Peter Segall
Verified
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Peter Segall
KCSO to present on Flock, license plate cameras
In response to growing community concern over the technology, the Kern County Sheriff's Office will present on its use of automated license plate reading cameras at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting. Over the past several months, an increasing number of Kern County residents have commented at various public meetings, expressing concerns about the use of the cameras, particularly cameras bought from Atlanta-based Flock Safety. kAmx? $6AE6>36C[ DFA6CG:D@CD 2D<65 zr$~ @77:4:2=D E@ AC6D6?E @?
'A vibrant, abundant energy source': Local officials laud return of oil drilling to Kern County Original
Local officials gathered Friday in McKittrick to celebrate the resumption of oil drilling in Kern County after several years of regulatory uncertainty had left the industry adrift. It's taken some time since the passage of Senate Bill 237, the bill that allowed Kern County to issue new drilling permits, but roughly a year later oil is flowing again.
New Bakersfield City Council begins to take shape
Expect some new faces on the Bakersfield City Council come next year. Ward 2 Councilman Andrae Gonzales is heading to the state Assembly, so his seat will need to be filled. Ward 3 Councilman Ken Weir didn’t run for reelection, so the top vote-getter from a field of five will take office. And Ward 4 Councilman Bob Smith is poised to lose his seat. The Kern County Elections Division on Thursday afternoon released updated vote tallies, but they changed little from earlier.
Bakersfield City Council: What happens with soon-to-be-vacant Ward 2 seat?
There's soon to be a vacant seat on the Bakersfield City Council. According to the latest election results, Ward 2 Councilman Andrae Gonzales appears to be headed to Sacramento to take his place representing the 35th Assembly District. Gonzales said Wednesday the council's next meeting on Nov. 18 would be his last.
Ending a bitter campaign, AP declares Villegas winner in 22nd District
Randy Villegas is going to Congress. At least according to the Associated Press, which declared Villegas the winner in the 22nd Congressional District race Wednesday morning, capping off a long and often contentious campaign against longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford. Villegas declared victory on election night, but the AP didn't call the race until early Wednesday. Official results won't be certified until Dec. 11.
Magsig maintains heavy lead in 12th Senate District race
Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig maintained his heavy lead to win the 12th Senate District seat, according to the latest results from the Secretary of State’s office. As of 8:08 a.m. Wednesday, Magsig, a Republican, had 64%, or 111,932 votes. His opponent, Libertarian William Brown Jr., had 36%, or 63,930 votes. kAm|28D:8 H2D =@?8 6IA64E65 E@ H:? E96 D62E[ 92G:?8 E96 324<:?8 @7 E96 #6AF3=:42? !2CEJ 2?5 E96 4FCC6?E 9@=56C @7 E96 D62E[ $6?] $92??@?
Bakersfield City Council race results hold steady
The latest results in the Bakersfield City Council race were released by the Kern County Elections Division Wednesday morning. Additional results are expected in the days ahead with results released every Tuesday and Thursday at a minimum. Latest results show incumbent Eric Arias leading, with 2,671 votes, or 53.12% of the vote, and challenger Mercy Peña with 2,357 votes, or 46.88%.
Preliminary results show Magsig leading for 12th Senate District
Preliminary results from the Secretary of State’s Office shows Republican Nathan Magsig leading in the race for the 12th Senate District. The latest round of results released at 8:08 a.m. shows Magsig in the lead with 111,932 votes, or 63.6%, and Libertarian William Brown Jr. with 63,930 votes, or 36.4%. kAm“x’> G6CJ 9@A67F=[” |28D:8 E@=5 %96 r2=:7@C?:2? ;FDE 27E6C A@==D 4=@D65]k^Am kAm“p== E96 62C=J :?5:42E@CD 2C6 G6CJ A@D:E:G6]”k^Am kAm|28D:8 H2D =@?8 4@?D:56C65 E@ 36 E96 72G@C:E6 :?
UPDATED: Preliminary results show Magsig leading for 12th Senate District
Preliminary results from the Secretary of State’s Office shows Republican Nathan Magsig leading in the race for the 12th Senate District. The latest round of results released at 8:08 a.m. Wednesday shows Magsig in the lead with 111,932 votes, or 63.6%, and Libertarian William Brown Jr. with 63,930 votes, or 36.4%. “I’m very hopeful,” Magsig told The Californian just after polls closed. “All the early indicators are very positive.” Magsig was long considered to be the favorite in the race.
Early Bakersfield City Council results pour in
The first round of preliminary results from the Kern County Elections Division for the Bakersfield City Council races was released at 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, with additional results expected soon. Preliminary results show incumbent Eric Arias leading, with 2,162 votes, or 54.86% and challenger Mercy Peña with 1,779 votes, or 45.14%. Speaking to The Californian Tuesday night, Arias said there are still a lot of ballots to be counted but that he was pleased with the results so far.
First results show Magsig leading for 12th Senate District
The first round of preliminary results from the Secretary of State's Office shows Republican Nathan Magsig leading in the race for the 12th Senate District. The latest round of results released at 8:07 p.m. shows Magsig in the lead with 47,912 votes, or 62.5%, and Libertarian William Brown Jr. with 28,691 votes, or 37.5%. "I'm very hopeful," Magsig told The Californian just after polls closed. "All the early indicators are very positive." Magsig was long considered to be the favorite in the race.
Election Day in Kern County — what you need to know
Voter turnout is expected to be high this Election Day, with a range of high-stakes races on the ballot not just for Kern County, but across the state and nation. From state and congressional races to ballot propositions and local races, Kern voters are deciding — or helping to decide — dozens of issues today. A whole lot. Congressional seats, state seats, 14 ballot propositions, city council seats, school boards and a local measure for Kern County's zoo.
UPDATED: Villegas leads over incumbent Valadao in updated round of CA-22 results
Preliminary results from the California Secretary of State’s Office shows Democratic challenger Randy Villegas leading in the race for the 22nd Congressional District, one of the most competitive in the nation. As of 8:08 a.m. Wednesday, results show Villegas with 54,337 votes, or 66.4%, and incumbent U.S. Rep. David Valadao with 27,480 votes, or 33.6%. Additional results are expected over the coming days.
UPDATED: Bakersfield City Council: Smith concedes in Ward 4; other incumbents appear safe
Preliminary results from the Kern County Elections Division for the Bakersfield City Council races were released Wednesday morning, with additional results expected in the days ahead. Those updated, preliminary results show incumbent Eric Arias leading, with 2,671 votes, or 53.12% and challenger Mercy Peña with 2,357 votes, or 46.88%. Speaking to The Californian Tuesday night, Arias said there are still a lot of ballots to be counted but that he was pleased with the results so far.
Villegas leads in first round of CA-22 results
The first round of preliminary results released by the Secretary of State's Office show Democratic challenger Randy Villegas leading in the race for the 22nd Congressional District, one of the most competitive in the nation. The first round of results shows Villegas with 10,861 votes, or 59.9%, and incumbent U.S. Rep. David Valadao with 7,266 votes, or 41.1%. This is the first round of results and additional returns will be released soon.
Sen. Padilla, Rep. Costa denied access to Golden State Annex
U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif, and U.S. Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno were denied entry to an immigration detention center in McFarland on Monday when they attempted to gain access.
Election Day in Kern County — what you need to know
Voter turnout is expected to be high this Election Day, with a range of high-stakes races on the ballot not just for Kern County, but across the state and nation. From state and congressional races to ballot propositions and local races, Kern voters are deciding — or helping to decide — dozens of issues. A whole lot. Congressional seats, state seats, 14 ballot propositions, city council seats, school boards and a local measure for Kern County's zoo.
Law firm names Bakersfield's most dangerous intersections
Where Chester Avenue meets 23rd and 24th streets: that, according to local law firm Chain Cohn Clark, is Bakersfield's most dangerous intersection. Bakersfield has the dubious reputation of having an inordinate number of vehicle accidents and to help raise awareness of the issue, for the past several years the firm has used traffic data to identify the 10 most dangerous intersections in the city.
22nd District: Latest poll shows Villegas with slight lead in still competitive district
With just days before the election, a new poll from the University of Southern California is showing Democrat Randy Villegas leading incumbent U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, in a still competitive race. Released Friday, the poll from USC's Center for a Political Future looked at four California districts whose borders were redrawn by last year's Proposition 50, one of them being the Central Valley's 22nd Congressional District. kAmx?
Go & Do: HolidayLights at CALM
Starting Nov. 29, the California Living Museum will be transformed by millions of tiny lights into a glittering oasis of holiday fun for the annual HolidayLights. HolidayLights turns CALM from zoo to 7-acre winter wonderland of curated light displays. This year’s theme is meant to evoke Hallmark movies. kAmx? :ED acE9 J62C[ E96 6G6?E CF?D 2== E9C@F89 s646>36C 2?5 6?5D ;FDE 27E6C E96 ?6H J62C[ 3FE w@=:52J{:89ED @776CD >@C6 E92? ;FDE 2 H2=<:?8 E@FC @7 E96>65 =:89E 5:DA=2JD]k^Am kAm%96 K@@’D EC2:?
Potomac Park gets an overhaul — and questions
A routine groundbreaking for an east Bakersfield park took on a tinge of controversy Friday when some residents raised concerns about planned amenities. Residents and officials gathered at Potomac Park to celebrate phase 2 of an $8.5 million overhaul that will see the installation of new bathrooms, a splash pad, a fenced dog park and lighted playing fields, among other amenities. "Several years ago, we attempted in submitting a grant application to the state.
Eyeing grant opportunities, city seeks pro-housing designation from state
The city of Bakersfield is looking for public feedback on its housing policies, part of its efforts to secure a pro-housing designation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. At an online meeting Thursday, city Principal Planner Cecelia Griego said the designation would open up new housing funding opportunities for the city.
Arvin files State Bar complaint over former interim city attorney
The city of Arvin filed a formal complaint against a former interim city attorney, alleging the city was overbilled for legal services. The action stems from a Feb. 10, 2025 Kern County grand jury report that identified several issues at the city, among them the lack of contract for then-interim City Attorney Nathan Hodges of Hodges Law Group, who was billing the city for more than $10,000 a month.
Inside the Bakersfield Police 'RTIC' information center
Sitting before a massive bank of computer screens, an analyst inside Bakersfield Police Department's real-time information center punches a license plate number into the database and, in the blink of an eye, dozens of pictures are on the screen. Each one of them shows the vehicle matching the plate number each time it's passed one of the city's dozens of automated license plate reading cameras in the last 30 days. To the right, on another screen, a map marks each location where photos were taken.
At rally with Villegas, AOC, local progressives are hopeful
k5:G 4=2DDlQDF3D4C:36C\AC6G:6HQmkAmx7 E96C6’D 2 J62C 2 AC@8C6DD:G6 42? H:? :? E96 r6?EC2= '2==6J[ :E’D E9:D J62C]k^Amk^5:Gm k5:G 4=2DDlQDF3D4C:36C\AC6G:6HQmkAmpE =62DE E92E H2D E96 766=:?8 @FED:56 E96 }:=6 %962E6C @? uC:52J 27E6C?@@? 2D 9F?5C65D @7 A6@A=6 =:?65 FA E@ D66 2 A2:C @7 AC@8C6DD:G6 s6>@4C2ED D92C6 E96 DE286 2 =:EE=6 >@C6 E92?
At rally with Villegas, AOC, local progressives are hopeful Original
At least that was the feeling outside the Nile Theater on Friday afternoon as hundreds of people lined up to see a pair of progressive Democrats share the stage a little more than a week before the 2026 midterm election. The line stretched around the corner as locals queued up to attend a rally featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, who was in town to rally local voters for local Democrats.
Inside the Bakersfield Police 'RTIC' information center
Sitting before a massive bank of computer screens, an analyst inside Bakersfield Police Department's real-time information center punches a license plate number into the database and, in the blink of an eye, dozens of pictures are on the screen. Each one of them shows the vehicle matching the plate number each time it's passed one of the city's dozens of automated license plate reading cameras in the last 30 days. To the right, on another screen, a map marks each location where photos were taken.
DOJ asks Kern to set aside 431 ballots of 'likely aliens' Original
The U.S. Department of Justice asked Kern County to set aside 431 ballots linked to “likely aliens” ahead of the Nov. 3 election, in a letter sent last week. A Kern County elections official previously told The Californian it was working with county counsel and state officials on a thorough legal review of the request. Every county in California received a similar letter Friday afternoon, requesting that a certain number of ballots be set aside until voters’ citizenship could be verified.
Kern County: Preventable child deaths decreased by 17% in 2025
Preventable child deaths decreased by 17% in Kern County in 2025 compared to the previous year, with a 40% reduction in motor vehicle accidents, the leading cause of death for children in the county. That was part of the information presented to the Kern County Board of Supervisors Tuesday by the Kern County Child Death Review Team, which presents annually on child deaths in the county. kAmQ(9:=6 6G6CJ 49:=5VD 562E9 :D 2 EC2865J[ E96 a_ad C6A@CE C67=64ED >62?:?87F= AC@8C6DD[Q z6C?
Supervisors discuss funding federal detainee trips home
The Kern County Board of Supervisors is contemplating using local money to help people detained by the federal government across the country but released in Bakersfield to find a way home. Even though they're detained at points across the country, many of the people arrested as part of the Trump administration's increased immigration enforcement end up being housed at one of the federal government's four immigration detention centers in Kern County. kAm%96 r2=:7@C?:2?
'El Niño stacks the deck, but it doesn't decide the outcome': KCFD urges public to prepare for El Niño now
Kern County is prepping itself for what’s expected to be a strong El Niño year, and officials are asking residents to do the same. To help, the county has created a new website, kernemergencies.com, where all the information needed to prepare for potential emergencies such as flash floods, power outages and evacuations is collected in one place. kAmQxE :D 2 @?6\DE@A D9@A H96C6 J@F 42?
US DOJ tells Kern to set aside ballots of suspected noncitizens ahead of election
The U.S. Department of Justice is asking California counties, including Kern County, to set aside ballots of suspected noncitizens ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Letters were sent to each county Friday, asking local elections officials to set aside or segregate the ballots of people the federal government suspects to be noncitizens. kAmx? 2? 6>2:=[ z6C?
At rally with Villegas, AOC, local progressives are hopeful
If there's a year a progressive can win in the Central Valley, it's this year. At least that was the feeling outside the Nile Theater on Friday afternoon as hundreds of people lined up to see a pair of progressive Democrats share the stage a little more than a week before the 2026 midterm election. The line stretched around the corner as locals queued up to attend a rally featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, who was in town to rally local voters for local Democrats.
BPD officer resignations soar in 2026
The Kern County law enforcement market is particularly competitive. If one agency pays more, there's incentive to jump ship to another one. "One person told me, 'I can live here in the same house and my kid doesn't have to change schools and I go work at this agency," Bakersfield Police Department Chief Brent Stratton said.
At rally with Villegas, AOC, local progressives are hopeful
If there’s a year a progressive can win in the Central Valley, it’s this year. At least that was the feeling outside the Nile Theater on Friday afternoon as hundreds of people lined up to see a pair of progressive Democrats share the stage a little more than a week before the 2026 midterm election. The line stretched around the corner as locals queued up to attend a rally featuring Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, who was in town to rally local voters for local Democrats.
BPD officer resignations soar in 2026
The Kern County law enforcement market is particularly competitive. If one agency pays more, there's incentive to jump ship to another one. “One person told me, ‘I can live here in the same house and my kid doesn't have to change schools and I go work at this agency," Bakersfield Police Department Chief Brent Stratton said. "'That means I have to drive like maybe 10 minutes more than I did and I can make $7 an hour more.'" kAm“p?5[ J@F <?@H[ E96 >2E9 @? E92EVD S`d[___ 2 J62C >@C6 7@C E9:D A6CD@?
Becerra in Bakersfield: We need Randy Villegas
When Randy Villegas declared his candidacy for Congress, he did it in front of a smattering of supporters at a rally in front of Kern County Superior Court in downtown Bakersfield. On Thursday, he was embraced — literally as well as politically — by one of the top Democrats in the state, Xavier Becerra, who most polls project as the next governor of California. kAmq646CC2 DE@@5 @? E96 DE286 :? E96 32==C@@> @7 E96 q2<6CD7:6=5 |2CC:@EE :?
Bakersfield City Council Ward 3 candidate Seth Hewett drops out, endorses Bittle
The race for the Ward 3 Bakersfield City Council seat has one less entrant after candidate Seth Hewett said he has dropped out and endorses opponent Cassie Bittle. Speaking to The Californian Thursday, Hewett said he'd been preaching a "resident first" campaign, but as the race went on it seemed the best way to serve residents was to drop out.
Bakersfield City Council sets aside $4 million to contract with Taft for jail beds
The city’s efforts to find more local jail beds took a step forward Wednesday when the Bakersfield City Council directed city staff to set aside $4 million for the purpose of setting up a pilot program with the city of Taft. The city has spent the last year looking to expand the number of beds available for low-level offenders.
Court denies motion to strike in sewer case
Court denies motion to strike in sewer case PETER SEGALL, The Bakersfield Californian Tue, October 20, 2026 at 9:07 PM EDT The county's lawsuit against the city of Bakersfield over sewer rates will continue to move forward after a Kern County Superior Court judge denied a request from the city to strike the county's complaint.
Becerra, AOC head to Bakersfield to rally for Villegas this week
Becerra, AOC head to Bakersfield to rally for Villegas this week PETER SEGALL, The Bakersfield Californian Tue, October 20, 2026 at 9:03 PM EDT Big names from the world of politics are descending on the Central Valley this week ahead of what's expected to be an extremely competitive election. In Bakersfield, gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra will visit Thursday to stump for local congressional candidate Randy Villegas, who's looking to unseat long-term incumbent U.S. Rep.
Court denies motion to strike in sewer case
The county's lawsuit against the city of Bakersfield over sewer rates will continue to move forward after a Kern County Superior Court judge denied a request from the city to strike the county's complaint. In a brief court hearing Tuesday, Kern County Superior Court Judge Bernard Barmann Jr. said he "came out on the county side of things" and overruled the city's demurrer and overruled its motion to strike the county's complaint. kAm$A62<:?8 E@ %96 r2=:7@C?:2?
Becerra, AOC head to Bakersfield to rally for Villegas this week
Big names from the world of politics are descending on the Central Valley this week ahead of what's expected to be an extremely competitive election. In Bakersfield, gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra will visit Thursday to stump for local congressional candidate Randy Villegas, who's looking to unseat long-term incumbent U.S. Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford. kAm':==682D H:== 92G6 2? 255:E:@?2= @FED:56 3@@DE6C @? uC:52J :?
Senate District 16: Incumbent Democrat defends against Republican challenger
California’s 16th Senate District covers the city of Arvin at its southernmost point and the town of Dinuba in the north. It runs mostly along Highway 99 covering south and east Bakersfield, Delano, Porterville, Hanford and parts of Visalia and Tulare. Since 2018, the district has been represented by Sen. Melissa Hurtado, a Democrat who seeks to serve a third term. Running to unseat her in the Nov. 3 election is Guillermo Gonzalez, a Republican and small business owner.
Bakersfield City Council to hear jail bed update
The Bakersfield City Council is set to hear an update on the city's efforts to expand the number of available jail beds, an issue officials have been working on for more than a year. At the council's evening meeting Wednesday, staff will present on the city's policy consideration concerning the issue and ask for direction for future action.
Republican, Libertarian vie for open Senate District 12 seat
California’s 12th Senate District stretches from the southern Kern County line to north of Fresno and includes large portions of the cities of Bakersfield, Visalia and Fresno. For the past eight years it’s been represented by Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, but term limits are forcing her from the office. In deep blue California, the 12th Senate District race is perhaps unique in having no Democrats, even in the primary election.
Latest elections commission filings show millions spent in CD22, much of it from outside
It's no secret that one of the most competitive congressional races in the nation is awash in campaign cash and the latest filings with the Federal Election Commission shed light on just how much is being spent and where it's coming from. Quarterly filings tracking campaign expenses and receipts between July 1 and Sept. 30 were due Thursday. In the 22nd Congressional District, both candidates have raised, and spent, millions of dollars. According to the latest FEC filings, incumbent U.S. Rep.
Kern supervisors add $88M to budget
BAKERSFIELD — Kern County added $88 million to its annual budget Tuesday, a combination of additional tax revenue and year-end fund balance. Most of the money, $46.1 million, was allocated to various reserve and liability funds, according to county Budget and Finance Director Alex Alva, and $19.4 million went to one-time adjustments.
Senate District 16: Incumbent Democrat defends against Republican challenger
California's 16th Senate District covers the city of Arvin at its southernmost point and the town of Dinuba in the north. It runs mostly along Highway 99 covering south and east Bakersfield, Delano, Porterville, Hanford and parts of Visalia and Tulare. Since 2018, the district has been represented by Sen. Melissa Hurtado, a Democrat who seeks to serve a third term. Running to unseat her in the Nov. 3 election is Guillermo Gonzalez, a Republican and small business owner. kAmr2?5:52E6D 2C6 =:DE65 :?
Immigration enforcement hits Kern County, stirring reactions
After several days of reported immigration enforcement in the Central Valley, local advocates confirmed actions by federal agents in Bakersfield, Arvin and McFarland. In a post to social media Thursday, immigrant advocacy group the Rapid Response Network of Kern said it had confirmed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Arvin.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Peter
Contact Peter, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack