KBAK - News - Investigations

Questions leveled about group seeking donations

One local organization is leveling accusations against a new group that's just started soliciting donations. "Ray's Life Ministries" set up outside several stores this week. The organization "Nu Creations" has put out similar solicitors for several years, and they raised questions to city officials about the new group.

Some customers fired up over smoking in bars

Smoking in bars was banned in California years ago, but some tavern patrons say it's still happening, and they want it stopped. Eyewitness News was contacted about two bars, and the owner says they fall under an exemption. But, local authorities say there are no exceptions to the no-smoking rule, and they continue to crack down when they get complaints.

Eyewitness News gets 'right-turn only' sign removed for residents

The city of Bakersfield Public Works Department has decided to remove a bothersome “right-turn only” sign from the corner of Panama Lane and Rutland Way after Eyewitness News called with several complaints from area residents.

A mother's love: Woman loses life amid battle for son's life

Though she suffered from severe health issues of her own, Debra Hill was consumed with the care of her 13-year-old who suffered from a rare genetic disorder. The mother of two succumbed to complications and passed away.

Boy fights for change in face of rare, debilitating disease

Jeremy Hill Jr. is struggling to stay alive as he battles a rare genetic disorder called Adrenoleukodystrophy. His wish to meet the president and convince him to make a law to screen newborns for the disease.

Bakersfield families among many looking for answers after Picture Me Portrait Studios close

The studio’s website says it’s closed. The parent company, CPI, closed hundreds of studios in Wal-Mart and Sears locations across the country.

Should welfare funds be spent at a carnival? It's allowed

A traveling carnival brought some family fun this weekend to the parking lot outside Valley Plaza Mall. The event offered fair-style rides and entertainment, and, of course, plenty of food. The carnival also had a sign stating, "EBT accepted here."

Are Kern County schools too quick to pull suspensions trigger?

Questions, suspicion and grief hang over in-custody death case

Less than 48 hours after a 33-year-old man died while in the custody of Kern County deputies, the questions and accusations are mounting.

Man wants PG&E help with property that burned during storm

Oildale resident Martin Stewart says power lines downed during Sunday’s windstorm started a fire in his backyard, and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has not returned his calls for help.