Jocelynn Landon
Jocelynn Landon (she/her) has been a staff reporter with Kern Sol since January 2025. She was born and raised in Bakersfield and is currently attending Cal State Bakersfield, working to obtain her bachelor's in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism. You can reach her at Jocelynn@southkernsol.org Posts by Jocelynn Landon:
Leading with purpose: Traco Matthews champions equity across California
In a time when conversations about equity face increasing political resistance, Traco Matthews sees opportunity. Recently elected chair of the California Racial Equity Commission, Matthews is excited to step into the role with “energy and passion,” determined to advance the work of equity across the local community, state, and nation.
California’s tentative budget update includes Medi-Cal cuts, housing aid, and university relief
With California facing a $321.1 billion budget deficit, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a tentative agreement with the state legislature Tuesday that includes cuts to Medicaid access for undocumented residents, increased grants for homelessness and housing programs, and the reversal of funding cuts to the University of California and California State University systems.
Local symposium seeks to improve 2SLGBTQIA+ healthcare through education and advocacy
Oftentimes, healthcare can fail to understand and meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in rural areas such as Kern County.
Bakersfield takes part in nationwide “No Kings” protest
Protesters in Bakersfield joined thousands across the country Saturday morning for the “NO KINGS: Day of Defiance” protest, gathered in front of the Liberty Bell in downtown Bakersfield.
Shafter seeks community input for long-term growth plan
Photo provided by City of Shafter website.
In launching a 20-year general plan update, the City of Shafter is calling for community input, yet concerns persist that the proposed changes may overlook the needs of current residents.
Kern High School District board reviews immigration policy revisions
For the first time since 2018, the Kern High School District Board of Trustees reviewed proposed revisions to its policy on how schools should respond to immigration enforcement.
California budget crisis threatens Kern County LGBTQ+ safe space
Kern County’s Center for Sexuality and Gender Diversity faces immediate risk of budget cuts following Governor Gavin Newsom’s May revision plan, announced May 21, putting vital LGBTQ+ community services in jeopardy pending a final decision.
Community holds ‘funeral’ protest against healthcare cuts at Rep. Valadao’s office
Over the last few months, leaders in Kern County have hosted rallies, protests, and even acts of civil disobedience in order to urge congressman Valadao to vote no on healthcare cuts– on May 20, the community demonstrated a mock funeral, some even participating in a 24-,48- or 72-hour hunger strike, to bring awareness to the lives that would be lost.
Sol on the Street: Why are you participating in the “Hands Off Our Healthcare, Hunger Fast?”
Starting May 20, around 20 community members will join the “Hands Off Our Healthcare” Hunger Fast to raise awareness and demand the protection of Medi-Cal and other essential programs outside Congressmember Valado’s office.
Community pushes back on threats to Medi-Cal in Valadao’s District
Community members in Kern County portray acts of civil disobedience as hundreds gather at Rep. David Valadao’s office to protest Medicaid cuts and California’s overall healthcare system on April 24.