KUZZ News

coroner rules on in-custody death

coroner rules on in-custody death

The Kern County Coroner’s Office has ruled the death of a Lerdo Justice Facility inmate an accident. Officials say Jose Tovar, 50, of Shafter, died from meth and alcohol toxicity. He was found unresponsive around 3:30 a.m. March 19, 2025, and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.Read More

hit and run victim identified

hit and run victim identified

The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified a man killed in a hit and run accident in north Bakersfield Officials say John Ross, 48, died April 23 after being hit by a truck as he was walking along the Chester Bridge in the 4200 block of Chester Avenue. Another man walking with Ross was injured.…Read More

peta plans bakersfield protest

peta plans bakersfield protest

PETA will be in Bakersfield Monday. People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals released a statement Friday announcing their “Hell on Wheels” truck will be parked outside Bakersfield Barbecue Company on 21st Street in central Bakersfield in protest of the nation’s meat industry. The truck looks like it carries real pigs heading to slaughter and…Read More

kern leads state in prop 36 cases

kern leads state in prop 36 cases

A new report shows Kern County ranks first in the state for the rate of cases filed under Proposition 36. The Public Policy Institute of California says Kern County prosecutors filed 24 cases per 100,000 residents, making Kern the county with the highest rate of felony filings using Proposition 36. Orange County ranks Number Two…Read More

kern inmate who shot at los angeles cop denied parole

kern inmate who shot at los angeles cop denied parole

A Kern County inmate who shot at a police officer in Los Angeles has been denied parole. The California Board of Parole Hearings ruled last week that Tony Wilson, 39, still poses a danger to the public. Wilson pleaded guilty to firing three rounds from a .357 Magnum handgun at a police officer during a…Read More

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening

Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening

Vatican News — Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside at the Rite of Sealing of the Coffin of the late Pope Francis, ahead of the papal funeral on Saturday morning. The liturgical rite will be attended by several Cardinals and Holy See officials. It will mark the end of public…Read More

medicaid supporters protest outside valadao’s office

medicaid supporters protest outside valadao’s office

A rally was held outside Central Valley Congressman David Valadao’s Bakersfield office Thursday to protest possible cuts to Medicaid. The protest comes a week after Valadao sent a letter to fellow Congress members urging House leaders to protect Medicaid. House Republicans are facing the difficult task of slashing $1.5 trillion to help offset the cost…Read More

illegal immigrant arrested on drug charges

A Bakersfield woman with a record of driving under the influence has been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents after nearly 120 pounds of methamphetamine were found inside her car. Officials say the woman is an illegal immigrant and was transporting the dope for a transnational crime ring as if she were simply running errands.…Read More

thieves arrested for stealing trucks from city of arvin

thieves arrested for stealing trucks from city of arvin

Four people are behind bars for stealing trucks and equipment from the city of Arvin. Authorities say one of the public works vehicles was found stripped in east Bakersfield. Police used Flock cameras and teamed up with the Kern Auto Theft Taskforce to track the suspects who were apprehended outside a Walmart on Monday.. All…Read More

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