LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019

Holiday travelers returning to California from the Las Vegas area caused a severe backup lasting for more than 20 miles. The westbound lanes of Interstate 15 moved at a trickle Sunday as the Thanksgiving holiday weekend wrapped up. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada says the backup reached 21 miles Sunday afternoon.

Shopping from the comfort of your home may feel safe and easy to do, but there are many risks with online shopping that shoppers need to be aware of this Cyber Monday. Before putting in your credit card information and checking out your shopping cart make sure you are on a secure website. Ward said you'll know this when the web address starts with "HTTPS." If it's just HTTP it's not a secure website, usually there is a lock icon that goes with along with it.

The Kern County coroner has identified the body found in East Bakersfield on Sunday as 27-year-old Angel Melendez. According to officials, Melendez's body was found in the area of 12000 Breckenridge Road. KCSO said that Melendez's body was found with multiple gunshot wounds. No arrests have been made.

Now that people have done some of their Christmas shopping over the holiday weekend, charities hope consumers won’t leave them out of the gift-giving tradition. The Tuesday after the Thanksgiving weekend has traditionally been designated as Giving Tuesday, a national movement that kicks off the charitable season and encourages consumers to donate — either in person or online — to the organizations that give back to their communities every year.

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Monday, December 2nd, 2019

Wintry weather bedeviled Thanksgiving weekend travelers across the United States Saturday as a powerful and dangerous storm moved eastward, dumping heavy snow from parts of California to the northern Midwest and inundating other areas with rain. A 5-year-old boy died and two other children were missing in central Arizona after a vehicle was swept away while attempting to cross a runoff-swollen creek. A storm-related death also was reported in South Dakota. High winds and ice were making travel almost impossible in some other places.

Here in the Kern River Valley, we can expect scattered sprinkle today and tonight, but temperatures are warming bringing in the chance of rain through Wednesday.

Our thanks to those that braved the chilling temps and attended the Lake Isabella Christmas Parade on Saturday. Special thanks to the participants that made it possible. See you next year, hopefully with friendlier weather.

Today of course is Cyber Monday with tones of great online deals. We wish you good connections and that the site your shopping can handle the load. Many websites began getting over run as of Friday.

We at Kern River Radio are attempting to get up to Cook Peak to restore operations to our FM stations on 102.5 and 104.5. Power and control was lost Thanksgiving morning when the heavy weather came through. We appreciate your patience. You can still listen online at Kern River Radio dot com.

You might be paying a little bit more for your Christmas tree this season, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

Their researchers found a 20% spike in the purchase of real Christmas trees and a 12% rise in artificial trees in 2018. According to USA Today, the price raise means that consumers are paying anywhere from "a few bucks to $10 more" for their trees this season.

Wednesday, November 27th, 2019

A small series of earthquakes ranging from 2.5 to 3.1 magnitude shook the areas of Ridgecrest and Trona Monday. A 3.1M quake just before 11 a.m. Later that day, a 3.6M quake hit south of Trona. That quake sruck around 4:06 p.m. Minutes later, around 4:09 p.m. a magnitude 2.5 quake shook the same area.

Rain and snow are expected to coat the Grapevine on Thanksgiving, forcing many Kern County families to either leave for their travels earlier than expected, or cancel their out-of-town plans. "AAA expects to come to the roadside rescue of 100,000 stranded drivers in California alone," Doug Shupe, a AAA spokesperson, said. And it's not just in our region. A strong storm expected to drop up to a foot of snow in parts of Colorado and Wyoming on Tuesday prompted airlines to issue travel alerts and the National Weather Service to issue blizzard and wintry weather warnings from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes.

The Lake Isabella Christmas Parade is happening this Saturday on Lake Isabella Boulevard. Find a spot along the road and the parade will begin at 11AM.

On June 22, 2019, an 11-year-old female was swept away by the Kern River in the Keysville area. The flow of the river at the time was approximately 4,000 cubic feet per second. Teams from Kern Valley Search and Rescue spent countless hours to locate and recover her body over the following months. On this past weekend, approximately 60 volunteers from various Kern County SAR teams arrived to help. KCSO also arranged for mutual aid from the Office of Emergency Services to send cadaver dogs/handlers from the California Rescue Dog Association. Unfortunately, they were unable to locate the body.

Most of the thousands of people who fled a raging California wildfire in the mountains north of Santa Barbara were told they could return home yesterdayas an approaching storm offered hope the flames would be doused. The blaze had blackened more than 6.5 square miles of the rugged Santa Ynez Mountains, but most of that acreage was scorched in its first hours Monday.

