Stories by Issue
Kern County
2026 Midterms: Statewide and Kern County Candidates
California’s 2026 midterm elections are beginning to take shape, with an open governor’s race, lieutenant governor contest, and several competitive races in Kern County drawing early attention.
DOJ Details Its Arguments Against Zack Scrivner’s Diversion
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has released the full writ of mandate it filed challenging a Kern County judge’s decision to grant mental health diversion to a criminal defendant, providing new details about the state’s arguments.
Health Screening Tool Helps Identify Environmental Challenges Across California
On February 17th, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHA), alongside the UC Merced Community and Labor Center, hosted a two-part session of the CalEnviroScreen and Valley Plan forum.
DOJ Challenges Scrivner’s Mental Health Diversion
The California Department of Justice has filed a petition for a writ of mandate with the Fifth District Court of Appeal, asking the court to review a Kern County judge’s December 2025 decision to allow former Kern County Supervisor Zack Scrivner to enter a mental health diversion program instead of going through the regular criminal court process.
Presentation Explores Roots of Black Churches in Bakersfield
Faith, migration, resilience, and community were at the center of a presentation exploring the history of Black churches in Bakersfield from the 1800s to today.
Audrey Chavez Turns Personal Loss into Decades of Activism in Bakersfield
Audrey Chavez remembers two things clearly about losing her brother Ricky to AIDS: the pain and the silence.