Latest news with #BAKERSFIELD
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of threatening Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores says he sent emails to all supervisors, insists he's the one being threatened in jailhouse interview
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The 61-year-old man accused of threatening Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores is due back in court next Thursday. This week, Parrish Buzzard agreed to speak with 17 News for a jailhouse interview. He has been charged with three felonies and is being held without bail at the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. 17's Jenny Huh: 'You're being accused of sending threatening messages.' Parrish Buzzard: 'No, no, they're threatening me, man.' 17's Jenny Huh: 'So, going back to Jeff Flores, tell us more specifically how Flores is threatening you?' Man arrested after allegedly sending threats to member on Board of Supervisors Parrish Buzzard: 'It's the whole Board of Supervisors. It's the whole thing. They never reached out; they took my money.' Parrish Buzzard also called Supervisor Jeff Flores a creep. But Buzzard said he sent emails to all five county supervisors, not just Flores. 'It was really to different ones, it means all of them [supervisors], I just didn't have time to type it all in and stuff,' Buzzard said. 17's Jenny Huh: 'So, it just happened to go to Jeff Flores, but you're not targeting him?' Parrish Buzzard: 'No, I sent it to different, other supervisors too, to all of them. 17's Jenny Huh: 'I don't think they received it, they said it was only Flores?' Parrish Buzzard: 'That's false.' Buzzard faces three felony charges — stalking, making criminal threats and threatening a state official. Charges filed against man accused of threatening Supervisor Jeff Flores A public defender entered not guilty pleas on Buzzard's behalf. But during his arraignment, Buzzard lashed out, using numerous profanities. 'Well, I had a real bad headache, and I was in a lot of pain in. My foot and arm and stuff, and I was filthy and all this stuff, and they weren't being cool at all,' Buzzard explained. 'I think when she was saying I was stalking, I thought what are you talking about? I'm the one that's been stalked for years, many, many years.' He also said he's been homeless, suffers from PTSD, has had seizures and said many people have tried to kill him. A significant portion of the 50-minute-long conversation was filled with tangents, incoherence and countless references to politicians, books, movies and music, including 'Silence of the Lambs,' 'Jeepers Creepers,' 'The Truman Show,' Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer. Buzzard also lamented about not being able to receive Social Security and disability benefits — as well as healthcare and housing assistance — for years. Through the interview, 17 News learned Buzzard is an introvert who was born and raised in Fresno. He said he moved to Bakersfield in May 2022 because he felt Fresno was like a 'death trap.' Buzzard also had scratches on his face. He said he claws his skin during his sleep and said he has frequent nightmares and 'very terrible nights.' Man charged with threatening Jeff Flores removed from court after profane outburst In a statement to 17 News, Flores said: 'Prior to the recent hundred-plus emails from Mr. Parrish Buzzard I, nor my staff, have ever had any interaction with him. I do not know him, nor have I ever met him. Additionally, I have never threatened Mr. Buzzard in any way. Unfortunately, he's the one who's threatening me. I am always committed to serving all my constituents who reach out for assistance to the best of my ability.' 17 News asked Buzzard about allegations he had threatened former District 3 Supervisor Mike Maggard. Buzzard denied those allegations, saying he doesn't know who Maggard is. 17 News also asked about a prior arrest in Fresno for the same charge — criminal threats. Buzzard was unable to detail specifics about the incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California water resources board clamps down on Kern County groundwater sustainability
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — If stakeholders in Kern County's Groundwater Sustainability Plan want to avoid a state takeover, they'll need to do a better job of monitoring and measuring pumping activity, avoiding land subsidence and setting minimal groundwater levels. On Friday, the State Water Resources Control Board considered placing the Kern County Sub-basin on probation, as had been recommended by the its water board staff. The board granted Kern County Groundwater Sustainability Agencies a continuance instead of probation, as they work to satisfy the water board's demands. Probation would impose serious state oversight on Kern County water boards, something they want to avoid very much. Scrivners reach agreement on restraining order, March hearing canceled Farmers would have to meter all their wells, calibrate them and register them with the state of California. They would have to report all extractions to the state and pay a $20-per acre foot pumping fee on top of what they're already paying. The Kern County agencies said they appreciated the continuance and plan to keep working with the state water board to develop better sustainability solutions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
McMurtrey Aquatic Center to close for seasonal maintenance
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The McMurtrey Aquatic Center is set to close for planned seasonal maintenance starting Monday, Feb. 17. City officials say public access will be restricted and all programming will be canceled. GoFundMe created for correctional officer's funeral The maintenance is expeted to be completed and the aquatic center is scheduled to be open by March 10. City officials thank the community for their patience. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Special election primary ballots for vacant Assembly District 32 seat mailed to voters
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Kern County Elections Office said ballots for a special election primary for the vacant Assembly District 32 seat are now arriving for registered voters. Elections officials said ballots were sent for the Feb. 25 special election beginning Monday. Every registered voter in the 32nd Assembly District will receive a ballot in the mail. Voters will receive voter, candidate and ballot drop box location information with their mail-in ballot. Who's asking for your vote in the 32nd Assembly District special election? The primary will determine the top two candidates who will then advance to a runoff election on April 29. The special election was called back in December after, Rep. Vince Fong (R-Bakersfield) vacated the Assembly seat he won, but didn't campaign for, since he was running for his CA-20 House of Representatives seat. Fong won re-election to his 20th District U.S. House seat in November and will continue to serve in Washington D.C. leaving the 32nd District California Assembly seat open pending the results of the upcoming special election. Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone, Stan Ellis, Holli Willibey and William Brown Jr. are candidates running for the seat. You can view interviews with the candidates below. Interview with CA Assembly 32nd District special election candidate Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone Interview with CA Assembly 32nd District special election candidate Stan Ellis Interview with CA Assembly 32nd District special election candidate Holli Willibey Interview with CA Assembly 32nd District special election candidate William Brown The 32nd Assembly District includes voters in Kern and Tulare counties. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
