Bakersfield news

• Community fan drive a success

  19-06-2015 23:58
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Thanks to the generosity of many of you, hundreds of people in Kern County will be able to stay cool.     KGET teamed up with the Volunteer Center for our annual Fan Drive.
  This year, there were more than 500 applications for fans, submitted by the elderly, disabled and low income families.     And thanks to the community, 340 fans were donated along with $2,600.     Volunteer Center executive director Brenda Ratliff said the total
  
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• Kern fire crews assist in wildfire containment in Modesto

  19-06-2015 23:43
  
  MODESTO, CA - Firefighters have fully contained a wildfire in Modesto that burned multiple structures on Thursday.
  The Escalon Fire burned 40 acres, five out buildings and one home.     Evacuated residents were escorted back to their homes.
  Fire officials said the smoke was visible from the fire more than 20 miles away.     Modesto is about 200 miles north of Bakersfield.     
  No injuries were reported, and no cause has been revealed yet.
  
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• Why this year could be worst fire season

  19-06-2015 23:21
  
  Six spot fires this morning up in Delano add to the rapidly growing list of fires throughout the county as fire season just begun.
  
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• Families face Charleston Gunman

  19-06-2015 23:21
  
  (NBC News) As accused killer Dylann Roof stood in court Friday, the most powerful words didn't come from the judge.Roof stared straight ahead as family members of the victims talked about their loss."I would just like him to know that I forgive you, my family forgives you," Anthony Thompson said. Myra Thompson, 59, was one of nine people killed in the horrific attack at Emanuel African Episcopal Church on Wednesday.An unidentified daughter of victim Ethel Lance also spoke."I
  
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• Wall Street Cafe closed

  19-06-2015 23:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Wall Street Cafe in Downtown Bakersfield has closed its doors for business.The cafe is located at 1818 L St.The note on the door reads: "Sorry!! Closed for reorganization."A request for comment to the owner was not returned.
  
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• Bakersfield's Tara the 'Hero Cat' gets award from SPCA in LA

  19-06-2015 22:54
  
  Tara was mellow on Friday as the spcaLA gave her its 33rd annual Hero Dog Award in Los Angeles. There was one change: the word "Dog" was scratched out and the word "Cat" etched in.
  
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• Local students represent at the national History Day competition

  19-06-2015 21:58
  
  WASHINGTON D.C. - Some of our local students proudly represented Kern County on the national stage as they competed for top honors.And now, the results are in for the National History Day Competition in Washington D.C. Alexis Hill, Maxwell Barrera, Theodore Armijo, Kaitlyn Hillis and Candace Maurer from Cato Middle School placed 10th in the junior level of the group project category for their project, "Leadership and Legacy of the Mississippi Summer Project: Opening the Doors to Chang
  
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• Man who led authorities on high-speed chase now identified

  19-06-2015 21:33
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A man who was arrested after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through the Kern River Canyon has been identified.On Thursday, 23-year-old Jacob Potochnik led officers on a chase with speeds reaching 60 miles-per-hour. The pursuit ended when Potochnik moved the chase to a dirt road and lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a fence.Potochnik then fled on foot.Deputies then set up a perimeter with the assistance of the Sheriff's Office Air Support and a K-9 Uni
  
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• NBA champs celebrate with parade in Oakland

  19-06-2015 21:32
  
  The streets of Oakland are awash in yellow and blue as hundreds of thousands of fans watch and cheer the Golden State Warriors victory parade, which has been 40 years in the making.
  
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• Looking at the top players in the Women's World Cup

  19-06-2015 21:27
  
  Now that Morgan appears to be back and healthy, she'll be a player to watch for the second-ranked United States team, which plays No. 28 Colombia to open the knockout stage Monday in Edmonton. The speedy 25-year-old, appearing in her second World Cup, has 51 goals in 84 international appearances.
  
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• World's top 5 teams remain alive heading into knockout stage

  19-06-2015 21:22
  
  The United States' bid for a third Women's World Cup title remains very much alive, as do the championship hopes of all five of the top-ranked teams in the world.
  
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• Drive-by shooter wanted by BPD

  19-06-2015 20:58
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying and locating an unidentified shooter and suspect vehicle wanted for assault with a deadly weapon. 
  According to BPD, on June 4, at 7:19 p.m., two victims were standing on a sidewalk near Lowell Park, located at 800 4th St., when an occupant of a white, early to mid 90s 4-door vehicle, similar to a Buick Skylark, began firing shots at the them. 
  Police said the suspect vehicle fl
  
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• Bakersfield police investigating shooting at park

  19-06-2015 20:51
  
  Police are looking for whoever opened fire June 4 at Lowell Park.
  
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• Prayer gathering tonight for Charleston shooting victims

  19-06-2015 20:47
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - There will be a prayer gathering this evening for the victims and families in the Charleston, South Carolina church shooting. 
  The "our Hearts are with Charleston" gathering will be at the Kern County Liberty Bell, located at 1415 Truxtun Ave. at 6:30 p.m.
  The event is hosted by the Bakersfield chapter of the NAACP.
  
