Kern County is celebrating the completion of a $41-million, state-of-the-art Coroner’s Facility in north Bakersfield. Division Chief Dawn Ratliff says the need for the expansion became especially dire during Covid but the project has been in the making for decades, and great care was taken to include security and fire safety protections… The current Coroner’s…… Read More
A Kern County man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for contacting a minor online with the intent to commit a sex act. Prosecutors say Daniel Reed began a relationship with an undercover deputy who was posing as a 16-year old boy, sending explicit messages and a nude photo over the course of…… Read More
Bakersfield Police and investigators from the DA’s office busted two illegal marijuana dispensaries in town and made six arrests. The first shop was on Stine Road near White Lane, where over $2,300 in cash and a pistol were seized, in addition to numerous cannabis products. The second location was on Brundage Lane near Spruce Street,…… Read More
A man who caused a triple fatal crash while high on meth has been convicted on six counts involving murder and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Supervising Deputy DA William Schlerth says Jose De Jesus Velazquez-Gomez was coming down hard from being high for several days last November, when he slammed into the victims as they…… Read More
The sign at the mouth of the Kern River Canyon has been updated to show another 10 drownings since last year in the Kern River. The sign now reads 335 drownings since 1968, and KCSO Sergeant Joe Saldana says that does not include victim’s whose bodies have not yet been recovered. Warning signs in English…… Read More
The Open Door Network and Bakersfield college are celebrating the graduation of students who earned their certificate in basic office or beginning computer skills. Director David Madding says many of the participants in the Work Force Development program have overcome obstacles such as homelessness and drug abuse. Eighteen people were awarded certificates on Wednesday. Photo…… Read More
The Sheriff’s Office is grieving the unexpected loss of a senior deputy, whose body was found in a vehicle on 7th Standard Road in Shafter. A news release says he died of a self inflicted gunshot wound on Tuesday, but his name has not been released. Bakersfield Police are leading the investigation and say their…… Read More
A man who committed multiple robberies while on parole has been convicted by a Kern County jury. Prosecutors say Cerwilliam Pryor robbed six gas stations in Bakersfield in November and December 2021, each time pointing a gun at the cashier and demanding money from the register. Pryor already has three strikes for previous convictions and…… Read More
A two alarm fire in an East Bakersfield neighborhood prompted quick action by Kern County firefighters, who were faced with a wall of flames that was moving towards homes on Thursday. The fire on Oregon Street near McCurdy Drive was reported just before 2:00 pm and was already burning sheds, fences and vegetation. Crews used…… Read More
Second District Supervisor Zack Scrivner was not present for Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, the first session being held since an alleged suicidal episode last month and claims of child sexual abuse. The Board conducted business as usual, making no comment regarding his absence. Scrivner has not been arrested or charged with a crime and…… Read More
