Ruby Rivera

Prev Next Posted 4 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — With drivers feeling the sting of rising gas prices, congressional candidate Randy Villegas made fuel costs a central focus of his campaign message Thursday. The Democratic challenger called for a temporary suspension of the federal gas and diesel tax to provide relief at the pump. “Working people are getting squeezed from every direction and they cannot afford another dollar coming out other pockets,” said Congressional District candidate Randy Villegas. “That's why I'm calling on Congress to immediately suspend the federal gas and diesel tax to lower costs and give some relief to families at home.” Standing outside a South Bakersfield gas station Thursday, Democratic congressional candidate Randy Villegas says with drivers now paying almost seven dollars a gallon for diesel, the time to act is now. “Here in the Valley where so many people commute, just to earn a paycheck, gas isn't a luxury it's a necessity and when gas prices go up, everything gets more expensive,” said Villegas. During his speech, Villegas claimed the rise in costs is a result of the ongoing war in Iran, pointing to his challenger David Valadao and his involvement in the voting process. “Let's be clear, David Valadao voted not just once, not just twice, but six times for this war in Iran that is leading to the record-breaking prices you're seeing for gas and diesel behind me today,” said Villegas. Villegas also made his stance known on behalf of the oil and gas companies and its workforce, arguing that lowering prices and protecting local energy jobs should be priorities for Valley families and businesses. “I will not support policies that put our oil and gas livelihoods in jeopardy, I support an all of the above energy approach that protects our oil and gas jobs that we have today while creating the next generation of good paying jobs in solar, geothermal, battery storage, and other American energy industries,” said Villegas. Election Day is on November 3rd. mail-in ballots can be dropped off at election drop boxes throughout the county or must be postmarked by Election Day. 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 BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — It's called “Operation Safe California” and it's putting Central Valley residents on high alert. “This is the beginning. I believe things are going to escalate from this moment on as we move through the next 45 days,” said Immigration Attorney Ana Huerta. Huerta says the enforcement activity around Fresno mirrors what Kern County saw in 2025. Reports began October 6, when the Rapid Response Network of Kern said it confirmed sightings across the Central Valley and Central Coast. Two days later, the group reported about 61 people had been detained near Fresno, including people heading to work and at construction sites, shopping centers and gas stations. The activity comes amid ICE's “Operation Safe California,” which the Washington Examiner reports began near the San Diego border and is expected to last 45 days. ICE would not confirm the operation, citing operational security. Asking for a statement, a spokesperson responded, “For operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations. Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California.” Congressman David Valadao says DHS told him enforcement is focused on people with active warrants and known criminal histories. But Huerta says the reality on the ground appears different. “We know that that's certainly not true. We know people are being targeted on their way too work, they may have never had interaction with immigration enforcement, they may have never had any interaction with criminal legal enforcement,” said Huerta. The increase in raids has caused controversy across the state. The Nisei Farmers League, hosting a press conference to raise awareness. “Watching children get pulled from their parents is unacceptable. How can we stand here and watch it happen?” Senator Alex Padilla also weighed in after an unannounced visit to an ICE holding facility in Los Angeles, where he says he learned immigration proceedings were taking place out of public view. Padilla criticized the administration's enforcement efforts, saying, “The Trump Administration is ramping up its indiscriminate immigration enforcement across California, and we know what that means: arrest first, questions later — even for people with legal status and, in some cases, U.S. citizens.” Here at home, Delano Mayor Salvador Solorio Ruiz is sharing his support and reminding people of their rights. “I stand firmly with my undocumented community recognizing their invaluable contributions and advocating for their rights and dignity,” said Ruiz. While no one knows for sure if, when, or where ICE agents could appear in Kern County, concerns over increased immigration enforcement are already being felt in our community. 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 Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — What started as a project to give a little girl a safe place to play has turned into a dispute with the city of McFarland. Homeowners are questioning a stop work notice they received, claiming no one notified them prior, and are at risk of losing $15,000. “We made this area specifically for our daughter to play in, she has her scooter, her chalk, her bike,” said homeowner Rafael Martinez. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad For Martinez and his wife, this project was about more than concrete. It was about creating a safe space for their three-year-old. But now, that same space has put him at odds with the city. Martinez says a city inspector visited on September 18, when the work began, but didn't mention any violations even after explaining the project's details. Days later, ring camera footage captures the moment the inspector returned with a stop-work notice. The inspector can be heard saying, “I'm giving you guys a red tag, you cant have a third car garage in the city.” But Martinez says the extra concrete wasn't poured for parking, and says he made that clear to the inspector from the start. The notice says the project violates Mcfarland's 60-40 ordinance, requiring 60 percent of a front yard to remain landscaped and limiting concrete to 40 percent. Martinez says he had never heard of the rule, and questions why it wasn't brought up when the inspector first visited. Martinez asking over the ring camera why no one informed him. the inspector can be heard responding, “They had already poured most of it, every bit of it was almost poured.” But Martinez says this simply isn't true as photos taken that same day show the project still in its early stages. “I just thought it was completely unfair how the guy and he waited until it was dry for him to send me this notice,” said Martinez. 23ABC reached out to the city for comment. After initially indicating a response would be provided, the city declined to comment. That was on October 5, reaching out again on the 14, the city did provide a comment that reads in part, “Out of respect for the resident's privacy and the confidentiality considerations associated with individual cases, the City will not be providing an interview or public comment regarding the specific circumstances.” Now, the couple says they're left with several options: remove part of the concrete, shorten the concrete, or seek an exception through the zoning commission, potentially adding to the $15,000 they say they've already spent. “Its been a really big impact I mean $15,000 whether for me or the next person is a lot of money and for it to just be torn out from under you, that's where it hurts,” said Martinez. The homeowners say they're consulting with an attorney and hope to resolve the dispute without losing the space they created for their daughter. 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) — Fear and concern are growing in McFarland as photos circulating online appear to show a recent ICE detention. Concern spread quickly after photos and videos began circulating on social media, appearing to show ICE agents detaining a man early Thursday morning near Sherwood Park in McFarland. The incident was later confirmed by Hope in the Valley, a local nonprofit. It's not the first report of ICE enforcement activity in Kern County. However, McFarland residents say this latest incident has sent a wave of fear through the community. “I think it's wrong and I think they shouldn't be here I think what they're doing is totally completely wrong I guess,” said community member Eddie Rodriguez. “Illegal I think what they're doing. ICE should be abolished.” Asking another community member if they're scared being in McFarland, Miguel Duran said, “ To be honest, yes it would be better if they weren't here and would let us live in peace.” Concerns also reached the McFarland Unified School District, which sent a notice to parents after receiving calls from families worried about their children's safety. Enforcement activity also drew a response from the Diocese of Fresno, which released a statement opposing what it called “indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” “The Catholic church is not saying that there should be no immigration enforcement. We're simply saying it needs to be done much better and the value of human dignity needs to be paramount through it all,” said Chandler Marquez, Chief Communication officer for the Catholic Diocese of Fresno. “What some of our pastors are having to deal with at their church it doesn't seem like human dignity is at the forefront of these immigration enforcements.” The reported detention in McFarland comes after ICE announced “Operation Safe California,” an immigration enforcement operation. 23ABC reached out to ICE to ask whether the McFarland detention is connected to that operation. In an email, ICE said it would not discuss or disclose law enforcement operations, citing security and safety concerns for its officers. ICE also said DHS enforces federal law across the country, including in California. 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 and last updated 4 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — As reports of possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity spread across Kern County, fear and uncertainty are growing among residents. In response, local Rapid Response volunteers are taking to the streets to share information and help community members understand their rights. Alejandra Guerrero, a Rapid Response volunteer, spent Friday afternoon responding to reports of possible immigration enforcement activity and distributing red cards with information about residents' rights. “We got a report on the hotline. Somebody called it in. Maybe Bell Terrace and South H; there might have been some activity,” Guerrero said. Guerrero has been part of the Rapid Response network since the 2025 Border Patrol raids in Kern County. One red card at a time, Guerrero is working to make sure residents know their rights. She visited several locations, including Superior Grocers, where one person was detained, along with Home Depot and a recycling site. At each stop, she handed out red cards, putting information about people's rights directly into their hands. “These are our constitutional rights regardless of immigration status, so it's really important to be out there and let the community know they're not alone,” Guerrero said. Guerrero says the work doesn't stop here. The group plans to continue visiting community members where they are even if no one reports an ICE sighting. 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 DELANO, Calif. (KERO) — ICE enforcement across the Central Valley has left many families fearful and searching for answers. Now, Delano Mayor Salvador Solorio-Ruiz is speaking out, calling on local leaders to stand up for the communities they serve. “What good is a title if you're too afraid to use your voice and what good is public service if you remain silent,” Ruiz said. It's a message that speaks to the responsibility Mayor Ruiz says comes with public office, especially at a time when Delano community members may be looking to their leaders for reassurance, support, and answers. “Children who should be worrying about learning and growing are instead worrying about whether their parents will come home,” said Ruiz. “Parents who should be worrying about providing for their families are instead wondering if their families will be torn apart.” With fear and confusion growing across the community, Ruiz took his message to City Hall, which he calls “the people's house,” to make his position clear. But he wasn't alone. Councilmember Bryan Osorio, members of the United Farm Workers (UFW), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and community supporters were also in attendance, making their voices heard. UFW President Teresa Romero said that as fear grows, she believes change starts with the upcoming November 3 election. “We have in congress right now for this district David Valadao, he has not said a word about the people that are being taken and those people and the children are his constituents. It is important that we select the people that are going to represent us,” Romero said. The conference comes just days after a spike in ICE sightings and confirmed detentions was reported across Arvin, Bakersfield, and McFarland. For Ruiz, speaking out is about making sure community members know they have leaders willing to advocate for them. “We can't stay quiet, our community deserves leaders who will put them first, leaders who are going to use their titles to say enough is enough,” Ruiz said. Ruiz says his message to constituents is simple: they are not alone, and they have rights. “According to the United States constitution, regardless of immigration status, you have rights in the United States of America,” Ruiz said. While no ICE sightings have been confirmed in Delano, reports continue across the county as families navigate uncertainty surrounding immigration enforcement. 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 WASCO, Calif. (KERO) — Multiple reports of ICE enforcement and possible detainments have been posted throughout social media coming out of Wasco. Community members gathered at Barker Park, holding signs and chanting a clear message: they do not want ICE in their community. Skip Ad Continue watching after the ad “What ICE is doing is wrong and nobody should be taken from stolen land I mean this land is already stolen,” said community member Edies Iturralde. “I mean they belong here nobody should be taken.” The protest comes after Wasco residents took to social media Wednesday morning, sounding the alarm about reported ICE activity and detentions in their community. Ring camera video sent to 23ABC appears to show ice officers detaining a man near 16th and Griffith. When 23ABC went to the area, the car was still there, with one of its windows smashed. Community members say, the videos have been heartbreaking. “I have family members that are immigrants and it hurts when you see families losing their parents,” said Betty Meza. “I've been crying because it hurts seeing that these are people that are working out there, agricultural workers, and you're getting them. Get criminals.” Following reports, Wasco PD released a statement saying that they were aware of enforcement but were not told about it ahead of time. “We don't enforce federal law, there's actually Senate Bill 54 that prohibits us from being involved in any ICE operations,” said Chief of Wasco Police Alecio Mora. “We are committed to the safety of our residents and we want to encourage them to keep calling us to report any crimes.” As concerns continue, the Wasco Union Elementary School District is also trying to reassure families, saying it does not coordinate with ICE or share student information. 23ABC reached out to the Wasco Mayor for comment but have not received one as of news time. But community members do have a message for ICE, enough is enough. “What you guys are doing is wrong you guys shouldn't be tearing families apart,” said one community member. Another added, “Vote for this to stop.” As increased ICE activity continues to grow throughout Kern County, so does fear and uncertainty in our communities. 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 their annual parade was canceled due to rain, McFarland students brought Hollywood flair, class films and dance performances to campus for a homecoming rally.

Prev Next Posted 2 minutes ago Ruby Rivera Delano and McFarland Neighborhood Reporter MCFARLAND, Calif. (KERO) — McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon believes his experience leading his city makes him ready to represent Assembly District 35. He spoke with 23ABC News to discuss his background, priorities, and why he wants to take that experience to Sacramento. “The cost of living, the affordability crisis, all this is being impacted by Sacramento policymakers, and Kern County needs a strong voice,” Ayon said. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Ayon spent 23 years with the Kern County Sheriff's Office before becoming a teacher at McFarland High School. He later turned to local government, serving on the City Council before becoming mayor in 2022. Now, Ayon is running for California's 35th Assembly District against Democrat and Bakersfield City Councilmember Andrae Gonzales. Ayon says affordability is at the top of his agenda, and he blames state policies for putting more pressure on Kern County families and industries. “The crisis of affordability is because Sacramento policies have impacted Kern County. They've gone after the industries that built this county, our oil, our gas, our energy, our farmers, our small businesses,” Ayon said. Ayon says he wants to change those policies while expanding housing and improving access to reliable, clean water. He points to his record in McFarland, including efforts to secure funding for infrastructure and public safety, as a blueprint for what he hopes to accomplish at the state level. “I know how to work across the aisle. I've worked with Democratic elected officials before to bring resources,” Ayon said. Ayon says that ability to work across party lines would be critical if he's elected. He also wants to tackle public safety and immigration, including the future of undocumented residents living and working in the Central Valley. “There's got to be a pathway for people to either earn a green card or work visa or anything, especially when they haven't committed a crime and they're working, having a productive life here,” Ayon said. Election Day is November 3. To learn more about the candidates on your ballot, visit our America Votes page 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 BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Oil rigs across Kern County are a reminder of the major role energy plays in everyday life. But now, California's Senate Bill 1137 is raising questions about the future of oil production, property rights and new housing. “SB 1137 makes it very hard for us to continue to produce. It also makes it very hard for us to rework wells or maintain the property under the terms and agreements with the land owners we were granted as the operators on the property,” said Brett Cooper, a royalty owner. Senate Bill 1137 establishes a 3,200-foot setback between oil and gas wells and sensitive locations, including homes, schools and hospitals. The law is intended to protect people living near oil and gas operations, but royalty owners say the restrictions could limit production from existing wells. Royalty owners earn a share of oil and gas revenue without paying drilling or operating costs. However, they say restrictions on oil and gas operations could affect their ability to access and benefit from their mineral rights. “Under this law, decisions that oil and gas, mineral and royalty owners cannot control can block their ability to access their property. This is a taking of their rights in violation of the Fifth Amendment,” said Ed Hazard, president of the California chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners. To address these concerns, the group is asking Kern County to provide affected mineral-rights owners with at least 60 days' written notice before certain land-use decisions are approved. The organization argues that advance notice would give owners an opportunity to object or pursue legal options if a decision could affect their mineral rights. The group also warns that the county could face legal challenges if those owners are not notified. “They would then know that something is happening that is going to impact their mineral rights. They would then have a choice to object to that or do whatever they need to do through the courts or through the planning and permitting process,” Hazard said. “This is just a terrible law based on ideology and virtue signaling.” Supporters of the setback law say its protections are necessary to reduce health risks for people living and working near oil and gas operations. Cesar Aguirre, with the Central California Environmental Justice Network, said his work inspecting oil wells has shown him the potential dangers of leaks near residential areas. “I am a certified thermographic inspector and I find leaks that are happening in the oil wells next to homes and fence lines so I know the danger this puts people in and I know that a lot of the reports that I make lead to no enforcement action because of the exemptions,” Aguirre said. The California chapter of the National Association of Royalty Owners says it wants county leaders to protect property rights while balancing the need for new housing and continued energy production. Members brought their concerns directly to the Kern County Board of Supervisors following the conference. The debate raises questions about whether California's oil setback law could also affect where new homes and other developments are built. Royalty owners are urging Kern County leaders to take action while questions surrounding the law and property rights remain unresolved. 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