Bakersfield news

• Former KVSP inmate with Valley Fever can sue state for hate crime

  22-07-2015 23:58
  
  DELANO, CA- A former state inmate who was held at Kern Valley State Prison says he was diagnosed with Valley Fever while incarcerated there and is now suing the state for hate crime because of it.A Superior Court judge in Los Angeles County ruled last week Glenn Towery can sue under the hate crime law.Towery's attorney says this is the first use of the state's hate crime law, known as the Bane Act, with respect to prison contracted Valley Fever.The attorney says the hate crime law applies becau
  
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• Man who shot Arvin officer is sentenced

  22-07-2015 23:24
  
  Orlando Valdovinos, the man who shot an Arvin Police Officer has been sentenced and faces a possibly of a life sentence on Wednesday.
  
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• Local solar companies see an increase in...

  22-07-2015 23:22
  
  Local solar companies say they've seen a significant increase in business in the last few years and especially now during these hot summer months. 
  
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• Governor's office issues emergency proclamation for storm-struck Kern County

  22-07-2015 22:59
  
  The governor's office on Wednesday announced an emergency proclamation for some California counties dealing with storm damage.
  
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• State of emergency declared in Kern County

  22-07-2015 22:41
  
  California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency to six California countries including Kern on Tuesday after severe storms caused flooding, mudslides and fires over the weekend.
  
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• 5 Tucson police employees face termination in prostitution probe

  22-07-2015 22:05
  
  Tucson police Chief Roberto Villaseñor says he's firing four officers and one crime scene technician accused of being involved with illicit massage parlors where sex was offered as a service.
  
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• State of emergency declared in Kern County to help storm recovery

  22-07-2015 22:04
  
  SACRAMENTO, CA -- To help recover from recent storm damage, today Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom issued an emergency proclamation for Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
  Severe storms caused flash flooding, mudslides and fires ignited by lightning strikes, resulting in damage to roads, highways and other infrastructure and the evacuation of residents.If you would like to read the entire proclamation, it is attached to this story with details of speci
  
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• Federal hate crime charges filed against accused S.C. church shooter

  22-07-2015 21:34
  
  The man accused of slaying of nine black church members in Charleston last month has been indicted on dozens of federal charges, including 12 hate crime counts.
  
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• Some Special Olympics athletes forced to sleep on gym floor

  22-07-2015 21:06
  
  "It really wasn't bad," Collins Marigiri, the Kenyan team's swim coach, said as he and his athletes boarded a bus for their host city of Bakersfield. He added with a smile that it was his and his team's first trip to the United States, so even getting stuck overnight in a college gymnasium was a new and interesting experience for them.
  
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• Woman accused of elder abuse will have murder charge dropped

  22-07-2015 20:55
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A woman accused of abusing her elderly mother will not face a second degree murder charge.The coroner now says Carmen Freeman, 81, died from natural causes, that she had heart disease.Deputies originally said it appeared the woman died from severe neglect.
  They arrested the woman's daughter, Shelly Ann Freeman, after they searched her Rosamond house and found unsanitary conditions and signs of severe neglect inside.She was facing charges of second-degree murder and cruelty
  
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• Tip A Chip dinner to benefit the Lauren Small Children's Medical Center

  22-07-2015 20:34
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA.-Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals will host its annual TIP-a-CHiP dinner today at J’S Place Waffle House and Southern Style Cooking, located at 2681 Callaway Dr. from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and at Sol y Luna Mexican Cuisine, located at 900 Truxtun Ave. on Thursday, July 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  Officers of the California Highway Patrol will work as hosts and waiters with all proceeds from their tips benefitting the Lauren Small Children’s Medical
  
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• Funeral arrangements for beloved Taft resident set

  22-07-2015 20:29
  
  TAFT, CA- The Funeral arrangements for beloved Taft resident Pete Gianopulos have been set.The viewing will be held at the Erickson and Brown funeral home at 501 Lucard St. in Taft from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday July 24.The funeral will be held Saturday at 9 a.m.Turnout for the funeral is expected to be so big that the funeral will be held at Taft High School Auditorium.
  Gianopulos was a teacher in Taft.He had been in assisted living in Bakersfield after his health took a turn last year.Aft
  
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• Coroner: Woman in elder abuse case died of natural causes

  22-07-2015 20:20
  
  The Kern County Sheriff's Office announced last week that it was looking into a case of suspected elder abuse in Rosamond. A family member, identified through court records as Shelly Ann Freeman, was arrested.
  
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• Police sergeant shot and killed in California traffic stop

  22-07-2015 20:06
  
  Authorities say a San Francisco Bay Area police sergeant was shot and killed during an early-morning traffic stop.
  
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• Police make arrest in California officer's shooting death

  22-07-2015 20:06
  
  Sgt. Scott Lunger was shot early Wednesday after he stopped a white Chevrolet pickup that was swerving on the road and driving erratically.
  
