Bakersfield news

• San Joaquin Valley enjoys best July air quality in decades

  06-08-2015 23:56
  
  The San Joaquin Valley had three weeks of healthy air in July for the first time in 20 years.
  
  Read more

• US Marshals Service lends support in manhunt

  06-08-2015 23:36
  
  The US Marshals Service has lent their command center to the KCSO manhunt in Kelso Valley on Thursday.
  
  Read more

• Manhunt near Weldon now in its 9th day

  06-08-2015 23:17
  
  WELDON, Calif. - Thursday is Day 9 of a huge mountain manhunt, but as of noon there was no sign of the man authorities say killed one man, kidnapped three others and shot two sheriff’s deputies.A spokesman says it’s probably the biggest search in Kern County history.Schools in the Weldon community remain closed. On Wednesday, the U.S. Forest Service closed all trials in the area, including part of the Pacific Crest Trail in the area. That 2,600-mile-long trail runs from Canada
  
  Read more

• Kurt Rivera out at KBAK/KBFX

  06-08-2015 23:10
  
  Kurt Rivera, Evening Anchor of KBAK and KBFX has parted ways with the station, according to TVSpy.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• NB I-5 lanes closed for brush fire in LA County

  06-08-2015 23:04
  
  The California Highway Patrol reports lane closures on northbound Interstate 5 in the Castaic area because of a brush fire.
  
  Read more

• $4M settlement reached in refinery pollution lawsuit

  06-08-2015 22:38
  
  A Texas-based oil manufacturer has agreed to pay $4 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the company discharged hazardous pollutants at its refinery in Martinez.
  
  Read more

• Murder warrant issued after body found in California canal

  06-08-2015 22:35
  
  Investigators say they've obtained a warrant for the arrest a man suspected of killing a woman pulled from the California Aqueduct in Fresno County.
  
  Read more

• Body found in California canal identified as missing woman

  06-08-2015 22:35
  
  Authorities say a body pulled from the California Aqueduct in Fresno County is that of a missing Tracy, California woman, and they're seeking her longtime friend for questioning.
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Bakersfield police seek suspect in theft of work trucks

  06-08-2015 22:28
  
  Police are looking for a man suspected of stealing two work trucks from BG Ag off Panama Lane.
  
  Read more

• Kurt Rivera leaves KBAK after arrest

  06-08-2015 21:53
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- Kurt Rivera, the main male anchor at KBAK, has left the station.Cristi Jessee, News Director at KBAK, said they don't comment on personnel issues but they can confirm Rivera is no longer with the station. Jessee says they wish him the best.Rivera was arrested over a week ago on charges of spousal battery and false imprisonment.Deputies say Rivera and Mindy Morrow physically assaulted each other and Rivera damaged the alarm keypad to prevent her from calling for help.Morrow was
  
  Read more

• 'Social gaming' club raided by Bakersfield police

  06-08-2015 21:16
  
  A "social gaming" club in northeast Bakersfield was raided by police Thursday morning.
  
  Read more

• Reading program for kids seeks volunteers

  06-08-2015 21:15
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA- The Kern County Superintendent of Schools office announced today that volunteers are now being sought for the annual Kern County Community Reading Project. The project recruits and trains community members to become reading coaches for local second grade students.
  "The program is a perfect opportunity for community members who would like to make a positive impact in the lives of young students who are experiencing challenges in learning to read," said Teresa Twis
  
  Read more

• CDPH investigating human plague case

  06-08-2015 20:45
  
  The California Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that they are currently investigating a case of human plague in California. 
  
  Read more

• Local mom thankful for another woman's generosity

  06-08-2015 20:18
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A local mom is thankful for another woman's generosity late last week at the Broken Yolk Cafe in southwest Bakersfield.Jennifer Gonzalez is used to stares and glares when she's out with her five-year-old daughter Peyton, who has Down syndrome. Peyton doesn't always sit in the seat."We're trying to let her learn that when she comes to a restaurant she has to sit and behave and it doesn't always go that way but we try," said Gonzalez.
  Even though Peyton is trying,
  
  Read more

• Wallet lost during World War II returned

  06-08-2015 20:03
  
  A wallet lost overseas during World War II is now back in the hands of a veteran in the Fresno, California area. That veteran and his family recently got the surprise of a lifetime when they learned the wallet had been found. Sara Sandrik shows us how he got it back -- against all odds.
  
  Read more

• 5 things to watch for in first GOP presidential debate

  06-08-2015 19:57
  
  Ten Republican presidential hopefuls face off in the first prime-time debate of the 2016 campaign Thursday night in a clash that marks a big step forward in their quest for the nomination.
  
  Read more

• California wildfire destroys more homes, but crews advance

  06-08-2015 19:31
  
  Crews backed by important firefighting resources are gaining ground against a massive Northern California wildfire, but it may be several days before thousands of evacuees can return home, officials said Thursday.
  
  Read more

• Helicopter needed to help teen who crashed bike in remote area

  06-08-2015 19:26
  
  A 15-year-old boy crashed his mountain bike Wednesday night in a remote area.
  
  Read more

• Police: Siblings scare off would-be kidnapper

  06-08-2015 19:10
  
  A Tacoma mother got the scare of a lifetime Wednesday afternoon when a stranger tried to kidnap her 2-year-old daughter.
  
  Read more

• U.S. Marshals join Kelso Valley Manhunt

  06-08-2015 17:21
  
  The Kern County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the U.S. Marshals have now joined the search for a suspected killer in the Kelso Valley. This comes as the manhunt enters Day 9. 
  
  Read more

• One man hurt after trailer park explosion

  06-08-2015 17:01
  
  At least one person was hurt after an explosion in Southwest Bakersfield.
  
  Read more

• Man suffers burns in mobile home explosion

  06-08-2015 17:01
  
  A man received burns to 80 percent of his body and homes and cars were damaged during an explosion Thursday morning at a mobile home park on Stine Road.
  
  Read more

• Man hurt in trailer park explosion

  06-08-2015 17:01
  
  They say a man trapped inside a home was rescued by a neighbor. That victim was hospitalized after suffering from burns.
  
  Read more

• Bicyclist recovering after rescue near Golden Hills

  06-08-2015 14:20
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - A 15-year-old boy is recovering after falling nearly 25 feet on his bicycle Wednesday night in a ravine near Golden Hills.  
  Kern County Fire officials say they were given a vague location, but were able to locate the bike after hiking approximately 1/2 mile down a ravine.
  Fire officials say the bicyclist had complained of severe mid-back pain. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet when he crashed.
  Given the remoteness of the location, the Incident Commander opted to utili
  
  Read more

• Mobile home destroyed in explosion

  06-08-2015 12:10
  
  An early-morning explosion in a mobile home park off of Planz and Stine Roads destroyed one mobile home, severely damaged another and two others had moderate damage.
  
  Read more

• Explosion, fire at mobile home park in southwest Bakersfield

  06-08-2015 11:04
  
  We have a news crew at the scene of an explosion and fire at a mobile home park in southwest Bakersfield.It happened around 1 a.m. near the intersection of Stein and Planz roads. We are also hearing reports of a possible gas leak in the area.We'll update this post as more information comes in.Update: At least one person hospitalized. One unit a total loss; four others damaged.
  
  Read more

• KCSO: "Determined to catch" man suspected of kidnapping, murder

  06-08-2015 09:41
  
  Wednesday marked the 8th day of the search for a man suspected of holding three young men hostage, killing another man and seriously wounding a senior deputy.
  
  Read more

• KCSO 'determined to catch' kidnapping, murder suspect

  06-08-2015 09:41
  
  Wednesday marked the eighth day of the search for a man suspected of holding three young men hostage, killing another man and seriously wounding a sheriff's deputy.
  
  Read more

• Search for killer continues

  06-08-2015 04:58
  
  The killer's identity is still unknown, but sheriff's officials say he's dangerous and has survival skills.
  He's described as a man in his early 30s with long brown hair, possibly pulled back, wearing olive green clothing and a hat.
  Sheriff's department spokesman Ray Pruitt said, "Our hope was that somebody would recognize the sketch and give some information that would point us in the right direction."Pruitt says they believe the killer is either from the area, grew up in the area, o
  
  Read more

• Update on manhunt for killer in eastern Kern County

  06-08-2015 04:56
  
  Bakersfield - The search for a kidnapper and killer is now in its second week, in some of the roughest terrain in Kern County.
  Ray Pruitt with the Kern County Sheriff's Office said, dead or alive they won't stop until he is found. "At least three different occasions he's broken into homes in the area and been able to obtain supplies" said Pruitt.
  The manhunt is inflicting fear on a community that wasn't fearful before. Yolanda Ochoa lives in Kelso Valley. "We're kinda scared
  
  Read more

• High school football previews: 2015 BHS Drillers

  06-08-2015 04:23
  
  The BHS Drillers are under the spotlight in this edition of Countdown to Hometown Sports, a team-by-team preview of Kern County's high school football teams for the 2015 season.
  
