Kern News - Local Kern County News

Greyhound bus shooter guilty on all counts

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:42:34 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A man who fired 17 shots on a Greyhound bus as it traveled over the Grapevine, killing a woman and wounding five other passengers, was found guilty Thursday of all charges.

Anthony Devonte Williams showed no reaction as the verdict was read at 11:20 a.m. Jurors deliberated less than a day before convicting him of first-degree murder, six counts of attempted murder and six counts of assault with a gun.

A second phase of the trial will begin Monday to determine whether Williams was sane at the time of the shooting.

Williams, 37, admitted bringing a gun onto the bus headed from Los Angeles to Oakland. He told investigators he began shooting after arguing with a man as they traveled north on Interstate 5, south of Fort Tejon Road, on Feb. 3, 2020.

Lurbis Elena Vance, 51, was hit multiple times and died at the scene. Another woman was hit and paralyzed from the chest down.

The bus stopped and Williams got off after another passenger wrestled the gun away from him. The bus then traveled to the next exit where medical personnel and law enforcement arrived.

Williams was arrested soon after when officers found him walking along the highway.

This article will be updated.

Report of a gunman at Adventist Health possible prank call: BPD

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:54:17 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A scary scene played out in the emergency room at Adventist Health Hospital Wednesday night.

Bakersfield police received a call that a man armed with a gun was seen in a restroom in the E.R. Officers reported to the scene and placed the hospital on lockdown, but were unable to find a gunman.

According to BPD, its possible this was a prank call or what's also known as a "swatting call."

The investigation is ongoing.

Bakersfield Christmas Parade crash suspect arrested Wednesday on suspicion of DUI

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:52:10 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The 72-year-old man accused of driving drunk when he backed his pickup at high speed into a crowd at the Bakersfield Christmas Parade was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of drunken driving.

Alan Lewis Booth is in custody at Lerdo Jail on suspicion of DUI and driving on a license suspended or revoked for DUI, inmate booking records show.

Booth's attorney, Jeremy Brehmer, said Booth's latest arrest did not involve a crash. The new offenses of which he's accused are misdemeanors, the attorney said.

Booth, who made bail in the earlier case, is currently being held on $1 million bail and is due in court Friday, records show.

In January, Booth pleaded not guilty to four counts of assault with a deadly weapon other than a gun, two drunken driving-related counts and misdemeanor resisting arrest after his pickup crashed into three people at the Dec. 7 parade.

Arnold Rios, the eldest victim, suffered leg fractures and a skull fracture with a brain bleed, attorneys said.

Booth took a breath test that revealed his blood-alcohol content at 0.25%, more than three times the legal limit, according to police reports. Blood results showed his BAC at 0.28%, the reports say.

James Cameron turns cameras on octopuses

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:10:23 +0000

James Cameron – the man behind such feature films as “The Terminator,” “Avatar” and “Titanic” – is deeply committed to raising awareness for the preservation and conservation of nature. Part of his efforts to support the fight is his series “Secrets Of…” for the National Geographic Channel.

He believes in the cause so much that the director took time away from shooting final scenes for “Avatar 3” to discuss the latest offering in the series, “Secrets of the Octopus.” The three-part documentary series premieres April 21 on National Geographic and will be available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

“If you can get people to fall in love with these animals and also have this deeper respect for nature, maybe we’ll fight harder whatever that is financially, politically in terms of the sacrificing that we might have to make in our lifestyle or just committing and recycling. Doing all the things that we need to do,” Cameron says. He is the executive producer of the series and a National Geographic Explorer-at-Large.

It is not a complete leap for Cameron to go from “Avatar” to octopuses. The sea creatures are like aliens on Earth as they have three hearts, blue blood, and the ability to squeeze through a space the size of their eyeball. Highly intelligent, octopuses can use tools, transform their bodies to mimic other animals and even communicate with different species, including us. The secrets of the octopus are more extraordinary than ever imagined.

Previous offerings in the series have examined elephants and whales. Cameron’s interest in the animal world started with his days at Fullerton College where he studied marine biology. He was fascinated by the way an octopus would behave.

“We didn’t know how their neurological system worked. There was much we didn’t know about them, but the stories were rampant about how smart these things were. They were staggering even then,” Cameron says. “I’ve always held the octopus in very high regard as a science fiction writer. I always imagined that when that flying saucer lands on the White House lawn and the ramp comes down, it’s going to be something that looks like an octopus that comes out.

“Because there are certainly more water worlds in the universe and worlds that are under ice and have liquid oceans than there are worlds like us that have a balance between land and ocean.”

“Secrets of the Octopus” will be narrated by actor Paul Rudd. He describes working on the project as “an incredible journey.” Rudd anticipates that viewers will be as amazed by the series as he has been.

Cameron’s team was able to collect the footage needed for the series through high-tech equipment and scientific research platforms around the world. Collecting the footage for “Secrets of the Octopus” in Canada, Indonesia, Australia and the Bahamas was relatively easy as they tend to live in shallow waters.

“What it takes is incredible patience and an amazing eye on the part of the researchers and photographers for detail. You just have to be with these animals for a long time and observe them,” Cameron says. “Then you’ll start to see different behaviors – their mating strategies, their predatory strategies, and their defensive strategies.

“It’s a big editorial task because you’ve gone into the field and nature gives you what it decides to give you at any given moment. I always say, ‘These are gifts from the ocean’ whenever we get that shot.”

The commitment by a feature film director who has created some of the largest box office success in film history to the natural world might seem like a stretch. Cameron finds it a natural fit as his fictional work has often been influenced by what he has seen in the real world.

He has collaborated with National Geographic extensively in the past and will continue to look for future connections as he continues to make the “Avatar” films as they relate to the real science and real animal behavior. Cameron points out the real wonders of nature on Earth can be seen on the planet Pandora from his “Avatar” movies.

“We have a series coming out with ‘Avatar 3’ – slightly before or slightly after, I can’t remember –-called ‘The Science of Avatar’ that really gets into the outlandish things we’re showing, what the scientific bases for those are,” Cameron says. “And we’ll do other cross-connections as well.”

To coincide with the premiere of “Secrets of the Octopus,” the May issue of National Geographic’s magazine also will explore the series with a closer look into the latest findings about octopus behavior, cognition and social dynamics. The feature also dives into the challenges of ethical octopus research and shines a light on the fact that the U.S. Animal Welfare Act does not protect the species.

The Open Door Network collecting toiletries for families, individuals at the shelter

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:07:49 +0000

(KGET) -- The Open Door Network is collecting items to help provide some basic needs at its center.

On Thursday, April 18, The Open Door Network is hosting a drive to collect personal hygiene products. These are everyday toiletries the shelter needs and provides for individuals and families at the shelter.

The Open Door Network says when people arrive at the shelter, they often do with nothing but the clothes on their backs. These items can help those on their path to a better life.

You can donate the following items:

Blankets
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toilet paper
Makeup
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Feminine products
Hair products
Body spray
Body wash
Perfume
Soap

You can drop off these items Thursday, April 18 from 10:30 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. at the corner of 22nd and L streets just outside the KGET studios in downtown Bakersfield.

Expect partly cloudy skies and a high of 85 in Kern

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:56:54 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- High temperatures will remain above seasonal values Friday through at least Monday.

Sunday looks to be the warmest day of the next seven days. High temperatures Sunday afternoon will be around ten degrees above normal for this time of year.

Alleged drunken driver held to answer on all charges in double-fatal crash

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:45:36 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A 49-year-old man accused of driving drunk in a crash in August that killed two people has been ordered to stand trial on all charges brought against him, court records show.

Luis Esquivel-Muro had a preliminary hearing Wednesday in which it was determined there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed on two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence causing injury and driving on a license suspended or revoked for DUI.

The crash occurred Aug. 17 at the intersection of California and Chester avenues. An investigation determined a sedan was traveling northbound on Chester Avenue and a pickup westbound on California Avenue when they collided at the intersection, police said.

Peter Preciado and Justina Marie Alston, the driver and passenger of the sedan, were fatally injured.

Esquivel-Muro, the driver of the pickup, was arrested after police determined he was under the influence of alcohol, police said.

Police seek help in locating runaway teen boy: BPD

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 15:07:34 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Police are seeking the community's help in locating a runaway teen boy who was last seen in southeast Bakersfield.

Officials said Michael Colbert, 16, was last seen in the 4800 block of Barry Street, just north of Pacheco Road, on Wednesday at approximately 8 p.m. He is considered at-risk due to being a first-time missing person.

Colbert is described as standing 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds with has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a brown shirt, brown pants and black shoes, according to BPD.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call BPD at 661-327-7111.

Ex-bookkeeper pleads no contest to embezzling from Bakersfield diesel engine repair company

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:43:45 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The former bookkeeper of a Bakersfield diesel engine repair company has pleaded no contest to an embezzlement charge, court records show.

