Kern Sol News

Posts by Kern Sol News:

Op-ed: AI and ChatGPT Usage Should be Limited

January 14, 2026 / By
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By: Alyssa Ramirez

The new and most popular AI ( artificial intelligence) tool in the world is ChatGPT.

Q&A: Maricruz Ramirez on the Environmental Impacts of Oil Industry

January 14, 2026 / By
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By: Mariangela Velazquez

Maricruz Ramirez, a community organizer with the Center for Race, Poverty, and Environment, spoke about how the oil industry in Kern County impacts the environment and how the community can come together to combat the impacts. 

Q&A: Ana Olvera on Drug Use and Effects in Kern

December 22, 2025 / By
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By: Alyssa Ramirez

Ana Olvera, from Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, discussed drug use in Kern County and available recovery programs.

Q&A: Brianda Castro Discusses Central Valley Air Quality

December 12, 2025 / By
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By: Angel Rivera

Brianda Castro, Climate Equity and Environmental Justice Associate at the California Central Asthma Collaborative, discussed air quality in the Central Valley and how people can protect themselves and drive change. 

Sol on the Street: How Has Social Media Affected Your Mental Health? 

November 20, 2025 / By
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By: Alyssa Ramirez              

“I feel social media has—I don’t want to say helped my mental health, but it has opened doors for me to make more connections and allowed me to voice my opinion.

Sol on the Street: What is Your Opinion on ICE’s presence in Bakersfield?

November 20, 2025 / By

By: Mariangela Velazquez

“I think it really scares a lot of people, and I see that it affects my students when that happens.

Sol on the Street: What are your thoughts on vaping in the schools, and has it impacted you?

November 19, 2025 / By
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By: Angel Rivera

“For me, personally, I have asthma, so it affects me because my lungs don’t work really well, and that’s why I barely use the restroom at school there’s a lot of kids vaping in there.

Op-Ed: An Open Letter from California Jobs First Governance Council

October 10, 2025 / By
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Op-Ed by: Joey Williams and Lori Pesante

Hagare’ Naam (Hello in Kawaiisu),

There was much excitement two years ago when community members were asked if they had an interest in running for the California Jobs First Governance Council (“GC”), formerly known as CERF, to select projects for $9 million in CJF Catalyst funding. 

Community Voices: The fight for farmworker safety on Valpredo Road

May 22, 2025 / By

By Carlos Ortiz

Over the decades, I have volunteered in my community and, for the last 15 years, worked as a Spanish radio host at Qué Buena 105.7 FM and other media outlets.

Commentary: Reclaiming the Central Valley

December 12, 2024 / By

By Crystal Pimentel Navarro

Neida Sandoval Lopez, a Richgrove native and UCLA graduate, credits her time at the university for shaping her commitment to social justice.