The search continues for any suspects connected to a shooting at the Valley Plaza Mall Monday night where hundreds were sent scrambling as shots rang out. The suspect, described as a black man in a grey sweatshirt, pulled out a gun and started firing before taking off. Two men, 20 and 15 years old, suffered gunshot injuries.

Pacific Gas and Electric said it is monitoring storm conditions and its potential impact for service in Kern County. According to a news release sent out yesterday afternoon, PG&E officials said the storm is already impacting northern California. They anticipate our snow levels to reach down to the 2000-3000 foot range.

Tuesday, November 26th, 2019

A small series of earthquakes ranging from 2.5 to 3.1 magnitude shook the areas of Ridgecrest and Trona yesterday. A 3.1M quake just before 11 a.m. Later that day, a 3.6M quake hit south of Trona. That quake sruck around 4:06 p.m. Minutes later, around 4:09 p.m. a magnitude 2.5 quake shook the same area.

Bakersfield Police Department Chief Lyle Martin says two people were shot Monday night at the Valley Plaza mall during a "physical altercation between two groups." Martin said the incident was not an active shooter situation. The shooting occurred about 6 p.m. near the food court, according to police. A member of one group was struck by the gunfire, while a random shopper who had no affiliation with either group was also struck, according to the Bakersfield Police Department. The two shooting victims, ages 20 and 15, were taken to Kern Medical with moderate injuries, according to police. The search continues for any suspects connected to a shooting.

The Lake Isabella Christmas Parade is happening this Saturday on Lake Isabella Boulevard. Find a spot along the road and the parade will begin at 11AM.

Santa Barbara County, California, has proclaimed a local emergency as a result of a wildfire that broke out Monday afternoon along Highway 154. County officials say the proclamation ensures that all county resources are available to fight the Cave Fire and support efforts and helps facilitate potential state funding. The county is asking Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. The fire has grown to more than 3,000 acres.

Traveling this week of Thanksgiving could be sketchy in that a winter storm warning is in effect here in the Valley beginning tomorrow night and going into Thanksgiving night. Accumulations of snow are expected not only here, but over the Grapevine, and in the Tehachapi area.

McDonald’s has agreed to a $26 million settlement of a long-running class-action lawsuit over wages and work conditions at corporate-run locations in California, the parties said yesterday. The agreement, which estimates the settlement covers about 38,000 individuals, requires the approval of a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge. The lawsuit filed nearly seven years ago against McDonald’s Restaurants of California Inc. made an array of claims including failure to pay minimum and overtime wages and to provide required meal and rest breaks.

Thanksgiving week is not only one of the busiest travel times of the year, but can also be one of the deadliest on the roads. In 2018, Bakersfield California Highway Patrol made 43 DUI related arrests. This year, they will begin patrolling in undisclosed areas around the city starting on Wednesday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 11:49 p.m.

Community outrage had been building over widespread incidents of alleged street racing throughout the city. Then, as if on cue, a crash near one of the reported epicenters of the illegal practice killed a Bakersfield woman and injured two children riding with her in her minivan. A red Mustang and grey Dodge Ram were involved in a street race, Bakersfield police confirm, when the Mustang lost control and struck the van, which was not involved in the race.

A man died in a fire that engulfed a Rosamond detached garage early Monday morning. At 4:44 a.m. yesterday, the Kern County Fire Department responded to a structure fire . When the crews arrived at the scene, they found an approximately 250-foot detached garage fully engulfed with heavy smoke and flames, the report said. Firefighters knocked down the fire in a matter of minutes, but a deceased occupant was discovered inside during the search.

California's plan to curtail in-state oil production as a way of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions relies on questionable economics and might not be the wisest path to achieving climate-change benefits, according to several economists familiar with the proposal. They contend that cutting the state's oil supply will simply force California refiners to import more foreign petroleum using tankers, which burn some of the world's most polluting fuel.

Monday, November 25th, 2019

Some Thanksgiving travelers in Kern County and the Sierra Nevada region could be met with snowy conditions this week. That's according to the National Weather Service, which says up to a foot of snow is possible between 3,000-5,000 feet along I-5 south of Bakersfield Wednesday night into Thursday. Thanksgiving revelers in the Sierra foothills could see snow as low as 1,500 feet, according to the NWS. In east Kern County, mountain residents and travelers could see snow as low as 2,500 feet. The NWS advises drivers that snow accumulation could make travel in certain areas "hazardous or nearly impossible."

Cal Fire alleges that fast food chain In-N-Out was responsible for a 2017 wildfire in rural Arroyo Grande, according to a lawsuit filed in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. The San Luis Obispo Tribune reports that Cal Fire claims the September 2017 wildfire was caused by a tractor mowing grass on In-N-Out property, saying it was covered in "dry annual grasses and scattered brush, which created a receptive bed of flammable vegetation." The agency also claims the tractor was improperly maintained and the driver allowed the fire to spread. Cal Fire is seeking roughly $1.2 million from the burger chain to recoup costs.