Mary Majors pleaded no contest Wednesday to a single count of embezzlement, according to court records. Twenty-three other counts were dismissed.

Sentencing is scheduled next month.

In 2018, the new owner of Tri County Services noticed discrepancies between the company’s financial records and bank statements, according to a court filing. He investigated and found an unauthorized check for $9,328 made out to Majors.

The owner hired a certified public accountant firm to review their accounts and Majors’ activity, the filing says. The firm estimated the total loss at $403,565, according to the filing. Majors was charged in November 2021.

Stabbing suspect not competent to stand trial

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 14:38:24 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A man charged with attempted murder in a stabbing last month is not competent to stand trial, a Kern County judge ruled this week.

Criminal proceedings have been suspended against Andy Burgos Garcia, 25, and he'll be sent to a facility where efforts will be made to restore him to competency. A hearing is set for next month to determine where he'll be placed.

Police arrested Garcia on March 11 after a man was stabbed in the 100 block of Morrison Street, west of North Stine Road and north of Brundage Lane. The man survived.

California Highway Patrol issue 230 citations during traffic enforcement operation

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:55:31 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Bakersfield law enforcement was on high alert Wednesday on highways throughout town.

On April 17, CHP issued 230 citations during a joint traffic enforcement operation, primarily around Highway 99 and Highway 58 in Bakersfield. In an effort to suppress traffic violations and crime in the area, 127 speeding, five seatbelt and 13 cell phone citations were issued on Wednesday, according to the CHP.

Thirty-five commercial violation and 48 mechanical violation citations were also issued to inspected drivers. Officers arrested three felons during inspections. Officers say that over 42 commercial vehicle inspections were conducted; 10 drivers and 12 vehicles were placed out of service.

Bakersfield police and the CHP impounded nine vehicles on Thursday and recovered another nine vehicles that were stolen, during the inspection period. Fourteen drivers got away with verbal warnings, according to CHP.

Officials rescue 2 people from burning building in central Bakersfield

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:15:41 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Firefighters raced to a structure fire early Wednesday morning and found two people with minor injuries.

On April 17, Bakersfield police officers rescued two people from a building on fire at 1111 California Ave., according to the Bakersfield Fire Department. Around 3:18 a.m., officers located two people inside a burning building after tearing down a boarded-up entrance. One person had an arm laceration and the other suffered from smoke inhalation, according to BFD.

Officers applied a tourniquet to the laceration and tended to the victims until firefighters arrived. Firefighters deployed two lines and knocked down the fire within 20 minutes.

Investigation revealed no other subjects inside the building and officials say the cause of this fire is unknown at this time.

The Kern County Fire Department also assisted with this incident. No firefighters were injured during this fire.

Fire crews were busy Wednesday morning, tending to four fires after midnight mostly in central Bakersfield, according to officials.

Motorcyclist injured in southwest Bakersfield collision

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:15:03 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A motorcyclist is recovering at a hospital Wednesday evening after a collision in southwest Bakersfield.

The crash happened at the intersection of Ashe Road and Taft Highway at around 4:25 p.m. A motorcyclist and another vehicle collided.

Police said the motorcycle rider was making a left turn at the intersection and collided with the other vehicle. The motorcyclist suffered moderate injuries. Speed did not appear to be a factor in the crash, but is under investigation.

6th annual Bakersfield Country & Craft Beer Festival set for April 27

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:34 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Kern River Brewing and Temblor are just a couple of names supporting the annual Bakersfield Country & Craft charity event later this month.

On April 27, the Country and Craft Beer Festival is headed to Bakersfield for the sixth year. The event, hosted by the Active 2030 Club of Bakersfield, will feature over 25 breweries and other restaurants with all proceeds going directly towards Kern County Children's charities. Organizers say the event runs from noon to 6 p.m., at The Iron Lilly Venue.

Joe Peters and The All Cash Band are headlining the event, according to organizers.

The Iron Lilly Venue is located on 424 24th Street. Attendees will need a photo ID with their ticket to enter.

Tickets are available for purchase here.

Shoes for Our Homeless shoe drive collecting lightly used shoes for The Open Door Network

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:05 +0000

(KGET) -- Guarantee Shoe Center is once again collecting shoes for men, women and children at The Open Door Network.

It's the 32nd year for the Shoes For Our Homeless Shoe Drive. Each year the shop hosts a drive to collect lightly used shoes for people who need it. In all those years, the drive has collected over 105,000 pairs of shoes.

There are four places to donate:

Guarantee Shoe Center at the corner of 21st Street and Chester Avenue in downtown Bakersfield.
Capital Dental Group at 8701 Camino Media
Nona Darling at REMAX Golden Empire at 3955 Coffee Road
KGET studios at 2120 L St. in downtown Bakersfield

You can donate during regular business hours now through April 29.

Kern County Fire Dept. Medical Unit is saving lives

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:58:55 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The new Kern County Fire Medical Unit, which was deployed in unincorporated areas of Kern in November, has already started saving lives, according to the Kern County Fire Department.

Fire officials say this Monday the Kern County Fire Department Medical Unit reached another milestone by regaining the pulse of an Oildale resident in cardiac arrest.

At the scene on Monday, new medical units entered their last phase of academy training, which means they responded to medical emergencies with the supervision of veteran firefighters.

Fire officials say the response would normally include two engine companies but Medical Unit 6 replaced one of the two engine companies.

The medical unit arrived at the scene first and within several minutes of arrival, the patient's pulse was regained.

Man arrested on suspicion of DUI in Union Ave. crash

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:13:26 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A man is arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a crash on Union Avenue and Brundage Lane Tuesday night.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Union Avenue and Brundage Lane at about 9:45 p.m. for the report of an injury crash.

At the scene, officers found two vehicles involved in a traffic collision, according to the Bakersfield Police Department.

Sonnie Jacob Valencia, 22, sustained moderate injuries and was arrested on suspicion of DUI and traffic-related charges.

Police say the occupants in the other involved vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Police confirm no other vehicles were involved in this crash.

'Tell him he is a murderer:' Closing arguments presented, jury deliberating in Greyhound bus shooting trial

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:12:28 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The passengers, those who were awake, heard expletives yelled as a Greyhound bus traveled over the Grapevine early Feb. 3, 2020.

Then bullets started flying.

When the shooting ended, a woman lay dead, five other passengers were wounded and the rest were confused and terrified. Seventeen shots were fired in all.

Prosecutor Stephanie Taconi compared the shooting carried out by Anthony Devonte Williams four years ago as akin to shooting fish in a barrel. The other passengers had nowhere to run when Williams stood, swore and started firing.

Prosecutor Stephanie Taconi presented her closing argument Wednesday in the murder trial of Anthony Williams. Judge Judith K. Dulcich is in the background.

During her closing argument at Williams' trial Wednesday, Taconi told the jury she'll ask them to find him guilty of murder, six counts of attempted murder and multiple other charges.

"You are here to look the defendant in his face and tell him he is wrong," Taconi said. "Tell him he is a murderer."

Williams, 37, faces life in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Deputy Public Defender Nick Roth, one of two attorneys representing Williams, told the jury during his closing argument he doesn't contest his client is guilty of second-degree murder. Williams fired a gun on a crowded bus, an action that is inherently dangerous.

Deputy Public Defender Nick Roth gives his closing argument.

But, Roth said, he doesn't believe the evidence shows premeditation and intent on Williams' part, and he should not be found guilty of the more serious charge of first-degree murder. Nor should he be found guilty of any except one of the attempted murder counts, Roth said, arguing Williams only targeted one person, and fired most shots indiscriminately.

Those hit were victims of "tragic randomness," the attorney said.

Williams, Roth said, showed signs of experiencing mental health issues, something he said the jury should take into account during their deliberations. There's no motive to explain what he did, Roth said.

Witnesses reported Williams mumbled to himself while boarding the bus and later made strange comments. He called himself "God of the Amazon," said he wouldn't see his family again and exhibited paranoid behavior, Roth said.

Closing arguments finished at about 2:15 p.m. and the jury has begun deliberating.

Williams admitted bringing a gun onto the bus headed from Los Angeles to Oakland. He told investigators he began shooting after arguing with a man as they traveled north on Interstate 5, south of Fort Tejon Road.

Lurbis Elena Vance, 51, was hit multiple times and died at the scene. Five others were wounded, one paralyzed from the chest down.

The bus stopped and Williams ran off after another passenger wrestled the gun away from him. The bus then traveled to the next exit where medical personnel and law enforcement arrived.

Williams was arrested soon after when officers found him walking along the highway.

In a phone call to his grandmother, Williams told her not to bother hiring an attorney. He admitted to intentionally aiming at someone when he fired, but hitting other people instead.

