing efficiency and maximizing resources. 
  
  Among the topics that county administrative officer John Nilon has put on the table to consider are consolidating county departments and taking a closer look at volunteer and internship programs. 
  
  The county might implement a six sigma program to help root out waste and maximize efficiency. Superviso
  
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• Junior League celebrates 50 years of service

  06-03-2015 19:38
  
  The Junior League of Bakersfield is celebrating their 50th anniversary by donating a $50,000 grant to a local nonprofit. 
  
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• Man accused of arson inside Lowe's store

  06-03-2015 19:34
  
  A man was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of lighting some merchandise on fire at a south Bakersfield Lowe's store.
  
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• SBA offers Bakersfield small businesses 'mini MBA' program

  06-03-2015 19:22
  
  Bakersfield-area small businesses have the opportunity to take part in a seven-month "mini MBA" program, courtesy of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  
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• BPD investigating suspicious package

  06-03-2015 19:05
  
  Update: As of 10:05 a.m., the courthouse has not been evacuated. BPD gave personnel inside the option to evacuate, but employees declined. The streets are still closed between 19th and R Streets. V Street is also closed until the bomb squad determines the area is safe. BPD said streets could be closed about two hours.
  Breaking: As of 9:28 a.m., Bakersfield police are investigating reports of a suspicious package at the courthouse. Eastbound and westbound traffic is stopped at 21st and R Stree
  
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• Bomb squad investigates suspicious package

  06-03-2015 19:05
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A suspicious package closed down part of downtown Bakersfield as Bakersfield police investigated.
  It happened at 510 19th Street, between R and V, near the federal courthouse.
  BPD received a call around 8:30 a.m. about a backpack that was left outside.    The bomb squad was called to investigate. They say it was removed without incident.
  "Normally not too suspicious, except the backpack in this case appears to be new, so not something that would be le
  
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• Not a bomb: Police activity over at Bakersfield courthouse

  06-03-2015 19:03
  
  The police bomb squad was called to investigate a suspicious backpack Friday morning at the federal courthouse in downtown Bakersfield.
  
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• Bomb squad at Bakersfield courthouse

  06-03-2015 19:03
  
  The police bomb squad has responded to the federal courthouse in downtown Bakersfield.
  
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• County looking to increase financial efficiency, resources

  06-03-2015 18:56
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - On Tuesday, March 10, county supervisors will take a long-term look at the county and it's finances, with the goal of increasing efficiency and maximizing resources.
  Among the topics that county administrative officer John Nilon has put on the table to consider are consolidating county departments and taking a closer look at volunteer and internship programs.     The county might implement a six sigma program to help root out waste and maximize efficiency.&nbs
  
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• Harrison Ford's love of flight marked by mishaps, service

  06-03-2015 18:28
  
  When a man battles Darth Vader, Nazis and other evil-doers for work, what does he do for fun? Harrison Ford finds his answer in a pilot's license and the freedom to take to the skies.
  
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• Little Feet Repeat sale this weekend

  06-03-2015 18:13
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - If you're looking for bargain items to replace those clothes your kids seem to grow out of way too quickly, you'll want to head over to the East Hills Mall. The 18th semi-annual Little Feet Repeat consignment sale is going on all weekend long.
  The sale inside the old Mervyn's building is packed with baby clothes, toys, things for toddlers through teens, and even maternity clothes. Home décor and furniture are available as well.     
  Prices range from $2
  
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• U.S. economy sizzles as employers hire at fastest pace in 17 years

  06-03-2015 16:13
  
  A burst of hiring in February underscored the resilience and confidence of U.S. businesses, which are adding workers at the fastest pace in 17 years. Yet the strong job gains did little to raise wages last month.
  
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• Odor complaint linked to remnants of 100 year-old Chevron oil reservoir

  06-03-2015 04:14
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) – The smelly remains of an old oil reservoir believed to have been constructed shortly after the turn of the 20th century has an Oildale neighborhood closing windows and limiting time outdoors.
  
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• Kern prosecutor facing suspension, probation for dishonesty

  06-03-2015 03:51
  
  Kern County Deputy District Attorney Robert Murray stands to lose his license for two years and be placed on three years probation by the State Bar of California.
  
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• Circus elephant decision could influence Kern County Fair

  06-03-2015 03:41
  
  Growing public concern about how elephants are treated has led the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to phase out their elephant performances. That announcement may have an effect on an elephant issue right here in Kern County.
  
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• Bakersfield, Southern California Edison water plan called 'win-win’

  06-03-2015 03:29
  
  It's not just that the water gets double use, it's also all about the timing of that use. That's what Bakersfield officials say about an agreement with Southern California Edison, and how it will help deal with the current drought.
  
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• Optimal Hospice volunteer training

  06-03-2015 03:16
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Optimal Hospice is looking for volunteers. Whether it's a skill or just time, organizers say everyone has something to offer.
  
  Assistant volunteer coordinator Karen Budnick says volunteers play an important role in hospice.
  
  Budnick said, "They're able to give family members a break so that they can step away and some times it's just so they can go to the grocery store or go to a doctor's appointment."
  
  Thursday morning, new volunteers learned more about
  
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• Crashes add to headache of Hwy 58 work behind schedule

  06-03-2015 03:13
  
  Construction workers have been attempting to build another lane in each direction on Highway 58 for more than a year now, and still traffic has been backed up for miles.
  
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• County: Baker Hughes to layoff 50 workers at Shafter plant

  06-03-2015 01:56
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Oilfield service giant Baker Hughes is warning county supervisors layoffs are coming to the company's plant in Shafter.
  
  In a letter to the board of supervisors dated February 26, Baker Hughes said some 50 employees in California will get pink, slips including some in Shafter.
  
  The letter did not specify how many or the types of positions involved, but the layoffs were expected to come down between February 26 and March 12, 2015.
  
  The company had blamed
  
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• County: Baker Hughes to layoff 50 additional workers

  06-03-2015 01:56
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Oilfield service giant Baker Hughes is warning county supervisors layoffs are coming to the company's plant in Shafter.
  
  In a letter to the board of supervisors dated February 26, Baker Hughes said some 180 employees in California will get pink, slips including some in Shafter.
  
  The letter did not specify how many or the types of positions involved, but the layoffs were expected to come down between February 26 and March 12, 2015.
  
  The company had blame
  
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• Another oil train derails, catches fire

  06-03-2015 01:28
  
  (NBC)- A train loaded with crude oil derailed, catching some of its cars on fire, in Illinois Thursday while traveling through a rural area of the state, authorities said. There were no injuries reported, but at least two of the 103 train cars carrying crude oil were set ablaze. The train derailed at around 1:20 p.m. local time (2:20 p.m. ET) near Galena, a town of about 3,400 people in the northwestern part of the state near the Iowa border, BNSF Railway said in a statement. At least five of
  
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• Harrison Ford injured in small plane crash

  06-03-2015 00:51
  
  Actor Harrison Ford was forced to make an emergency landing on a California golf course on Thursday after experiencing technical issues while flying a two-seater fighter plane.
  
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• Harrison Ford crashes plane on golf course

  06-03-2015 00:51
  
  Actor Harrison Ford was forced to make an emergency landing on a California golf course on Thursday after experiencing technical issues while flying a two-seater fighter plane.
  
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• Harrison Ford injured in small plane crash in Los Angeles

  06-03-2015 00:45
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA- Actor Harrison Ford was hospitalized Thursday afternoon after a single-engine plane he was piloting crashed onto a Venice golf course shortly after takeoff. Residents are being asked to avoid the area near Penmar Golf Club in the 1200 block of Rose Avenue in Venice. Aerial footage showed a small single-engine plane crashed on the ground, and one person being treated by paramedics and being transported to a hospital. TMZ first reported that the plane was piloted by Ford,
  
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• California inmates can appeal compassionate release denials

  06-03-2015 00:45
  
  The California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that terminally ill inmates can appeal judicial denials of compassionate early release from their prison sentences.
  
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• GOP lawmaker in California launches bid for US Senate

  06-03-2015 00:31
  
  A two-term Republican legislator who has sought to broaden the appeal of the party with Hispanics launched an uphill campaign Thursday to become the next U.S. senator from California, a state that hasn't sent a GOP senator to Washington since the 1980s.
  
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• Second man charged in deadly LA street race

  06-03-2015 00:24
  
  A man who allegedly helped organize an illegal Los Angeles street race that killed two spectators has been charged with two counts of murder.
  
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