Kern County sergeant’s preliminary hearing in rape case begins
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A Kern County sheriff’s sergeant accused of rape has taken a seat next to his attorney in Department 4 of Superior Court and his preliminary hearing has begun. Stephen Wells is charged with rape by force or fear, assault with the intent to commit rape by force or fear and burglary. […]
Bakersfield man gets 15 years to life for killing wife’s cousin
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man who pleaded no contest to killing his wife’s cousin was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years to life in prison, court records show. Jaime Regalado-Avalos, 45, in June pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the death of Claudia Morales Vazquez, 33. Her body was discovered the morning o
CHP to hold DUI, Driver’s License checkpoint on July 23
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on July 23, 2026, between 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in an unincorporated area of Bakersfield. CHP said the deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number...
BPD sees ‘alarming’ spike in deadly crashes as officers step up traffic enforcement
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department said the department has seen an “alarming rise” in serious injury and fatal traffic crashes. Bakersfield police said in June alone, there were nine fatal traffic crashes, bringing the total to 25 fatal traffic collisions so far this year.
Wible Road between Brundage Lane and Belle Terrace closed July 13–17
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The City of Bakersfield said Wible Road will be closed in both directions between Brundage Lane and Belle Terrace from Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17. The closure will be in place from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day as crews remove falsework...
Agriculture Leaders Discuss State Policy Impacts
On July 10, the Kern County Farm Bureau hosted a Tailgate Talk in Bakersfield, California, to discuss recent agricultural policy developments as well as the growing concerns over the state’s predator recovery initiatives. KCFB’s Tailgate talks are informal educational discussions that allow local agricultural leaders t
Arvin City Council to consider former Delano PD commander for police chief role
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A former Delano police commander could return to Kern County to become the next Arvin police chief, according to the Arvin City Council meeting agenda for Tuesday. The Arvin City Council is set to consider Cecilio Velasco for the chief of police position, which has been vacant for almost a
Diablo Grande escapes threat of water shutoffs as provider’s $14 million debt forgiven
For nearly a year, roughly 600 homes in Diablo Grande faced the possibility of having their water shut off as Western Hills Water District and the Kern County Water Agency battled over a $14 million debt. Now, residents are breathing a sigh of relief.
Bike takeovers in Kern County: What law enforcement is doing, what you can do
Bicycle takeovers are a growing issue nationwide and here in Kern County.
Storm chances return Monday as monsoonal moisture targets Kern County
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — HEATWAVE #2 AVERTED - SO FAR... Friday reached 104, Saturday came in at 101 and Sunday topped out at 99, along the 99, which means: Meadows Field airport did NOT meet 3-days-in-a-row of 100 degree heat! Thus, the summer of 2026 has only had 1 Bakersfield "heatwave" so far.