The debate over ID: Is it extra voter security or voter disenfranchisement?

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:06:06 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Following the announcement of a lawsuit filed by the state of California against the city of Huntington Beach over mandating voter identification checks, 17 News asked Kern County voters what they thought.

More than 700 voted and 92% said voter ID should be checked at the polls.

Voter ID is needed to register to vote in California but it's against state law to ask for ID at the poll sites.

"The only time you should be asked for an ID at the polls, is if they are a first-time voter in a federal election [who hasn't yet verified their ID]," said Kern County Auditor-Controller-County Clerk-Registrar of Voters, Aimee Espinoza. "Poll workers should never be asking for an ID."

The concern over Huntington Beach's newly voted upon mandate is that requiring voter ID can deprive some voters of their right to vote.

"I just don't buy that," said Tom Pavich, Kern County Coordinator of the Election Integrity Project California. "In today's day and age everybody has an ID."

Pavich is a staunch supporter of voter ID checks at poll sites, stating the additional verification can further prevent voter fraud.

It's opinions like those of Pavich's versus those of opponents, like Julia Gomez, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California.

Gomez said, "Someone who is eligible to vote and doesn't have ID can't be able to cast a ballot in person, and so we're essentially disenfranchising that person."

In this debate over whether voter ID should be checked at the polls, worries over voter exclusion are ringing loud.

Again, California law prohibits poll workers from asking for voter ID for in-person voting. Identification is required though, when registering to vote.

"Some of the most common forms are a picture ID, a driver's license, a government-issued ID, a passport, even a work ID," said Kern Registrar of Voters Espinoza. "Even a health club identification form, a property tax bill, utility bill, so if you don't have something that has a photo on it, there are multiple [other acceptable ways]."

Who's eligible to vote in California?

As Espinoza explained, voters must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age by the time of the election and a resident of the state, as well as county in which they're registering to vote.

"Whenever someone is registering to vote, we are cross checking on names, birthdays, addresses," Espinoza noted. "If there's a driver's license or some sort of ID with an ID number, we're checking those against records… We're doing those checks as we're setting someone up to register."

Per state law, when someone is voting at the polls, no photo ID check is required.

"Someone comes into the poll site, they give their name, [poll workers] look them up on the e-poll book, and then they have them confirm the address," Espinoza said.

Opponents of voter ID say an additional check when voting is redundant and disenfranchising, especially when initial voter registration itself is a big barrier.

In Kern, they say, the language barrier often interferes with civic engagement.

"It's just one more thing the voter has to remember to do," said community activist Linda Fiddler. "It's kind of a complete waste of taxpayer money to do this because of all the checks and balances that we have at the elections office."

Fiddler, who has participated in local voter registration and education efforts for about 10 years, emphasized California's voter registration process is already so rigorous.

"Diligently, they check [identification during registration]," Fiddler stated. "They cannot become voters unless all of that information is verified."

When asked why exactly mandating voter ID equals voter disenfranchisement, Gomez with the ACLU responded, "Either because for that election cycle [the voter doesn't] have a valid photo ID, or because they outright can't ever get photo ID due to the whole bureaucratic process because they're missing primary documents like a birth certificate."

Experts like Gomez say no, not everyone has a photo ID.

And no, that doesn't automatically mean they're ineligible to vote.

Experts say, for example, a voter could've just turned 18. Perhaps they're registered to vote, but just don't have that proper ID yet.

Or, a voter may lead a life of not needing a photo ID.

"And really the question is, not everyone has an ID, right? If you live in a rural community, it might be hard for you to get to the city of Bakersfield or a larger city that has DMV services or ID services. There's also folks that just don't have the time to get off work to get that ID," said Noe Garcia, director of civic engagement at the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

Garcia added, "Transportation issues are a big issue in Kern County… a lot of farm working communities really carpool together, get rides from their companies or folks that they work with to get to their workplaces. So, when they're home, they're not getting that access to go to the DMV to get their ID..."

Gomez also noted the various barriers in obtaining a valid ID.

"There's time and monetary costs involved with getting an ID," she said. "Individuals who lack photo ID are disproportionately Black, Latino and voters with disabilities."

Gomez further noted the inability to access primary documents can hinder -- especially minority communities -- from seeking proof of identification.

"There's people who were born in a different country and has since naturalized and are missing some of those primary documents," Gomez began. "It's a circular process. Sometimes the process to get a birth certificate might include a photo ID, and so there are people who are stuck...they can't get a photo ID because they don't have a primary document like a birth certificate, and they can't get a birth certificate because that in return requires a photo ID."

Voter ID supporter, Tom Pavich, said, "For some reason, if someone doesn't have one, let's go out of our way to make sure that they get one."

On the other side of the aisle, Fiddler pointed out, "Instead of putting the energy towards this... I would rather that they went out and educated people on the process of voting and work with populations to make sure that our elections and voting has the integrity that they want."

Opponents also touched on the dangers of history repeating itself.

Gomez explained every state, including the Golden State, has a history of excluding certain voters. She specified that in the South, Black voters were often excluded. In California, the Black, Latino and Asian communities were often left out.

"Voter ID, literacy requirements, poll taxes, which some have argued voter ID could be considered a poll tax because you're forcing people to spend money on voter ID in order to vote," Gomez said of the past and present history of restrictive voting laws.

Veteran Ray Mish to be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 02:04:56 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Funeral services for World War II veteran, Ray Mish, will take place Thursday morning in Bakersfield.

Ray Mish was the longtime owner of Mission Funeral Home and one of Kern County's most beloved businessmen. Those who knew Bakersfield's Ray Mish, knew him as a World War II veteran, a lifelong veterans' advocate and, for an astounding eighty-plus years, a funeral director.

Now, on the eve of his own funeral, it's appropriate to note Ray Mish was also universally regarded as simply a good guy who built relationships across generations. When Mish saw the number of fellow World War II veterans around him diminishing rapidly, he reached out to a group of about 30 younger vets who called themselves the Vietnam Rat Pack.

"We were here at the Elks, Ray came up to me and he said, 'Hey, I want to be part of you guys even though I'm World War II'," said George Garcia, with the Vietnam Rat Pack. "I'm like, Ray, you can be the chairman. So, since 2017, he was our chairman of the board of the Vietnam Rack Pack."

The Rat Pack said goodbye as a group shortly before he died. Mish – born April 24, 1924, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, and schooled in Tulsa –died April 3rd – 24 days before his 100th birthday. He was a member of half the service organizations, it sometimes seems. Elks Lodge, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Lions, the Chamber of Commerce — far too many to name.

Services are set for 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 18th, at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, located at 900 H Street in Bakersfield. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 9101 Kern Canyon Road.

Body found with hands bound in Oildale apartment

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 01:41:23 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A homicide investigation was launched over the weekend after a woman's body was found, hands bound behind her back, inside a boarded up apartment in Oildale, according to a court filing.

There was blood behind one of the woman's ears, according to a warrant filed by sheriff's investigators. She was found Saturday inside an apartment on Universe Avenue, next to North High School.

Her name has not been released by the coroner's office.

A person who spoke with investigators said she arrived to find a heavyset man with gray, straggly hair and a gray beard inside the apartment, the warrant says. He left and told her he was going to call 911, she said.

The man wore gardening gloves, a blue jacket and black jeans, she told investigators.

Deputies found someone matching that description down the street, according to the warrant. They noticed blood on his gloves, the filing says.

A DNA cheek swab was taken from the man, the warrant says. Also seized were the gloves, a pocketknife and multiple items inside the apartment. It did not appear from booking and court websites that an arrest was made or charges filed.

Mesa Marin Sports Complex shooting details revealed: docs

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 00:15:49 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The brothers spent the evening playing softball at the Mesa Marin Sports Complex, enjoying the camaraderie and the exercise.

Afterward, they hung out in the parking lot. A stranger approached and asked if they could call him a ride.

They offered him a ride home instead, and the three engaged in pleasant, casual conversation.

As they talked, the stranger pulled a gun and shot Mario Bravo Jr. in the face, Bravo's brother told detectives. He said the stranger, whom he knew only as "Ulysses," then turned the gun on him and he ducked, the round hitting a window of his parked SUV.

The gunman ran, turning and firing more shots as he bolted across the parking lot, the brother told investigators according to newly-released court documents. Other witnesses reported seeing the shooter get in a car that sped away from the sports complex off Highway 178 near Bedford Green Drive.

Bravo, 41, was pronounced dead at the scene of the Sept. 29, 2021, shooting.

Earlier this month, charges including murder were brought against Ulices Alonso, 21, and Eric Faria, 20.

Also charged under the same case number are Francisco Alejandro Garcia, Uriel Ramirez and Ulyses Zelayandia. They face charges of attempted murder, among other offenses.