California is playing an unparalleled role in Nevada growth, as state population estimates surpassed 3 million people and the U.S. Census Bureau ranked the Silver State as the nation's fastest-growing in 2018. More than 50,000 Californians moved to Nevada from July 2017 to July 2018, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported, or nearly 40%of the total number of people who moved from another U.S. state during that time.

When Bakersfield voted for a new local sales tax the city told voters the tax would generate $50 million in revenue per year. After eight months of collecting the tax, it now appears that "Measure N", as the tax is known, may generate even more revenue for the city. According to the Assistant City Manager, the fiscal year 2019-20 budget projects $61,850,000 in Measure N revenues.

Friday, November 22nd, 2019

Southern California Edison is doing maintenance from Mtn. Mesa and east. They say that power could be off until 4 this afternoon. South Fork School was closed today as a result of the outage.

Pacific Gas & Electric restored power Thursday to 120,000 people it intentionally blacked out to ease the risk of catastrophic wildfires. The nation’s largest utility cut power Wednesday in parts of 11 Northern and central California counties because of concerns that dry, windy weather could throw debris into power lines or knock them down, causing them to spark and ignite tinder-dry brush.

California officials say they will sue the Trump administration over its rules governing water in the fragile San Joaquin Delta. The federal government released the new rules last month, which would govern the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. The new rules committed to sending more water to farmers despite warnings from environmental groups that it would imperil endangered species in the state’s rivers.

Myles Garrett’s season is over after the NFL’s indefinite suspension of the Cleveland Browns star defensive end was upheld Thursday by an appeals officer. Garrett is banned for the final six regular-season games and playoffs for smashing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph over the head with a helmet last week in the closing seconds of Cleveland’s 21-7 win over their AFC North rival.

The Department of Transportation has approved an $8 million grant for a renovation project at the Mojave Air and Space Port. According to a release from the office of Congressman Kevin McCarthy, the project will reportedly include an analysis of the airfield electrical system and renovations of one of the taxiways. Last year, McCarthy said he sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration in support of Mojave's grant application.

Thursday, November 21st, 2019

IDelano is now the only place in Kern County where selling flavored tobacco products is banned. A new ordinance has the city's only vape shop fighting back. On Tuesday, Delano city council unanimously approved banning the sale of flavored tobacco products in an effort to curb youth vaping. The new ordinance passed, despite Kern County's decision last month to hold off on a ban out of concern for adults who rely on flavored e-cigarettes to quit smoking cigarettes.

Pacific Gas & Electric turned off electricity Wednesday for about 120,000 people in Northern California to prevent power lines from sparking wildfires during a new bout of windy, warm weather. The nation's largest utility lowered the number people affected from 375,000 after rain and humidity reduced the fire threat. About 35,000 others were told they could lose power later Wednesday if the weather didn't improve.

After the McKittrick oil spill in July 2019, Newsom promised to wean California off oil and now he’s making good on that promise. Tuesday, Newsom announced a strategic plan to make California carbon neutral by 2045. Included in that plan, a series of initiatives that have mixed reactions from California’s oil powerhouse, Kern County. Some state leaders are still standing with oil. State Senator Shannon Grove acknowledged the economic importance of Kern County oil.

General Motors is recalling more than 640,000 pickup trucks because the seat belts can set the carpeting on the floor of the vehicles on fire. According to carcomplaints.com, the following pickup trucks are included in the recall: 2019-2020 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500, 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 and 3500.

If you’re having some trouble getting onto your Netflix account or streaming your favorite shows or movies right now, it’s not just you! Netflix says it is experiencing issues streaming on all devices. Multiple people confirmed on social media they were having issues with the streaming service. One person posted.....Netflix is down so I guess it’s time to be productive.

The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office predicts California will have a $7 billion surplus next year but cautions lawmakers not to spend all of it. The analysis says California’s budget is in good condition because the state has enough money to make it through a typical recession. The analyst’s office expects California’s savings account to grow to $18.3 billion by the end of the 2021 fiscal year.

A congressional committee has approved a piece of legislation to end marijuana prohibition in the United States. According to a press release, the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement Act, better known as The MORE Act, would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act and impose a minor excise tax on the legal cannabis industry to pay for the expungement of criminal records, among other changes, passed with a bipartisan vote of 24 to 10.

All vaping products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should be banned, the American Medical Association said Tuesday. This would mean that all electronic cigarette products would be banned in the U.S., as the FDA has not approved any vaping product for therapeutic use or for marketing.

A magnitude 3.4 earthquake hit near Ridgecrest on Wednesday afternoon, according to a U.S. Geological Survey alert. The earthquake happened at 2:41 p.m. about nine miles east of Ridgecrest. The depth of the quake was 7 kilometers, according to the alert.

Both of California’s Senators and nearly 20 members of the House delegation are taking aim at Immigration Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security saying in a letter that they have “serious concerns” about the way ICE is working with California’s for-profit prisons. In September, California banned new for-profit prison contracts with the law taking effect at the first of the year.

For Eloy Martinez, returning to Alcatraz Island meant a joyous reunion with people he hadn’t seen in decades. It also brought a renewed sense of hope and pride. Martinez was among about 150 people who took windy boat rides to the island Wednesday for the first of three days of events marking the 50th anniversary of the island’s takeover by Native American activists.

A man has been arrested in connection with a shooting that injured a 9-year-old boy inside a home on in Bakersfield on Nov. 11. Police said in a new release that 43 year old Ervon Bryant, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of attempted murder, felony child abuse, conspiracy and gang participation. A police investigation found that Bryant fired a gun multiple times at a man he'd been arguing with in front of a home. The shots missed the man and went into a residence, injuring a 9-year-old boy inside.

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

The weather is a topic of interest around Kern County. Snow is falling in areas like Frazier Park but so far, is not sticking to roadways. The National Weather Service still has our valley under a Winter Storm Warning until 4 this afternoon. This storm system passing through should be gone by tomorrow morning.

California Highway Patrol tracked two separate crashes involving four cars total, on Highway 99 just north of the Interstate 5 split. They say this is due to a heavy amount of flooding from the rain. Currently, there is nowhere for the water to go. Cal Trans is also on the scene bringing in pumps and diverting drivers on the northbound 99 to Interstate 5.

A decision about the Oceano Dunes may soon limit the amount of visitors allowed to camp at the state park. California State Parks is reportedly not meeting the requirements of an agreement to help reduce pollution made in April 2018, according to The San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District. The district approved a plan to help things get back on track at a hearing on Monday.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom cracked down on oil producers Tuesday, halting approval of hundreds of fracking permits until independent scientists can review them and temporarily banning another drilling method that regulators believe is linked to one of the largest spills in state history.

The American Medical Association on Tuesday called for an immediate ban on all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. The group adopted the sweeping stance at a policy-making meeting in San Diego. It aims to lobby for state and federal laws, regulations or legal action to achieve a ban, but the industry is sure to fight back. The AMA cited a surge in underage teen use of e-cigarettes, which typically heat a solution that contains nicotine.

Two power outages in northwest Bakersfield are impacting nearly 6,000 customers, according to PG&E. Both outages — one impacting 4,258 customers, the other 1,562 customers — occurred at about 8:15 a.m. Rain was falling throughout the area Wednesday morning, and PG&E spokeswoman Katie Allen said the outages are weather-related. PG&E has sent crews to the area.

Authorities say 50 people were arrested and dozens of guns seized in a law enforcement operation targeting the Norteno street gang in central California. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Tuesday that the gang members are suspected of a variety of crimes in Stockton. The defendants could face charges including attempted murder, robbery, drug distribution and multiple weapons violations.

Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services will be holding a career expo this Saturday for those interested in working in the health field. The expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 23, at the Kern BHRS Administration Office at 2001 28th St. On-the-spot interviews for extra-help positions will also be held.

It’s been 22 days since Kern County had a homicide- the longest span without a homicide all year. Just last month, October ended with 10 homicides- all but one linked to gun violence. The last 14 days of October saw seven homicides all located in central or east Bakersfield, according to our KGET Homicide Tracker.

Tuesday, November 19th, 2019

A decision about controlling air pollution at the Oceano Dunes may soon limit the amount of visitors allowed to camp at the state park. California State Parks is reportedly not meeting the requirements of an agreement to help reduce pollution made in April 2018, according to The San Luis Obispo Air Pollution Control District. The district approved a plan to help things get back on track at a hearing on yesterday.

The National Weather Service says Kern County's mountains could see snow this week as a winter storm moves through the region. The NWS issued a winter storm warning for areas above 6,000 feet in the Kern County mountains and the Southern Sierra Nevada. The Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the Kern River Valley beginning tonight at contiuing into Thursday morning.

California on Monday sued the nation’s biggest e-cigarette maker, alleging that Juul Labs deliberately marketed and sold its flavored nicotine products to teenagers. The lawsuit from California’s attorney general is the latest legal action against Juul, the multibillion-dollar vaping startup that has been widely blamed for helping spark the teen vaping craze.

