Peoples Budget Bako, a grassroots coalition that advocates for defunding local law enforcement and reallocating funds to other community resources, is calling for the community to participate in tomorrow’s Bakersfield City council meeting.

The topics discussed will include a special election for ward 1 coming up with councilmember Willie Rivera and the city budget. 

The organizers of the Peoples Budget Bako say the budget allocates too much to the Bakersfield Police Department. More than 40 percent of the City’s general fund and 28 percent of Measure N funds are proposed to go to the department.

The group is encouraging people to attend; however, seating is limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will also be a live stream of the meeting. 

For people attending the meeting in person, there will be time to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. 

For those who will be participating virtually, people can send an email by 1 p.m. Wednesday to the city clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us or call (661) 326-3100 and leave a voicemail no longer than 3 minutes by 4 p.m. Tuesday June 23. 

The messages must indicate whether your comment relates to a particular agenda item, or is a general public comment. 

The meeting will begin at 5:15 and will be held at 1501 Truxtun Ave.

Click here for more information on People’s Budget Bako.

Kern Sol News is a youth-led journalism organization in Kern County. In their stories, reporters shine light on health and racial disparities in under-served communities across Kern. For more stories by South Kern Sol, head to southkernsol.org.