BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A traffic stop on Interstate 5 in Kern County leads to the discovery of over 100 stolen catalytic converters. The California Highway Patrol said officers made the discovery on July 18, at around 12:40 a.m. on southbound Interstate 5, north of Taft Highway. According to CHP, officers saw catalytic converters in…… MORE
California State University Campuses Mishandled Sexual Harassment Allegations, Audit Finds
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A flawed policy at California State University, the largest higher education system in the country, contributed to the closure of nearly a dozen sexual harassment cases without thorough explanation, according to a state audit reviewing 40 cases over the span of seven years. The audit, released Tuesday, examined allegations of harassment…… MORE
California Canning Peach Industry Research
California Farm Bureau says the rising cost of labor and a shortage of skilled workers to hand-pick fruit, has lead California canning peach growers to turn to science for help. Researchers are creating new varieties which are firm and flavorful, which could lead to widespread adoption of mechanical picking. A UC Davis geneticist says new…… MORE
SEIU In-House Caregivers Hold Awareness Rally in Fresno
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno-based in-home care providers hold a rally in downtown Fresno on Tuesday. SEIU 2015, California’s largest labor union, represents nearly 450,000 long-term care workers (home care, skilled nursing facility, and assisted living center workers). Fresno-based in-home caregivers, representatives from SEIU 2015, SEIU 521, SEIU 1000, SEIU UHW, and the Fresno Central…… MORE
Actors And Writers On Strike Are United And Determined In The Face Of A Long Summer Standoff
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Solidarity and stamina were picket-line themes Monday as striking screenwriters and actors in New York and Los Angeles braced for a long, hot summer standoff with studios. Picketers emphasized unity between writers, who have been on the lines for more than two months, and performers, who are only on Day 2…… MORE
Lawmakers Introduce Women in Agriculture Bill
The Women in Agriculture Act would establish a research priority for agriculture machinery and equipment designed to be used by women, and create a funding set aside for childcare facilities in rural areas. The bill also creates a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison position at the Department of Agriculture. Although the number of women in…… MORE
High Production Costs Continue Into Next Year
USDA’s first cost of production forecast for major field crops like corn, wheat, cotton, rice, and others shows that input costs are expected to remain elevated into the next growing season. The costs will likely be at the third-highest level of all time and only slightly lower than the record high in 2022. While some…… MORE
Growing California Dates With Less Water
California grows more than half of the nation’s dates, which mostly come from the Coachella Valley, according to California Farm Bureau. The crop is worth about $90 million dollars a year. But since that part of California is very dry and water is in tight supply from the Colorado River, University of California researchers are…… MORE
Tractor Sales Up
Total farm tractor unit sales in the U.S. turned positive for the first time in 2023, led by continued strength in large tractors and combines. The Association of Equipment Manufactures report gains in the U.S. market were led by 100-plus horsepower two-wheel-drive units, up 25.4%, closely followed by four-wheel-drive units, up 21.9%. However, a change…… MORE
Gov. Gavin Newsom Helps Revive Stalled Bill On Child Trafficking, Bill Passes Safety Committee
UPDATE: Senator Grove’s Human Trafficking Bill Passes Assembly Public Safety Committee SACRAMENTO – Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) released the following statement on the passage of SB 14 from the Assembly Public Safety Committee with a 6-0 vote and 2 abstentions. “Democrats on the Assembly Public Safety Committee today reconsidered the merits of Senate Bill 14…… MORE
