First 5
First 5 Kern director diagnosed with cancer
The executive director of First 5 Kern is temporarily stepping down because of an illness.
Henry column: Who else gets a raise after being fired?
Just when you thought Steve Ladd couldn't possibly suck one more taxpayer dime into the giant Hoover bag attached to his pockets -- cha-ching!
Wendy Wayne to head First 5 Kern
Wendy Wayne today was named the new executive director of First 5 Kern, the agency that distributes local tobacco-tax money.
First 5 should fund new audit, grand jury says
First 5 Kern should pay for a new audit of work done by former Cal State Bakersfield researchers, a report by the Kern County Grand Jury released Thursday recommends.
Grand Jury report: First 5 Kern should pay for new audit of work done by former CSUB researchers
First 5 Kern should pay for a new audit of work done by former Cal State Bakersfield researchers, a report by the Kern County Grand Jury released Thursday recommends.
Agency selects new evaluator
New executive director may be named in July
Ex-top doctor loses new job
Kern County's former public health director lost a similar post in San Diego County last week partly because of extracurricular business activities, allegations of improper billing and a debt of more than $350,000 to the state, officials there confirmed.
First 5 panel OKs funds for programs
Louis Gill Jr. felt deep apprehensions Wednesday as he stood before the nine members of the First 5 Kern Commission.
First 5 to vote on funding
A batch of funding decisions goes to First 5 Kern commissioners this afternoon along with a proposed pay package for a new executive director. Commissioners will also vote on whether to ask county supervisors to postpone pending changes to the commission's structure.
What is First 5?
First 5 dollars come from a statewide, 50-cents-a-pack tobacco tax approved by California voters in 1998 through Proposition 10.
Why First 5 commissioners voted to end the director's contract
Why they did it
First 5 investigation in a nutshell
What we looked at
Behind the story: Getting documents
Since November 2004, The Californian had tried on and off to get details about First 5 Kern’s spending with Cal State Bakersfield and other contractors.
Director out, but with some perks
Seeking change, commission ousts Ladd without cause, spurring severance package
Audits failed to spur changes
Officials disagree on who was in charge of allotting $3 million for research
CSUB will cut ties to First 5 Kern
Decision comes despite favorable audit findings
Outside reports cheer up most First 5 members
First 5 Kern commissioners largely gave a hearty response to a pair of outside investigations presented at a special meeting Monday morning.
First 5 commissioners applaud audit results
The chairman of First 5 Kern’s commission called reports that analyzed research data and financial oversight validating.
Evaluator: Program 'evolving'
An independent evaluator deemed the data collected by First 5 Kern useful, but said there's room for improvement, according to one of two reports made available Thursday.
First 5 to keep working with CSUB researchers
First 5 Kern commissioners opted to keep Cal State Bakersfield researchers under contract Wednesday.
Many benefit from First 5 Kern funding
Several readers have asked for a listing of money spent by First 5 Kern, which has been in the news recently over questions about contract oversight.
First 5 Kern spending
Programs funded by First 5 Kern since it started doling out state tobacco-tax money around 2000. The commission was created in late 1998, but it took longer for dollars from the 50-cents-a-pack cigarette tax to accumulate.
Board wants more First 5 oversight
Supervisors also ask for commission to take more responsibility, have members rotated
Team chosen to investigate First 5 contract
In a lively yet congenial meeting, First 5 Kern commissioners Wednesday chose a team of forensic auditors to investigate their contract with Cal State Bakersfield researchers.
First 5 Kern fuss seems overwrought
Much has been made over the spending habits of First 5 Kern, though I'm not sure the commission's most recent expenditure merits all the fuss.
Florez questions First 5 spending
Commission's vote to bring in consultant done without budgeting, dissenter says
Board seeks First 5 audit
Riled up by article detailing use of taxpayer funds, supervisors eager for answers from agency
First 5 story draws heat
CSUB professor claims story on alleged misuse of funds was 'retribution'
First 5 players agree action must be taken
Supervisors say the buck stops with them.
Florez questions First 5 staffer's work at media event
The Bakersfield Californian
First 5 commissions spark readers' reaction
Ladd unworthy
Board told it has power to remake First 5 Kern
Supervisors can revamp the First 5 Kern commission almost whole hog, a county report released Thursday says.
County supervisors don't alter First 5 Kern ordinance
The Kern County Board of Supervisors did not take any action Tuesday to alter the ordinance that handles First 5 Kern.
Board puts off action against First 5 Kern
Kern County supervisors refused on Tuesday to take an immediate, active hand in investigating the First 5 Kern commission's handling of millions of taxpayer dollars.
Readers voice support -- and dissent -- for First 5
Give money back
First 5: A question of oversight
The bad news isn't just that university researchers spent tax dollars on a convertible, beachside retreats and sofas.
First 5: Professor cruisin' in taxpayer-funded car for three years
Ex-director got lease payments instead of mileage reimbursement
First 5 Kern fuss seems overwrought
Much has been made over the spending habits of First 5 Kern, though I'm not sure the commission's most recent expenditure merits all the fuss.
First 5 Kern gives grants for children
The local tobacco-tax commission charged with doling out public money to assist children announced its latest funding recipients Wednesday.
Local recipients of First 5 funds named
The local tobacco-tax commission charged with doling out public money to assist children announced its latest funding recipients Wednesday.
Kern's First 5 passes budget for next year
YOUTH SERVICES SPENDING
First 5 brushes up on east Kern needs
New funding spurs regular, free dental check-ups for children
First 5 draws scrutiny for use of researchers
A simple question is slamming doors fast at the local tobacco-tax agency, First 5 Kern.
First 5: Who's in charge?
Two public agencies, a stream of public money and a contract.
Ousted First 5 director lands on feet
We may never know why Steve Ladd's tenure with First 5 Kern essentially ended Wednesday afternoon.
Reports to address First 5 spending questions
Results to be discussed at special meeting Feb. 26
First 5: Spending highlights
Spending highlights: