LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS

Friday, April 3rd, 2020

Many Kern County families, following the state's stay at home order, are also scrambling for the money they need to stay in their homes. In California, and 25 other states in addition to Washington, D.C., any tenant or homeowner who's income has been impacted by COVID-19 is eligible for delayed rent or mortgage payments. They should declare this in writing within a week after their payment is due, and have until the end of May to make the payments.

The Kern County Public Health Services have confirmed, as of yesterday afternoon that

Positives Detected Among Kern Residents: around 160

Positives Detected Among Non-Residents: 3

Number of Deaths: 1

Number of Negative Tests: 2,406

Number of Pending Tests*: 1,546

Number of Total Tests*: 4110

Several residents were seen exercising in close proximity to each other inside a Bakersfield gym that has kept its doors open amid a COVID-19 pandemic. All fitness facilities open to the public are considered a non-essential business, according to state guidelines. While the majority of non-essential businesses have closed, according to officials, some, like the Health & Strength Gym off 21st Street, continue to remain open. Management at the gym declined to comment about their operations and have shown no signs of closing. But, according to health officials, that may soon change.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will restrict water shutoffs to homes and small businesses while the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order protects consumers who may not be able to pay for their water service from shutoffs. Additionally, the executive order will restore water for occupied residences that may have had their water shut off as of March 4, 2020, which is when the Governor proclaimed a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

The Sequoia National Forest announced that they will be closing down their developed recreation sites until April 30. These areas include cabin rentals, day-use areas, public restrooms and other recreation facilities. They say that refunds for reservations made during the closure period will be issued. Other activities such as hiking, fishing, and dispersed camping, remain available to the public where weather conditions allow.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles today announced that seniors 70 and older with an expiring driver license will receive a 120-day extension in the mail during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents can now file complaints of businesses not following stay-at-home orders with Kern County Public Health.

Residents can make the complaints using a new map feature on the KCPH website. They can use the red “I want to…” button at the top to report a complaint. You can also click on dots representing various businesses across Kern County to see if there are any complaints filed against them. No violations have been listed on the site as of now.

Some are doing alright. Tesla's sales of its increasingly popular electric cars got off to fast start this year, even though the company had to slam the brakes along with other major automakers last month because of worldwide efforts to contain the worst pandemic in a century. The Palo Alto, California, company delivered 88,400 vehicles during the first three months of the year, based on preliminary numbers released Thursday.

Thursday, April 2nd, 2020

It is nice to find positives coming out of this dire situation. In Bakersfield, you can look outside and you might notice something a little different. The air quality in the Central San Joaquin valley. Over the past several weeks, air quality has shown noticeable improvements. This is certainly a wonderful situation for those suffering respiratory conditions. The only down side is that you may not be able to stare directly at the sun during sunsets. Oh well.

During this time when we see the best in people, we sadly also continue to see the worst. A Red Cross trailer loaded with emergency supplies has been stolen from a Southern California office of the organization. Police say two men in a Nissan Frontier pickup truck drove into a Red Cross parking lot in Riverside on Sunday, pried a lock, connected the trailer to their truck and left.

The Democratic National Committee is delaying its presidential nominating convention until the week of Aug. 17 after prospective nominee Joe Biden said he didn't think it would be possible to hold a normal convention in mid-July because of the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been adjustments made here in our Valley. Kern Transit has dropped some regular route service in the KRV and has got to a Dial-A-Ride service. The routes from the Veterans and Senior Center to Bakersfield and to Ridgecrest are continuing for the time being.

There are many volunteers here that are willing to help you with grocery shopping and running other errands. Information about the group, as well as the phone number to contact them is listed on the home page of our website at www.kernriverradio.com. We have also posted a list of restaurants and deli's that are offering take out service with some even offering delivery. It is all at www.kernriverradio.com .

As of late yesterday, Kern Public Health has updated today's totals and is now reporting 126 positive COVID-19 cases. This total does not include 3 positive cases of non Kern County residents. The current totals from Public Health:

126 positive cases among Kern residents

3 positive cases of non Kern County residents

1 COVID-19 related death

2,115 negative test results

1,396 pending tests

April 1 is Census Day, and the Kern Complete Count Committee is urging everyone to respond to the Census through the phone or online. This is crucial after door-to-door Census operations have halted due to the coronavirus. While the KCCC urges the residents of Kern to continue to shelter in place and to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it encourages every household to complete their census forms as soon as possible.

