Kern Sol News hit the walkway at The Park at River Walk to ask residents a simple question: What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving, and why? 

Matthew Briceno, 15, and Ruby Pischner, 17, both students at Golden Valley High School. 

Briceno: “For this Thanksgiving, I’m most thankful for my girlfriend. She’s been making my life a lot better recently.”

Pischner: “I’m thankful for my boyfriend because he’s brought a lot of light into my life lately.”

Carlos and Stephanie Regalado, married for 10 years.

Carlos: “We’re thankful for our family. More importantly, overall, having great health and being able to still be here and be here for our kids and watching them grow.”

Stephanie: “I’m thankful to have him for continuous support and providing for us so that our girls can have a bright future ahead of them.”

Sandy Redding, a nurse from Bakersfield with nearly 40 years of experience.

Sandy Redding: “I’m most thankful for my family and friends and my nurses’ union so that we can speak up for our patients, given the Medicaid cuts that are coming. I want to make sure that our patients are taken care of. I’m very thankful for my nurses’ union, California Nurses Association, so we can stand up for our patients and our community.”

On personal achievements: “I’ve maintained my health and fitness, trying to walk four or five miles a day. I’m very proud of our community, the way we stand up for the most vulnerable and make sure that people are taken care of.”

Dimitri Smith: “I’m most thankful for my family, my peace of mind, my health, my strength, and my faith.”

On personal achievements: “I’d say I’m proud of just making it this far, so far into November 2025.”