BPD seek help in finding three missing children, last seen in south Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding 3 at-risk missing children, all last seen in southwest Bakersfield. Frankie, Gemini and Genesis Johnson were last seen on July 4, 2025, around 1:40 p.m. entering a black sedan in the 10000...
Kern County pediatrician talks dangers of hot temperatures for young children
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Kern County pediatrician Dr. Ranjani Panithi joined 17 News at Noon to discuss how hot temperatures can be much more dangerous for young children. Kern County proclaimed the month of July as Purple Ribbon Month to raise awareness about the dangers of leaving children younger than 6 years...
Wildfire burning west of Kern County is state’s largest blaze so far this year
This story was updated on Friday, July 4 at 3 p.m. A wildfire in a wilderness area west of Kern County exploded in size as dry, hot weather raised the fire risk for large portions of the state as the July Fourth holiday arrived. The Madre Fire became California's largest...
Golden Empire Most Wanted: July 3, 2025
The U.S. Marshals are asking for help to get a convicted sex offender off the streets. Marahals said they are looking for Rudy Rosas, 66. He is on parole for failing to register as a sex offender. Rosas has a criminal history that includes assault, domestic violence and indecent exposure. He has ties to Bakersfield....
Traffic halted on Rosedale Highway as crews assess damage from crash after police chase
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Los Angeles man is in custody following a police pursuit that ended in a crash early Saturday morning. According to the California Highway Patrol, around 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning, a CHP Bakersfield Area unit spotted a vehicle watching the description of a vehicle involved in a...
Inmate death at Kern Valley State Prison under investigation as homicide
Authorities at Kern Valley State Prison are investigating the death of an inmate on Independence Day as a suspected homicide, according to a statement released by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prison staff discovered 22-year-old Fernando Camarillo-Cervantes lying unresponsive on the...
The Kern River and Kern County are named for this artist
When it comes to place names in the Central Valley, most follow a familiar pattern, with origins in tribal names, the Spanish colonial period, or those of early white settlers. But there are a few exceptions. Today on KVPR's Central Valley Roots, the story of the valley county - and river - named for an artist.
Unlikely California family farm becomes an international destination
The farm started out as a modest 20-acre lot in 1989.
BPD: Officer shoots knife-wielding suspect at southwest Bakersfield Walmart
Police shot a suspect who allegedly approached officers with a knife at a Walmart in southwest Bakersfield Thursday night. The suspect is in stable condition.
Fourth of July fire prompts 2-alarm response, displaces families amid holiday heat
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Four families are displaced after a 2-alarm structure fire in west Bakersfield Friday afternoon, according to the Bakersfield Fire Department. The BFD said crews initially received reports of the exterior of a structure on fire in the 700 block of Deseret Way. When crews arrived,...