The head of Pacific Gas & Electric Corp. told angry California lawmakers Monday that the nation’s largest electric utility wasn’t fully prepared for the effects of its unprecedented power outages last month even as it plans to shut off power to more than half a million people again this week to prevent wildfires. Lawmakers wanted answers from Bill Johnson and executives from the state’s other two investor-owned utilities about the shutoffs last month that caused life-saving medication to spoil, businesses to lose money and communications networks to go dark.

The Kern County Fair held its second Board of Directors meeting since allegations that the fair misused funds came to light. The audit details over $300,000 in misused funds. Including $132,000 in credit card purchases with no receipts, and $30,000 in excessive and illegal travel expenses. The report also said several employees spent most of their work hours doing side jobs.

California yesterday sued the nation’s biggest e-cigarette maker, alleging that Juul Labs deliberately marketed and sold its flavored nicotine products to teenagers. The lawsuit from California’s attorney general is the latest legal action against Juul, the multi-billion dollar vaping startup that has been widely blamed for helping spark the teen vaping craze.

Alta Sierra Ski Resort is holding a job fair on Saturday. The business said on its Facebook page that the job fair will take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the resort’s Warming Hut, on Rancheria Road in Wofford Heights. The resort is looking to hire for most positions as the winter season gets under way. For more information, call 760-376-4186.

A fire along Highway 99 has prompted a closure of both southbound and northbound lanes yesterday afternoon near Norris Road. CHP’s Traffic Incident Information Page reports a fire was burning on the righthand side of northbound lanes Highway 99 at around 3:45 p.m. The fire also caused a power line to fall cutting off electricity to many including Meadows Field Airport. The airport was able to continue operations by utilizing a backup generator. 99 opened again late yesterday afternoon.

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is holding a career expo on Saturday. The expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the administration office, 2001 28th St. The event is geared for people interested in pursuing a career in the health field. Organizations such as Clinica Sierra Vista and College Community Services are looking to hire therapists and recovery specialists. Candidates are encouraged to come dressed for an interview and to bring copies of their resumes. For more information, call 661-868-7510.

Police searched yesterday for two assailants who sneaked into a backyard party in Fresno and opened fire while a small crowd watched football on television. Four people were killed and six wounded. The men who died ranged in age from 21 to 40, he said. Three were found dead when emergency crews arrived. A fourth person died at a hospital. Two remained hospitalized yesterday.

Monday, November 18th, 2019

The CEO of the nation’s largest utility is expected to face angry California lawmakers on today over the company’s decision to turn off power for millions of people to prevent its outdated equipment from starting wildfires. Lawmakers have repeatedly criticized the bankrupt company for leaving millions of people in the dark for days at a time during dry, windy weather events in October.

Happy birthday to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The pair turns 91 years old today. Both made their debut in the animated movie "Steamboat Willie" on Nov. 18, 1928. Mickey and Minnie have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Bakersfield Police Department is hiring for police trainees until December 3rd. According to Hiring Officer Melendez, honesty is the biggest characteristic that helps candidates stand out. The lengthy application process includes a physical agility test and a reading comprehension test. Get information online at BakersfieldCity dot US.

We haven't officially congratulated Rebecca and Eric Giddens and the whole crew at Kern River Brewing Company for a very nice piece of recognition they go recently. At the Great American Beer Festival in Denver last month, KRBC won the award of Best Brewery Group and Group brewer of the year.

It’s that time of year, with family and friends gathering to share memories and celebrate the holiday season. What a great time to start a tradition by choosing and felling a Christmas tree in the Sequoia National Forest.

Christmas tree permits are available for $10, with a limit of one per household. Maps with directions to cutting areas and cutting guidelines are available at the time of purchase. Permits must be purchased in person; they are not transferable and are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25. A limit of 200 Christmas tree permits will be available.

A woman who accused the Bakersfield Police Department of police brutality in 2017 has been arrested on suspicion of tampering with an officer's food, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office. Tatyana Hargrove, was arrested and booked after the Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation at a McDonald's on Rosedale Highway Friday evening. Management at the McDonald's told law enforcement that, while reviewing video, they learned that an employee intentionally tampered with with food that was being served to a law enforcement officer on Nov. 12.

The Kern County Fire Department rescued an injured hiker along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Tehachapi area Friday afternoon. About 3 p.m., fire crews responded to a report of a hiker who was suffering from a medical emergency. Firefighting Helicopter 407 was able to find the hiker, who was about two miles from Tehachapi Willow Springs Road, according to KCFD. The nature of the medical emergency was not disclosed.

California on Friday broadened its effort to block the Trump administration from ending its authority to set greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. It was joined by 22 states, the District of Columbia and two cities in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, building on a similar lawsuit it filed in September a day after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration withdrew California's waiver.

The Burbank Police Department arrested Horace Vaultz Jr., 64, from Bakersfield on Thursday in connection with two murders that happened in the 80s. Vaultz is allegedly responsible for the deaths of Selena Keough in 1981, in the City of Montclair, and Mary Susan Duggan, 22, in Burbank in 1986. With the help of forensic technology, Burbank PD was able to connect Vaultz to the brutal murders of both women.

California’s struggling marijuana market can expect more strain and turbulence for at least a couple of years as it deals with sustained competition from illegal sales, industry layoffs and fallout from a national vaping crisis, the state’s top cannabis regulator said Friday. The state’s thriving illegal marketplace, valued at about $9 billion, continues to dwarf the legal one. Cannabis remains unavailable in much of the state, where communities have either banned commercial activity or failed to establish local rules for sales and growing.

More Californians than ever before are earning $100,000 or more from public pensions, according to an analysis by government watchdog Transparent California. And in 2018, Kern County led the charge in one measure by welcoming the highest proportion of public service employees into the six-figure range of any pension fund statewide.

Friday, November 15th, 2019

Californians who lost their home insurance because of the threat of wildfires will be able to buy comprehensive policies next year through a state-mandated plan under an order issued Thursday by the state insurance commissioner. Since 2015 insurance companies have declined to renew nearly 350,000 policies in areas at high risk for wildfires. That data comes from the state, and it does not include information on how many people were able to find coverage elsewhere or at what price.

Nissan is recalling over 450,000 vehicles worldwide because a brake fluid leak could cause them to catch fire. The identified cars are the Nissan Murano SUV from 2015 through 2018, and Maxima sedans from 2016 through 2018. Also included are Infiniti QX60 and Nissan Pathfinder SUVs from 2017 through 2019. Most are in the U.S. and Canada. Nissan says an antilock brake actuator pump can leak fluid onto a circuit board, causing electrical shorts and fires.

California public health officials are urging people to stop vaping and using e-cigarettes as a fourth death related to vaping was reported in the state. The state’s Department of Public Health said Wednesday 161 people have been hospitalized for severe breathing problems and lung damage since August. Marin County’s Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Wednesday the death of a previously healthy woman in her 40s who had started vaping six months ago.

According to the Kern County coroner, former McFarland City Manager John Wooner's cause of death has been declared as a drowning due to blunt injuries. Back in July, officials said the 57-year-old's body was found in a city vehicle submerged in the Kern River after he had been missing since May 14. The coroner also confirmed the manner of Wooner's death was an accident.

Longtime Trump associate Roger Stone was found guilty of lying to Congress and other charges in a case that has shed new light on President Donald Trump's anticipation of the release of stolen Democratic emails in 2016. Stone, a political provocateur, was found guilty of all seven counts brought by the Justice Department, a victory for special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Stone was found guilty on five counts of lying to Congress, one of witness tampering, and one of obstructing a Congressional committee proceeding.

A Kern County Sheriff's Office deputy has been charged following sexual assault allegations involving a 21-year-old Rosamond woman. Last month, KCSO said it received information that on August 24 around 7 p.m. Deputy Michael Clark sexually assaulted the alleged victim. The woman claimed that the incident happened inside Clark's patrol car while he was on duty.Clark is facing charges of sexual battery and false imprisonment with violence

According to the Kern County coroner, former McFarland City Manager John Wooner's cause of death has been declared as a drowning due to blunt injuries. Back in July, officials said the 57-year-old's body was found in a city vehicle submerged in the Kern River after he had been missing since May 14. He was last seen visiting Hillcrest Cemetery. The coroner also confirmed the manner of Wooner's death was an accident.

A student gunman opened fire at a southern California high school Thursday morning, leaving two dead and several others injured, officials said. According to authorities, the male suspect, who is a student at the school, opened fire in the quad at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita around 7:38 a.m. before classes started. Authorities were on scene by 7:40 a.m. after receiving several 911 calls about the shooting.

When it comes to school shootings, most California teachers think lawmakers are not doing enough to end gun violence in schools, according to a recent survey by a mobile application called Fishbowl. The career network platform said it asked teachers on the app: “Are lawmakers doing enough to end gun violence in schools?” 90.32% of California teachers answered "no" while 2.69% answered "yes". 88.66% of teachers nationwide also answered with “no.”

Legendary country singer Willie Nelson is bringing his classic sound to Bakersfield and the Rabobank Theater on January 4th. Tickets go on sale this morning at 10 a.m.