The court documents refer to another shooting in 2021 that left three people wounded in east Bakersfield.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled Friday but is likely to be postponed.

Bravo had gang-related tattoos, the reports say, but his brother told detectives neither Bravo nor he were active gang members.

One witness said he played on Bravo's team that evening and didn't see him argue or otherwise have issues with anyone.

Another witness, according to the documents, hear a couple loud "pops" he at first took for fireworks. Then he saw someone running southwest through the parking lot, firing several shots as he bounded toward a waiting car, he told investigators.

Wellness Wednesday: Mocktails

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:11:56 +0000

Ingredients:

4 cups spring water
1/2 cup cream of coconut
1 tablespoon freeze-dried probiotic powder
2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
2 tablespoons dried chamomile flowers
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon vanilla granules or 1 vanilla bean (seeds scraped)
Ice cubes, for serving
Fresh lavender sprigs and lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and add the dried lavender buds and chamomile flowers. Let steep for 10-15 minutes to infuse the water with the floral flavors.

2. Strain the infused water into a pitcher, pressing on the herbs to extract as much flavor as possible. Discard the spent herbs.

3. Add the cream of coconut, freeze-dried probiotic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla granules (or scraped vanilla bean seeds) to the pitcher with the infused water. Stir until the cream of coconut and probiotic powder are fully dissolved.

4. Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the pitcher and stir to combine.

5. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Once chilled, give the lemonade a final stir and pour it over ice cubes in serving glasses.

7. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh lavender and a slice of lemon, if desired.

8.Serve immediately and enjoy the calming and refreshing flavors of this coconut lavender lemonade, perfect for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Wheelchair Sports Festival coming to Santa Clarita Sports Complex April 27, 28

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 22:02:08 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- 15 different games and over 1,000 participants from around the Nation will are set to participate at Triumph Foundation's 11th annual Wheel Chair Sports Festival is taking place next weekend.

Wheelchair Sports Festival Ambassador, Tom Finch, joined 17 News at Noon to speak about the Triumph Foundation's mission to help youth and veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders to overcome obstacles and how the foundation helps introduce wheelchair sports to more people.

The sports festival will even the playing field during basketball and rugby games by putting able-bodied people in wheelchairs to play against people who are in wheelchairs all the time. The event is free and the community is invited to attend plus, all the equipment you need will be provided to all participants.

"We're here to find the newly injured. People have suffered from catastrophic disabilities and we bring mentoring and resources that they don't have," according to Finch. "When I was first paralyzed 19 years ago I was laying in a hospital in Loma Linda going 'what do I do now?' and that's where Triumph steps in. They show up they have the information you need and give everything back to the community."

The sports festival is happening Saturday, April 27 and Sunday 28 at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex located at 20870 Centre Pointe Parkway. Free lunch will be provided for challenged athletes.

For more information watch the full interview in the video player above.

Bakersfield Museum of Art to host Artmix next week

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:37:37 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The Bakersfield Museum of Art is set to host its spring fundraiser, Artmix: An Upscale Night at the Museum next week.

Lauren Marty with the BMoA joined 17 News at Noon to speak about the event which includes a colorful art lounge, music, food, drinks, art sale and silent auction.

The Artmix brings together Kern and regional artists together with current and future collectors. "What's really special about this moment, the artists and the collectors get to meet and half of the proceeds go to the museum and the other half go to the artist. So you're not only supporting the museum you're supporting art makers in Bakersfield and throughout the state."

Work included in the art sale will be available for public viewing Tuesday, April 30 through May 9. You can also expect cocktails and mocktails from Tiki-Ko, food from Chef Lino at the Pour House, wines from ASV Wines and music from DJ Cat & Chuck 1.

For more details, watch the full interview in the video player above.

Wasco Police Department to take lead role in law enforcement in Wasco beginning April 18

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:16:43 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- After more than four decades of the Kern County Sheriff's Office on patrol in Wasco, officers with the Wasco Police Department will take over as the city's lead law enforcement agency beginning Thursday.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office said it will no longer be providing law enforcement services within the Wasco city limits. Wasco police will officially begin law enforcement duties beginning at 11 a.m. on April 18, the sheriff's office said.

The department will operate out of the KCSO Wasco Substation at 748 F St. in Wasco. The department's main line for dispatchers will be 661-758-7266.

Sheriff's office officials said KCSO will be the main point of contact for all open cases before April 18, 2024. For information on active Kern County Sheriff's Office investigations in Wasco call KCSO at 661-391-7500.

The City of Wasco voted to reestablish its police department in 2022. Charlie Fivecoat is the department's police chief.

Ridgecrest PD to amp up DUI patrols on 4/20

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:18:35 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- As marijuana's unofficial holiday approaches, the Ridgecrest police department said it will have extra patrols on the road looking for motorists under the influence of alcohol and marijuana Saturday, April 20.

4/20 has become an unofficial international counterculture holiday based on the celebration and consumption of cannabis. Events on April 20 usually advocate for cannabis liberalization and legalization.

The department said extra officers will be on patrol from 7 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday, April 21. "Whether it is on 4/20 or any other day, it is unsafe and illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana," Sgt. Erick Hallmark said.

If you plan on consuming cannabis, plan ahead and designate a sober driver to save yourself the headache and hefty fines.

Studies have shown THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, can slow reaction times and make it difficult for drivers to judge distances and keep a steady position in their lane.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and call 911.

Multiple injured in head-on crash on Copus Road: CHP

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:36:33 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Five people were injured after a Bakersfield woman attempted to pass traffic on the opposite lane when she crashed head-on into another vehicle on Copus Road Wednesday morning, according to California Highway Patrol.

The crash happened after a 52-year-old woman driving a Chevy Silverado westbound on Copus Road, west of I-5 when she attempted to pass traffic on the eastbound lane.

The Bakersfield woman was traveling at 80 mph when she misjudged the distance between her and an oncoming Toyota Camry when the two vehicles crashed head-on, CHP officials said.

The Bakersfield woman suffered minor injuries. Two occupants of the Camry suffered major injuries, a third suffered moderate injuries and the fourth person suffered minor injuries.

Officers said alcohol and cellphone use did not appear to be a factor in the crash. All five people were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and were transported to Kern Medical for treatment.

The crash remains under investigation.

BPD seek community's help locating missing man last seen in east Bakersfield

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:35:12 +0000

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- Police area seeking the community's help in locating a missing man last seen in east Bakersfield.

BPD said Andres Rodriguez, 27, was last seen in the 3000 block of Fairfax Road on Tuesday at approximately 10:30 a.m. just south of Highway 178. Officials say he is considered at-risk due to being a first time missing person and suffers medical conditions.

Rodriguez is described as standing at 5 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighs 150 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a black hoodie.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call BPD at 661-327-7111.

‘Accidental Texan’ perfect fit for Thomas Haden Church

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:20:56 +0000

Thomas Haden Church had no problem deciding how to play the complicated character of Merle in the new feature film release “Accidental Texan.” On the surface, Merle looks like just another loud-talking, big-boasting oilman from Texas. The deeper Church drilled into the character, the more he knew and understood him.

“He’s a man that could have been easily taken out of my life 50 years ago growing up in South Texas around ranchers and farmers and oil men. These were men who were friends of my dad who we went to church with,” Church says. “Because I knew that sort of man 50 years ago, I just sort of brought him forward.”

Church had a basic idea in terms of the character but when he initially read the script, he didn’t have a complete handle on how to play Merle/ That didn’t worry him because he had the knowledge of knowing enough men like him to provide the elements to take on the role.

The important thing to Church was that he played the role with authenticity. The last thing he wanted to do was slip into the stereotypical performance of a Texas oilman that has been displayed in television shows and films. Having lived most of his life in the Lone Star State allowed him to see how different Texans are from those stereotypes.

The way Church brought the character to life can be seen starting April 23 when “Accidental Tourist” becomes available on Digital HD from Amazon Video and iTunes. No date has been announced for the DVD and Blu-ray release.

Church’s main approach was to focus on how Merle got a second chance on life when Erwin (Rudy Pankow), a fresh-faced recent Harvard student, comes into his life. After Erwin completely flames out during his first professional acting job, the young actor flees the New Orleans set to return to Los Angeles.

It is a short trip as his car breaks down deep in a small town in the heart of Texas oil country. While he waits for his car to be fixed, Erwin accepts a job offer from Merle. It proves a beneficial relationship as Erwin’s acting skills could be the key to helping Merle save his business.

“They very quickly form this surrogacy of father/son. These characters are undeniably attached. Once they get rolling it becomes clear that I need Erwin and Erwin needs me,” Church says. “That’s what I really loved about the film.”

