Bakersfield news

• Couple indicted in unemployment insurance scheme

  17-03-2015 23:56
  
  A couple from Delano has been charged in an indictment for mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits, according to United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner.
  
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• California tightens water regulations amid long drought

  17-03-2015 23:43
  
  State water regulators voted Tuesday to outlaw watering the lawn within 48 hours of a rainstorm, the latest effort to spur Californians to conserve as the state enters its fourth year of drought.
  Facing a dramatic slowdown in voluntary conservation efforts by property owners, the state Water Resources Control Board also tightened conservation rules in other ways, prohibiting water from being served in restaurants unless customers request it, and
  
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• Residents in Arvin mark one year since gas leak

  17-03-2015 23:29
  
  ARVIN, CA- Tuesday marks one year since eight families in Arvin were forced out of their homes after a leaking gas pipeline.
  
  In March 2014, eight homes were evacuated because of the leaking gas pipeline.
  
  County officials told residents back then that high levels of dangerous chemicals were detected.
  
  Petro Capital Resources, the company that owns the gas pipeline, relocated most of the families to apartments in south Bakersfield paying for the expenses.
  
  In October, the
  
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• California drought making wildfires a year-round threat

  17-03-2015 23:09
  
  Big wildfires have burned almost four times as many California acres as usual so far this winter, a sign of wildfire danger growing higher still as the state moves into its fourth year of drought.
  
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• Kraft recalls 242,000 cases of mac and cheese

  17-03-2015 23:06
  
  Kraft Foods is recalling 242,000 cases of original flavor Kraft Macaroni & Cheese because some of the boxes contain small pieces of metal.
  
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• St. Francis school's Pot Of Gold celebration

  17-03-2015 23:03
  
  St. Francis Parish School had their annual Pot of Gold celebration today to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
  
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• 2 dead at Napa County vineyard in apparent murder-suicide

  17-03-2015 23:00
  
  A winery owner chased an investor through a Northern California vineyard and shot him in the head at close range as police approached before leading them on a short chase that ended with his apparent suicide, authorities said Tuesday.
  
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• State water board expands restrictions

  17-03-2015 22:32
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- The State Water Board expanded water restrictions across California on Tuesday.
  
  They continued all of the restrictions they passed last summer and added several new ones.
  
  The biggest change is to outdoor watering. The new rules say water suppliers must now limit the number of days per week that customers can irrigate outdoors. But its not clear how tight that limit will be for each water supplier.
  
  The board says the limit must either be specified in the wate
  
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• 'First Look': First News for March 17

  17-03-2015 22:31
  
  Lead stories from "First Look with Scott Cox's" Top Stories:
  
  DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING 4-MONTH-OLD'S DEATH: A 4-month-old's death Monday morning in the 1000 block of South Union Avenue is being investigated as suspicious. The baby was not breathing when deputies arrived at 6:06 a.m. at the Country Inn, according to a news release. The baby was taken to Mercy Hospital and pronounced
  
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• 'First Look': Get your Cioppino Feed on Saturday

  17-03-2015 22:28
  
  Get your bibs and sea food appetite ready because the 23rd annual Bakersfield West Rotary Cioppino Feed is happening Saturday.
  
  The smell of buttery, garlic clams will waft through the air at the Monsignor Leddy Hall on the Garces Memorial High School campus, followed by the star, the cioppino.
  
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• 'First Look': Monty Byrom and the Road Pilots at the Bell Tower Club, Sunday

  17-03-2015 22:25
  
  Monty Byrom and the Road Pilots will be performing at the historic Bell Tower Club for the first time on Sunday.
  
  The concert benefits the Temple Beth El.
  
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• Chief: LAPD officer who is suspect in killing will be fired

  17-03-2015 22:23
  
  The chief said the fact that Solis is not cooperating with investigators and has not showed up for work is reason enough to fire the 27-year-old.
  
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• Chief: Fugitive Los Angeles rookie officer will be fired

  17-03-2015 22:23
  
  The chief said the fact that Solis is not cooperating with investigators and has not showed up for work is reason enough to fire the 27-year-old.
  
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• 'First Look': Put on your best costume for CASA Superhero Run

  17-03-2015 22:23
  
  Batwoman and Wonder Woman stepped away from fighting crime Tuesday morning and instead visited the "First Look with Scott Cox" simulcast to talk about the CASA Superhero Run.
  
  The run will happen April 11 and all heroes are invited for a day of fitness and fun.
  
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• 'First Look': Stand Up To Cancer seeks local support

  17-03-2015 22:22
  
  Cancer strikes one in two men and one in three women in their lifetimes. Almost everyone knows at least one person who has battled the disease.
  
  The American Cancer Society Action Network and Stand Up To Cancer have joined forces and created the One Degree Project.
  
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• Chief: Gang-related gunfire injured 2 Los Angeles officers

  17-03-2015 22:20
  
  Police Chief Charlie Beck says a shooting that left two officers with minor injuries in South Los Angeles was gang-related.
  
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• San Francisco mayor eyes firing of police over racist texts

  17-03-2015 22:18
  
  The mayor of San Francisco said Tuesday that four police officers under investigation in the sending of racist and homophobic texts will be fired if the probe determines they sent the messages.
  
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• 7 bald eagles spotted at 6 Southern California lakes

  17-03-2015 22:16
  
  Seven bald eagles were spotted during an organized count at sites across San Bernardino County last weekend.
  
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• Jerald Pierucci out as football coach at BCHS

  17-03-2015 22:07
  
  Jerald Pierucci says he won't return as head football coach at Bakersfield Christian High School.
  
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• Delano Superintendent asks to be reassigned

  17-03-2015 21:43
  
  DELANO, CA- The superintendent of the Delano Union School District has asked to be reassigned.
  
  At Monday night's school board Dr. Anthony Monreal gave a letter to the board requesting that he perform other duties for the district so that he can "attend to areas of personal necessity" for his family.
  
  The new duties are to be determined by the board and Monreal asked that they begin immediately. 
  
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• Raiders sign RB Trent Richardson, 3rd shot on NFL team

  17-03-2015 20:53
  
  After going from the third overall draft pick to dropped by two teams in three years, running back Trent Richardson knows he is running out of chances to make it in the NFL.
  
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• Los Angeles police officer charged with immigrant smuggling

  17-03-2015 20:48
  
  A Los Angeles police officer has been charged with smuggling a Mexican man into the country in the trunk of an SUV.
  
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• Local special needs center gets national designation

  17-03-2015 20:43
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Richardson Child Development Center became one of only five M.O.V.E. International model sites in the state, during a dedication celebration this morning.
  
  M.O.V.E., or Mobility Opportunities Via Education, is a program designed to promote independence for children and adults with motor disabilities.
  
  The organization designates independent facilities that utilize its program at the highest level as move model sites, so other institutions can come and learn mor
  
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• CHP: Don't push luck behind the wheel if drunk

  17-03-2015 19:49
  
  The California Highway Patrol wants to remind the public to avoid drinking and driving on St. Patrick's Day.
  
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• Man convicted in fatal DUI gets 7 years

  17-03-2015 19:47
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A Bakersfield man who pleaded no contest to hitting and killing a pedestrian in east Bakersfield while drunk was sentenced to 7 years in prison Tuesday.
  
  The crash happened in October 2013 on Oswell Street and killed Angel Gomez.
  
  Last month, Israel Hernandez Nunez pleaded no contest to DUI vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.
  
  Four other felony charges were dismissed as part of the plea.
  
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• Vin Scully headlines Hoffmann Hospice dinner

  17-03-2015 19:18
  
  Legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully will be the keynote speaker Tuesday night for the Hoffmann Hospice annual "Voices of Inspiration" fundraising dinner.
  
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• Woman accused of decapitating her own baby

  17-03-2015 19:16
  
  (WLWT)- A Cincinnati mother is undergoing psychiatric evaluation after police say she killed her 3-month-old baby, severing the child's head.Deasia Watkins, 20, is charged with aggravated murder.The coroner said the baby suffered multiple traumas but would not give specific details about how she died."There were a few tears in our office for this baby," said Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco. "Is there more about his particular crime than other children dying? The
  
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• Job fair at DRC offers employment opprotunities

  17-03-2015 18:51
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- If you're looking for employment, you might find it at a free job fair Tuesday.
  
  It takes place at the Kern County Day Reporting Center from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m..
  
  There are jobs in construction, general labor, clerical and retail positions, and they range from entry level to advanced.
  
  The Kern County DRC is located at 500 Baker Street.
  
  Remember to dress for success and bring several copies of your resume.
  
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• Job fair at DRC offers employment opportunities

  17-03-2015 18:51
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- If you're looking for employment, you might find it at a free job fair Tuesday.
  
  It takes place at the Kern County Day Reporting Center from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m..
  
  There are jobs in construction, general labor, clerical and retail positions, and they range from entry level to advanced.
  
  The Kern County DRC is located at 500 Baker Street.
  
  Remember to dress for success and bring several copies of your resume.
  
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• Coroner releases name of baby found not breathing at motel

  17-03-2015 18:46
  
  The Kern County coroner's office on Tuesday released the name of a 4-month-old boy who died after being found unresponsive and not breathing in a motel room on South Union Avenue.
  
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• Coroner names baby found in not breathing in motel room

  17-03-2015 18:46
  
  The Kern County coroner's office on Tuesday released the name of a 4-month-old boy who died after being found unresponsive and not breathing in a motel room on South Union Avenue.
  
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• Tehachapi passes hookah lounge ban

  17-03-2015 18:34
  
  The Tehachapi City Council on Monday night banned hookah lounges inside city limits.
  
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• Get your own lucky charm at pet adoption

  17-03-2015 18:30
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Those in search of a new furry friend are in luck this Saint Patrick's Day.
  
  Its the 4th annual "Find Your Lucky Charm" adoption event.
  
  Its happening Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.n.and again Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at all three Kern County Animal Services shelters in Bakersfield, Lake Isabella, and Mojave.
  
  KCAS says all dogs and cats eligible for adoption will cost $17 including spay and neuter surgery and the first set of vaccinations.
  
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• Drought-stricken California ramps up water restrictions

  17-03-2015 18:27
  
  California water regulators have approved more restrictions on lawn watering and are adding new limits on water use by businesses as the drought persists.
  
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• Another year of water restrictions likely in dry California

  17-03-2015 18:27
  
  Californians won't be able to water their lawns more than twice a week under tougher drought regulations that are expected to be approved Tuesday as the state heads into a fourth particularly dry year.
  
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• Hispanic Chamber graduates class of business leaders

  17-03-2015 18:11
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Monday night there was a graduation ceremony held by the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
  
  Thirty-six students have completed their work at the Chamber's Business Academy.
  
  Norma Gaspar, anchor for our Telemundo sister station was emcee for the commencement at the Casa Royale banquet hall.
  
  It's a ten week program that educates and guides people on how to start up their own business.
  
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• Bakersfield Police testing for new Explorers

  17-03-2015 17:31
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Bakersfield Police are looking for a new class of Explorers.
  
  They are currently recruiting and testing for new teen Explorers who work closely with the police department.
  
  The Explorers Program offers experience in arrest and control, emergency dispatch and communications, fingerprinting and many others aspects of police work.
  
  Primary general requirements for entrance testing: you must be at least 14 ½ (in high school) to 20 years of age you must have a
  
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• Local women group gets cash donation

  17-03-2015 17:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A local organization dedicated to helping women succeed in business, received a generous contribution Monday night from Wells Fargo bank.
  
  A $45,000 check was presented to the Women's Business Center, which is operated by Mission Community Services Corporation.
  
  The money will be used to fund self-employment training for women looking to start their own businesses in Kern, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties.
  
  The center was selected as the recipient among a
  
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• Spring break tips from the App Chick

  17-03-2015 16:46
  
  AT&T's App Chick, Meredith Red, shows us some great new apps for spring break. Morning forecaster Aaron Perlman's favorite new app, Safe Walk, gets demonstrated, and we think it will be yours, too!
  
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• Crime Free Multi-Housing Training program

  17-03-2015 16:32
  
  If you own rental property in Bakersfield, be sure to attend the Bakersfield Police Department's Crime Free Multi-Housing Training for managers and owners.
  
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• Tehachapi bans hookah lounges

  17-03-2015 07:21
  
  Monday night the Tehachapi City Council voted to permanently ban the smoking parlors within their city limits.  It all started a few months ago when someone applied for a permit to open a hookah lounge.  But, Tehachapi city officials said they want to continue to promote a healthy lifestyle for the residents of their mountain town, and a hookah lounge isn't what the doctor ordered. In a unanimous decision with no opposition, the Tehachapi City Council banned hookah lounges within th
  
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• Tehachapi snuffs out hookah lounges

  17-03-2015 06:45
  
  Hookah lounges are officially prohibited in Tehachapi.
  
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• 'So You Think You Can Dance' auditions held in Los Angeles

  17-03-2015 06:30
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - "So You Think You Can Dance" held auditions for season 12 Monday, March 16, at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles.
  
  Eyewitness News reporter, Kalyna Astrinos, was on hand as a new twist was revealed. This season, the show will feature a competition between street dancers and stage performers. Paula Abdul is back behind the judges table, and the show is also introducing Jason Derulo as a new judge.
  
  The new season kicks off Monday nights in June
  
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• Kids and pool safety: Expert advises having 'water watcher'

  17-03-2015 02:36
  
  On Sunday, a Bakersfield family found their 3-year-old boy at the bottom of a swimming pool. Firefighters said that the family was in the backyard with him and stepped away for just a minute. The boy was last reported to be in critical condition.
  
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• Demolition of Italian building at fair on hold

  17-03-2015 02:27
  
  The Kern County fair board of directors decided to delay a vote on demolishing the Italian Heritage Dante Association kitchen and pavilion after a fair food concessionaire expressed interest in taking over the building.
  
  The BARC Association, which has served barbecue from its fair booth near the carnival area for years, said in a letter to fair concession supervisor Jeannie Burton that moving to the larg
  
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• The impact of falling oil prices on Bakersfield revenue

  17-03-2015 02:23
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Crude oil plunged 4% Monday, to its lowest price in about six years. Raising the question of, how oil prices will affect Kern County and the city of Bakersfield in the near future.
  
  The county has said it faces a $60 million deficit because of falling oil prices. This loss is because a majority of the county's revenue is from property taxes which includes oil properties. Whereas the city relies heavily on revenue from sales tax. Despite the county's plight the city is exp
  
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• Bakersfield burglary suspect in court

  17-03-2015 02:20
  
  A suspect in multiple residential burglaries was in Kern County court Monday.
  
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• Ridgecrest jail staying open until at least summer

  17-03-2015 02:06
  
  Amid a fiscal emergency, the Ridgecrest jail will remain open until at least July 1, despite a 1 percent budget cut at the Kern County Sheriff’s Office.
  
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• Report of flooring hazards has Bakersfield family worried

  17-03-2015 01:57
  
  A Bakersfield family is concerned about new flooring they installed in their entire home after seeing media reports raising questions about chemical emissions from the material.
  
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• Students to be tested in new way at schools

  17-03-2015 01:41
  
  The State Board of Education unanimously voted not to count the Academic Performance Index against schools this year. The API is based on standardized test scores, the board said the test is not cohesive with the new Common Core Standards.
  
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