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools and local school districts announced Tuesday they will extend their “Grab and Go” meal service during spring break holiday. Meal services will be provided Monday through Thursday, April 6-9. There will be no meal services on Good Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13. Normal daily meal services will resume on Tuesday, April 14. Parents and students can check online for school meal locations and times.

Background checks required to buy firearms have spiked to record numbers in the past month, fueled by a run on guns from Americans panicked about their safety during the coronavirus crisis. According to figures from the FBI, there were 3.7 million background checks done in March — the most for a single month since the system began in 1998. It eclipsed the previous record, set in December 2015, when 3.3 million checks were conducted.

The decision has been made that California Schools will not reopen this academic year. Even though school campuses are closed, that does not mean school is closed for the rest of the year. There is still distance learning going on from home.

Wednesday, April 1st, 2020

If you are currently out of work, there are many essential services that have openings. Grocery stores, food and goods distributors, and many more. Scour the internet locally to find out what may be available.

California's governor reached out to retired doctors and medical and nursing students to help during an anticipated surge of coronavirus patients. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an order Monday waiving certain professional licensing and certification requirements to allow health care facilities to staff at least an additional 50,000 hospital beds. In the last four days, hospitalizations of coronavirus patients in California have doubled, and the number of patients in intensive care has tripled.

As business surges at retail stores during the COVID-19 pandemic, some of them are setting aside Easter Sunday as a break for their employees. Target and Costco have announced they will be closed April 12th.

The temporay total of confirmed Corona Virus cases in Kern County has risen to 107. The vast majority are located in West Bakersfield, with still only two attributed to the Mountain areas. Continue social distancing and stay home unless you absolutely have to go somewhere. Thanks again to all the workers manning the grocery stores, gas stations, hardware stores, and restaurant workers providing take out and delivery service.

We have a list of Valley eateries that are offering take out. Some even offering delivery service. You'll find that list on the home page of our site at www.kernriverradio.com And if there is something you would like to let our community know regarding this time, message us at Kern River Radio dot com, and we will be happy to help get the message out.

As of Tuesday, 32 states and the District of Columbia had implemented some form of stay-at-home order to enforce social distancing and help slow the spread of the coronavirus. With public health and safety on the line, many state orders have specified penalties for violating the orders, including fines and even prison time. Other states have gone further to enforce restrictions and have started police patrols and set up checkpoints to stop interstate travelers.

Although schools are closed, students continue learning. Kern County Superintendent of schools has been working with school districts across the county to problem solve and address the needs of the students. In 2020, most students are waking up in their classroom. COVID-19 has turned their homes into schools and this new way of learning has its own growing pains. Schools across Kern County are making a significant adjustment to ensure every student gets an equal opportunity to learn.

As of yesterday, Kern County Corona Virus cases rose to 98. It cerainly expected to go up from there before leveling off. The best thing anyone can do is adhere to social distancing, frequent hand washing, and staying home as much as you can. There are those that are selfish enough to feel the recommendations don't pertain to them, but they do. For the protection of not only yourself, but for the well being of others, heed the suggestions and we'll ge through this together.

There are many local residents here in the KRV that are volunteering to run errands so that you may stay sequestered at home. There are many eateries in the KRV that are staying open to offer take out and delivery services. For that information, you can log onto www.kernriverradio.com and find contacts and information on the home page. If you know of something that will benefit people here, notify us so that we may help spread the word. Send information charlie@kernriverradio.com.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order that will provide tax, regulatory and licensing extensions for businesses. The executive order allows the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to offer a 90-day extension for tax returns and tax payments for all businesses filing a return for less than $1 million in taxes. That means small businesses will have until the end of July to file their first-quarter returns.

Tuesday, March 31st, 2020

CNN anchor Chris Cuomo says he’s been diagnosed with COVID-19. Cuomo made the announcement Tuesday morning on Twitter, saying that he was exposed to people in recent days who had also tested positive for the coronavirus.

Kern County public safety and health officials are strongly encouraging the community to sign up for Smart911 as COVID-19 continues to spread in the communities. Smart911 is a free national safety profile registry that will provide 911 and first responders critical medical information about you and your family. To sign up, visit the Smart911’s website or download the Smart911 app in the Apple Store or Google Play.

Monday officials held a press conference to let residents know, public safety, trash and sewer maintenance would still be priorities for the county and city. Airports will remain open and fully functional unless the FAA issues different instructions. Fire and Sheriff emergency services will be fully staffed. Substations will remain open unless the courts close. In case of an emergency, call 911.

It is difficult to keep up with accurate numbers but, during the Kern County Board of Supervisors Tuesday meeting, it was announced that there are now 84 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Kern County, including 2 positive cases among non-residents. According to Kern County Public Health , there are 1,781 negative tests and 979 pending tests, bringing a total of 2,844 tests.

You may have noticed that many businesses in the KRV have installed plexiglass windows at their counters for the protection of employees. Despite popular belief, they are not putting in a salad bar.

President Donald Trump signed the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief bill hours after House voted to approve it on Friday. The main focus of the bill is to help preserve the economy and health care system wrecked by the coronavirus pandemic. Part of the $2.2 trillion will be used to send money to millions of Americans suffering financially because of coronavirus stay-at-home orders. The one-time direct payments of $1,200 per adult making up to $75,000 a year and $2,400 to a married couple making up to $150,000, plus $500 payments per child under 17, will be sent within the next few weeks.

It's frustrating. U.S. gasoline prices have dropped to their lowest levels in four years, and they are almost sure to go lower as oil prices plunge. Price-tracking services put the national average Monday around $2 a gallon. Some stations were spotted charging under a dollar. But don't expect a stampede to the pumps. Demand is weak because so many Americans are under shelter-in-place rules and businesses have been shuttered because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Tthe Kern County Public Health Services announced they had declared a local health emergency Monday morning. This allows for implementing plans and resources for health care needs. The Kern County Board of Supervisors will need to approve it today.

We have been informed by Southern California Edison that they need to do some upgrades and will be cutting power to our studio address between 11 am and 1 pm today. We will do our best to keep things on the air, but should we go off, we'll be back. It may turn out to be an extra long lunch break.

Monday, March 30th, 2020

Amazon says it removed more than "half a million" items from its platform and suspended nearly 4,000 accounts due to price gouging amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While Amazon does sell many of its own products on the site, "about half" of the items sold by the online retailer are sold by third parties who set their own prices. Company regulations prevent sellers from exploiting emergencies by selling "excessively" high prices on essentials.

As the coronavirus pandemic overwhelms the health care industry, family doctors are finding new ways to treat patients. The in-person checkup now usually involves masks, gloves and gowns, but many physicians are switching to high-tech house calls including tele-medicine.

A reminder that our transfer station here in the KRV has changed hours of operation to Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm on those days. We are fortunate they are operating at all.

A group of volunteers are still helping local residents with grocery shopping, running errands, picking up prescriptions and other necessities during this time. They are the KRV Covid-19 Healthy Shopping Resource. They could also use volunteers and donations to pay for gas. Only call if you really need their service. You may contact them by calling 442 218-91-71. The number is posted on the home page of our website at www.kernriverradio.com. You will also find a list on our website of local eateries that are open to offer take out, with some offering delivery.

The Kern Regional Transit will change its schedule starting March 30. All local fixed routes in the Kern River Valley area have been suspended effective immediately. Instead it will offer curb-to-curb Dial-a-Ride service. Additional buses will be added if needed. Route 150 (Lake Isabella – Bakersfield) and Route 227 (Lake Isabella – Ridgecrest) will continue to operate on their regular schedule.

The coronavirus pandemic is defining around the globe what is considered essential and what things we really can't do without, even though we might not need them for survival. Those essentials differ from country to country. In France, essentials include pastries and wine, and in the US, it's golf and guns.

According to the Kern County Public Health Department, there are 46 people who have tested positive for the Coronavirus. Yesterday, the first Coronavirus-related death was announced in Kern County. Public Health says there are currently 936 test that are pending.

There those....well....people.....who will try to take advantage during a time of crisis. It is important you let the District Attorney's office if you have witnessed any price gouging of essential items. There is also a lot of talk about Federal checks coming to companies and individuals. Know that the IRS has all the information they need to directly deposit or mail you a check. If someone phones, claiming to be from the IRS, give them NO personal information and simply hang up on them.

Country legend Joe Diffie has passed at the age of 61 due to complications from Covid-19. It was reported that other factors contributed to his death.

Until yesterday, there were no reports of Corona Virus cases in the Mountain communities of Kern County. Now, Kern Public Health is saying they have confirmed 2 cases from mountain towns as of yesterday afternoon. Keep in mind that those designated mountain areas include Frazier Park, Tehachapi, and other areas including the Kern River Valley. They have not specified which area. In total, four more cases in Kern County were confirmed yesterday. Our Kern Valley Hospital has tested people and NO tests have come back positive.

It is interesting to note that anyone found intentionally spreading the Corona Virus, will be considered domestic terrorists. As much as we would like to think this cound never happen, there are those out there that would weaponize the situation.

Here locally, many business are open for business and are taking precautions. Most local eateries are offering food to go, and some offering that plus delivery. Call and ask. We will all do our best to keep our local economy flowing.

Friday, March 27th. 2020

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will close all field offices to the public statewide beginning today, according to a press release. Employees will return on Wednesday, April 1 to process transactions and begin training on the DMV Virtual Field Office.

The Kern County Board of Supervisors will change the way it will include public comments in its meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meetings will no longer be physically open to the public during the California’s Stay-at-Home orders. People can still watch the meetings on T.V. or online.

America’s Job Center is available for anyone facing unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This free service is available for people in Kern, Inyo and Mono counties. The latest resources and information are available for people who have lost their job or have reduced work hours.

With the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Kern County, there are no reports of any cases in the mountain communities like Ridgecrest, Frazier Park, or here in the Kern River Valley. Keep doing the right thing and we'll get through this together.

Edward Air Force Base announced Friday it has moved to Health Protection Condition Charlie, its second-highest setting for all Defense Department installations, amid the coronavirus.

The transfer station is now open each Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm on those days only.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom says four of the nation's largest banks have agreed to temporarily suspend mortgage payments for those affected by the coronavirus. Wells Fargo, US Bank, Citi and JP Morgan Chase have all agreed to waive mortgage payments for 90 days, Newsom said. Bank of America has agreed to a 30-day suspension, he said. More than 1 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits since March 13.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office had two deadly officer-involved shootings in Mojave over the course of three days. Three men have died of gunshot wounds. One on Monday and the other two shooting deaths happened yesterday.

If you're wondering where you can get some food to go, or get it delivered, we have posted a list on the home page of our website at Kern River Radio.com. A few eateries that are offering take out in Lake Isabella are Dick Weeds and Dam Corner , Chester's Chicken in the Crossroads market, and Barnes Bargains. In Mtn. Mesa take out is available at the Mtn. Mesa Market and others. In Kernville, Cheryl's diner which also offers delivery between 11 am and 2 pm from Riverkern to Wofford Heights.

A business owner who had been warned against price gouging went to a big box store to purchase surgical masks then sold them for double their original price, police said. The case against the owner of Delano Super Plus has been sent to the District Attorney’s office for review, according to Delano police. The DA’s office is investigating multiple cases of alleged price gouging that have been reported since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.

The DA’s office is investigating multiple cases of alleged price gouging that have been reported since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Effective immediately, all local fixed routes in the Kern River Valley area have been suspended. In their place, Kern Transit is offering curb-to-curb Dial-a-Ride service with additional buses as needed. Route 150 (Lake Isabella – Bakersfield) and Route 227 (Lake Isabella – Ridgecrest) will continue to operate on their regular schedule, the company said.

And just when you thought this situation could not possibly get worse, "Baby Shark Live!" at Mechanics Bank Arena has been cancelled. (it's important to keep a sense of humor)

Thursday, March 26th, 2020

We all know there is a lot of bad news out there right now, and it can be mentally taxing. The Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS) crisis line usually gets around 100 calls a day, but lately, they're getting more. "40 to 50 more a day just on COVID-19 on our hotline," said Bill Walker, Director of KernBHRS. The last couple of weeks have been challenging, with over 1 million people filing for unemployment in California, most live entertainment being put on halt, and everyone being told to stay inside. the behavioral health hotline is 1-800-991-5272.

Not to jinx anything, but so far, there are NO Covid 19 cases diagnosed in the mountain or desert communities of Kern County. Right now, there are approximately 23 cases within Kern County attributed to the San Joquin Valley, and West and East Bakerfield. Our more remote area and the fact that we're adhering to social distancing and limiting public contact is certainly helping. Keep it up.

It's important you know that if you need medical attention, the Kern Valley Hospital and the Mtn. View Health Center are still very much available. Precautionary measures are in place, so it's best if you call ahead. Anyone experiencing physical distress will be admitted to the Emergency Department to be treated.

A large asteroid estimated to be between 1.1 and 2.5 miles wide is set to pass by Earth on April 29, but NASA reassures it's not expected to collide with our planet. NASA reported if the asteroid was to hit Earth it would cause "global effects", but again there's no concern of impact.

A roughly $2.2 trillion package that would rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic was passed by the Senate on Wednesday night. The package includes loans and guarantees to businesses, state and local governments: $500 billion. Includes up to $50 billion for passenger airlines, $8 billion for cargo carriers, $17 billion for “businesses critical to maintaining national security.” This bill passed by a vote of 96 to 0.

Our Kern Valley transfer station is operating on a limited schedule. It's open for self haul only on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm on those days.

Los Angeles County health officials have backtracked on their announcement that a child died from the coronavirus, saying it’s possible the death was caused by something else. The unidentified child from the city of Lancaster was among four new deaths.

California's governor is warning the state may have a lot less money to spend because of the coronavirus. Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration on Tuesday told state agencies that a severe drop in economic activity means they should not expect full funding for new or existing proposals.

Pressure was mounting on the Trump administration Wednesday to release people from immigration detention facilities where at least one detainee has tested positive for COVID-19 and advocates fear tight quarters and overall conditions could cause rapid spread of the virus.

Millions of Americans could receive direct payments from the government within a few weeks and receive other benefits under a massive stimulus package. But there are still some hurdles to clear before economic relief makes its way into people’s pockets. Under the Senate bill, all individual adults with a 2019 adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less would be eligible for $1,200 rebates and couples with joint income under $150,000 would get $2,400.

With a total exceeding 19 cases of Covid-19, we can feel fortunate here in the Kern River Valley in that we have had no cases diagnosed. As a matter of fact, there have been 0 cases in the mountain or desert communities in Kern County. Continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and try not to go stir crazy staying at home as much as you can.

All essential services are still up and running like grocery, convenience, and hardware stores. All of the restaurants in the KRV may not be serving, however most are offering take out services, and some even offering delivery. Call around and find out.

There is a local group of volunteers called the KRV Covid-19 Healthy Shopping Resource. They are people willing to help you out with grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, and many other chores you may be unable to do during this time. You can reach them by calling 442 218-9171. 442 218-91-71. By the way, they could always use more volunteers and donations to help fund the service they are providing.

Wednesday, March 25th, 2020

The Kern County crisis hotline is staying open. While other county offices are closing and scaling back, mental health professionals are ready to help. At the Kern County crisis hotline, they want you to know, right now, stress and anxiety is okay. If you feel the need, the phone number is 800 991-52-72. 800 991 5272.

The Trump administration announced it will crack down on individuals and businesses trying to profiteer from the COVID-19 pandemic. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday to prohibit the hoarding of certain items that could threaten the medical supply chain, including medical equipment or supplies like hand sanitizers and face masks.

California is scrambling to obtain protective gear for healthcare workers and first responders. Officials are reaching out worldwide and working with people in the state to ratchet up production as the coronavirus outbreak sweeps the nation's most populous state. Gov. Gavin Newsom says California is looking at ways to acquire gloves, gowns, surgical masks and face shields.

California has eased the rules on restaurants selling alcoholic beverages for pickup to delivery, but there are some rules. The California Highway Patrol is reminding residents that buying and picking-up alcohol from restaurants must be done so in a very specific way. If the alcohol is packaged by the restaurant, the container must be secured. This means, no sipping hole or hole for straw readily available. The container must be transported in the vehicle’s trunk; or, if there is no trunk, the container may be kept in some other area of the vehicle that is not normally occupied by the driver or passengers.

The White House and Senate leaders announced a $2 trillion pandemic response measure on Wednesday that includes sending checks directly to people across the country impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The package provides one-time payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child under the age of 17. Married couples will receive $2,400. However, payments phase out for individuals making more than $75,000. For every $100 you earn above the limit, payment drops by $5.

Universal Studios has extended closures through April 19 in response to rising COVID-19 concerns. Both Universal Hollywood and Orlando as well as Universal CityWalk at both locations and the Universal Orlando Resort have temporarily closed for the duration of this time.

This may have changed since late yesterday afternoon, but Kern County Public Health Services Department has confirmed that a fourteenth Kern County resident has tested positive for COVID-19 and lives in East Bakersfield . Public Health is investigating this case to determine potential exposure sources and contacts this individual had. This individual is recovering at home.

A 90-year-old woman who contracted COVID-19 at a long-term care facility in Washington state is now “coronavirus free,” according to her family. Geneva Wood was among the dozens of Life Care Center residents who were diagnosed with the illness beginning in late-February. At least 23 people died as a result of the outbreak at the facility, according to the (CDC).

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has been on a wild ride in recent weeks, with record drops and record gains becoming the norm. On Tuesday, the market had another record day. On Tuesday, the index gained more than 2,000 points for the first time in the history of the index, climbing back above 20,000 points to finish the day at 20,685. Overall, the Dow has lost about 8,000 points in the last six weeks.

President Donald Trump is weighing how to refine nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job amid the coronavirus outbreak. — With lives and the economy hanging in the balance, President Donald Trump is weighing how to refine nationwide social-distancing guidelines to put some workers back on the job amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Amazon has begun delaying the delivery of some items it has deemed "non-essential" as the online retailer shifts its business strategy to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Amazon said it would only stock items in six essential categories in its warehouses through early April. Those categories include baby products, health and household, beauty and personal care, grocery, industrial and scientific and pet supplies.

Tuesday, March 24th, 2020

Two people were shot and killed in east Bakersfield Monday night. Police said around 8:05 p.m. they were called to a report of a shooting. That's when police said they observed a car speeding northbound on Cottonwood Road. When they pulled over the car, they found that a shooting victim was being driven to the hospital, that man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they found a second man at a nearby location, who was pronounced dead at the scene as well. Police said this incident appears to be gang-related.

The IOC announced a first-of-its-kind postponement of the Summer Olympics on Tuesday, bowing to the realities of a coronavirus pandemic that is shutting down daily life around the globe and making planning for a massive worldwide gathering in July a virtual impossibility. The International Olympic Committee said the Tokyo Games “must be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but not later than summer 2021.

On March 23, at 2:31 p.m., deputies from the Mojave Substation responded to a report of disturbance involving a female and her adult son. Officers determined the female was a victim of an assault and received information there were multiple firearms inside the residence. Officers then obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect, a 50-year-old male. After multiple attempts to get the suspect to surrender, the suspect did not respond. As officers tried to serve the warrant, the suspect shot at the officers from inside the home. Officers returned fire and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

A reminder that Kern High School District, Kernville Union Elementary District, and the South Fork Union District are offering free lunches and breakfast meal to students between the ages of 2 and 18 that are enrolled in any of those districts. The meal distributions happen Monday through Friday at the schools from 11 am to 1 pm. The student must be present to receive the meals.

This past weekend, many young people took advantage of the beautiful spring weather and rushed to the outdoors. At beaches and parks, not everyone heeded calls to practice social distancing, prompting Newsom to call them out. The Governor said “Those young people are still out there on the beaches thinking it's time to party. It's time to grow up, time to wake up. Time to recognize that it's not just about the old folks, it's about your impact on their lives. Don't be selfish.”

Italy has recorded a smaller day-to-day increase in new coronavirus cases for the second straight day, officials said while cautioning it was too soon to know if the worst is behind the country with the world's second-biggest caseload. Data released by Italy's Civil Protection agency on Monday showed 4,789 new cases, nearly 700 fewer than the day-to-day increase of 5,560 new cases reported Sunday.

The Kern County Kern County Treasurer and Tax Collector has released a statement regarding upcoming property tax deadlines and solutions for those struggling due to COVID-19. The treasurer said they understand that this is a very stressful time, especially for those suffering direct effects from this public health crisis, and my office is committed to helping in any way we can. Kern County property owners affected by the COVID-19 virus may have late penalties canceled if they are unable to pay their property taxes by the April 10 deadline.

The Kern County Department of Human Services is making several new changes to benefit programs due to the growing COVID-19 outbreak. Beginning yesterday, temporary allowances are being implemented on certain benefit programs to respond to customer’s needs, such as in-person cash and EBT over payment collections. The department said over payment collections will be suspended for 90 days. Payments should continue to be made using checks or money orders through the mail.

The number of Covid 19 cases continues to grow daily according to Kern Public Health. The social distancing and self quarantine practices must continue for the time being to slow down and halt the spread of the Corona Virus.

As of Monday, governors across all 50 states and Washington D.C. had activated more than 8,000 National Guard personnel. Those units have been tasked mostly with logistical support, including distributing food and critical medical supplies, assisting with mobile and drive-thru testing facilities and helping manage state Emergency Operations Centers.

The Tejon Indian Tribe will donate 1,400 N95 and NX95 masks to Dignity Health Mercy & Memorial Hospitals as our local medical professional help to take care of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic .

Monday, March 23rd, 2020

In an effort to help the elderly and more at risk citizens in the Kern River Valley, a group of community members have started a volunteer group to assist. The volunteers shop and run errands for the more vulnerable citizens who can't make it to the grocery stores, or take-out restaurants. Many of the volunteers are made up of displaced service workers. The goal is for them to try and maintain a similar job of food delivery. The Kern River Valley group has set up a GoFundMe account to provide prepaid gas cards to volunteer drivers to help facilitate the service. Organizers say there will be a hotline number available for people to call in the near future.

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake shook the ground Sunday night, just 23 miles outside of Ridgecrest. According to the U.S. geological survey, the earthquake occurred Sunday at 10:53 p.m. The quake occurred at a depth of 1.2 miles below the earth's surface.

PG&E will plead guilty to felony involuntary manslaughter charges related to the Camp Fire, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Camp Fire was the deadliest wildfire in state history -- 85 people died in Butte County back in 2018. PG&E was charged with 84 counts of manslaughter and one count of unlawfully causing a fire.

Three men are being treated at Kern Medical Center after receiving major injuries in a car crash on Edison Highway, east of Fairfax Road. The three men were ejected from their car and all sustained major injuries.

Bakersfield residents are loading up on ammunition and firearms in preparation for worst-case scenarios during the coronavirus pandemic. And like bathroom tissue and other commodities people stockpile when they're worried, demand is outpacing supply. Some stores have taken to limiting how much individual customers may buy, others have not.

Governor Gavin Newsom will deploy California National Guard members to provide short-term food security to isolated and vulnerable Californians. Building on Governor Newsom’s prioritization of protecting the most vulnerable from the COVID-19 pandemic, the short deployment will help to stabilize the immediate need of food banks.

Most Californians stayed at home on a Saturday that was unlike any its 40 million residents had ever seen before. Less than 48 hours after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an unprecedented stay-at-home order to help curb the coronavirus spread, shopping centers and streets were empty. Churches were closed. Playgrounds deserted. “Those young people are still out there on the beaches thinking it's time to party. It's time to grow up, time to wake up,” he said at an evening news conference. “Time to recognize that it's not just about the old folks, it's about your impact on their lives. Don't be selfish.”

Kern Public Health confirms fifth COVID-19 resident case in Kern County, bringing a total to six COVID-19 cases in the county. Health officials said they are currently investigating this case to determine potential exposure sources and contacts the patient may have had. Public Health added none of these cases are thought to be connected at this time.

The Bakersfield Police Department is trying to determine whether a man is a victim or suspect after being shot in South Bakersfield Saturday afternoon. According to BPD, two men were in the midst of a dispute, when one of them pulled out a fake gun at about 2:48 p.m. The other man pulled out a real gun and opened fire on the man. The injured man is expected to survive, according to BPD.

President Trump has approved Gov. Gavin Newsom’s request of a “major disaster” declaration, a move that authorizes federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sunshine lured crowds to California beaches and parks on Sunday despite a statewide stay-at-home order, prompting more closures as officials announced plans to ramp up testing procedures for the coronavirus. Santa Monica closed seaside parking lots to discourage people from visiting its famous strand, and Los Angeles was expected to do the same starting Monday in neighboring Venice Beach to curb the virus spread. You have to ask....What is it about this Pandemic do you not understand?