Bakersfield news

• BPD looking for suspect wanted for stealing a purse

  17-04-2015 23:54
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Police Department is reaching out to the community to help locate and identify a suspect wanted for theft.The incident happened on March 18, around 10:30 a.m. at the Von's store located at 4400 Coffee Rd.According to BPD, the suspect stole the victim’s purse from the victim’s shopping cart when she was distracted. 
  The suspect is described as a female, between 18-20 years old, 5’2”, 135 pounds, with dark hair and wearing a grey swea
  
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• BPD looking for armed robbery suspect

  17-04-2015 23:45
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for robbery.  The incident happened on March 25, around 10:40 a.m.
  According to BPD, the suspect entered the Walgreens located at 4306 Ming Ave. and filled his backpack with merchandise then left without paying.
  The store manager confronted the suspect but the suspect showed the manager a firearm that was in his waistband before fleeing.
  The susp
  
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• Bakersfield man pleads no contest for fatal hit and run

  17-04-2015 22:45
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A man accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist in south Bakersfield, then taking off, has taken a plea deal.
  According to officials, 28-year-old Jonathan Montiel pleaded no contest to charges of felony hit and run, vehicular manslaughter, destroying evidence and being an unlicensed driver.     Back in February, 43-year-old Saul Zelaya Ayala was found in the road at Union Avenue and Panama Lane.     Detectives said he was riding south in the midd
  
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• Unemployment rate grows slightly from February

  17-04-2015 22:35
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - New unemployment numbers are out and they show the unemployment rate grew slightly in March to 11.1 percent, from 11 percent in February.     March's unemployment rate is still significantly below estimates from one year ago at 12.9 percent.     This compares to the unadjusted rate of 6.5 percent across California, and the national rate of 5.6 percent. 
  
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• CHP looking for missing elderly man from Sacramento

  17-04-2015 22:26
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The California Highway Patrol is asking for your help in locating a missing 75-year-old man out of Sacramento.
  According to Sacramento Police officials, Ronald Clem was last seen driving away from his home on Thursday around 10:30 a.m.     He was driving a 2009 Honda Pilot.     Officials said Clem has a medical condition which could cause him to become disoriented.     He's about 6 feet tall and weighs around 265 pounds.   
  
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• Bakersfield man facing life in prison for possession of cocaine

  17-04-2015 22:16
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield man is under arrest and facing the possibility of life in prison and a fine of $10 million for allegedly possessing cocaine for sale.
  According to officials, 25-year-old Jonathan Arturo Alvarez was pulled over on April 2 in Siskiyou County.    CHP officers said they searched the vehicle and found 12 kilograms of cocaine.    Alvarez was charged on Thursday with one count of possession with intent to distribute.    If co
  
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• Tax preparation services still available for low income residents

  17-04-2015 21:27
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - If you missed the April 15 deadline to file your taxes, you may be eligible for free tax preparation and filing services.Community Action Partnership of Kern's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (CAPK VITA) program will prepare and e-file your return for tax year 2014 as well as previous years.To qualify, your income for 2014 must be less than $54,000.The CAPK VITA office is located at 300 19th Street, in downtown Bakersfield, and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday
  
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• Bunco night to benefit Ronald McDonald House

  17-04-2015 21:17
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Some local families in need are receiving some big help at an event to raise money for the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House.
  Bunco Night looks to benefit the Ronald McDonald House's Walk for Kids, which is scheduled for May 30 at the California Living Museum.     More than 100 people put on their game faces to raise money to help local families who rely on this home away from home.     The fun and games are happening again Friday night but there
  
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• Arvin community health fair happening today

  17-04-2015 20:57
  
  ARVIN, CA - Residents in Arvin can take advantage of a free health fair happening on Friday.The health fair is hosted by Kern Family Health Care and takes place at Haven Drive Middle School, located at 341 Haven Drive.At the event, residents can get a free health screening and learn more information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The event will include food, raffles and other fun family events.The Arvin Health Fair starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
  
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• District director to return to school leadership

  17-04-2015 20:49
  
  Centennial High School will get a new principal next school year.The Kern High School District's Director of Personnel, Dean Juola, will take over where the current principal, Steve Wedel, leaves off July 1.
  
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• Taft deputies arrest a man for assault with a deadly weapon

  17-04-2015 20:46
  
  TAFT, CA - Taft deputies have arrested an assault with a deadly weapon suspect and another man after a short pursuit.
  The incident happened on April 13, during a verbal altercation in the 100 block of Naylor Avenue in south Taft.
  During their investigation, deputies learned that the 21-year old suspect, Preston Mcavinue of south Taft, had been in a dating relationship with a 26-year old female who lived at the residence, though the couple recently separated.  
  According to deputies, Mcavin
  
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• Panel discussion raises awareness of child abuse

  17-04-2015 20:15
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - April is child abuse awareness month and the Department of Human Services said there are more than 2,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect in Kern County every month. 
  The most recent report from the Kern County Network for Children shows that last year an average of 10 children a day were abused or neglected.      The network hosted a panel discussion on Thursday to get the community talking about child abuse prevention.     &
  
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• BPD looking for two suspects wanted for theft

  17-04-2015 19:49
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for your assistance in identifying and locating two suspects wanted for theft.
  The incident happened on March 18, just after 6 a.m.at the Lowe's on 6200 Colony St. 
  According to BPD, the two suspects left the store with power tools without paying for them. The suspects reportedly fled in a white Ford Expedition.
  The first suspect is described as a male in his late 20's  or early 30's,  5’6”, 160 pounds,&nbs
  
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• New program helps immigrants who are victims of crimes

  17-04-2015 19:38
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Local families who have been victims of crimes will be assisted by new specialty prosecutors known as the family violence unit.
  The new unit was announced Thursday by the Kern County District Attorney.
  The group will prosecute all felony domestic violence, sexual assaults, physical child abuse and elder abuse.     Eight district attorneys, one supervisor and one investigator will be assigned to the unit.     The creation of this unit will also all
  
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• Police: Man arrested with 12 kilos of cocaine

  17-04-2015 19:37
  
  A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment on Thursday against Jonathan Arturo Alvarez, 25, of Bakersfield, charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.
  
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• Shafter man who died in officer involved shooting identified

  17-04-2015 19:26
  
  SHAFTER, CA - The coroner's office has released the name of a man shot and killed by police in Shafter on Friday.
  The shooting happened in an alley that runs parallel to Lerdo Highway and east of Wall Street, less than 200 feet from Golden Oak Elementary School.     According to Shafter Police officials, they received a call around 12:30 p.m. about a man acting erratically, possibly under the influence of drugs, and wielding a knife.      When officers arrived
  
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• No injuries reported in school bus accident

  17-04-2015 18:30
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - One student was taken to the hospital as a precaution after an accident where a school bus was rear-ended. 
  The accident happened around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, on the corner of east Brundage and Oswell.
  The bus was at a stop light when it was rear ended.
  One child with disabilities was on board the bus. 
  Officials said the child was not injured but wanted to take him to the hospital as a precaution due to his disabilties.
  
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• Fire burns down Tehachapi country club

  17-04-2015 18:18
  
  TEHACHAPI, CA - A fire that may have been deliberately set, engulfed the closed Golden Hills Country Club building in Tehachapi.
  According to the Kern County Fire Department, they received a call of a fire that broke out at the country club early Friday morning just after midnight.     The building was vacant and it took about 45 minutes to put the fire out.      There were no reported injuries, though KCFD suspects arson was involved in the burning of the clu
  
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• Mountain lion spotted in Shafter

  17-04-2015 18:11
  
  SHAFTER, CA - A video was captured of what appears to be a mountain lion lurking around the Target distribution center on Zachary Avenue, Thursday afternoon.
  The video was sent to the 17 Newsroom by viewer Bryson Hodge.     A biologist with Fish and Wildlife said they cannot say for sure if it's a mountain lion.     Shafter police attempted to locate the animal but was unsuccessful.
  
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• Honor Flight takes 37 vets to visit war memorial

  17-04-2015 18:06
  
  More than two dozen Kern County veterans are headed to Washington DC thanks to the Honor Flight.
  
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• Meadows Field now offers all jet service

  17-04-2015 17:49
  
  The Kern County Department of Airports is very excited to announce all jet service from Meadows Field.
  
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• Bakersfield man finds military headstone left in downtown alley

  17-04-2015 09:24
  
  Veterans Affairs officials this week are attempting to piece together how a heavy marble headstone made for a U.S. Army veteran interred in Oklahoma came to be found deposited in an alley in downtown Bakersfield.
  

• Closing arguments finish in trial of accused serial rapist Billy Ray Johnson

  17-04-2015 09:00
  
  Closing arguments in the trial of accused serial rapist Billy Ray Johnson wrapped up Thursday with the prosecutor defending the work of investigators and dismissing the defense theory that multiple perpetrators committed the crimes. "The only reasonable explanation is that (Johnson) raped these victims," prosecutor Cynthia Zimmer told the jury.
  
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• Cellmate of former Nebraska football star Lawrence Phillips died of 'neck compression asphyxia'

  17-04-2015 08:57
  
  The cellmate of former college football star Lawrence Phillips died of "neck compression asphyxia" and his death is a homicide, a coroner's office news release said Thursday. Damion Dewayne Soward, 37, was found unresponsive in his cell at Kern Valley State Prison Saturday morning, prison officials have said. He was taken to Delano Regional Medical Center, where he died at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
  
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• BC to give veterans free parking in honor of young soldier

  17-04-2015 08:55
  
  Military veterans studying at Bakersfield College may be able to park for free on campus this fall with waivers dubbed Mike's Passes. After receiving a monetary gift from Kern Schools Federal Credit Union, Bakersfield College decided to establish the Mike's Pass Program for new student veterans in their first semester of classes. Students who are active participants in military service organizations, such as BC's Veterans Club, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Wo
  
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• CSUB Foundation owes students $1 million

  17-04-2015 08:54
  
  The nonprofit arm of Cal State Bakersfield has, for about two years, been sitting on upward of $1 million donated to the CSUB Foundation for student scholarships, according to the Foundation. The nonprofit foundation receives both restricted donations, which must be used the way the donor decides, and unrestricted donations, which can fund almost anything to help the university.
  
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• BCSD board to discuss how to fill trustee spot

  17-04-2015 08:35
  
  The Bakersfield City School District could be short a school board member come May. Longtime board member Bill McDougle, who's moving to Oregon, plans to attend his last board meeting as a trustee April 28, leaving the board to determine what to do in his absence.
  
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• Coming Sunday: Should elephants continue to come to the fair?

  17-04-2015 08:32
  
  For nearly as long as there have been elephant rides at the Kern County Fair, there have been elephant-ride protesters. For years, a small but committed group of Kern County women has gone to the fair board complaining that the elephants are mistreated and that having two 8,000-pound animals in close proximity to people is unsafe. But this year, thanks to a recent decision by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey to phase out elephants from the circus, they may have momentum on their side when
  
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• Funeral Services for April 17

  17-04-2015 08:16
  
  Services scheduledAlvaro Avala, 39, Bakersfield, April 13. Visitation 5 p.m. April 24, Basham Funeral Care Chapel; Rosary 6 p.m. April 24, Basham Funeral Care. Basham Funeral Care, 3312 Niles St.
  
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• PHOTO STORY: Enraptured by a raptor

  17-04-2015 08:12
  
  Mid-week can be a quiet time at the California Living Museum, but springtime brings out visitors from area schools for their annual field trip to the California Living Museum. Docents at CALM are prepared to tell them about animals that are native to the area. At the amphitheater, students may see a presentation on a turkey vulture or a skunk. The reptile house has snakes, some poisonous, that can be seen up close through protective safety glass.
  
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• End of an ‘Aera’ as CEO of oil company set to change

  17-04-2015 08:06
  
  The head of Bakersfield-based Aera Energy LLC is stepping down this summer after leading one of California’s biggest oil producers for more than seven years. Gaurdie Banister Jr., who is among Kern County’s most prominent black executives, will be replaced in mid-July by a woman who has helped guide Shell Oil Co.’s work in the Arctic and the Gulf of Mexico.
  
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• New Star Wars trailer dazzles

  17-04-2015 08:04
  Strong reaction is coming in on the newest Star Wars trailer, which was released Thursday morning. Here's a sampling from around The Bakersfield Californian, Bakersfield and our media partners: MICHAEL HOPPER, host of "Nerd World Report with Hop and Herc."
  
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• Shafter police kill 'erratic,' knife-wielding man

  17-04-2015 08:01
  
  Shafter Police Department officers shot and killed a man Thursday after he reportedly pulled a knife and approached them in a west Shafter alley. Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith reported that officers responded to information that a man, possibly on drugs, was acting erratically in the area of West Lerdo Highway and South Wall Street near Golden Oak Elementary School.
  
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• Bakersfield WWII vet honored in Italy two years after his death

  17-04-2015 03:58
  
  Two years after his death, a Bakersfield veteran is being honored by a city in Italy for his unique contribution to their history. Edward Reep was a soldier-artist who captured photos of the day 70 years ago when the city of Bologna was liberated in World War Two. Reep took photos of a spontaneous shrine citizens erected, and later painted that scene. His record helped the community regain part of their history.
  
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• Bakersfield WWII vet honored in Italy 2 years after his death

  17-04-2015 03:58
  
  Edward Reep was a soldier-artist who captured photos of the day 70 years ago when the city of Bologna was liberated in World War II.
  
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• Tehachapi parents call for better services for special needs students

  17-04-2015 03:57
  
  A group of parents in Tehachapi comes up with ideas and potential solutions on how to improve services for students with special needs.
  
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• Former officer accused of domestic violence found not guilty

  17-04-2015 03:51
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A former Bakersfield Police Department officer was found not guilty Thursday after being arrested and charged with domestic violence.Peter Dennis Martinez has been on trial all month.
  
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• Rattlesnake season begins in Kern County

  17-04-2015 03:33
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - Spring season is here, which means snake season is also here.As the temperatures rise, the snakes emerge from hibernation.
  “They're moving from their winter dens into their summer dens,” said Don Richardson with CALM Zoo.
  
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• Noble Elementary parents worry of intersection

  17-04-2015 02:57
  
  Parents at Noble Elementary School are concerned about the safety of their children when crossing the intersection of Columbus and Bucknell. 
  
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• Freeway dedication to be held for fallen CHP officer

  17-04-2015 00:32
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A highway dedication ceremony is set to honor a California Highway Patrol officer who died in the line of duty.On Feb. 27, 1974, Officer Gerald N. Harris was killed in a hit and run collision. He was directing traffic at the intersection of Brundage Lane at Wible Road when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver was later apprehended.Now, the State Route 99 and State Route 58 Interchange will be designated as the CHP Officer Gerald N. Harris Interchange.
  The freeway dedica
  
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• 'Shoes for the Homeless' drive kicks off today

  17-04-2015 00:01
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - It's time to put your best foot forward to help local homeless in need.     The 23rd annual "Shoes for the Homeless Drive" will kicked off on Thursday.
  Guarantee shoe center in downtown Bakersfield is partnering up with the Bakersfield Homeless Center for the effort.     Everyone is encouraged to donate a pair of new or gently used shoes.     For every pair you give, you get $10 off a new pair of shoes valued at $60 or mor
  
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