Kget 17 News

Some of today's top storieswe have an update on the investigation into Kern County District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner.     The Board of Supervisors met for the first time yesterday, since allegations against Scrivner surfaced.     While Scrivner was absent, calls for his resignation filled the chamber.     17's Jenny Huh has more.shocking new information related to a homicide last month in east Bakersfield.    A man arrested in connection to the killing, then released, is a teacher in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District. Paul Magallanes was arrested April 19 in connection to the death of 38-year-old Margarita Lopez.    However, he was later released when prosecutors sent the case back for further investigation.    No charges against Magallanes have been filed.    According to the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, Magallanes, a teacher in the Alternative Education program, is on administrative leave. The district released a statement that reads in part, "We understand the shock and concern th

Some of today's top storiesFire crews raced to the scene of a two-alarm structure fire in east Bakersfield early this morning.This is on Fairfax Road near Pioneer Drive...    You can see fire crews attacking the flames in what appears to be an apartment complex.    No word on any injuries...    The cause of the fire is under investigationWe continue our coverage of the investigation into one of Kern County's supervisors, Zack Scrivner.    Scrivner is under investigation following allegations he sexually assaulted a child....    And this morning... the Kern County Board of Supervisors is set to meet -- with Scrivner's name still on the agenda. Scrivner has NOT been arrested... NOR have any charges been filed against him.We also do NOT know if Scrivner will be present at the meeting.As for what happened...Sheriff Donny Youngblood says he received a call from District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer two weeks ago... saying her nephew... Zack Scrivner... was armed and suicidal. Youngblood says he immediately dispatched d

Some of today's top storiesAnother massive structure fire erupted yesterday morning at a tow yard in Central Bakersfield.multiple explosions from more than a dozen vehicles burning inside the building.The Bakersfield Fire Department was dispatched to the Ten Eight Tow Yard on Inyo Street about 8am.Fire crews deployed the ladder truck to attack the flames from above to prevent it from spreading.The BFD got assistance from the Kern County Fire Dept and both teams deployed their high ladder hoses to keep the flames from spreading dozens of vehicles surrounding the property.No injuries have been reported.Thankfully, crews were able to put out the fire and mop up the remaining hot spots. But then, hours later about 1pm the fire reignited calling back fire crews.One firefighter had to saw open the gate to gain access to the fire.A man on scene who spotted the reignited fire and called the BFD told 17 news he is the insurance agent for Ten Eight Tow Incorporated.He claims the estimated damages to the building put th

Some of today's top storiesSouthbound lanes of Interstate 5 are closed this morning after CHP said a semi-truck overturned.This is just north of Grapevine Road...    It happened just before 4 a.m.    Three lanes are closed... you can see traffic moving slowly through.    It is unclear if there were any injuries in this crash..we continue to follow the ongoing investigation of Kern County District 2 Supervisor Zack Scrivner.     17 News has learned Christina Scrivner has asked a judge to keep her estranged husband away from their four children.    But her accusations are blacked out in page after page of an otherwise public document.    17's Jenny Huh has more. 32-year-old Rico Herring was found guilty Wednesday in a case that started here in Bakersfield and stretched across the state. A jury found Herring used violence and death threats to force a 16-year-old girl into sex work. Prosecutors say he met the victim online, bought her a bus ticket, then assaulted her and forced her into sex work. He could face 15

Some of today's top storiesSimmering tensions between counter-protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators escalates into bloody violence on the campus of UCLA Officers in riot gear with L-A-P-D and C-H-P are moving in on a pro-Palestinian encampment on the UCLA campus Law enforcemement ordered hundreds of protestors to disperse...calling the encampment unlawful.    Some protestors were seen wearing hard hats, goggles and respirator masks in anticipation of the raid.    Others banged on drums and waved Palestinian flags....As officers marched onto the campus grounds.    We're now learning officers have moved in and started arresting those protestors. This is the second night of protest on the campus.    Classes were canceled yesterday after the first night of protest.    No word if classed will be held today.The state's effort to 'Take Down Crime' in the Central Valley is showing early signs of success, with an aggressive partnership between the California Highway Patrol and the Bakersfield Police Department.