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• Bakersfield NAACP to hold prayer gathering for Charleston victims

  19-06-2015 20:26
  
  The NAACP Bakersfield Branch will host a prayer gathering Friday night for the victims of the Charleston, South Carolina, shooting.
  
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• Woman found with 'significant injuries' inside motel room

  19-06-2015 20:03
  
  A woman was found unresponsive and suffering from "significant injuries" inside a Union Avenue motel room, police said.
  
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• Man accused of attempted murder, rape after woman found with 'significant injuries'

  19-06-2015 20:03
  
  A woman was found unresponsive and suffering from "significant injuries" inside a Union Avenue motel room, police said.
  
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• California Legislature approves compromise $115.4B budget

  19-06-2015 19:54
  
  The Senate approved a revised $115.4 billion budget Friday on a 30-9 vote. The Assembly approved it earlier Friday, 53-26. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to OK the plan.
  
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• BPD looking for burglary suspect and persons of interest

  19-06-2015 19:54
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying and locating a suspect wanted for burglary and fraud. 
  According to BPD, on April 28, at 2:47 pm, the suspect entered the Walmart store located at 5075 Gosford Rd. and made multiple purchases using fraudulently obtained credit card information. 
  The suspect is described as a male, in his 40’s, with a mustache, shaved head, and wearing a gray t-shirt. 
  Police say he was in the
  
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• Roadside truck fire sparks Central California wildfire

  19-06-2015 19:48
  
  A pickup truck that caught fire along a Central California road has sparked a wildfire, burning hundreds of acres and shutting down several campgrounds.
  
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• Analysts: Health law repeal would increase deficit, boost economy

  19-06-2015 19:42
  
  Repealing President Barack Obama's signature health care law would modestly increase the budget deficit even as it boosts the economy, while the number of uninsured Americans would rise by more than 20 million, according to a nonpartisan government study.
  
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• Suspect to appear on 9 murder counts; Charleston seeks unity

  19-06-2015 19:38
  
  As Dylann Storm Roof awaited his first hearing on nine charges ofmurder, the people of Charleston sought Friday to repudiate whatever agunman would hope to accomplish by killing black community leadersinside one of the nation's most important African-American churches.
  
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• Aaron Perlman's Friday singing forecast "Run Away"

  19-06-2015 19:00
  
  Every Friday morning at 8:40 AM morning forecaster gives you a singing forecast. Today's singing forecast is called "Run Away" because it's so hot.
  
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• Families of Charleston 9 forgive shooting suspect in court

  19-06-2015 18:57
  
  They forgave him. They advised him to repent for his sins, and asked for God's mercy on his soul. One even told Dylann Storm Roof to repent and confess, and "you'll be OK."
  
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• Accused S.C. killer faces 9 murder counts; death penalty sought

  19-06-2015 18:57
  
  As Dylann Storm Roof awaited his first hearing on nine charges of murder, the people of Charleston sought to repudiate whatever a gunman would hope to accomplish by killing black community leaders inside one of the nation's most important African-American churches.
  
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• Accused S.C. killer appears on 9 murder counts; death penalty sought

  19-06-2015 18:57
  
  They forgave him. They advised him to repent for his sins, and asked for God's mercy on his soul. One even told Dylann Storm Roof to repent and confess, and "you'll be OK."
  
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• KCFD knocking down fire along Hwy 99

  19-06-2015 17:56
  
  Fire crews spent the morning battling small grass fires that briefly shut down a northbound lane of Hwy 99 near Woollomes Avenue.
  
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• Local pediatrician discusses ear piercing for children

  19-06-2015 17:53
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A petition to ban parents in the U.K. from piercing their child's ears has generated a heated stream of comments from parents across the globe. 
  Dr. Fernando Fan, chief of pediatrics, stops by the 17 News studio to discuss the topic further.
  
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• Family-friendly activities at 'Super Hero' night

  19-06-2015 17:42
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - The summer heat wave is kicking in and that means many families are looking for ways to keep cool and enjoy a fun time together.
  On Friday, June 21, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center is hosting the "Super Heroes Family Fun Night."
  The event will offer families a chance to swim and plunge down the water slides, and play games for prizes.
  The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is located at 1325 Q Street.
  Admission is $4 per person or $13 per groups of four. 
  And remember to bri
  
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• Police: Church shooting suspect charged with 9 counts of murder, 1 weapon possession charge.

  19-06-2015 16:14
  
  Police in Charleston say the suspect in a fatal church shooting at ahistoric black church is charged with nine counts of murder as well aspossession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
  
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• Fire burns garage at Delano home

  19-06-2015 15:52
  
  DELANO, CA - An early morning house fire in Delano, possibly caused by the car in the garage. It happened around 4:00 a.m. Friday in the 2300 hundred block of Robin Court.Kern County Fire Department says they believe the fire originated from a car in the garage which caught fire for unknown reasons. Most of the damage was localized to the garage of the home.With KCFD reporting approximately $20,000 in damage total. The family and their dogs were able to get out without injury, though the f
  
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• Woman found attacked at Capri Motel

  19-06-2015 15:34
  
  A woman is being treated at a hospital after she was found unresponsive at a local motel.
  