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• Man who shot Arvin cop is sentenced

  22-07-2015 20:05
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- A man who shot an Arvin Police Officer will likely spend the rest of his life in jail.Orlando Valdovinos was sentenced to 35 years to life, and 39 years to life.
  Police say in December 2014, Valdovinos was threatening his wife with a gun.When officer Jeffery Packebush got there, Valdovinos put the .40-caliber gun to the officers head.
  Packebush moved and pushed the gun out of the way when Valdovinos pulled the trigger.The officer was shot in the shoulder, and he was in the
  
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• Police: Man, woman fight in mall restaurant, man shoots gun outside

  22-07-2015 20:01
  
  A man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly brandishing a gun and firing the gun into the ground behind the movie theater at Valley Plaza Mall.
  
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• Social Security disability fund projected to run dry in 2016

  22-07-2015 19:54
  
  The 11 million people who receive Social Security disability face steep benefit cuts next year - unless Congress acts, the government said Wednesday.
  
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• Arvin council will not close bars, but will look at security

  22-07-2015 19:50
  
  Despite calls from some Arvin residents, the City Council has decided not to close two bars where crime is a concern.
  
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• Walmart plans on City Council agenda

  22-07-2015 19:42
  
  The topic of a planned Walmart at Allen and Brimhall roads is on the agenda for Wednesday night's Bakersfield City Council meeting, which begins at 5:15 p.m. in City Hall.
  
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• Shopping center plans on City Council agenda

  22-07-2015 19:42
  
  The topic of a planned shopping center at Allen and Brimhall roads is on the agenda for Wednesday night's Bakersfield City Council meeting, which begins at 5:15 p.m. in City Hall.
  
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• Autopsy to see if man was struck by lightning

  22-07-2015 18:31
  
  An autopsy will determine whether a Bakersfield man who died during weekend thunderstorms was hit by lightning.
  
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• Road closure along Rosedale Highway scheduled

  22-07-2015 18:28
  
  A full round-the-clock weekend closure is planned for Rosedale Highway, between Mohawk Street and Landco Drive, beginning Friday, July 24 at 8 p.m. and continuing through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 27, 2015.  The closure is needed to allow the San Joaquin Valley Railroad to replace the panels across the roadway and for road construction work along this section of Rosedale Highway. This work is being performed in conjunction with the Rosedale Highway Widening Project.
  
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• Trump to visit Mexico-Texas border, a flashpoint in GOP race

  22-07-2015 16:47
  
  Donald Trump, provocateur of the Republican presidential race, now plans to go the Mexican border, a flashpoint in the primary contest ever since he declared that immigrants from Mexico are rapists and drug dealers.
  
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• Proposed city fireworks ban to be discussed tonight

  22-07-2015 16:42
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA.-Another hot topic for tonight's city council meeting: fireworks. The Bakersfield city council is expected to discuss whether or not all personal fireworks use should be banned. The proposed ban is on tonight's agenda, but council member Harold Hanson is expected to bring up the ban for discussion during council comment tonight. That is when members will weigh in. Professional shows would stay, but personal fireworks use would go if the city council decides to ban all
  
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• Support Distinguished Young Women Competition

  22-07-2015 15:23
  
  A group of young women will compete for the title of the Distinguished Young Woman of California, this weekend.
  
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• "Legal handcuffs" prevent closure of Arvin bars

  22-07-2015 09:16
  
  Last month a shooting at the Arvin nightclub, El Potrero, left two dead, a third in critical condition and their families searching for answers.
  
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• Elephants' owner says no to Kern County Fair

  22-07-2015 03:47
  
  Elephants will no longer be at the Kern County Fair.
  
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• Some complain of emergency alerts that they can't clearly hear

  22-07-2015 03:40
  
  Emergency response systems that are on TV, radio and phones are meant to warn people against future dangers, including floods, earthquakes and tornadoes. However, some say that the these alerts that are difficult to hear.
  
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• Mystery man arraigned on kidnapping, other charges

  22-07-2015 03:33
  
  The man accused of kidnapping 16-year-old Wofford Heights resident Amber Woolwine stood before a judge for the first time Tuesday, being arraigned on several felonies, including kidnapping.
  
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• Weekend storms remind residents to prep for severe weather

  22-07-2015 03:27
  
  Kern County had a historic amount of rain over the past several days. However, experts predict if El Nino comes through, there could be even more rain in the county.
  
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• This weekend's storms remind residents to prepare for severe weather

  22-07-2015 03:27
  
  Kern County had a historic amount of rain over the past several days. However, experts predict if El Nino comes through, there could be even more rain in the county.
  
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• Cal Water says water usage in Bakersfield down.

