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:
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 Bakersfiel
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.
Voices of the Central Valley rise against Medicaid cuts
On April 10, the House of Representatives approved a Republican-led budget plan that could deeply affect Medicaid and other healthcare programs.
Kaiser Permanente invests in Kern County initiative for Black mothers and infants
Kaiser Permanente has awarded a $95,000 grant to the Black Infant Maternal Health Initiative (BIMHI) to help address critical health disparities affecting Black mothers, babies, and children in Kern County.
United Way appoints Eric Arias as President and CEO
After serving in an interim capacity, Eric Arias has officially been named President and CEO of United Way of Central and Eastern California by the organization’s Board.
Faces behind the numbers: Valley Fever’s growing toll on Kern County lives
Yesterday, the Kern County Department of Public Health announced April as Valley Fever Month as part of their Disease Fighters initiative, a year-long health education and awareness campaign to combat infectious diseases.
Major cuts threaten food assistance for thousands in Kern County
Kern County’s largest food bank is bracing for a major loss in resources that could leave thousands of local households without critical food assistance.