Bill that would have exempt small refineries from air monitoring deemed inactive

After receiving much push back from environmental justice advocates, politicians pulled a bill that would have exempt small refineries from air monitoring and reporting.

Investigators deemed odor at Cesar E. Chavez High ‘non-toxic’; school followed protocols, officials say

The Kern County Agriculture Commissioner Office sent investigators to Cesar E. Chavez High Thursday morning after receiving reports of a concerning odor on campus and determined the odor was non-toxic, according to officials.

Advocates fear bill could exempt some refineries from air monitoring and reporting; Salas says bill allows small refineries to invest in cleaner, safer technology

A proposed bill that addresses air monitoring systems for petroleum refineries has environmental justice advocates concerned certain refineries could be exempt from air monitoring and reporting actions that have a direct impact on rural communities.

Local hospitals help victims of human trafficking by educating staff and providing trauma informed care

It’s not every day a human trafficking victim has access to health care, but when they do, they often do not speak up about their abuser, despite this being one of the very few moments victims are alone.  

However,  local Dignity Health hospitals are working to change that with the Human Trafficking Response Program.

As KHSD transfers increase, so do expulsion and suspension rates at continuation schools, data shows

Although suspensions and expulsions have decreased over the years at the Kern High School District, advocates remain concerned the district is still finding ways to push out students of color.

‘A model for rural communities’: Early college program could transform education in the Central Valley

In many rural communities, just getting kids to graduate from high school proves challenging.

But in McFarland, Bakersfield College and McFarland High School administrators are doubling down on efforts to ensure kids not only graduate with a high school diploma, but also take college courses and put them on a pathway to a degree.