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Deputies, Forest Service officer recount trauma of escape from Borel Fire
The smoke was too dense for the helicopter to get close enough. With their options diminishing, Davis went to his vehicle to see what he had in the way of fireproof jackets and emergency blanket shelters.
Local Assistance Center opens to aid Borel Fire victims this weekend
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Local Assistance Center (LAC) has officially opened today, helping residents impacted by the Borel Fire with recovery. The Red Cross Central California account on the social media site, ‘X,’ posted about how they were teaming up with over 30 organizations at the Local Assistance Center this weekend.
Suspect held to answer in death of beloved educator Larry Hallum
The man suspected of killing beloved Arvin High School educator Larry Hallum in a car crash is being held to answer for murder following the defendant’s preliminary hearing Friday in Kern County Superior Court. Marque Qualls, 27, is charged with second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and assault...
Families begin slow return to Kern County town damaged by wildfire
HAVILAH, Calif. — The Borel Fire in Kern County has burned just shy of 60,000 acres since igniting late last month. With containment now over 90%, firefighters have released their first comprehensive look at the damage. More than 200 structures have burned, according to a Kern County Fire report....
MCC offering cannabis programs 'built to be industry standards'
In the year since the courses started being offered, roughly 100 students have successfully obtained a certificate, which is made possible through MCC’s Workforce and Economic Development Division and Green Flower, a marijuana education provider.
Coroner identifies drivers killed in head-on crash on Buena Vista Boulevard
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified the two people who died after a head-on crash on Buena Vista Boulevard in Julyas 52-year-old Martin Martinez Gallegos and 45-year-old Gabriel Martinez Torres, both of Bakersfield. The California Highway Patrol said on July 20, 2024, at...
California teacher surprised by bear wandering through her classroom
A teacher in Kern County had a surprise visit from a bear and it was all caught on camera.It happened on Tuesday night as Elaine Salmon was getting ready for the first day of school at Peak to Peak Mountain Charter School in Pine Mountain Club near Frazier Park.The video shows the curious bear wandering around the classroom, checking out tables and bookshelves.Salmon said she immediately left the classroom after she spotted the bear and shut the door behind her.Her husband came to the rescue and was able to safely get the bear back outside to the mountains by holding open the door for the animal.Salmon said the bear caused no serious damage to the room besides getting into an earthquake preparedness kit. "We have an earthquake kit with snacks just in case of an emergency and the bear went through it," said Elaine Salmon, teacher.The first day of school for Peak to Peak Mountain Charter, which is "home of the bears," is set for Wednesday, August 14.
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