Ruby Rivera

Prev Next Posted 3 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter For many vendors, a sidewalk is where business begins, but the rules they follow are about to change. That's because Kern County supervisors have approved a new ordinance updating how sidewalk vendors can operate in unincorporated areas. “The county's ordinance as it exists now is not consistent with the city of Bakersfield municipal codes regarding sidewalk vendors,” according to county council. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad To close that gap, Kern County supervisors unanimously approved an updated sidewalk vending ordinance in a 5-0 vote Tuesday morning. County officials say the changes bring Kern County's rules in line with California law passed in 2018, while also creating clearer guidelines for vendors operating outside Bakersfield city limits. But according to Priscilla Sanchez, district director for Supervisor Leticia Perez, the update is about more than just complying with state law. “Back in April, a constituent from our district called with concerns of an illegal swap meet is what she called it in the Casa Loma area,” said Sanchez. Because the area falls under a combination of city, county, and CHP jurisdiction, county officials say enforcement has been limited, until now. Under the updated rules, anyone selling food or merchandise from a cart, stand, wagon, or other non-motorized setup on public sidewalks must first obtain a permit through the Kern County Sheriff's Office. In places like Oildale, sidewalk vendors are a common sight. One vendor, who spoke off camera, told 23ABC he doesn't currently have a permit, but says he has no concerns about getting one if it becomes required. Like Bakersfield's current ordinance, vendors will not be required to complete fingerprinting or criminal background checks to receive a permit. The updated ordinance also establishes stricter operating rules. Vendors must keep at least four feet of sidewalk space clear for pedestrians, cannot use loudspeakers or amplified sound, and stationary vendors will not be allowed to operate in residential neighborhoods. “I think it's not that we just don't want you sell, we want you to go broke and be homeless, that's not the idea,” said Sanchez. “The idea is it's just where to do it, what you need to do, and then where to do it in the proper locations.” Sanchez says vendors who break the rules could face administrative fines starting at $100 and may even lose their permit after repeated violations. However the changes aren't set in stone just yet, the county says the ordinance must return to the board of supervisors for final approval and then wait 30 days for full enactment. County officials say they understand this may be an adjustment for vendors and are prepared to hold future town halls to hear concerns and answer questions. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Prev Next Posted 2 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter For some drivers, locking your doors may not be enough. Certain Hyundai and Kia models have become a target for thieves nationwide, and Delano is no exception. According to Delano Police, commonly targeted models include the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima made between 2010 and 2021. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Officials say the issue stems from the fact that many of these models were built without ignition immobilizers, a key anti-theft feature designed to prevent someone from starting the car without authorization. While speaking with drivers around Delano, several Kia and Hyundai owners told 23ABC off camera they've heard about the spike in thefts and have considered adding extra security features, but haven't taken that step yet. Others said they haven't personally been victims, but know neighbors or family members whose vehicles were stolen. 23ABC reached out to Hyundai and Kia for comment. Both companies say they are actively working to combat the theft trend and are offering free anti-theft software upgrades and additional security options for eligible drivers. Kias full statement below: “Kia has taken comprehensive action to enhance the security of its vehicles to prevent individuals from using methods of theft popularized on social media to steal or attempt to steal certain vehicle models that use a metal key to start. We're continuing to strongly encourage eligible customers to receive the free software upgrade that we developed and rolled out to all local dealers over three years ago that is designed to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should an individual attempt to steal a locked vehicle without the key. We're encouraged that theft rates of these vehicle models in many cities have decreased as software upgrade installation rates have increased and Kia's distribution of steering wheel locks to local law enforcement agencies and Kia owners has become more widespread. Kia will continue to work with law enforcement across the country to combat criminal car theft and the role social media has played in encouraging it, and we remain fully committed to upholding vehicle security.” Hyundai's full statement below: “Newer Hyundai vehicles have immobilizers and are not subject to the method of theft popularized on social media. For vehicles without immobilizers, Hyundai has taken several steps to help protect customers and support those affected by the theft method that gained attention on social media. These efforts include free anti-theft software upgrades, zinc ignition protectors and a settlement fund for eligible customers. Eligible customers may also receive a free zinc ignition protector, which provides an additional layer of protection