Some of today's top storiesA new poll by Nexstar... the parent company of 17 News ... shows what could be an ominous battle ahead for President Joe Biden... running for reelection against former President Donald Trump.     Biden trails Trump in seven key swing states... six of which Biden won in 2020.     17's Jenny Huh has a breakdown for us. Ballots are already being sent out for this month's special election. On May 21st, voters in the 20th Congressional District will once again make their voices heard.  This is the race to fill the remainder of Kevin McCarthy's term in Congress.  Voters will see two names on their ballots -- State Assemblyman Vince Fong and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux.  For more details on the upcoming election, just head to our website.. kget dot com. The numbers are out.    And it appears the latest effort to crackdown on crime in Bakersfield is working Governor Gavin Newsom announced the partnership between Bakersfield police and CHP last week.    It expanded CHP operations in

Some of today's top storiesFire crews raced to the scene of a building on fire in southeast Bakersfield. It happened just before 2 a.m. this morning on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard...    You can see in this video of a building engulfed in flames.    There are no known injuries at this time...    And the cause of the fire is under investigation.Drinking water is becoming more dangerous, particularly in the Central Valley.     The state has a troubling list of contaminated wells, and Kern remains a leader.     17's Mikhala Armstrong takes a deep dive tonight at 6 in the 17 News Special Report 'Poison in the Water'.     Here is a look into this crisis. It's been 15 years since California's High Speed Rail Project was endorsed by voters...    And yesterday, the Rail Authority held a meeting at Westchester Hall to get public feedback on Bakersfield's bullet train station coming in 2030.    17's Rob Hagan has more.Making news around the nation...    The city of Charlotte, North Carolina is grieving this morning

Some of today's top storiesIt has been 5 days since allegations of sexual abuse came out against Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner.    As the investigation continues, he has not been arrested. Scrivner is under investigation following allegations he sexually assaulted a child. Sheriff Donny Youngblood says he received a call from District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer around 11 Tuesday night... saying her nephew... Zack Scrivner... was armed and suicidal. Youngblood says he immediately dispatched deputies to Scrivner's Tehachapi home.When they arrived it was discovered Scrivner had been stabbed over allegations he had sexually assaulted a child.The following day... Wednesday... detectives arrived with a search warrant for the stabbing and sexual assault. They seized 30 firearms... electronics... including his phone... possible evidence of both the stabbing and sexual assault... as well as forensic evidence. Youngblood says to his knowledge... Scrivner is no longer in the hospital. He also confirmed there is an e

Some of today's top storiesone of the most powerful political figures in Kern County -- 2nd District Supervisor Zack Scrivner -- is under investigation following allegations he sexually assaulted a child.  The troubling allegations regarding Supervisor Scrivner and what happened at his Tehachapi house began circulating early Wednesday morning. It was a lot of hearsay... until Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood confirmed some of those shocking details. Scrivner has *not been arrested or charged. Youngblood says he received a call from District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer around 11 Tuesday night... saying her nephew... Zack Scrivner... was armed and suicidal.  Youngblood says after hearing from a concerned and emotional Zimmer... he immediately dispatched deputies to Scrivner's Tehachapi home. Youngblood did not confirm the sexual assault but he says they're investigating with reason.  That altercation led to Scrivner being stabbed twice in the upper torso with a knife.  It is unclear what type of knife.  Scrivne

Some of today's top storiesKern County firefighters had their hands full last night... with a vegetation fire near the Bena landfill.The call came in around 6:40.    Crews worked quickly to knock down the flames.    At last check, the fire is under control with three acres burned.    No word yet on a cause.This morning... we know the name of a man who died following a shooting late Friday night near Panorama Park in northeast Bakersfield.    24-year-old Ronald Josue Rivera Hernandez was shot April 19 at the intersection of River Boulevard and Panorama Drive.    He died at the scene.    Bakersfield police said he was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the park's parking lot.     The shooting remains under investigation.    Anyone with information is asked to call BPD at 327-7111.A man known as the "pillowcase rapist" was sentenced yesterday for trying to kidnap a woman in Bakersfield. A man known as the "pillowcase rapist" was sentenced yesterday for trying to kidnap a woman in Bakersfield. 12  years...    