According to the FBI from 2017 to 2018 reported hate crimes have decreased in the U.S. but their data also shows that religious hate crimes are rising in Bakersfield. In Bakersfield data shows hate crimes related to religion have increased from zero reports to six in one year.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what two victims described as a home invasion Wednesday night in Oildale. Deputies said they were called to the 400 block of Ray Street just after 9 p.m. The sheriff’s office said two people were inside the home during the alleged break-in. Deputies said the victims reported two men with masks entered the home and demanded money. One of them armed with a shotgun and one with a shovel. The two victims were treated for non life-threatening wounds.

Homelessness, drugs, and crime. It's a common trinity. The truth is in Bakersfield, homelessness and drugs are now becoming a crime problem. The homeless accounted for 43 percent of all burglary arrests, 43 percent of all drunk and disorderly arrests, 59 percent of all drug possession arrests, and 75 percent of all trespassing arrests.

Thursday, November 14th, 2019

At least one person has died and multiple injured following a shooting at a Southern California high school Thursday, the suspect is in custody. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that the suspect was taken into custody and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

California regulators opened a formal investigation Wednesday into preemptive power outages that blacked out large parts of the state in October, drawing strong rebukes from public officials and residents who said the shut-offs were too broad and poorly executed. The unanimous vote by the California Public Utilities Commission followed testimony from a handful of people who pleaded with the panel for leadership at a time of increased danger from fire and other natural disasters.

KISS is set to perform locally as part of their "End of the Road" tour. Earlier this month, KISS posted a video on Twitter saying they were adding 90 more stops on their tour. The band will be playing in Bakersfield on March 2. Tickets for the show go on sale Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets range between $39.50 and $1,000.

His new tour, Willie Nelson & Family, is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 8 p.m. at Rabobank Theater. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Human remains found in June in Mojave have been identified as those of a 29-year-old man whose name, age and place of residence match those of a man abducted from the San Gabriel Valley last year.

The USGS measured a preliminary 3.9 magnitude earthquake about 15 miles outside of Ridgecrest. The earthquake struck at 11: 26 a.m. yesterday.

Southern California Edison has agreed to pay $360 million to local governments to settle lawsuits over deadly wildfires sparked by its equipment during the last two years, including one blamed for a mudslide that killed more than 20 people, the utility and attorneys announced yesterday. The sum will reimburse counties, cities and other public agencies for firefighting costs and repairing damage from two of the region’s worst blazes.

Parts of California are going dark and some people are taking it personally. “It’s like a slap in the face,” said Paradise, California, resident Jonathan Valdez. “It’s like we have to keep suffering over and over again.” Valdez stocked up on gas for his generators after Pacific Gas and Electric warned it could shut off power to almost 200,000 people across the state in an attempt to lower the risks of wildfires.

Bakersfield is ranked as the city with the worst short-term particle pollution and ranks number two in year-round particle pollution. According to the American Lung Association, "Each is dangerous to public health and each can be lethal.” California is continuously being challenged by climate change and fighting wildfires, leaving an uphill battle in the fight to cleaner air. The American Lung Association suggests driving less, using less electricity and not burning wood or trash can help stop pollution.

Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

Kern County Animals Services is cracking down on owners as part of its new policies. The county will now issue an administrative citation to a dog owner if the dog is found without up-to-date vaccinations and licenses. Since the program started Nov. 8, animal services has issued 10 citations so far to dog owners. Fines begin at $100 and may increase to as much as $500. Pet owners have a 30-day window to correct a citation if cited.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is stepping up pressure on Pacific Gas & Electric to fork over billions more in cash to pay thousands of people who lost homes in wildfires that drove the utility into bankruptcy. The rising tensions were scheduled to be aired out in a bankruptcy court hearing Wednesday (today), but it was abruptly postponed on Tuesday (yesterday) to Nov. 19. The delay could allow the sides to negotiate a compromise on PG&E's blueprint for its financial revival.

A man who spent 11 years in prison for a series of Los Angeles armed robberies he didn't commit was exonerated Tuesday after prosecutors agreed he had been wrongly convicted. A courtroom full of family members and friends erupted in applause as Ruben Martinez Jr. was found innocent and walked free from Los Angeles Superior Court.

The California Trucking Association on Tuesday filed what appears to be the first lawsuit challenging a sweeping new labor law that seeks to give wage and benefit protections to workers in the so-called gig economy, including rideshare drivers at companies such as Uber and Lyft. The legislation violates federal law and would deprive more than 70,000 independent truckers of their ability to work, the association said.

California's first-in-the-nation law requiring publicly held companies to put women on their boards of directors is facing a second legal challenge. The law requires publicly traded companies to have at least one woman on their boards by year’s end. By 2021, boards with five members must have two women, while those with six directors must have three.