Church instinct about roles comes from his 35 years of appearing in television and film roles. After establishing his comedy credentials with 123 episodes of “Wings,” Church went on to appear in such projects as “George of the Jungle,” “Sideways,” “Easy A,” “Over the Hedge” and “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”

His role in ‘Sideways” has had the biggest impact on his career. The performance that earned him his only Oscar nomination has been what Church has banked on for all jobs that have followed. Getting the nod from the Academy raised his profile with producers and casting agents over the past two decades.

The one constant in the acting roles Church has played over the years is that there is no constant. He has gone from pure slapstick comedy to being a super villain. Selecting the next job for Church always has been a very simple process.

“I read it and I know, or I read it and there is no way,” Church says. “Sometimes there are so many other variables. When I read ‘Sideways’ I thought there was no way I would ever get the role, so it is not even my choice.

“Some how or another the gods opened the heavens, and I was able to do it.”

Church knew after reading the first 10 pages of the script for “Accidental Texan” that he would take on the role because he saw so much of himself in the role. The similarities range from his graduating from the University of North Texas to his current residency in Texas. When he goes to town, Church is not looked at as a Hollywood actor but as the local farmer known to everyone as Tom Church.

Church was comfortable taking on the role in “Accidental Texan” because in many ways he has always felt as if he had been born 50 years too late.

“I would have loved to have been a rancher or an oil man or whatever at my age in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Church says. “I think I would have fit into that era really beautifully.”

He can’t go back in time to test that theory but the role in “Accidental Texan” gave him the chance to come as close to that world as possible.

Getting home safe for the holidays

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 01:34:29 +0000

As we head into the final holiday of 2023 and the first of 2024, getting home safe is imperative and includes not drinking and driving. 23ABC spoke with Paul Martel, a ride-share driver in Kern County with over 20,000 rides to his credit, who said the best way to get a ride in the farther-flung areas of the county is by being patient. For those unable to get rides, the NHTSA recommends designating a sober driver or calling a friend who is sober to pick you up. THe NHTSA also recommends those who are hosting a party to make sure everyone attending has a sober ride home.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

As we approach the final holiday of 2023 and the first of 2024, ensuring you have a safe way to get home is imperative.

Looking at National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 31% of car crashes where someone dies were the result of someone driving under the influence.

According to NHTSA data, 304 people died as a result of a drunk-driving accident over the holidays in 2021 and over 4,500 people died in December drunk-driving crashes from 2017 to 2021.

When looking for a ride home ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft come to mind, so we spoke with Paul Martel, a driver in and around the Bakersfield area who has been driving for over 7 years and has given over 20000 rides in the process to get some tips for getting a ride home and he said: be patient.

I would say use the two major platforms that are available. Keep refreshing. Perhaps turn them off, turn them back on. Same kind of tip if the price is high because of a demand. You can wait a little bit but just be persistent, said Martel.

But in rural areas like Shafter or Wasco where it could be difficult to find a driver, the NHTSA recommends designating a sober driver, calling a friend to come pick you up, and if you are hosting a party, to not let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel.

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KCHCC is making small businesses grow

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 01:24:34 +0000

Video shows Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Academy. KCHCC will offer two academies in the new year to help small business owners grow their business. The academy in Lamont will be in Spanish and will being on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Lamont Elementary School District.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

This new year, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lamont Chamber of Commerce, and the Lamont Elementary School District are opening doors for small business owners.

Together, the three organizations will provide business owners with an 8-week intensive training course to take their business to the next level.

In a statement to 23ABC, President of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Jay Tamsi, said, "Through our small business academies we have assisted many low-income and minority families in rural areas."

Marissa Gutierrez is one of those small business owners.

"I started it right outside of high school. During high school I was the yearbook editor. I just fell in love with taking pictures and doing sports pictures mainly."

As a graduate from the program, Gutierrez says the academy helped her improve her social media marketing skills and networking skills. But that's not all...

"I think doing this class opened up so many different opportunities for me because they have--every week there's a different speaker. There's lawyers, there's bankers, there's insurance people," said Gutierrez.

Though the program in Lamont is only offered in Spanish, KCHCC will offer the small business academy in English in their office in Bakersfield.

The two-hour weekly course will begin on Thursday, January 18th at Lamont Elementary School District. For more information and to sign up, visit KCHCC.org.

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Tehachapi city officials share their New Year's resolutions

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 02:41:37 +0000

Video shows city officials sharing highlights from 2023 and hopes for the new year. 2024 will be the first full year of the increased sales tax, effective April 2023. It's projected to generate around $4 million in this fiscal year, and all funds are being distributed to city improvements.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

As 2023 comes to a close, city officials are reflecting on what theyve accomplished this year, and, what theyre looking forward to in 2024.

The city's finance director, Hamed Jones, said 2023 was a big year for the city.

Personally, I love living here in this community," Jones said. "Being part of a team that helps keep this a great place to livethese are just great goals for the city.

In Nov. 2022, voters in Tehachapi passed ballot Measure S, raising the sales tax from 7.25 to 8.25%. Jones says 2024 will be the first full year that the city will see funds from this increased sales tax.

Jones also says the funds raised from the higher tax will fund projects within the city.

Just showing that our community has put their trust into us to manage these funds, to put them to use to keep the citys finances strong, said Jones.

The increase officially went into effect in April. According to city budget document on the city's website, the increase sales tax will generate around $4 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Key Budge, community engagement specialist, says the funds are being put toward important quality of life projects in the city.

The ask was to maintain the infrastructure and to grow public safety," Budge said. "As I look at 2023, those goals were being fulfilled.

The city is projected to use around $1.7 million across various improvement projects. Those include maintaining their contract with the fire department, staffing and retaining police officers, expanding the public works team and landscaping projects across town.

Tyler Napier, deputy public works director shared that in addition to his team maintaining a safe work year with no lost time due to injury, another new program started in 2023 for the public works team.

We dove into the world of AI technology using a camera system thats mounted to our street sweeper," said Napier. "Our street sweeper works its way through town on a weekly basis. That generates pictures and videos which puts it right back to a dashboard to me. So were excited to see how much improvement we can get in 2024 by using that technology.

Napier said while the technology helps them get ahead, including generating work orders automatically, it doesnt catch everything. People are welcome to contact the department with concerns.

Other city officials agree that they want to hear from the community.

Listening to what they want, and, for us, our goal is to try to execute their wishes, said Budge.

City officials say they are always open to feedback from the community of what they would like to see in town. They can be contacted through the city's social media or by calling city hall at (661) 822-2200.

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Giving Christmas Trees a second life

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:50:17 +0000

Across Kern County, there are 24 locations where residents can take their Christmas trees to be recycled free of charge. The list of sites can be found on the Kern County Public Works website. The video shows efforts at the Lebec Transfer station to recycle Christmas trees after the holidays. To be eligible for recycling, a Christmas tree must be free of decorations and not be flocked. In an interview on Thursday, KCPW manager Chuck Magee explained that Christmas trees that get recycled will be ground up and turned into compost to be used once again.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

It may not be a forest, but the Lebec Transfer Station says that they bring in hundreds of trees after the holidays.

Take down the decorations and prepare for the new year the Lebec transfer station is taking in Christmas trees to chop up and reuse.

Chuck Magee, manager at Public Works, described the process. He said, Whats going on up here and what happens at all of our sites really is we try to encourage everybody who has a live Christmas tree to undecorate it, take off the stand, and bring it in because once youve done that, its back to a regular tree which is the sort of thing we can use in our compost feedstocks.

Some compost may even go back to Christmas tree farms to help future Christmas trees grow.

Magee said, As we get those trees in, we can put them in with the rest of the material that comes in to go to compost, grind them up, mix them together and send them off to make compost to sell to other entities that grow things like Christmas trees.

While the program accepts trees at any time, they encourage the community to come sooner rather than later to help reduce fire hazards associated with dry trees.

The Lebec Transfer Station is located at 300 Landfill Rd. The station is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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Back on the ballot: Judge Chang sides with Fong

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:42:52 +0000

A Sacramento County judge has reversed a decision by the California Secretary of State to remove local assemblyman Vince Fong from the ballot for the 20th Congressional District.

Fong filed to run for the seat being vacated by Congressman Kevin McCarthy on Dec. 11.

There was immediate opposition to Fong appearing on the ballot for the congressional seat and his bid for re-election to the state assembly.

The Secretary of State claimed last week that a candidate can't run for multiple offices in one election and said they would not include Fong on the certified candidate list to be published Dec. 28.

On Friday, Fong filed a lawsuit that argued that the state cannot remove a duly qualified candidate, which Judge Chang cited in her decision late Thursday afternoon.

It is not known at this time whether or not an appeal will be filed.

Fong's campaign said the assemblyman would not be available for interviews until next week.

