Victoria Rodgers
Victoria Rodgers is an editor and reporter for Kern Sol News. Born in Bakersfield, CA, she received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Rockford University in Illinois. She can be reached at victoria@southkernsol.org. Posts by Victoria Rodgers:
Inside the LA protests: a firsthand look at the movement against ICE
Protesters filled the streets across parts of Los Angeles over the weekend, demanding an end to immigration enforcement and the detention of community members.
What CalFresh Healthy Living does, and why it matters in Kern County
In the face of rising grocery prices, ongoing economic hardship, and persistent food insecurity across the Central Valley, one local team is connecting people to life-changing resources.
One Big Beautiful Bill could expand immigration detention: Here’s how to weigh in
As part of the sweeping federal reconciliation package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, Congress is considering a proposal to allocate $150 billion for immigration enforcement, including $45 billion for immigration detention alone.
Assemblymember Bains introduces censure over GOP votes that threaten millions of Californians
As thousands of Central Valley families prepare for the potential loss of health and food benefits, Assemblymember Dr.
Valadao’s ‘Yes’ vote could strip millions of Medicaid, despite earlier assurances
Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) pledged to protect Medicaid, then voted for a bill that slashes it.
California budget proposal halts new Medi-Cal access for undocumented immigrants
In a move that reverses a key expansion of California’s health care safety net, Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday proposed pausing new enrollments of undocumented adult immigrants into Medi-Cal starting in 2026 due to a $12 billion budget deficit.
From struggling to sinking: Kern County borrowers hit hard by student loan policy shift
On May 5, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would soon resume major collection efforts on defaulted student loans, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, and Social Security payment offsets — all without a court order.
Food Bank Administrator begins solidarity fast over proposed budget cuts
Kelly Lowery, Administrator of the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Food Bank, has committed to a no-food fast to protest state and federal decisions threatening the lifeline tens of thousands of local families rely on each month.
Community holds silent vigil to defend Democracy in Bakersfield
Community members gathered outside the Federal Courthouse to hold a vigil protesting what they describe as the current administration’s threats to democracy.
City halts sewer rate hike process amid community pushback
Amid widespread public opposition, Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg has recommended rescinding the Proposition 218 process tied to the proposed sewer rate increase, which would have raised annual fees from $239 to $950 starting July 1.