  Read more

• Health department shuts down east Bakersfield motel

  06-08-2015 04:19
  
  The building, located on South Union Avenue, was deemed unsafe to occupy by health and building inspectors.
  
  Read more

• With manhunt underway, murder victim's family shares loss

  06-08-2015 03:55
  
  Murder victim's family speaks to Eyewitness News about their loss.
  
  Read more

• Good and bad news at Bakersfield water meeting

  06-08-2015 03:31
  
  While the conservation numbers were pretty good, the actual amount of water on hand continues to be a cause of concern.
  
  Read more

• Inside the mind of the suspected killer

  06-08-2015 03:22
  
  Eight days into the Kelso Valley manhunt, it has now been four days since deputies have had any contact with the suspect.
  
  Read more

• KGET employee will not be charged following arrest.

  06-08-2015 03:02
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Kern County District Attorney's Office says it will not file charges against a KGET employee arrested during a probation search.
  The local chapter of the NAACP held a rally in downtown Bakersfield Tuesday night for Monte Wilson, calling his arrest unjust.Wilson produces commercials and promotionial videos here at TV-17.He was arrested July 23 on suspicion of conspiracy to participate in a criminal street gang, receiving stolen propertyand being a street gang membe
  
  Read more

• 23ABC exclusive interview with KCSO Sheriff

  06-08-2015 02:53
  
  As the manhunt continues for a suspected killer in Jawbone Canyon and the Kelso Valley area, 23ABC caught up with Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood for a one-on-one interview.
  
  Read more

• Thief steals local photo-op

  06-08-2015 02:50
  
  The owner of a free little library discovered her decorative bike was stolen overnight.
  
  Read more

• Local teacher up for big award and needs your vote

  06-08-2015 02:38
  
  BAKERSFIELD, Calif.- A local teacher is up for a national award that will also benefit her students and you could help her win.Ms. Jolie Brouttier from McKinley Elementary School is a top runner for the "Raise a Hand for Teachers."
  The award recognized educators who have made a difference in children's lives.
  Three teachers will receive $2,500 in classroom supplies and an additional $500 to shop for back to school clothes for themselves.You have until August 3rd to cast your vote
  
  Read more

• Bettman: NHL outdoor games 'far from being overdone'

  06-08-2015 02:34
  
  There's no reason for the NHL not to keep holding outdoor games each season, Commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday.
  
  Read more

• California commissions votes for bobcat trapping ban

  06-08-2015 02:22
  
  The ban was approved Wednesday in a 3-2 vote but still needs approvalfrom the state Office of Administrative Law and the secretary of state.
  
  Read more

• Billionaire wants oil refiners to disclose California profit

  06-08-2015 01:30
  
  During the month of July, drivers in California paid $1.2 billion more than the rest of the nation for gas, according to Consumer Watchdog's analysis. That figure is based on the amount paid per gallon in California compared to the national price average.
  
  Read more

• California pays off $14 billion in costly debt from 2004

  06-08-2015 01:22
  California closed an ugly chapter in its financial history on Wednesday by making its final payment on $14.2 billion in costly borrowing that plugged a budget deficit 11 years ago but eventually cost taxpayers about $5 billion in interest and fees.
  
  Read more

• Rohnert Park investigates officer after he pulls gun on unarmed man

  06-08-2015 01:21
  
  City officials are investigating an incident where an officer is seen on video drawing his gun on a man who wasn't accused of committing a crime.
  
  Read more

• LA County jails to be under court oversight for mentally ill

  06-08-2015 01:17
  
  The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with Los Angeles County and its Sheriff's Department that will bring its jails under court oversight to address the treatment of mentally ill inmates.
  
  Read more

• Police: Two women, man accused of possessing stolen car

  06-08-2015 00:35
  
  BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield police are asking the public's help in identifying and locating two women and a man wanted for possession of a stolen vehicle.
  Police say on the night of July 2, suspect #1 abandoned the victim’s stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the AM/PM at 2698 Mt. Vernon Av.
  Suspects #2 and #3 arrive in a green minivan to pick suspect #1 up. The suspects unload items from the victim vehicle into the minivan and flee. The suspects are described as: #1 –
  
  Read more

• Forest Service closes portion of PCT for manhunt

  06-08-2015 00:33
  
  U.S Forest Service officials have closed a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail and access to the Piute Mountain area as deputies continue with the Kelso Valley manhunt.
  
  Read more

• Man arraigned for railroad worker's murder

  06-08-2015 00:32
  
  A man was arraigned Wednesday for his suspected role in an alleged love-triangle murder.
  
  Read more

Follow @Bakersfield_Nws on Twitter!