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Christmas trees for cash: Shafter football players hold fundraiser

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:16:34 +0000

Following the Christmas holiday, Shafter High School football players are out pounding the pavement collecting Christmas trees in the Shafter and Rosedale communities for a $25 donation to raise funds for an educational team trip. The educational trip will take the team to the East Coast to see pertinent historical landmarks and areas. 23ABC followed Ezekiel Osborne, Mariyon Sloan, and Ethan Dunlap as they collected trees on Thursday. All noted that they were appreciative of those who wanted to help them out as they try to raise funds, while also helping the community. In talking with one of the parents who helps with the fundraiser, Amy Osborne, she noted that last year the team was able to raise nearly $1,000 collecting trees and recycling them. Osborne also noted that if someone in the Shafter or Rosedale area is interested in getting their tree removed and recycled, to reach out using the contact information found on the Shafter High School Football Facebook page.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

$25 will get you a lot of things, for instance, if youre standing at a gumball machine, it will get you 100 gumballs, though you might be there a while. But if you have a Christmas tree youre looking to get rid of, for a meager $25 donation, members of the Shafter High School football team will come to pick up and dispose of your tree. Im Sam Hoyle youre neighborhood reporter in Shafter and you might be wondering what that donation will go to?

Following the players around on Thursday, they said they are raising money for an educational trip to the east coast. The trip will take them to pertinent points in US history and last year through this fundraiser they were able to raise nearly $1,000 to help offset some of those costs.

And these players dont mind the work because not only is the work helping them, but its also helping the community.

"Every fundraiser we do that people participate in, it helps take off that amount and it helps players on our team get a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Ezekiel Osborne.

"Helping people out and doing it for a good cause," said Mariyon Sloan.

Though this is the first year these players will be undertaking the tasks themselves with no adult supervision, and in some cases, hilarity ensued.

"Well as you can see," said Ethan Dunlap as he showed the camera a knotted ratchet strap lock while everyone was laughing.

Nonetheless, the three student-athletes were happy to be working and excited to be raising money for their trip

"We're going to see all these historic landmarks on the east coast and I think it's just a good bonding experience that we're going to have with the football team. Just get to stay over there for a couple of days," said Dunlap.

"How far are you willing to travel to pick up a tree?" 23ABC asked Sloan.

"Anywhere," said Sloan with a joking smile.

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La Familia Nutrition in Taft

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:04:59 +0000

The WIC nutrition program has a mission to protect the health of low income women, through health care referrals, diet education, and by providing nourishing foods. La Familia Nutrition is the only store on the westside that stocks WIC only food items to WIC customers

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

La Familia Nutrition has been in business for the past 15 years, helping WIC customers on the west side meet their nutritional needs. This operation doesn't work without the help of family support

My mom had this type of business in Long Beach, thats how we learned to manage a business like this and when we moved to Taft we noticed they didnt have a WIC-only store, they had one in the past but its currently closed so we decided it was good for the community and the family to have a store like this, says Karina Villa, owner of La Familia Nutrition.

Karina Villa says the store had to apply through the state, which regulates all the items... And also reimburses the store through the Department of Agriculture. The store gets about 40-50 people on average coming in to purchase WIC items, most being pregnant women or those who have just given birth, along with mothers with children 5 years and younger.

They have to qualify first at the WIC office which is at the fort and once they apply there and theyre qualified they get their benefits on the WIC EBT card and once they have that they can come into our store with their benefits they can purchase their WIC approved items, says Villa.

She says it's a family store, run by a family, and that their customers like shopping there. So they don't have to deal with big brand name stores where she says they have to find the approved items themselves, not to mention, the right quantity.

With us, its really easy, its hassle-free they come into our counter, and we have everything that is WIC approved and so we help them choose what they want, how much of it they want, continues Villa.

La Familia Nutrition is open from Monday through Saturday.

For those interested in joining the WIC program, or seeing if you qualify, The Fort in Taft is the place to go for more information.

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Final days for Great American Antiques

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 01:03:04 +0000

Earlier this year, Great American Antiques announced they were set to close their doors after they learned that their building was going to be sold. Recently they learned the building is no longer up for sale, but not until after they sold most their inventory. Video shows Great American back in October and how the store looks now. Nearly all three floors are empty.

Everything must go. Thats been the mantra for Great American Antiques this year as the store was set to close by this month.

Before taking it over, Rick Peralez was an avid collector and frequented the store when it was owned by Scott Grey. He said though it wasn't until he owned it that he began to wonder how Grey managed all those years by himself.

I dont know how he did it, Peralez said. Open seven days a week, all by himself.

Cindy Wade has been shopping at Great American since it was owned by Grey, who opened the store more than three decades ago. She continued shopping there after new owners Rick and Vonda Peralez took over this year.

Theres so much uniqueness, so much history, said Wade "It was actually quite shocking when I came in today because the last time I saw, it was full."

Peralez said about a month ago they learned the building was no longer up for sale, but by that time theyd already sold around 80% of their inventory. Peralez said hes always been more of a collector than a store owner, but still hes grateful to see the items go to good homes.

Homes like Rod Crawfords.

I bet half of my house, Ive got a 55-hundred square foot house and I bet half of my furnishings are from here now since they bought it, Crawford said.

Peralez said they had to mark down most items to try and clear house, which was most upsetting to him. Seeing every item bringing joy to those taking it home, though, makes it easier.

Its a shame to store any of this stuff, he said.

While hes sad that the historic shop is closing after all these years, Peralez doesnt have regrets. He said he wouldnt take back the memories and friends he made along the way..

As for their beloved piano player Ulises Calderon, you still have a chance to see him play. Hell actually be playing at the Brickyard in Downtown Bakersfield.

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No Pass, No Play in Frazier Park

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 05:58:33 +0000

Video shows the residential pass offered by the Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce. Residents living in the mountain communities can purchase a pass, saving time when the snow comes down.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

With snowy weather approaching, residents in the mountain communities are concerned about other things 'descending' on their area.

Snow also triggers the arrival of visitors. But the Chamber of Commerce is offering up a simple solution to the 'seasonal' problem in the form of a pass!

Secretary and Treasurer of the Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce, Deborah Turner, said, What the pass does is everyone who is a resident has to prove that they live up here. Its limited to two per household.

She added, This is for our residents up here, and it was an idea of theirs and some of our businesses to help get through the congestion that happens every time we have heavy snow.

Snow also creates long lines and sporadic closures on the I-5.

Highway Patrol will stop traffic occasionally by the Flying J, they do it out of safety, Turner said. They do it to prevent congestion and problems. And they can take that pass, hang it in their rearview mirror, or hold it out the window to Highway Patrol. And what the Highway Patrol then will do is wave them through so they dont have to wait in lines.

Passes can be purchased throughout the mountain communities with a few requirements.

Turner said, They have to get the name, the address, the phone number, proof of residency from either a license or ID card, something that shows that they live up here, and then also proof of their vehicle. These are confidential, so [they] are kept, nobody else sees them..

Residential passes are available to those living in Lebec, Frazier Park, Lake of the Woods, Pinon Pines, Pine Mountain Club, Cuddy Valley, Lockwood Valley, Gorman, Neenach, and the Los Padres Estates.

Thats how we spend from about November to usually February, said Turner. And by February, most of them are sold out.

One of the residents, Dennis Turner, said the pass helps locals trying to get home. You live up here, you just want to get home. Youre not there to play or whatever. And if you run into those kinds of problems, its not fun.

He says that once the freeway shuts, nobody gets in or out.

With the pass, CHP can help traffic while residents can get a move-on without wasting too much time.

If you do live here, get the pass, Dennis Turner said. Itll save you a lot of time.

Passes are sold throughout the mountain communities at Ace Hardware Store, Mountain Memories Association, Rescued Treasures Thrift Store, Dons Liquor Mart, Ridge Route Museum, Kung Fu San Soo, Code 4 Acupuncture and Herbs, and Caveman Caveys Pizza.

But hurry residential pass sales cap out at 900 sales.

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WATCH: Pile Burning By KCFD Helps Reduce the Risk of Wildfire

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 02:22:55 +0000

Video shows Kern County firefighters trimming and cutting down dead trees, piling up fuel and burning those piles. Summarize who, what, when, where.

The Kern County Fire Department is conducting pile-burning in Alta Sierra.

These piles are created by our firefighters in the process of reducing hazardous vegetation throughout communities, Captain Andrew Freeborn, Public Information Officer for the Kern County Fire Department said.

Freeborn told me that wildland hand crews, who are highly trained and experienced firefighters, perform the pile burns.

These are these crews that you will see on a fire that have heavy backpacks, chainsaws, they are hiking up the mountain and they are at the front lines helping us extinguish that fire.

Wielding chainsaws with ease, the firefighters work the area by piling up dry vegetation and dead trees to burn.

You can see the difference between an area worked by the fire crews and those that have not been.

They have contributed to treating 175 acres with their efforts, and a lot of that acreage is what has now produced those piles, that in these months of good weather, we are able to go in and burn.

With the French Fire in 2021 still fresh for many residents, those in Wofford Heights and Alta Sierra are keenly aware of the devastating effects a wildfire can have.

Driving up the 155, the environment is still clearly shaped by that fire.

A firefighter working the burn told me they are focused on working areas near housing in order to reduce the risk of somebody losing a house.

It's going to be a very busy season during these colder months as they look to get ahead as much as they can in between fire activity.

This activity, paired with the prescribed burns, which, in 2023, the Kern County Fire Department performed on approximately 150 acres of land, are examples of ways that the department works year round to stop the spread of wildfires, even if there isnt an active one.

For Kern County Fire, the less people are aware of their work, the better they are doing.

In the year 20203 we had approximately one thousand different wildfires that occurred here in Kern County. Many of those, probably 90-85 percent of those fires, the community doesnt know about.

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New sidewalk, bike lane and multi-use path open on DiGiorgio Road

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:16:52 +0000

Video shows improvements to DiGiorgio Road in Lamont. The Progress Committee of Lamont and the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment advocated for this street to have a sidewalk and a bike path. The new upgrades to the road will allow residents to get to and from the center of Lamont.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

It's been 3 years since the Progress Committee of Lamont and the Center on Race, Poverty, and the Environment began advocating for improvements on DiGiorgio Road. After receiving a two million dollar gift from the Board of Supervisors, the road now has a 1-mile multi-use path, a 2-mile bike lane, and a sidewalk.

According to Lamont resident and member of the Progress Committee of Lamont, Timoteo Prado, community members living on this street had no sidewalk to walk to and from Weedpatch Hwy.

"One of the things that residents would always point out to us was potholes, when it rains the roads get flooded--making it impossible to walk--no accessible sidewalks for them to walk," said Prado.

As a result, many of them found themselves walking on the road to get to their destination. Conditions that got worse during flood season.

"It constantly got flooded. In the past two years, we've had large storms come in. It flooded to where residents had to walk on the road," explained Prado.

In an attempt to make this road safer for pedestrians and vehicles, the project design also includes ditches to further prevent water from flooding the path.

In a statement to 23ABC, the Assistant Director for CRPE said, "It is an honor for CRPE to be able to help the residents of Lamont improve their community".

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Residents share frustrations over impacts of ongoing construction

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:30:54 +0000

Video shows construction from the Centennial Corridor project, sites near neighborhoods, and impacts of the project. Residents living in the cul-de-sacs near the Centennial Corridor say for years they lived in quiet peaceful neighborhoods, but the ongoing construction has left their homes sitting next to piles of trash, graffiti, and small fires.

Residents living in the cul-de-sacs near the Centennial Corridor say for years they lived in quiet peaceful neighborhoods, but the ongoing construction has left their homes sitting next to piles of trash, graffiti, and small fires.

It used to be kind of all of the kids within the cul-de-sac would come out and play together and now everyone just kind of stays in their house, said Samantha Salvador, who has lived in her neighborhood for nearly a year now.

In just that time, shes seen a big change and shes not the only one.

With the construction slowing down its definitely more of a concern because there really isnt anybody watching anything and so its drawn a lot of mess, she said.

Salvador, along with several neighbors, are speaking out regarding the increase in homeless due to the construction resulting in vandalism along fences and walls. The neighbors say theyve also seen fires started by transients just a few yards away from their homes.

Its frustrating, I mean you dont want a fire in your cul-de-sac, said Maria Lopez.

One neighbor, Lisa Smith, has been vocal for years about the issues. In a large notebook, shes documented photos of trash and graffiti along the Stockdale construction site. Shes shared their experiences on several occasions at Bakersfield City Council meetings.

Im not against progress, Im not against this freeway, Smith said. But we should have been treated like human beings living next to this project, and I dont feel like we were.

The construction is part of the Thomas Roads Improvement Programs, which has been ongoing for a decade now. Smith said when the project started, the city removed fencing and replaced it with chain-linked fences around the sites. Over the years, Smith said the fences were often cut through.

My neighbor..comes along and pulls it close and uses wire to close it, Smith said. We have a lot of issues where people are being allowed to wander freely, and when I say people Im not just talking about homeless people. Our kids have been playing on these construction sites.

Bakersfield City Public Works Director Gregg Strakaluse said the city is aware of the concerns and working to improve what it can.

Weve heard that the fencing that we put up has been damaged, has been cut, has been stolen, he said. Weve heard the concerns of the homeless and graffiti.

Strakaluse said within the project, the city works in partnership with the contractor, surveyors, and TRIP to monitor the areas. He said while theyre winding down construction and consolidating materials in these areas, they realize the importance of maintaining these sites.

Weve learned about the type of fencing that we can use that is more successful, He said. Weve learned a lot about the type of locks that we use to secure our gates.

For Salvador, she said her biggest frustration was the lack of communication between the city and the residents in the area.

Even if its just a notice on the door or something just to let us know whats happening, she said.

Strakaluse said he plans to improve that as well.

Its important to us to point out to the contractor weve got to be good neighbors."

To share concerns or feedback regarding the TRIP construction, see here.

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Double Deployment: CHP goes 'maximum' back-to-back weekends

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 02:06:12 +0000

Video shows Sergeant Mike Karr with the California Highway Patrol in Fort Tejon sharing numbers regarding the Maximum Enforcement Period over the holidays. More than 60 tickets passed out were for speeding CHP plans their next Maximum Enforcement Period for New Years beginning friday night at 6 p.m. and running through New Year's day.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

It's a busy week for law enforcement to end the year. As many people spend the holiday weekend with family and friends, the California Highway Patrol is one of many organizations trying to make sure you get where you're going safely.

We get the maximum amount of people that we can, officers working the road," Sergeant Mike Karr with CHP in Fort Tejon said. "[Were] out there handling calls going to crashes, arresting DUIs, whatever we can.

Maximum enforcement is underway a time when CHP puts every available officer out on the roadways, looking for unsafe drivers.

From the Friday before Christmas at 6:01 p.m. until just before midnight Christmas day, officers were on high alert for the holidays.

Rough numbers estimate, it was about 60 tickets for speeding, Sgt. Karr said. Ten of those were at over 100 miles an hour. A couple of vehicle impounds, one DUI, and two arrests for stolen vehicles so two felony arrests and a couple of verbal warnings.

All of this was just in Fort Tejon, but the CHP Central Division spans up to Modesto, adding to this number.

[There were] approximately 143 DUI arrests this year for the division-wide, compared to last year [which] was about 76 DUI arrests," Sgt. Karr said.

Also a somber holiday for a handful of families with five deaths during the maximum enforcement period.

Its a good thing theyre out there and they probably did prevent a lot more compared to 2022, which was four. So we were up one. Sgt. Karr said.

Despite the circumstances, CHP found the silver lining.

Sgt. Karr added, We were out there trying to save some lives for sure. And thats why we do these MEP pushes.

The CHP will be back out on full patrol for the upcoming New Year's weekend, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and running through New Year's Day.

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Forget Santa, The Bakersfield Elf Gives Free Toys To Children in East Bakersfield This Year

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 02:07:07 +0000

Video shows the Bakersfield Elf Event held at Jefferson Park on Saturday December 23rd.

Man arrested after woman's body found in car trunk in Lancaster

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 03:32:52 +0000

A man was arrested for murder after a woman’s body was found in the trunk of a burned vehicle in Lancaster.

The suspect was identified as Matthew Switalski, 37, by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Switalski is the owner of the home where the victim, Veronica Aguilar, 27, was found, authorities said. Neighbors said the two were believed to be dating at one point.

On Dec. 20, emergency crews responded to a fire burning at a home in the 41400 block of 38th Street West around 8:30 a.m.

Arriving firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage. Two charred vehicles were found inside along with Aguilar’s body in the trunk of a car, said LASD. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
Emergency responders look inside the trunk of a vehicle after responding to a fire in Lancaster on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)
Authorities responded to a garage fire in Lancaster where a woman's body was found on Dec. 20, 2023. (KNN)

At the time, no other occupants were located inside the residence. Video from the scene shows the garage and parts of the home were heavily damaged from the blaze.

Switalski was later determined to be a suspect in the woman’s death and was located in Kern County. He was taken into custody on murder charges.

Residents in the quiet neighborhood were shaken after hearing the news. One neighbor told KTLA she heard a woman screaming in the early hours of the morning.

"Around 2 a.m., I heard a blood-curdling scream," recalled a neighbor, who did not wish to be identified. "I had just opened my window after I was finished with some work and when I went to go check, I didn't hear it anymore."

Neighbors told KTLA that Switalski was previously employed by Northrop Grumman and reportedly rented out several rooms of his house to Northup Grumman employees.

The events leading up to Aguilar’s death remain unclear as authorities continue investigating the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call the LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be provided to "Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Carving his heart and soul into 'woodsy' creatures

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 01:54:48 +0000

Video shows Paul Borch, owner of Treebones Creations, sharing the origin of his craft. Borch invites the community to check out his work on TreebonesCreations.com

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

Giving trees a second life, a Frazier Park man admires nature through his art.

Sometimes you get in that little rut where you cant figure stuff out, and thats when you have to go to the mountain, go sit under a tree, or hug it, said Paul Borch, owner of Treebones Creations.

Borch finds his craft in the woods of Frazier Park.

Once you see a piece of wood, its kind of crazy cause you look at it, and you can just see the face in there. Like it tells you what to carve, said Borch.

Borch makes creatures out of trees that he chops himself.

Thats why its called Treebones. Its bringing stuff back. I mean, you think its dead, but its not. [It's] still alive, said Borch.

From a young age, he felt at home amongst the mountains and trees.

Ive always been a nature boy. Growing up as a kid climbing trees, digging holes, and you know we just fell in love with it.

Now, Borch carves his heart and soul into each art piece.

You just go deeper and deeper, and you start shaping it, and eventually it turns into what you want it to turn into with its little twist.

Even finding deeper meaning along the way.

It just, you know, falls in place like everything else in life You think, oh its not gonna work out, but it eventually does," said Borch. Enjoying nature and just knowing that Gods given us everything, its all here. We just got to figure out how to use it.

Before selling his art, Borch likes to meet the buyer ... cause a lot of the art I create, a lot of the carvings I have them in mind when I do stuff.

Each mark Borch burns onto his project shows the hours-long dedication to his craft.

When you want the fine detail, it takes time," Borch said. "I mean, every little stroke, every little burn.

Borch posts his creations on his website, treebonescreations.com.

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Weedpatch gas station under repair after fatal roundabout accident

Sat, 23 Dec 2023 01:05:42 +0000

Video shows updates on the vehicle collisions at the roundabout located at the intersection of State Routes 184 and 223. According to the CHP, since the opening of this roundabout in July, there have been three collisions and one death at this location. The gas station is now being repaired after being damaged by one of those accidents.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

Three crashes and one deaththose are the numbers provided to 23ABC by the CHP regarding the new roundabouts that were installed along Weedpatch Highway.

Caltrans officially dedicated the new Route 184 Roundabout Project - which aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve safety on this rural roadway.

The department of transportation opened the roundabouts in July and celebrated the completion of the project last week.

The project includes two roundabouts--one on Sunset Blvd and Weedpatch Highway and the other on the intersection of State Route 184 and 223.

According to the CHP, the purpose of roundabouts is to reduce vehicle collisions and traffic congestion.

Though they were not able to provide information on the number of collisions prior to opening the two roundabouts, Public Information Officer Tomas Martinez says there have been three crashes at the intersection of Weedpatch Highway and Bear Mountain Road since July.

One of those crashes being the fatal accident involving a single vehicle.

"That fatal crash is still under investigation right now it just appears that the driver did not really enter the roundabout safely," said Martinez.

Days later, the victim was identified as Jose Guadalupe De La Paz.

The accident also caused several damages to a gas station located on the corner of the intersection. The vehicle collided with a column, knocking it over and damaging the roof. However, those damages are now being repaired.

Martinez added that when entering a roundabout, it is important for drivers to slow down and enter when safe.

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Buttonwillow's Penny War is over, but the real winner was the community

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 23:47:22 +0000

Through two weeks of fundraising, Buttonwillow Union School district raised $1,920 for their 'Penny War' where students were asked to bring in change as a donation. Part of the fun for students was the competition between classes, with the largest class donation receiving a pizza party. However, all of the money that was raised went to an even better cause. The money raised by the fundraiser was then turned into gift baskets for Buttonwillow area seniors which students built and delivered on Wednesday. The video shows those students building baskets as well as delivering them.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

You might remember a story we did a few weeks ago regarding Buttonwillows Penny War, a competition where classes were trying to raise the most amount of money to win a pizza party. And again, I know youre asking yourself, Sam, why do I care?

This is why you care.

Over the two weeks of fundraising, Buttonwillow Elementary and Middle Schoolers raised $1,920 to create these gift baskets to give to Buttonwillow Seniors.

On Wednesday, four Buttonwillow students got the honor of helping put the baskets together and then helping deliver them to homes around the Buttonwillow community.

It makes me happy inside, I feel like they need it and it would help them a lot, said Bryce Santillan.

The gift baskets included things like toiletries, blankets, towels, socks, and plenty more gifts for seniors in the Buttonwillow area as a nice gesture of giving back.

I was just happy making it for them, they were happy with us making it for them," said Samuel Dennis.

The competition garnered thousands upon thousands of coins in donations. In talking with people around the school, some kids were popping open their piggy banks daily to bring coins in to donate and some even brought more than that because they knew it was for a good cause..

"We had some old money saved up in bags. Pennies, quarters, all that, and then I brought in a $20 bill, said Dennis

Was that your $20? asked 23ABC.

Yes, said Sam.

Why did you want to bring that much money in? asked 23ABC.

Because I want to help my community and make them happy, said Sam

And though there was a pizza party at stake in the competition. Students dropping off baskets said that was the last thing on their minds.

I was thinking about how it would the families a lot. Its not all about what the prize is. Its about helping the community, said Santillan

In chatting with a few of the seniors who received baskets, all of them were thankful for what the kids in their community were able to do.

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Special Delivery: Select Cal City students receive gifts from police and fire staff

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 05:12:34 +0000

California City kids from area schools recieve gifts from police officers and firefighters. A tradition for more than 20 years continues in Callifornia City, as police and fire staff deliver Christmas gifts to students.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

Select students from California City schools received gifts from police officers and fire firefighters.

I'm Steve Virgen, your neighborhood reporter.

And first responders got something too... several smiles during four special deliveries.

Levon King was among nearly two dozen kids to receive gifts.

The six-year-old and the rest of the children were hand-picked from three area schools.

Priscilla McDuffy and Antoya king offered drawings to show thanks.

Thank you to the California City police department and Happy New Year and Happy Holidays," King said.

The children wrote down their Christmas wish list.. Madeline Mays wanted a volleyball.

Im very thankful for these gifts. And, Im happy that we got picked. And, I like them," Mays said.

For more than 20 years, Cal City police and fire staff have been delivering gifts during Christmas time.

When we show up to someones house, its usually for a bad reason. For us this is a good opportunity to be put in a positive light, to be the good guys and try to help as best we can, said Jesse Hightower, the California City Police Chief.

Little Levon had a simple message for the Cal City police officers and firefighters.

Thank you," Levon said.

Cal City police and fire departments rely on donations for their gift deliveries. You can drop off gifts or money there during the holidays.

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Arvin Police Department is on present patrol

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:30:07 +0000

Video shows the Arvin Police Department on present patrol. Arvin PD has been hosting different events throughout the week to distribute toys to kids in the community. The event scheduled for Thursday was canceled due to poor weather conditions.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

The Arvin Police Department is on present patrol all weekleading up to an early Christmas for kids in the community.

The department began spreading the holiday magic with its "Stuff a Cop Car" Toy Drive that took place Monday through Wednesday.

During the 3-night event Santa, officers, explorers, and K-9s welcomed community members to literally "stuff" a police car with toy donations.

According to the Human and Community Resources Manager with the City of Arvin, Megan Miller, during the Toy Drive, the department was able to collect approximately 500 donations.

"This is our second year, we expanded it a little bit to make sure we could get more toys and make more of an impact within the community, it was really popular last year," she said.

Part of that impact is being able to gift underprivileged children in the community a toy this Christmas. "We have some contacts with different school districts in the community to identify students that have, you know a family that might need some additional help during Christmas time so that we can provide some Christmas joy to them," said Miller.

Community Service Officer for Arvin PD, Jasmin Garcia is a member of the Arvin community and says events like these are special to the community.

"I get so emotional during this time," said Garcia. "As a mombecause there are a lot of kids out there are not going to open a present and this allows officers to go out and interact with those families."

Originally, the team planned on making 11 sleigh stops on Thursday.

"We're gonna be conducting a drive through the city with Santa," said Sergeant Brandon Snyder. "We have 11 stops scheduled between 4 and 6 pm."

The purpose of this was to hand out tickets for an event the following day.

"Friday we're going to have 'Shop with a Cop' so basically any kids who received those tickets can come in and shop with our officers to get a toy for Christmas," said Miller.

Due to weather conditions, the event on Thursday was canceled. "Shop with a Cop" will still take place at the Arvin Police Department on Friday from 4-6 pm. Kids can claim a toy and interact with the officers and Santa Claus. Gifts will be distributed at a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

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