Section
Security & Privacy
Voice-clone and deepfake scams aimed at Valley residents, AI-made misinformation in local politics, license-plate cameras and other surveillance, and the agencies trying to keep up.
State of play
Updated Thursday, November 5, 2026. An AI-written summary of the articles it cites. How we report
- Bakersfield police say the city's network of about 130 Flock license plate cameras, which keep data up to 30 days, helped identify a suspect in shootings at the KBAK/KBFX studios on Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. A 46-year-old woman was arrested Oct. 15 with a loaded handgun; no one was hurt. Flock cameras helped Bakersfield police ID suspect in TV station shootings
- Big Fresno Fair officials said there was no ICE activity at the fairgrounds and blamed AI-generated images and false social-media posts for spreading fear during the Oct. 7-18 run. Fresno State separately sent a campus message about ICE concerns. Big Fresno Fair warns of fake ICE posts, says no ICE activity at fair
- The Kern County Fair opened its 12-day run with magnetometers and bag checks at all three gates, plus walk-through AI detection first used last year. Bakersfield police planned a large on-grounds presence with help from other agencies. Kern County Fair adds walk-through AI screening, magnetometers at all gates
Latest in Security & Privacy
Flock cameras helped Bakersfield police ID suspect in TV station shootings
Oct 24, 2026
Police say the city’s license plate reader network helped identify a suspect in two October shootings at the KBAK/KBFX studios. Officers arrested a 46-year-old woman after a traffic stop and recovered a loaded handgun.
Big Fresno Fair warns of fake ICE posts, says no ICE activity at fair
Oct 12, 2026
Fair officials say AI-made images fueled false social-media claims about immigration agents on-site. Fresno State also messaged campus about ICE concerns over the weekend.
Kern County Fair adds walk-through AI screening, magnetometers at all gates
Sep 24, 2026
Fair officials and Bakersfield police outlined tighter entry screening, a visible officer presence, and family wristbands as the Kern County Fair opens for its 12-day run.
Dinuba weighs AI weapons detector, report says
Sep 3, 2026
A local TV report says Dinuba plans to test an AI-based weapons detection system. Key details, including where and when, weren’t immediately available.
Hurtado seeks cyber defense funds for Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare OES
Aug 29, 2026
Citing AI attack warnings from major tech firms, Sen. Melissa Hurtado wants dedicated state budget money to help county emergency offices protect hospitals, water and local systems.
Kern County warns seniors: '1098-SR' videos won't cut school-bond taxes
Aug 20, 2026
Assessor Laura Avila says a fake '1098-SR' form in AI videos doesn't exist. She fears fee scams next and reminds residents which tax relief programs are real.
AI voice and video scams target Fresno, Coinbase security chief warns
Jun 27, 2026
A KFSN report says AI tools are helping scammers mimic banks and loved ones, raising the stakes for Fresno-area consumers. Here are the red flags and what to do.
Stockton OKs $3.15M Flock drone plan with AI search, privacy fight grows
Jun 24, 2026
The council added six 'drones as first responders' to its Flock contract and an AI tool to search video and plate data, drawing sharp opposition.
AI-altered 17 News image targets Supervisor Jeff Flores; group cites watermark
May 26, 2026
A Bakersfield activist group posted a fake 17 News screenshot about Supervisor Jeff Flores. KGET says the image came from a 2020 story and was made with Gemini.
California City Mayor Fights Back Against AI Deepfake Videos
Apr 19, 2026
California City's mayor warns residents about circulating AI-generated deepfake videos and coordinates with local authorities to counter misinformation, highlighting growing concerns over manipulated media in Kern County and across the Central Valley.
AI-manipulated image used to scam Fresno family looking for lost dog
Apr 15, 2026
A Fresno family searching for a missing dog was targeted by scammers who used an AI-altered photo to demand money, prompting fresh warnings about pet-recovery fraud in California’s Central Valley.
Fresno doctor warns of AI scam impersonating him, targeting senior patients
Apr 15, 2026
A Fresno physician alerts the community that scammers are using AI tools to imitate his identity in phone calls to older patients, urging vigilance and verification before sharing information.