against this theft method. Hyundai is not aware of any confirmed instances in which the software upgrade failed to perform as designed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has described the upgrade as “extremely effective.” For the system to operate as intended, customers must lock their vehicles to activate the factory alarm and ignition-disabling feature and use the key fob to unlock the vehicle.We will continue to take meaningful action to support our customers and ensure peace of mind. For more information on the expanded zinc sleeve campaign, customers can visit the website at https://autoservice.hyundaiusa.com/ignitionprotector/ [autoservice.hyundaiusa.com] . For additional information on customer reimbursement for customers who had a theft/theft attempt after receiving the software upgrade, please visit the website at www.HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com [ hkmultistateimmobilizersettlement.com ] .” Though these brands are a common target, overall thefts have gone down statewide for the second year in a row, with a 31.4% decrease in thefts in Kern County according to CHP. Owners are encouraged to take extra precautions, like parking in well-lit areas, locking their vehicles, using steering wheel locks, installing GPS trackers, and checking if their vehicle qualifies for a manufacturer software update. As vehicle thefts continue to be a concern, it's important to note that taking a few extra precautions could make your car a harder target. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Prev Next Posted 3 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. (KERO) — A newly released 51-page report is raising serious concerns about medical care at the California City ICE detention center. Independent medical reviewer Dr. Muthusamy Anandkumar concluded the facility lacks a reliable system to consistently provide adequate health care, putting detainees at risk of immediate and long-term harm. The report followed a federal court order tied to an ongoing lawsuit. After three days of on-site visits and interviews with staff and 40 patients, investigators assessed eight separate areas of care. Every single one was labeled noncompliant. Findings included inadequate staffing, delays in medical evaluations, concerns over medication access, difficulty getting patients timely specialty appointments, and medical records that did not clearly show whether conditions were fully evaluated, treated, or properly followed up on. Mental health care was another major concern. In the report, Anandkumar wrote: "Given the number of patients and the seriousness of their medical and mental health needs, these substantial gaps contribute to an unsafe environment. Staffing shortages make even basic mental health care difficult to deliver." The review was ordered after the San Francisco law firm behind the lawsuit received multiple allegations of inadequate medical care. Cody Harris, a partner at the firm, said the report's findings speak for themselves. "There's 1,600 people right now in California City [detention center] and they have medical issues that range from cancer to chronic conditions like diabetes to the common cold," Harris said. "What this medical report that just was unveiled demonstrates that on every level they're not in compliance." 23ABC reached out to both CoreCivic, the private company that operates the facility, and ICE for comment. In a statement, CoreCivic said it is actively reviewing the report and responded in part: "Nothing matters more to CoreCivic than the health, safety and well-being of the people in our care, and we take seriously our responsibility to respond to questions about our operations with accuracy and transparency." CoreCivic added that the California City facility operates under multiple layers of oversight, that care is provided by licensed and credentialed professionals, and that individuals have daily access to physical and mental health services with emergency care available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The company also said prescribed medications are managed through established clinical protocols and that specialty care is coordinated with outside providers when needed. In its statement, ICE said: "Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE. ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens. ICE is regularly audited and inspected by external agencies to ensure that all ICE facilities comply with performance-based national detention standards." When asked whether he found those statements accurate, Harris said: "No. I mean I think you can read the report and you can see that it's not accurate. They've got some effort that they've made to have some kind of medical system at California city, the question is, is it adequate, is it functioning?" Recommendations from Anandkumar include changes to improve staffing, strengthen oversight, track patient care more effectively, and ensure treatment decisions are documented and followed through. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Prev Next Posted 7 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — High temperatures are on the way but that doesn't mean you still can't go outside and enjoy the day. “I was gone for about 12 years and you know I was still shocked by the heat this summer because I moved right in the middle of summertime,” said community member Morgan Self. Morgan Self tells me moving back to Bakersfield in the summer has been a hard adjustment, but with her and her son's love for the outdoors, she hasn't let the heat stop her. Aside from carrying extra water, she has more ways of staying cool. “Getting out before noon, getting some fresh air and getting to a park before the heat really kicks in too bad, we also do this thing where we pick a new splash park every week and have a picnic,” said Self. With Kern County's extreme summer heat, we always remind you of the basics: drink water, stay in the shade, and don't forget the sunscreen. But Dr. Puja Vithalani says there are additional ways to help your body stay cool when temperatures soar. Her first tip: target your body's pulse points. Placing a cold towel or frozen water bottle on areas like the back of your neck, your wrists, or behind your ears can help cool the body down more quickly. Dr. Vithalani also says a simple change in diet during the summer months can make a big difference in helping your body beat the heat. “So foods that are rich in water, such as our fruits and vegetables, salads, easy to digest carbohydrates those are going to be easier on our system during the hot months as well as providing us with some hydration in the food itself,” said Dr. Vithalani. Speaking of water, experts say staying cool isn't just about drinking it “Whenever we put things like lemon in our water or even things like berries or watermelon, they can provide not only some vitamin C but their own natural electrolytes so that kind of leeches into the water,” said Dr. Vithalani. At Riverwalk Park, plenty of people are finding ways to power through the heat, and one local resident is sharing simple tips to help the community stay cool while on the go. “I've been seeing a lot of people bringing their mini fans and I just got one too I forgot to bring it but that actually like, it obviously can't bring out cool air but the little breeze for your face feels nice,” said community member Vivian Tovar. While these lesser-known cooling tips can help beat the heat, experts say the most important step is still the simplest: drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. As we continue to see triple digit heat , remember that just a few extra steps before heading out could make all the difference. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

A new report found the California City ICE detention center noncompliant in all 8 areas of medical care after an independent review.

Prev Next Posted 6 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A project years in the making will soon transform a site in East Bakersfield into a new affordable housing community and senior center. The $27 million project is a partnership between the Housing Authority of the County of Kern and the Bakersfield Senior Center. The development will turn an empty lot into the new Bakersfield Senior Center Affordable Housing & Facility, bringing 36 affordable apartment homes for seniors, along with a community-centered facility designed to support healthy and independent living through wellness programs, educational opportunities, nutritious meals, supportive services, and spaces for social connection. The project began with an idea from lifetime Bakersfield resident Lilli Parker, executive director of the Bakersfield Senior Center, who believed there weren't enough resources in the East Bakersfield area for the elderly community. "Today I am so honored; this is a legacy for me," Parker said. "I knew if the building could get built, the services would come with it as well; it means so much because we can do more now over many years by this facility being built," Parker said. The groundbreaking ceremony drew a packed crowd, including longtime East Bakersfield residents who say the community has waited years for this kind of investment and revitalization. "I have seen our seniors, our elders, as we refer to them, as being resource deficient," resident Ucedrah Ozby said. "This has been very meaningful to talk to them and find out what their needs are." Funding for the project was secured through several public and private partnerships, including support from Congressman David Valadao's office. Construction began last month with the demolition of the previous center. Crews are now preparing for the next phase, with a ribbon-cutting planned for February 2028. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Prev Next Posted 4 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter MCFARLAND, Calif. (KERO) — What was once an older building at Kern Avenue Elementary has now been remodeled into a dedicated learning space for the district's youngest students. However, the building does more than prepare students in the classroom. “I was scared of the safety because my son he does run, he doesn't know about dangers,” said parent Hildeliza Reyes. For Hildeliza Reyes, safety was always one of her greatest concerns as the mother of a child with autism. Now, she says the new early childhood and Special Education complex at Kern Avenue Elementary has brought her comfort, confidence and peace of mind. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad “I mean I was so in love with it, I think I loved it more than he [my son] did, he was just looking around and I was like oh my god,” said Reyes. “Like they fixed it I feel like just for them for their safety, I don't know if you've seen it, it's very beautiful.” 23ABC took a tour of the facility, Special Education dDrector for the McFarland School District Lauren Lopez tells us about the biggest updates. “A huge improvement for us is actually our wet room so it's an addition to the classroom that has really allowed our students to be in the classroom more than they were previously,” said Lopez. Before the new complex opened, Lopez says students often had to be escorted across campus to be changed, and in some cases sent home to get cleaned. Now, specialized features like in-class changing tables and showers are helping students stay focused in the classroom while allowing staff to remain nearby and fully engaged with their students. This is only one part of the campus transformation. Superintendent Aaron Resendez says three classrooms of the nine classrooms in the complex are dedicated to special education students, while the remaining rooms are designed for transitional kindergarten and first grade students. “These classrooms are not a remodel,” said Resendez. “They are completely new builds. They meet the size requirements, they meet the needs of our students, and they also support our teaching staff.” Resendez says the classrooms also feature connected staff spaces, giving teachers and aides quick access to restrooms, lunch areas and collaborative workspaces with fellow educators. The groundbreaking $14.2 million project took two years to complete. Resendez says the entire project was funded by the state, without using local taxpayer dollars from McFarland residents. From a former building to a new learning space, the district says this transformation is all about supporting students in their first steps of education. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Prev Next Posted 2 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — For many families, measles may feel like a disease of the past. However, newly confirmed cases in Kern County are bringing concerns for health officials and residents. “These are actually the first cases in Kern County residents that we've had diagnosed with measles since 2004,” said Division Director of Heath Services at Kern County Public Health Kimberly Hernandez. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Kimberly Hernandez with Kern County Public Health says a total of two measles cases have been confirmed, with residents contracting the disease outside of the county during travel before returning with it. This is the first time Kern County has seen a case in more than two decades. “So the biggest thing is always the contact investigation, identifying people who may have been exposed to these cases while they were infectious and identifying whether or not they might be immune, if they might be at risk of you know developing measles,” said Hernandez. According to Hernandez, both people are no longer considered contagious and are not currently self quarantined. Even so, Dr. Puja Vithalani with Kaiser Permanente says, precautions should still be taken. “The measles vaccine is still widely popular, we recommend it for our kids for the one year vaccine as well as when they're four and five years old,” said Dr. Vithalani. “If anyone is late on their vaccine, it's never too late to get it they can contact their doctor and get the vaccine.” Dr. Vithalani says the highly contagious disease typically spreads through the air and can linger for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Symptoms can appear one to two weeks after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash that often starts on the face. However even if someone has the measles vaccine, Dr. Vithalani says people can still contract the disease. Hernandez advising the public on what their next steps should be. “This is just a really important reminder for our community to check their immunization records, find out if they're up to date and if they're not up to date talk to their health care provider about getting vaccinated against measles,” said Hernandez. For more information about measles and how to protect yourself, click here. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

After taking years to complete, the McFarland Unified School District has opened the doors to its new TK and special education classrooms. Designed to meet

Prev Next Posted 2 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — Through hospital visits and ongoing treatments, one thing has remained constant for Marques: his love for music. Now, Make-A-Wish is making sure that passion can keep playing on. For Delano teenager Marques Urbano, this isn't just the sound of a clarinet. It's the sound of something he refused to give up. At just 18 years old, Marques has gone through more than most people. Putting his life on hold to attend hospital visits after being diagnosed with kidney disease. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad “He had to stop doing band last year because he had to do home schooling so that was really rough, so to be back and have him pick up an instrument again and play again, it was really nice,” said mother of Marquez, Gladys Romualdo. Going from band practice to hospital visits, his mother says music was the one thing that gave him hope. “With his transplant surgery, they had to do a procedure where he was awake and they were like what do you want to do like do you want to watch a show or a movie, and he said no play a song,” said Romualdo. After graduating from Delano High School, Marques says he wanted to continue playing the clarinet, just like he did in his high school band. That's when Make-A-Wish jumped in. Surprising him with a limo ride from Delano all the way to Nick Rail Music in Bakersfield, and going home with a brand new Buffet Crampon E-13 clarinet. “For him to be able to use this as an outlet and to find peace and joy and all those things, music is for everyone and it's wonderful,” said Owner and President of Nick Rail Music Laura Penrose. The recent graduate says he'll be taking a year off school before going to college and already has plans on what he's going to do. “I'm excited I can't wait to get back to playing, I'm probably going to open it up and play it when I get home,” said Marquez Urbano. For Marques and his family, this gift is more than a clarinet, it's a chance to focus on music instead of medicine. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube