Local & Regional News

Local & Regional Questions leveled about group seeking donations (Video)

By Carol Ferguson, Eyewitness News Published: May 23, 2013 at 11:10 AM PDT Last Updated: May 23, 2013 at 4:16 PM PDT

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.

Local & Regional Perez wins district, but Vidak wins State Senate seat

By BakersfieldNow.com staff Published: May 22, 2013 at 11:27 AM PDT Last Updated: May 22, 2013 at 4:46 PM PDT

Leticia Perez garnered 56.3% of the votes in Kern County for the 16th District Senate seat, but only 41.7% in the district - making Republican Andy Vidak the unofficial winner in the race to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Michael Rubio.

Local & Regional Civil rights questions raised in phone seizure (Video)

By Carol Ferguson, Eyewitness News Published: May 21, 2013 at 10:41 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 10:41 PM PDT

The seizure of cell phone video of the incident when a man died in sheriff deputies' custody is raising legal questions. Some attorneys argue a number of civil rights were violated when officers insisted that witnesses turn over the phones.

Local & Regional Kern County’s hearts and minds rest with Oklahoma tornado victims (Video)

By Anthony Bailey, Eyewitness News Published: May 21, 2013 at 10:34 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 10:34 PM PDT

The path of destruction created by tornadoes moving through Oklahoma was tragic for many in Kern county. For a select few, such as Andrew Rickels, the images really hit home.

Local & Regional Mug shots: Help authorities find Kern County's Most Wanted (Photo Gallery)

By BakersfieldNow.com staff Published: Aug 13, 2010 at 5:29 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 5:00 PM PDT

Here you'll find the area's most wanted alleged felons and prison parolees.

Local & Regional Man survives 220-foot jump off Golden Gate Bridge

By Associated Press Published: May 21, 2013 at 2:03 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 2:03 PM PDT

A man was rescued by a sailing crew after jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge on Monday in one of the rare cases of someone actually surviving the 220-foot plunge.

Local & Regional Los Angeles picking mayor after low-drama campaign

By MICHAEL R. BLOOD, AP Political Writer Published: May 21, 2013 at 1:57 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 1:57 PM PDT

Voters were choosing the next mayor of Los Angeles on Tuesday, but most residents probably haven't noticed. The turnout tally was expected to be low when polls close at 8 p.m.

Local & Regional Unclaimed veterans' remains laid to rest

By Associated Press Published: May 21, 2013 at 1:35 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 1:35 PM PDT

The unclaimed remains of 35 military veterans, including some from World War I, and two military wives have been given formal military burials in Northern California.

Local & Regional 6 vehicles crash in central Bakersfield (Video)

By BakersfieldNow.com staff Published: May 21, 2013 at 10:45 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 11:23 AM PDT

Six vehicles were involved in crashes that stalled traffic just after 5 a.m. Tuesday at Golden State Avenue and M Street.

Local & Regional San Joaquin Community Hospital hosts opening ceremony for cancer center (Video)

By BakersfieldNow.com staff Published: May 21, 2013 at 12:51 PM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 12:51 PM PDT

San Joaquin Community Hospital hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday for The AIS Cancer Center and Outpatient Surgery Center.

Local & Regional Boyfriend killer tells jury what she'll do if allowed to live

By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press Published: May 21, 2013 at 11:27 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 11:42 AM PDT

Jodi Arias told a jury Tuesday that she can contribute to society if allowed to live, saying she'd like to start literacy, recycling and other programs in prison.

Local & Regional 18-year-old accused of killing roommate, stashing body (Video)

By BakersfieldNow.com staff Published: May 21, 2013 at 11:16 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 5:25 PM PDT

Police said they got a tip Monday that a missing man was dead, and his body was hidden in a home on the 2300 block of Castro Lane, just south of the Valley Plaza Mall. There, officers found the body of 45-year-old Kelly William Gill.

Local & Regional Delano man wanted in Alabama murder case arrested in Arizona

By Associated Press Published: May 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 11:00 AM PDT

Federal authorities say a California man wanted in an Alabama murder case has been arrested near the southern Arizona border.

Local & Regional 1 arrested for alleged kidnapping, shooting

By BakersfieldNow.com staff Published: May 21, 2013 at 10:56 AM PDT Last Updated: May 21, 2013 at 10:56 AM PDT

Authorities are still looking for one of two kidnapping and shooting suspects.

Local & Regional Some customers fired up over smoking in bars (Video)

By Carol Ferguson, Eyewitness News Published: May 20, 2013 at 6:26 PM PDT Last Updated: May 20, 2013 at 6:26 PM PDT

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.