Will Silverstien

May 10, 2024 | bakersfieldnow.com | Will Silverstien

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58) Mechanics Bank Arena hosted testimony on rural broadband access in California and across the country. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) hosted the Energy & Commerce Committee to hear testimony on the topic. Four speakers who rely on broadband access spoke on the matter. Each requesting more assistance from the federal government, suggesting that B.E.A.D. (BROADBAND EQUITY ACCESS AND DEPLOYMENT) funding is too difficult to secure.

May 9, 2024 | bakersfieldnow.com | Will Silverstien

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58) The long-awaited election to fill former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy's seat is almost here. California State Assemblyman Vince Fong takes on Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux for the rest of McCarthy's term in office. Both are staunch Republicans, so who has the advantage? Political strategist Rob Stutzman says it is Fong due his Bakersfield ties with how much of the district is made up of the city.

May 8, 2024 | bakersfieldnow.com | Will Silverstien

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58) Kern County has a new method of submitting ballots and it is being implemented in time for the 20th district special election on May 21. Voters will now be allowed to hand vote-by-mail ballots without an envelope to poll workers as long as they can provide identification. The issue was brought up after the March 5 primary at the March 12 Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Apr 30, 2024 | bakersfieldnow.com | Will Silverstien

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58) The country's largest state is growing again. California experienced its first population growth since the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Among the biggest growers in the Central Valley is Shafter. The city's mayor, Chad Givens, spoke with Eyewitness News about his city's growth. "Shafter is a community that is made up of really incredible families," Givens said. Shafter had the highest rate of growth in Kern County.

Apr 26, 2024 | bakersfieldnow.com | Will Silverstien

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. --- (KBAK/FOX58) Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner (Dist. 2) is under investigation for alleged confrontation that occurred earlier this week. A Kern County Sheriff's Press Conference presented serious allegations surrounding Scrivner after an incident that saw the supervisor receive urgent medical attention at a Tehachapi residence on Wednesday. Scrivner is alleged to have sexually assaulted one of his children, before being stabbed by another.