Bakersfield residents protest as Federal government shutdown passes third day

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — About two dozen protesters gathered outside Congressman David Valadao's Bakersfield office as the government shutdown entered its third day, with both sides pointing fingers over who's responsible for the impasse.

The demonstration, organized by the California Alliance for Retired Americans, focused on concerns about potential cuts to federal programs including SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare benefits.

"We want the Republicans to finally come to the table with the Democrats and compromise, meaning come to an agreement in regards to what the budget should be, what should be in it that was taken out," said Gilbert Garcia, a member of CARA. "So basically, the restoration of Medicare, Medicaid. So the restoration of SNAP benefits, those things, those things that they