If you travel through Bakersfield on the 99 freeway, you've no doubt seen that there's been plenty of construction as of late. As of last night at 10 p.m., the northbound 99 freeway off-ramp to California Avenue will be closed for 25 days. Then tomorrow night at 10 p.m., the northbound Buck Owens Boulevard exit will close for 25 days as well.

California City Correctional Facility officials said the prison was placed on lockdown after receiving a threat to its security yersterday morning. Officials said the facility received a threat at 9:30 a.m. Prison officials did not specify what kind of threat was made against the prison or by whom. California City, CHP officers and deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and a crisis response team from Tehachapi were all called to the incident, prison officials said. Officials said the prison resumed “normal program” in a statement last evening.

Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

Bakersfield Police department said a 9-year-old boy was shot by a stray bullet while inside his home Monday night. Officers responded to the 1300 block of Niles Street after a ShotSpotter activation around 10 p.m. When they arrived they were told that the boy had already been taken to the hospital through private means. Officers then went to the hospital where they learned the boy suffered minor injuries.

Homelessness is an ever-present and growing problem in Bakersfield and here in the Valley. The city is attempting to fight the issue and in the process is spending millions in taxpayer dollars. According to a records request response, this year the city expects to spend roughly $18 million to battle homelessness.

The 12th annual Bakersfield Comic Con will be held Nov. 16- 17. The two-day event is one of the largest Comic Con's in the Central Valley. The event will be held at the Kern County Fair Grounds from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17.

A handful of small earthquakes have rattled a section of the California desert not far from the Mexican border. The temblors, ranging in size from 2.5 to 4.0, resulted in no immediate reports of damage. The United States Geological Survey reports the first one struck just after 6 p.m. yesterday. It measured 2.8.

The widow of a passenger who died in a fiery dive boat disaster that killed 34 people in the waters off California sued the vessel's owners Monday. Christine Dignam, whose husband, Justin Dignam, died when the Conception caught fire Sept. 2 off the Santa Barbara coast, claimed the boat was unsafe. The lawsuit said the boat was not equipped with a safe electrical system.

Dean Foods, America's biggest milk processor, filed for bankruptcy Tuesday amid a steep, decades-long drop-off in U.S. milk consumption blamed on soda, juices and, more recently, nondairy substitutes. The Dallas company said it may sell itself to the Dairy Farmers of America, a marketing cooperative owned by thousands of farmers.

Former Kern County Sheriff Deputy Daures Stephens has announced his bid for First District supervisor. Stephens, who retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 2012, first ran for supervisor in 2011, eventually losing out to the man who still holds the seat, Mick Gleason. Gleason said earlier this year he would not seek a third term. In a news release announcing his candidacy, Stephens' campaign said he had an “intimate knowledge of Kern County and its diversity of people, industry and challenges.” Stephens graduated from Burroughs High School in Ridgecrest before joining the Sheriff’s Office in 1986. He served in Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Kern Valley and Ridgecrest, according to the release.

Coast Guard crews have rescued three people and are searching for a man who went missing after a fishing boat capsized off Northern California. The Coast Guard said it received a distress call from the 54-foot vessel named Miss Hailee around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. When a helicopter crew reached an area about 30 miles north of Bodega Bay, they located two men and a woman in the water and hoisted them aboard the aircraft.

Beginning June 2020, a small, vacant lot in Oildale will soon house about a dozen local veterans. It’s a project called Covey Cottages. "The sight is going to consist of twelve, 400 square foot homes. Each unit will have its own kitchen, its own bathroom and living space.

The California Environmental Protection Agency is seeking input from residents across the state on two studies focused on the state’s goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Cal EPA is holding a workshop on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Norman Levan Center at Bakersfield College on Panorama Dr. This is one of three being conducted in California. The first was held in Sacramento in September.

A graduation, 74 years in the making was held in Oklahoma Thursday. 95-year-old Lewis Shaw was finally awarded his high school diploma at a special graduation ceremony at Claremore High School. Corporal Shaw dropped out of high school in 1943 to join the United States Marines and fight in World War II. Once he returned, Shaw worked for a lumber company and eventually went into business with his son. Shaw was the grand marshal in the Claremore Veterans Day Parade yesterday.

A woman found dead on a canal embankment on Union Avenue has been identified as 49-year-old Priscilla Jeanette Barrera-Smith, according to the Kern County coroner's office. Barrera-Smith's body was discovered Sunday around noon in the area of Union Avenue and 34th Street. The cause of death in under investigation.

Thirty-six nights after opening the American Hockey League season with a victory over San Diego, the music was once again blaring from inside the Condors locker room. A 6-3 victory over the San Jose Barracuda on Saturday night at Mechanics Bank Arena broke an 0-4-1 skid on home ice and sent the team into a day off in high spirits.