Veronica Morley

Prev Next Posted 8 minutes ago Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A national expert on child exploitation and online safety is bringing a virtual seminar to Bakersfield aimed at helping parents, caregivers and professionals better understand the dangers children face online. Heidi Olsen, a sexual assault nurse examiner and anti-trafficking educator, said modern child exploitation often looks different from traditional perceptions of trafficking and abuse. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad According to Olsen, vulnerable populations — including foster youth, unhoused individuals and children exposed to online harms — are frequently overlooked when addressing exploitation risks. Olsen also warned that advances in artificial intelligence are creating new threats for children and families. She pointed to emerging technology that can generate fake sexually explicit images using ordinary photographs shared online. “A parent might post an innocent first day of school picture of their child, and people can take those photos and create pornography now so easily,” Olsen said. Olsen said another growing concern is the increase in child-on-child sexual assault, which she said is rising globally alongside greater exposure to online content and pornography. The seminar is being hosted by Seek Truth Not Illusion, a local organization that provides crisis support and assistance to families in need. It's happening Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. and is open to anyone who wishes to register. Registration information for the virtual event is available on the organization's website 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 Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Following the deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, Muslim communities across the country are grappling with fear, grief and renewed concerns about safety. Emad Meerza, spokesperson for the Islamic Shura Council of Bakersfield, said the incident is not only concerning for Muslims, but should concern the broader community as a whole. “Hate turns into violence, and violence sometimes turns into death,” Meerza said. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Meerza, who for years served as emir of the local Islamic community and remains involved with the Islamic Shura Council of Bakersfield, said fear and anxiety within Muslim communities have persisted for decades. “They worry about the greater community distrusting them,” he said. The comments come as investigators continue examining the San Diego attack. Authorities said anti-Islamic writings were found connected to the suspects. Police said three adults were killed in the shooting, including a longtime manager of the mosque store, a community member who helped move people away from gunfire and a security guard. “They sacrificed their lives to protect the entire community inside the Islamic Center of San Diego,” said Taha Hassane, imam and director of the Islamic Center of San Diego. Meerza said the attack is raising concerns locally, especially as Muslim communities prepare for upcoming holidays and public celebrations. “They want protection because they understand that there's an environment that should concern them,” Meerza said. “It's also a problem for other communities that we've talked about, like the Jewish community, like maybe, you know, the Hispanic community. There's so many communities right now that are minority communities that are concerned.” He said the issue extends beyond religion or any single group, describing it as “an American issue.” “We should ask ourselves, how many pundits on all sides, how many politicians on all sides, how many religious leaders on all sides are coming out really firmly, harshly condemning and explaining that we got an illness, we need the cure, we need to start talking about it?” Meerza said. Meerza said now is the time for communities to come together and confront the divisions that can lead to violence. 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 5 minutes ago Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A new Bakersfield nonprofit is hoping sunny skies, fresh air and a round of golf can offer something meaningful to veterans navigating mental health. Golf Therapy Fore Veterans, founded by Army veteran Harry Franco, aims to provide golf clinics, lessons and camaraderie-driven outings designed specifically for the veteran community. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad For Franco, the idea grew out of his own experiences returning to the golf course alongside his father after years away from the sport. “I deployed twice while I was on active duty with the Second Armored Cavalry Regiment for Desert Storm, and in '93, deployed again back to Saudi Arabia with a Patriot unit,” Franco said of his military service. But it was time spent golfing that helped shape the nonprofit's mission. “One of his buddies that we were playing with, he was a veteran. So me and him talked a lot, and it was like that, you know, a veteran and another veteran talking,” Franco said. “It just made everything feel like this is where I needed to be.” After discovering that the closest veteran-focused golf clinics were located hours away in places such as Temecula and Camarillo, Franco decided Bakersfield needed its own program. In 2023, he began reaching out to fellow veterans and community members to help launch the effort. The organization is built around the idea that golf can provide veterans with an outlet from the emotional burdens many carry after service. “Those of us that suffer with PTSD, obviously, we need some sort of outlet,” said Ben Patton, treasurer for the organization's board of directors. “Well, what Harry discovered and presented to us, and I had to agree with, golf. The therapeutic advantage of being out there, everything goes away.” Supporters of the program say golf offers more than recreation — it creates a relaxed environment where veterans may feel more comfortable opening up. Mark Tolles, a retired Coast Guard veteran involved with the organization, said the sport's social atmosphere can help bridge divides between different generations of veterans. “Some of the older guys, they tend to train into themselves, and the younger guys do the same thing,” Tolles said. “And being together, playing around the golf together, it kind of bridges that gap between the older generation and new and we realize that we're the same people.” The nonprofit promotes not only camaraderie but also time outdoors, physical activity and distraction from everyday struggles. “I've had guys say that they've had these experiences and tell them, you know, what you're feeling is normal and it's good to talk about it,” Tolles said. “Never hold it in, always talk.” Organizers say humor and shared experiences on the golf course can be just as important as the conversations themselves. “It might not — it's not gonna cure it, but at that time that you're doing it, it's not in your mind,” Franco said. “It's just all blocked out.” Golf Therapy Fore Veterans is currently working to build support and awareness in the community. Those interested in learning more or getting involved can connect with the organization online or visit members during Monday's Thousand Flags event at Riverlakes Park. 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 Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Kern County officials are renewing warnings about the dangers of the Kern River ahead of Memorial Day weekend after updating the river's “Stay Out, Stay Alive” sign to reflect six deaths recorded last year. The update brings the Kern River's recorded death toll to 348 lives lost. For Markie Rohrbach and her family, the warning carries personal significance. Rohrbach, who moved to Kern County two years ago, said her family loves spending time outdoors but has been cautious about exploring local waterways while learning about the river's dangers. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad “I grew up down on the Colorado River, down in Needles, California,” Rohrbach said. “We still love the outdoors, love the river and everything.” Seeking more information ahead of summer, Rohrbach and her family attended a local water safety event focused on safe recreation around Kern County waterways. “We're just trying to be as safe as possible with how crazy this river is, and just get the expert's opinion on where we can safely take our kids outdoors,” she said. Their concerns come as search and rescue officials continue urging residents to use caution around the Kern River, especially during Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally marks the start of increased outdoor activity. On Friday, county officials updated the “Stay Out, Stay Alive” memorial sign at the mouth of Kern Canyon, increasing the total number of lives lost in the river from 342 to 348. “The message always every year is to stay out of the river,” said Sgt. Rodney Jones with the Kern County Sheriff's Office. “But we do know that people are going to get in the river.” Rescue officials say swift currents, freezing water temperatures and hidden debris beneath the surface can quickly create dangerous conditions. “They get tired, they get exhausted,” said Tammy Sullivan, a lieutenant with Bakersfield Search and Rescue. “They're sitting on a rock or holding onto a branch… and the water is still freezing cold.” Brian Baskin with Kern Valley Search and Rescue said the river's appearance can often give people a false sense of security. “It seems like it's not that dangerous, but in reality, it's very, very dangerous,” Baskin said. Safety advocates say one of the most common problems they encounter involves improper flotation devices. “The number one mistake we see is kids wearing little arm floaties,” said Gary Ananian, founder of the Kern River Conservancy. “Those are not made for a lake or a river.” For Rohrbach, that warning became unexpectedly relevant during the event. She said her family discovered the life jackets they brought were not properly certified for river use. “Our life jackets we had weren't even certified, so we didn't even have the right ones,” Rohrbach said. “Without them being out here, we wouldn't know that.” As her family prepares for summer recreation, Rohrbach said the goal is finding safe ways to share their love of the outdoors with their children. “We just want them to enjoy the outdoors like we did growing up,” she said. Officials recommend anyone planning to visit the Kern River this summer wear a properly fitted flotation device and call 911 immediately if an emergency occurs. 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 Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The June 2 primary ballot includes more than the governor's race, congressional seats, state assembly, and local representatives. Kern County voters will also decide several down-ballot races that have an impact on shaping local policy, governance, education, and community life. County Superintendent of Schools The county superintendent of schools is a role that can influence public education at the local level. John Mendiburu, who has served as county superintendent since 2023, is running unopposed. Auditor-Controller-County Cler k The auditor-controller-county clerk oversees county finances and public records, making it a position with critical financial oversight for the county. Incumbent Aimee Espinoza, who has served since 2023, is seeking re-election. In her candidate statement, Espinoza said: "This position requires a high level of experience and a firm grasp of governmental accounting and fiscal responsibility, which I have gained in my 20 years of service in both the Auditor-Controller-County Clerk's Office as well as the County Administrative Office." Challenging Espinoza is Carlton Lennon, a financial advisor currently serving as vice chairman for the City of Delano Pension Committee. In his candidate statement, Lennon said he has handled over $100 million between investment and commercial banks. Treasurer-Tax Collector The treasurer-tax collector plays a role in managing how the county collects taxes and manages public funds. Chase Nunneley, the current assistant treasurer-tax collector who has served in that role for the last 11 years, is running unopposed. Assessor-Recorder The assessor-recorder directly affects property valuations and tax assessments for residents and businesses. Current Assessor-Recorder Laura Avila is running unopposed. Superior Court Judgeships Several judgeships are also on the ballot. Samantha Georgino Allen is running for Superior Court Office 31, and Murray Robertson is running for Office 35. Kenneth C. Twisselman II is running for re-election for Superior Court Office 37, with Deputy District Attorney Brandon Stallings running against him. While these races may not be as commonly known, and some are even run unopposed, they are still positions that play a role in day-to-day and community life. 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 Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A new bill introduced by Congressman David Valadao would create a federal newborn tax credit, offering families financial support during the first year after a child is born. The "Supporting Newborn Parents Act" would provide families with a one-time $2,000 tax credit during the year their baby is born. The proposal would add the benefit on top of existing family tax credits, while including income limits and an earned income requirement. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad Local advocates in Kern County say the proposal could help ease the financial strain many parents face immediately after welcoming a child. “For a healthy birth, expenses could range from an additional $2,000 to $3,000 per month,” said Erin Rogers, executive director of the Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Rogers said costs can quickly add up for new families, from cribs and car seats to diapers, formula and unexpected medical bills. “Bringing a newborn home comes with medical costs and the need for supplies and essentials to help a baby survive and thrive,” Rogers said. “This credit could help ease that burden for families.” According to Rogers, Kern County averages about 14,000 births each year, meaning thousands of local families could potentially be impacted by additional financial support for newborn expenses. The bill would also allow some parents to calculate the credit using either the previous year's tax information or estimated income, a provision designed to make the benefit more accessible to growing families. Kevin Bartl, communications manager for First 5 Kern, said support that arrives soon after a child's birth could be especially meaningful for families navigating the realities of new parenthood. “As soon as you have a baby, that's when the stress hits, right?” Bartl said. “That's when the reality hits that you have all these needs coming up and you want to take care of your baby. So it's nice to have something like this that is flexible, is somewhat immediate.” First 5 Kern, which works with children from birth through age 5, says support during a child's earliest years can have lasting impacts on both family stability and childhood development. “Anything that helps in those early days kind of sets families on the right path to succeed and sets their child on the right path to succeed,” Bartl said. If approved by Congress, parents could elect to receive the newborn credit through direct deposit or a mailed check rather than waiting until filing taxes. The bill is currently making its way through Congress. 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 6 minutes ago Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The Bakersfield City Council approved a five-year sewer rate increase plan in a 5-2 vote, raising annual residential sewer costs beginning in fiscal year 2026-27 to help fund long-term infrastructure improvements. Under the approved plan, the annual sewer rate will increase to $475 in fiscal year 2026-27, or about $40 per month per household. The city says the increase is needed to support major wastewater infrastructure projects, including upgrades to treatment plants and improvements tied to future growth. Bakersfield City Councilmember Zack Bashirtash, who represents Ward 6, described the situation as the result of decades of deferred action. “This isn't a 10-year-old problem… I don't even think 20. I think probably 30 years ago, stuff should have started happening,” Bashirtash said. Bashirtash said years of minimal increases left the city trying to catch up with aging infrastructure and growing system demands. Some residents and county leaders questioned whether alternative financing methods, including bonding, could have reduced the need for significant rate increases. Bashirtash argued the city was not financially positioned to rely heavily on that option. “You have to have capital saved up in order to bond out a project… we weren't in a position to even bond out appropriately,” he said. Still, the city's sewer rates report outlines a plan that could potentially include a future bond beginning in fiscal year 2031-32 to help fund improvements. The effects of the rate increase may also extend beyond Bakersfield city limits. About 600 residents in Kern County Community Service Area 71 rely on Bakersfield's sewer system, meaning their rates could also be affected by the city's increase. “So their rates are now connected to the city increases,” Kern County Supervisor Jeff Flores, who represents District 3, said. County leaders say they are now evaluating possible next steps, including legal options, a localized Proposition 218 process or negotiations with the city. Flores said he strongly opposes spreading any additional costs across county residents who are not directly impacted. “I would vehemently oppose any effort to spread it across the countywide because people… they're not even impacted,” Flores said. If finalized through the remaining process, the new sewer rate is expected to take effect July 1. 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 Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — California State University, Bakersfield announced a new partnership with OpenAI on Wednesday, launching what university leaders describe as the first program of its kind in the nation aimed at giving students hands-on artificial intelligence training while addressing local community issues. The initiative, called SPARKS — short for Students Partnering with AI for Regional Knowledge and Service — is scheduled to begin in the fall 2026 semester. The program will connect students with OpenAI engineers and involve them in faculty-led, community-based projects focused on challenges affecting Kern County. CSUB President Vernon Harper Jr. said the partnership was designed to prepare students to work with emerging AI technology while also benefiting local organizations. “We wanted to put our students in a position to be able to use artificial intelligence,” Harper said. “And we also wanted to help local nonprofits with water management, homelessness, as well as business sustainability in our community.” The program's first phase will include three faculty-led projects: research examining groundwater contamination in the San Joaquin Valley, artificial intelligence analysis of campaign finance data, and a new laboratory focused on business sustainability and social responsibility. University officials said the initiative is intended to be interdisciplinary and available to students beyond traditional technology fields. “I wanted students of political science, students in the arts, and the humanities, to all have access to this,” Harper said. “So the program is open to all students, and all students are going to benefit from that.” According to university leaders, the partnership grew from community discussions held last year about artificial intelligence and its growing impact on the workforce. As debates continue around AI's role in education, employment and creativity, Harper said he views the technology as a supplement to human talent rather than a replacement for it. “There's no true replacement for human ingenuity, creativity, the diverse perspectives that we bring to the table,” Harper said. “It's simply going to be an augmentation of the excellence that's already within people.” CSUB officials described the program as a significant step in preparing students for a future in which artificial intelligence plays an increasingly prominent role in both the workplace and daily life. University leaders said they expect the partnership — and OpenAI's investment in the university — to expand in the coming years. 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 8 minutes ago Veronica Morley Senior Reporter Covering Bakersfield TAFT, Calif. (KERO) — What was thought to be a championship ring ceremony for the Taft Union High School varsity soccer team turned into a surprise trip to the FIFA World Cup. On Monday, Taft Union High School players gathered expecting to celebrate their CIF championship season by receiving rings. Instead, the team learned they and their coaches would be heading to Los Angeles to attend a World Cup match thanks to California Resources Corporation. The team will attend the June 15 match between Iran and New Zealand. Junior Carlos Bejarano, a center midfielder and striker for Taft, said the announcement caught the team completely off guard. “I'm gonna be honest — I thought we were just getting our Valley rings,” Bejarano said. “I didn't expect everything that's happening now. It was a shocker.” Bejarano said he initially could hardly believe the news. “I was shocked. I was like, ‘There's no way, this has to be a dream,'” he said. For the junior, the opportunity means more than attending one of the world's largest sporting events. He said it represents another milestone for a team that built strong bonds during its championship run. “It feels amazing,” Bejarano said. “We created a brotherhood between us. We told ourselves we wouldn't break it, even after the season ended. We'll stick together no matter what.” He added that experiencing the event together — especially alongside graduating seniors — makes the moment even more meaningful. “It's for sure a memory we'll all carry with us, even after high school,” Bejarano said. “Especially for them, I'm very happy they get to experience this.” Coach Roberto Gonzalez said the World Cup trip reinforces a message he hopes his players carry with them beyond soccer. “We always say, ‘Make what's never meant to happen, happen,'” Gonzalez said. “We're such a small town, but we made it happen — and we can keep doing that.” Gonzalez said seeing his team earn a CIF title and now attend a World Cup match feels like a dream for the coaching staff as well. “Very, very, very excited,” he said. “It's also a dream come true for me too — I've never been to one.” California Resources Corporation also surprised youth at the Boys and Girls Club in Bakersfield with World Cup tickets as part of the initiative. CRC CEO Francisco Leon told students his own childhood experiences in youth programs shaped his path and inspired him to create opportunities for local youth. Born in Mexico and raised near the Tijuana-San Diego border, Leon said he crossed into the United States daily to attend school and found inspiration in community programs and after-school activities. “One of the things that brings back fond memories from when I was about your age is experiencing what community centers and organizations like the Boys & Girls Club were all about,” Leon said. “There's nothing comparable to what you have here.” Speaking to students, Leon encouraged them to think beyond present circumstances and envision their future careers. “When I look into this audience, I think of myself when I was younger,” Leon said. “I didn't know what I wanted to do or where I wanted to be in life. But it started with experiences, with asking, ‘What's possible?'” Leon, now the president and CEO of CRC, told students that success in fields ranging from education and engineering to energy is achievable. “Not many kids from Mexico come to the U.S. and become CEOs — but it's possible,” Leon said. “It's about setting that vision.” The 2026 FIFA World Cup opens June 11 with Mexico facing South Africa, with matches scheduled throughout California, including games in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. 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

While votes are still being calculation, Kern County Young Democrat Carter Beardsley and Kern County Young Republican Matthew Martin joined 23ABC Tuesday night to discuss the California Primary.