KERNVILLE, Calif. (KERO) — UPDATED STORY:
Just last week, I was here in Kernville telling you about how thieves stole items from the town's Christmas tree lighting event. But over the weekend those same thieves have had a change of heart.
Tricia La Belle Government Relations and Correspondent for the Kernville Chambers of Commerce said "This is a very small community everyone here knows each other. One way or another they are either related, went to school together, or they worked together its a small community. I think the word got out, and they got worried. We also had a tremendous amount of video footage of the people who committed the thefts, and we were able to ID them."
Officials say the theft was caught on security cameras and the video was turned over to the sheriff's office. And they add, they have a good idea of who may have taken the items, which were essential for the town's traditional Christmas tree lighting. Community members have helped along they way with donations and volunteering there time so the show still goes on and is a success.
Kitt Heilbron Volunteer said "That's exactly it, regardless Christmas in Kernville is happening. There was a lot on our Facebook page, and I think that actually helped them retrieve the items. There were numerous of people that actually contributed to the Chamber in order to buy additional items if we were to never get them back."
Tricia tells me this is her third year organizing the Christmas Tree lighting event, and the support from the community was overwhelming. From money, lights, plugs, bulbs and more, all donated. Up to now, however, whoever took the items has not been arrested.
"The people who donated the money to us, this money is helping with so many things to make this Christmas in Kernville even more special. I want the ones who contributed to making it a success to know it wouldn't be possible without you. We're looking to take it to the next level, and to make it even more special this year, for the gratitude that was given to the Chambers of Commerce." said La Belle
The Christmas Tree lighting will take place on Saturday November 29 at Circle Park.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Grinches of Kernville's Christmas plans grew a heart, as it turns out.
That's what the Kernville Chamber of Commerce says, reporting that many of the stolen Christmas items from Circle Park have been returned.
The chamber's statement on Facebook says the people of interest in the case are still being investigated and pursued by law enforcement.
The post also thanks the community, reading in part: "We want to offer a truly heartfelt thank you to every single person that stepped up — those who helped track things down, those who shared information, and those who donated cash, decorations, lights, and their own volunteer time to keep the magic alive."
As previously reported, Gary Ananin, president of the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, described the scope of the theft.
"A lot of expensive electrical equipment was taken. Cords, spider boxes, everything that connects the power to the park. For all the trees to be lit, our 40 foot Christmas tree to be lit up. All of it was stolen," Ananin said.
The theft had threatened to derail Kernville's annual Christmas celebration this year at Circle Park.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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