Some of today's top storiesFarm workers protested outside the Marriott Hotel in downtown Bakersfield yesterday morning, as a hearing got underway in the case of Wonderful Nurseries versus United Farm Workers.     The workers claim they were tricked into unionizing with the U-F-W and they want out. The workers allege the U-F-W approached them... offering $600 in COVID-19 relief funds... as part of a federal program for farm and food workers.     They say they were told signing what they did not know was a union authorization card... was part of the process. U-F-W Vice President Erika Navarrette told 17 News the claims are "a complete lie," and says the workers are being manipulated by Wonderful Nurseries.        The hearing has been adjourned until Thursday.         For more on the case... as well as past allegations against the UFW... you can visit our website, k-g-e-t dot com.Bakersfield police now say street racing was the cause of a crash in southwest Bakersfield that sent four people to the hospital, incl

Some of today's top storiesA Rosamond home is destroyed this morning... after a massive fire engulfed the structure last night. The fire happened at a home on Cold Creek Avenue.    You can see county firefighters battling the blaze.    Firefighters from Los Angeles County were called in to assist in the firefight.    The flames were knocked down about an hour later.    It is unclear if anyone was inside the home and how the fire began.Now to a series of fires in Bakersfield.    The latest on Saturday, consumed an abandoned 10,000 square foot building, but that's not the only fire this month Fire crews scrambled to contain the massive fire located in downtown Bakersfield Saturday.    And, fire crews saved two people from another burning building on the morning of April 17th on California Avenue.    These buildings have the same thing in common: They're abandoned, except for the homeless. They contain mountains of trash, they have easy access, and now they're in ruins.    Alan Alvarez with the Bakersfield Downt

Some of today's top storiesIt's the final countdown to opening statements in former president donald trump's historic hush money trial in a downtown manhattan courtroom.    Just an hour from now... the historic criminal case will begin against the former president.    With the jury - now seated...    The defense - preparing to counter each claim...    And the defendant himself - turning the courtroom into a campaign stop.    NBC's Yasmin Vosoughian (Vo-suh-hian) starts us off.a man is dead following a motorcycle crash yesterday evening near Jefferson Park. It happened at the intersection of River Boulevard and Bernard Street.    We're still waiting to hear more about what led up to the crash but CHP says a man was killed.    His identity has not been revealed.A high speed pursuit yesterday morning ended in a crash and 4 people detained. The crash is located in the parking lot of the Salon on Bernard Street and Sacramento Street.    4 people were placed in handcuffs.    Deputies were on scene taking booking ph

Some of today's top storiesTwo earthquakes struck the Kern River Valley yesterday...    The latest rattling the town of Bodfish before 9 p.m. with a magnitude of 3-point-2. Yesterday afternoon, a 4.3 magnitude earthquake struck just before 12:20.    The epicenter was about 6-and-a-half miles south of Bodfish, according to the U-S Geological Survey This is new viewer video showing the shaking from the first quake at a home in Bodfish.    Calls flooded our newsroom from viewers who said they felt the shaking here in Bakersfield -- some 40 miles away.     There have been no reports of any structural damage as of newstime this morning.Now to one of our signature issues here at KGET... Kern's Sober Reality.  The man accused of driving drunk and injuring three people at the Bakersfield Christmas Parade, has been arrested for allegedly driving under the influence *again.*  And he's due in court today.  72-year-old Alan Booth, was arrested Wednesday near Oak and 20th Streets - his second DUI arrest in less than six m

Some of today's top storiesLast night brought a scare in the emergency room at Adventist Health Hospital. According to Bakersfield police, a call came in that a man armed with a gun was seen in a restroom in the E-R.    Officers raced to the scene and after the hospital was put on lockdown - they were unable to locate a gunman.    BPD tells 17 News, it's possible this was a prank call or what's known as a "swatting" call.    An investigation is underway.    Again, no gunman was found at Adventist Health hospital.We are on verdict watch in the murder trial of Anthony Williams -- the man accused of opening fire on a Greyhound bus four years ago. The shooting happened February 3, 2020, as the bus traveled over the Grapevine.  Passengers say they heard yelling and cussing before bullets started flying.  When it was over, a woman lay dead and five others were wounded.  Seventeen shots were fired in all. Deputy Public Defender Nick Roth told the jury today he doesn't contest his client is guilty of second-degree mu

Some of today's top storiesThe race for the gold is getting a lot closer this morning..    Today we are exactly 100-days out from the opening ceremony at the summer olympics in paris..    To celebrate.. Dozens of stars from team usa are in new york to talk about the games and what it means to represent their country with the whole world watching..    NBC's Jay gray spent some time with the athletes, and has more. And the TODAY Show is celebrating the countdown in a big way!  Tune in this morning as the Plaza will be transformed into Paris with dozens of hopefuls sharing their path to gold with the TODAY team.  Mike Tirico will check in from Paris as well. The ceremonial flame was lit at the birthplace of the olympic games in greece yesterday.     The ceremony, took place in the ruins of the temple of Hera in Olympia.     The ceremony launches a 68-day torch relay set to culminate in paris on july 26TH.A pro-Palestinian protester who was arrested for threatening to murder Bakersfield City Coucilmembers - is ou

Some of today's top storiesWe're learning the name of a woman who was hit and killed by a car over the weekend. It happened  just after 2 a.m. Saturday at South P Street.Bakersfield Police say 45-year-old Estella Andino was hit by the car and died.The search is still underway for the driver.call B-P-D if you have any information.By our count, this is the 18th person hit and killed by a car in Kern County this year.And the California Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly crash east of Delano.    It happened just before 5 Saturday evening on Highway 65 south of the 155.     CHP says for unknown reasons, a driver crossed into the opposite lanes, hitting an oncoming car.     One person died in the crash.{banner}    Officers are investigating if the use of drugs or alcohol were factors in this crash.. but they're calling for witnesses to help with the investigation.    If you know anything, call C-H-P. Just yesterday morning... the state of California sued the city of Huntington Beach for going against state el

Some of today's top storiesWhen donald trump.. Manhattan prosecutors.. And potential jurors gather to begin the first-ever felony trial of a former u-s president..    NBC's Jay gray has the story.Fire crews raced to the call of a structure fire at the Woolworth Diner Saturday afternoon. The fire was located inside on the third floor of the building in downtown Bakersfield.    The building was purchased by MoneyWise Wealth management and is currently going through extensive rennovations.    No injuries have been reported.    It's unclear the extent of the damage to the building.    The cause of the fire is still under investigation.A woman is in critical condition this morning following a crash on Saturday night.  Bakersfield police say 2 vehicles crashed near the intersection of Gosford Road and South Laurelglen Boulevard before 10:30 p.m.    Officers on scene found the woman, a passenger of one of the vehicles, suffering from major injuries.    Anyone with information on this crash is encourage to call B-P-D

Some of today's top storiesA traffic alert for you this morning... vehicles have been backed up on the northbound side of I5 over the grapevine, for more than 15 hours now.This is a live look this morning at the closure that started just before 2 p.m. yesterday.As of 2 this morning the CHP website reported that officers expected clean up to take a few more hours.As of last check, two lanes were closed. It all started when the CHP says a truck carrying 23-thousand pounds of paper products went up in flames     Again, this is the northbound side of Interstate 5, just north of Grapevine Road.     The fire has since been extinguished, but traffic is still slow going.     One woman posting on social media last night said - it took her nearly four hours to get from Lebec to Grapevine Road.The County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for a new Bakersfield crematorium. Rick Woody has been fighting to operate a crematorium in a multi-tenant building near Meadows Field Airport, for nearly two years.

Some of today's top storiesWe're learning more this morning about some tense moments at last night's Bakersfield City Council meeting.  A pro-Palestinian protester was arrested... after allegedly making threatening comments to city councilmembers. Riddhi Patel.has been attending City Council meetings to ask that city leaders pass a ceasefire resolution for the Israel-Hamas War.  Soon after those comments... Patel was escorted out of the chambers then arrested by Bakersfield police officers. Other pro-Palestinian protesters later approached 17 News to emphasize Patel does not represent them. Protesters also spoke against the city's recent security improvement measures.  During the meeting... the City Council voted unanimously... 7-0... to pass a policy on security at public city buildings... meetings... and events.  It includes physical security protocols... similar to an airport baggage check and metal detectors.  But many are questioning the timing of the new security.  City Attorney Ginny Gennaro denies the