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• Young parents to be honored Friday

  19-06-2015 15:30
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - As many as 60 young parents will be honored Friday by the Department of Human Services for completing high school and beating the odds.The Cal-Learn Graduation Celebration kicks off Friday morning at Hodel's restaurant.Vianna Rocha will be the motivational speaker at the graduation celebration. She was the last girl anyone expected to start high school with a belly."In junior high I had all honor roll, I was above 3.0. I had awesome grades," said Rocha. "I
  
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• Woman hospitalized after being found unresponsive in motel

  19-06-2015 14:54
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Police are investigating circumstances after a woman was found responsive late Thursday night in a Union Avenue motel room.  Bakersfield police were called around 11 Thursday night to the Capri Motel in the 2000 block of Union Avenue for a report of suspicious circumstances.  When the arrived they found a woman who was unresponsive and had sustained what's described as significant injuries. It's unknown how those injuries took place.  She was taken to the hospit
  
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• Vigil held for 21-year-old father killed in crash

  19-06-2015 09:00
  Friends and family of the 21-year old man killed in a crash Saturday, June 13 gathered Thursday night for a candlelight vigil.
  
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• Is your home fire hazard ready?

  19-06-2015 03:29
  
  Fire fighters with the Kern County Fire Department were out today inspecting properties in Fraizer Park to make sure homeowners are in compliance with fire hazard reduction guidelines.
  
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• LA Clippers unveil new logos during daylong publicity blitz

  19-06-2015 03:09
  
  From the skyscrapers to the beaches, the Clippers hit the town to show off their new look. Rivers, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and a host of former players and team employees crisscrossed the Southland to publicize the franchise's revamped branding and uniforms, handing out thousands of shirts and untold tons of free food.
  
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• Bill to lend funds to Highway 43

  19-06-2015 02:55
  
  Assemblyman Rudy Salas is hoping a bill to fund State Route 43 passes through the Senate Appropriations Committee in the next couple weeks, after it made its way through the Senate Transportation Committee earlier this week.
  
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• 2 LA doctors charged with multimillion-dollar Medicare fraud

  19-06-2015 02:53
  
  Two Los Angeles doctors are among nine people charged with defrauding Medicare out of $66 million by submitting bills for unnecessary services and equipment.
  
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• California board OKs nearly $50M in tax credits statewide

  19-06-2015 02:51
  
  A state economic development board approved nearly $50 million in tax credits Thursday for companies that promised to create a total of 11,000 jobs in California, including a $15 million credit for electric vehicle-maker Tesla Motors.
  
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• Police: California monk attacks fellow monk with knife

  19-06-2015 02:50
  
  Authorities say a 66-year-old Buddhist monk was critically injured when a fellow monk stabbed him in a San Francisco Bay Area home.
  
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• Leader in California-to-Montana meth ring sentenced

  19-06-2015 02:46
  
  A judge on Thursday sentenced a leader in a drug ring that prosecutors say flooded central Montana with high-grade methamphetamine from California, marking the end of an investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of 20 people.
  
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• City leaders fighting to keep water

  19-06-2015 02:46
  
  The drought has made headlines over the last year.
  
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• California Highway Patrol to test body cameras next year

  19-06-2015 02:43
  
  California's best-known law enforcement agency will begin testing body cameras next year under a proposal included in the state budget that lawmakers will consider on Friday.
  
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• 2 men charged in California pot grow inside national forest

  19-06-2015 02:37
  
  Authorities accuse two men of chopping down trees and polluting the Sequoia National Forest in California with pesticides to grow thousands of marijuana plants.
  
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• 2 homes burn near Valley Plaza Mall

  19-06-2015 01:51
  
  23ABC is receiving reports of two homes that have caught on fire north of the Valley Plaza Mall.
  
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• Two alarm house fire sends one to hospital

  19-06-2015 01:26
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Heavy smoke and fire tore through a Bakersfield home Thursday afternoon.Two people suffered minor burn injuries and one person was taken to the hospital according to the Bakersfield Fire Department.It happened just before 3 p.m. at home on Baldwin Drive near Valley Plaza Mall.
  The first crews reported a working fire in a small house with several structures nearby.Neighbors helped evacuate a family out of one of the nearby homes that was being threatened by the flames.Crews
  
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• FCC passes new limits on robocallers

  19-06-2015 01:17
  
  The Federal Communications Commission passed a ruling Thursday that limits interactions from one of the most reviled nuisances in our daily lives: robocallers.
  
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• Job fair shows job seekers opportunities they hadn't considered

  19-06-2015 00:59
  
  DELANO, CA- You never know what you'll find when you head out to a local job fair.So is the story from one woman who attended the Kern County Department of Human Services job fest in Delano Thursday morning.
  It ended at noon at Cesar Chavez High School but it's a good reminder why these things are such a good resource for anyone looking for work."I'm seeing a lot of things I didn't even know I was interested in and because I got here I grew an interest from learning from it from emplo
  
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• Garage fire threatens Bakersfield houses

  19-06-2015 00:53
  
  Fire threatened a pair of houses Thursday on Baldwin Road, just north of the Valley Plaza Mall.
  
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