  22-07-2015 03:18
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Statewide water conservation numbers for the month of June are due out next week.Two weeks ago we reported the City of Bakersfield said its customers used 34% less water in June.Now we have new numbers from California Water Service Company for its Bakersfield customers.Cal Water says its customers reduced their water consumption by 32.2% percent in June compared to the same month in 2013.Year-to-date, Cal Water customers are using 21% less water."I would think it has
  
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• Cleanup, repairs ahead for storm-ravaged roads

  22-07-2015 03:13
  
  The rare and heavy summer storms this weekend are leaving drivers with a number of road closures, and county crews with lots of repair work.
  
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• There will be no elephants at this year's county fair

  22-07-2015 03:06
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- There will be no elephants at this year's Kern County Fair.The group that brought the animals bowed to pressure from animal rights groups.After many controversial fair board meetings about the decision to renew "Have Trunk Will Travel's" contract at the Kern County Fair the board voted 6 to 3 in April to allow the for-profit company back to the fair for two years.Then, they would cut ties.
  So, this day was coming either way, but it came two years too early in the
  
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• All lanes of PCH reopened in Malibu after rockslide

  22-07-2015 02:40
  
  All lanes are now open on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu after several large rocks and dirt fell onto the roadway and forced a partial closure.
  
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• Los Angeles County pushes $15 minimum wage for some workers

  22-07-2015 02:38
  
  Los Angeles County on Tuesday became the latest area in the country to take a step toward lifting the minimum wage to $15 an hour after officials were told it would either kill business or help lift bread-winners out of poverty.
  
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• I-10 at washed out bridge in California to reopen Friday

  22-07-2015 02:12
  
  The main highway connecting California and Arizona, which has been closed since flash flooding damaged several bridges, will reopen to limited traffic Friday, transportation officials said.
  
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• Pump Fire burns 77 acres on Tejon Ranch

  22-07-2015 02:08
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Kern County Firefighters made quick work of a fast moving wildfire near the Grapevine.Crews contained the fire at 77 acres, according to the Kern County Fire Department.The fire was started by lightning that struck an oak tree.The crew on Engine-356 responded from the Lebec Fire Station. E-356 was the first ground unit on scene of the fire.
  Access was made through Tejon Ranch property.Ground crews were supported by three helicopters, including KCFD Helicopter 407 and Helic
  
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• Video shows rain-flooded Bakersfield intersection

  22-07-2015 02:08
  
  Eyewitness News viewer Francis Reyes shared this video of cars driving through a flooded intersection in Bakersfield.
  
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• Job Fair in Taft Wednesday for solar jobs

  22-07-2015 01:38
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- People in Taft will have a chance to start a new career during a job fair, according to Supervisor David Couch's office.The fair is tomorrow, Wednesday July 22, 2015 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Kern County Department of Human Services, at 119 North 10th Street.No experience is necessary for these solar installation jobs.Kern County 4th District Supervisor David Couch and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 428 will co-host a job recruitment event in Ta
  
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• Lightning sparks fire east of Grapevine

  22-07-2015 01:30
  
  A lightning-strike fire consumed more than 70 acres Tuesday on Tejon Ranch property.
  
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• Man shot, killed inside police station

  22-07-2015 01:10
  
  An official says a man was shot and killed by police inside a California police station after he tried to grab a gun from an officer.
  
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• US marshal on trial in Los Angeles man's fatal shooting

  22-07-2015 01:09
  
  Trial has begun for a deputy U.S. marshal who fatally shot a Los Angeles man in an alley after a night of drinking.
  
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• Bakersfield man wins $50,000 jackpot

  22-07-2015 00:44
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield man has won $50,000 over the weekend while playing at Eagle Mountain Casino on a generous slot machine.Casino officials say Richard was playing the 777 Double Jackpot machine when it hit a $50,000 jackpot early Sunday morning.  That adds to the combined winnings of $150,000 plus in jackpots for the month of July at Eagle Mountain Casino.
   
  
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• Bakersfield man accused of laser strike, owning bombs

  22-07-2015 00:14
  
  A Bakersfield man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly striking a green laser at the Kern County Sheriff's Office helicopter and possessing seven homemade bombs.
  
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• Man indicted for possessing 7 bombs

  22-07-2015 00:06
  
  Earlier today an indictment was unsealed charging Pablo Cesar Sahagun, 26, of Bakersfield, in connection with laser strikes of a police helicopter and possessing seven bombs, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2015.
  
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• Local man indicted for laser strikes on KCSO helicopter

  22-07-2015 00:06
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A Bakersfield man has been indicted in connection with laser strikes on a KCSO helicopter and the possession of 7 bombs.  The U.S. Attorney's office in a news release says the indictment charging Pablo Cesar Sahagun, 26, of Bakersfield, was returned by a federal grand jury last week. Sahagun was charged with aiming the beam of a green laser pointer at Air-1, a Kern County Sheriff’s Office helicopter. Court records indicate, the laser pointer was key activated a
  
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