Bakersfield has spoken: on Tuesday night Donny Youngblood, 56, won the sheriff’s race for Bakersfield with a 60 percent lead over incumbent Mack Wimbish, 63. His head-quarters for the night was Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace, and many of his supporters gathered to welcome the new sheriff with music, laughter, and cheers.
“We conducted our campaign the way we wanted. We gave 100 percent its all we could do,” said Youngblood. “I’m content with the decision.”
Youngblood already has plans for his first line of action. There are currently 60 vacant deputy positions. All sheriff deputies are on mandatory over time.
“We’re asking for trouble when this sort of thing happens,” said Youngblood. “I’m going to fill in vacancies and put together a comprehensive plan to stop gang violence. The public has told me and made it clear that gang violence should be the number one priority.”
Although Wimbish has already started the process of eliminating vacancies, he plans on working with Youngblood to set him in the right direction.
“I’m fine,” said Wimbish. “Four years ago I retired to run my campaign. Now I’m trying to run the county and this campaign; it’s been trying mentally, physically, and on my family. I’ll get my life back.”
According to Wimbish, he made changes and said that it was human nature for it to be uncomfortable for people to get used to.
On the other hand Youngblood, who became the people’s choice this race, felt as though it was time to get someone in this role who can lead the department.
“I have 30 years of experience, the overall package makes me qualified,” said Youngblood. “Mack Wimbish’s on-the-job training was a complete failure.”
Youngblood has high qualifications for the position: he has an A.A. from Bakersfield College, a B.A. and a M.P.A. from the Golden Gate University, and has a lifetime teaching credential from UCLA. Youngblood’s background stands in contrast to Wimbish, who only has a 1961 diploma from Arvin High School.
According to Don Langdon, a supporter, people feel that Youngblood will bring the sheriff’s department to where it needs to be.
“He’s well qualified,” said Langdon. “Ever since his late teens he’s worked his was up to commander.”
Youngblood’s professional experience includes the U.S. Army, Vietnam veteran, Drill sergeant, and has worked with the Kern County’s Sheriff’s department for 30 years.