Found Deceased CA - John Wooner, 57, city manager, Bakersfield, 14 May 2019

[Tripod]

KGET - TV 17 Bakersfield

Interesting comments

Indeed, but taking with a very large grain of salt. Thanks for the post.

 

[Tripod]

Still no news of John. I do wonder how much conversation there has been locally. You'd think there would have been a lot more noise than we've seen Hoping for a LE update soon!

 

[GuyfromCanada]

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Bakersfield police announced that a $5,000 reward is now being offered in connection with the disappearance of McFarland City Manager John Wooner.

BPD announces $5k reward in connection to missing McFarland City Manager

 

[420stach]

Indeed, but taking with a very large grain of salt. Thanks for the post.

Times like these I hate that I don’t have Facebook -_-

 

[420stach]

Can anyone tell me what people are saying? What is being speculated? I’m curious as to what the rumors are, there’s always a little truth behind them...

 

[CluelessWonder]

I covered city government for many years but not in California. All I can say is that there are usually small groups of local residents who complain about a city manager. They don't like the decisions the person makes. As a result, they gossip and complain. They show up at every city council meeting and form a little crew. Between meetings, they spread gossip. I've heard people say some nasty stuff about some very nice city managers. I've heard people claim they embezzled money from the city, spent money illegally on things that are not approved, had sexual relationships with co-workers, made under-the-table deals without city council approval, etc., etc. The things people say are rarely true. I've witnessed some of these people having to apologize in public or having their BS exposed right in front of everyone. They sure made meetings exciting. You never knew what was going to happen.

 

[doodles1211]

Since they had said early on that there was not anything missing in terms of city funds, early on in this case, I would assume ( which, I know, you should never do) that the comments posted are just rumors and speculation by people that are not in the know of the city's state.
I think of this case often. I cannot believe the vehicle has not even been recovered yet. I wonder if he had some terrible accident that has yet to be discovered?

 

[Tripod]

Since they had said early on that there was not anything missing in terms of city funds, early on in this case, I would assume ( which, I know, you should never do) that the comments posted are just rumors and speculation by people that are not in the know of the city's state.
I think of this case often. I cannot believe the vehicle has not even been recovered yet. I wonder if he had some terrible accident that has yet to be discovered?

I agree with your current assumption It seems odd there has been no mention of the vehicle he was driving except in the beginning. Seems LE and those who know Mr. Wooner are managing to stay extremely tight-lipped. I really do feel for his family.

I go back and forth as to whether I believe he came to harm by the hand of someone else, or has disappeared of his own accord. I usually lean towards the latter.

 

[meanmaryjean]

I agree with your current assumption It seems odd there has been no mention of the vehicle he was driving except in the beginning. Seems LE and those who know Mr. Wooner are managing to stay extremely tight-lipped. I really do feel for his family.

I go back and forth as to whether I believe he came to harm by the hand of someone else, or has disappeared of his own accord. I usually lean towards the latter.

100% agree.

 

[Penny4YourThoughts]

Will money help find missing Central Valley official? Bakersfield police offer $5,000 reward
://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/article232244167.html

 

[Tripod]

Will money help find missing Central Valley official? Bakersfield police offer $5,000 reward
://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/article232244167.html

I've become all too jaded when it comes to rewards offered in cases, these days. It just seems to me that it rarely works, but I honestly can't say I've researched any statistics.
I think of the huge reward offered in the Delphi murders of Abby and Libby, for one example. Ah well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Here's hoping it will help find John.

 

[rosesfromangels]

I covered city government for many years but not in California. All I can say is that there are usually small groups of local residents who complain about a city manager. They don't like the decisions the person makes. As a result, they gossip and complain. They show up at every city council meeting and form a little crew. Between meetings, they spread gossip. I've heard people say some nasty stuff about some very nice city managers. I've heard people claim they embezzled money from the city, spent money illegally on things that are not approved, had sexual relationships with co-workers, made under-the-table deals without city council approval, etc., etc. The things people say are rarely true. I've witnessed some of these people having to apologize in public or having their BS exposed right in front of everyone. They sure made meetings exciting. You never knew what was going to happen.

Great post. All these people claiming to be in the know need to do something productive...like help find him. No time for baloney and gossip.

Chances are he had a medical episode and his car is off in a ditch or ravine , yet to be spotted.

Amateur opinion and speculation

 

[Tripod]

Where are you, John? Why have there been no LE updates? Was the city truck he drove trackable at all, and same question re: his cell phone, if he had one?

 

[rosesfromangels]

Where are you, John? Why have there been no LE updates? Was the city truck he drove trackable at all, and same question re: his cell phone, if he had one?

That is a great question. I know city workers in my town who make jokes about not being able to pull over to take a nap because GPS would show them stopped somewhere other than associated with a dispatched stop, or approved break.

His city vehicle should have had GPS unless he disabled it. Anyone know?

I still think the highest probability is that he is off-road somewhere, yet to be found.

Amateur opinion and speculation

 

[Tripod]

That is a great question. I know city workers in my town who make jokes about not being able to pull over to take a nap because GPS would show them stopped somewhere other than associated with a dispatched stop, or approved break.

His city vehicle should have had GPS unless he disabled it. Anyone know?

I still think the highest probability is that he is off-road somewhere, yet to be found.

Amateur opinion and speculation

I just searched for anything new, and there's nothing at all. Nada, zip, crickets. I'm not sure I understand why LE can't even say something like, " Yes, the truck had enabled GPS," or "No, the truck's location system didn't exist or was not enabled."
It does make you wonder what's been happening behind the scenes, and I also wonder how family members and friends can keep their voices so under wraps. If absolute silence is critical in Mr. Wooner's case, kudos- but I usually have the opinion that the more publicity, the better.. As long as it doesn't consist of too many unfounded rumors!

 

[CluelessWonder]

It's definitely puzzling why there are no stories about volunteer searches and such. It gives me the feeling that he left voluntarily and everyone knows it. But, if that's the case, why not come out and say so?

 

[meanmaryjean]

It's definitely puzzling why there are no stories about volunteer searches and such. It gives me the feeling that he left voluntarily and everyone knows it. But, if that's the case, why not come out and say so?

LE might not want to tip their hand? THEORY ONLY: LE might think family/ friends are complicit?

 

[MimosaMornings]

I used to drive a company vehicle with GPS tracking enabled. I had a certain territory and if I went outside that area - my manager got an alert and report of where I was.
If the vehicle was turned off and parked - my manager got an alert and report.
I got a phone call only 5 minutes after I had parked and shut off the vehicle asking what I was doing at Walmart and named the exact street/city.

 

[Rosiebones]

I used to drive a company vehicle with GPS tracking enabled. I had a certain territory and if I went outside that area - my manager got an alert and report of where I was.
If the vehicle was turned off and parked - my manager got an alert and report.
I got a phone call only 5 minutes after I had parked and shut off the vehicle asking what I was doing at Walmart and named the exact street/city.

I wonder if, as a courtesy to the city manager, the GPS on his car was turned off or not activated. If not, then LE knows exactly where that car was or is and that doesn't seem to be true.
It also seems to me that LE knows that this is either voluntary or self harm because if it was foul play then LE is dropping the ball and the family isn't acting with much angst. MOO MOO

 

[Tripod]

LE might not want to tip their hand? THEORY ONLY: LE might think family/ friends are complicit?

Who the heck knows? It's bizarre.