Crime · Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield police arrested Thomashana Renee Zeigler, 46, on Thursday night near the KBAK television station on Westwind Drive in connection with two recent shootings at the station. Officers used automated license plate readers and Flock cameras to track her vehicle, which triggered an alert around 11:30 p.m. as she turned onto Westwind Drive. Zeigler faces two felony counts, including shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and is held on $220,000 bail with arraignment scheduled for October 20. Sgt. James Jones said the investigation remains active as police work to determine a motive and review additional video evidence.
Public Safety · Lake Isabella, CA
The Cyrus Fire, which began Oct. 9 at Cyrus Canyon Road and Sierra Way near Lake Isabella in Kern County, California, had burned 543 acres by Saturday afternoon, Oct. 17. As of that update, the fire was 96% contained under Unified Command led by the Kern County Fire Department and USFS Sequoia National Forest. No cause has been determined. Containment means 96% of the fire perimeter is enclosed by control lines, though 4% remains uncontrolled.
Social Events · Bakersfield, CA
Hundreds gathered Saturday morning at the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield for a "No Kings" vote-early event, part of a nationwide series of gatherings held days before the election. Attendees arrived around 9 a.m. at the corner of Truxtun and Chester avenues before walking to the Kern County Elections Department to drop off mail-in ballots. Organizer Audrey Chavez described the event as a celebration of voting rights rather than a protest. This was the fourth such gathering in Bakersfield, following rallies in June 2025, October 2025, and March 2026.
Education · Bakersfield, CA
The California Interscholastic Federation sanctioned Foothill High School's football team for playing two ineligible players in its first seven games, forcing forfeiture of all wins from a perfect 7-0 record. Athletic Director Mike Biezard told 23ABC the school received the CIF letter on Tuesday deeming the players ineligible, noting that schools do not verify residential information provided by parents and guardians. The reason for the CIF investigation remains unclear, and no further details were released to protect the privacy of the students and families involved.
Community News · Bakersfield, CA
A Bakersfield man identified as Sergio was detained by ICE while driving to work, according to his business partner David Rivera, owner of D-R Building Solutions. Rivera said he received a phone call during the stop and later found Sergio's vehicle on the side of a freeway with a broken window and keys lying on the floor. Rivera raised concerns that Sergio was removed from the vehicle quickly and that mentioning a lawyer did not change officers' conduct. The Rapid Response Network of Kern documented the incident and remains in contact with Sergio's family.
