Local Politics · Kern County
Advocacy group Justice Without Favor is working toward a recall petition against Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, citing transparency concerns tied to the criminal case involving her nephew, former Supervisor Zack Scrivner. The group has 210 proponents but must still complete preliminary steps before collecting the approximately 66,000 signatures needed within 160 days. Scrivner was charged in February 2025 with three felony counts of willful cruelty to a child and two weapons counts from an April 2024 incident at his Tehachapi home; a judge granted him mental health diversion in December. Zimmer recused herself from the case, which was handled by the California Attorney General's Office. Organizers plan a peaceful protest outside the Truxtun Avenue courthouse on Oct. 22 at 7:30 a.m., coinciding with Scrivner's expected court hearing.
Community News · Bakersfield, CA
Bobby Rocha, an athletic trainer at East Bakersfield High School, died after being transported by ambulance during Friday night's football game against Foothill High School. The incident occurred with less than two minutes remaining before halftime, and officials declared Foothill the winner without resuming play. Tributes from both schools' teams poured in on social media through Saturday, and Bakersfield College held a moment of silence at its homecoming football game Saturday night.
Public Safety · Lake Isabella, CA
The Cyrus Fire, which began Oct. 9 at 2:24 p.m. at Cyrus Canyon Road and Sierra Way near Lake Isabella in Kern County, California, achieved full containment by Sunday evening, Oct. 18. The blaze burned 543 acres before crews from the Kern County Fire Department and USFS Sequoia National Forest enclosed its perimeter with control lines. No information on the fire's cause was available at publication. Full containment means the fire cannot spread beyond established control lines but may continue to smolder within the perimeter.
Community News · Arvin, CA
Renovations at Felicita Park in south Arvin are now complete, marking the first major upgrade the park has ever received. The city of Arvin was awarded a donation of more than $56,000 in late spring to fund the work, which was finished in four months. Improvements include exercise equipment, new benches, and solar lights at the park located at Felicita Road and Rayo de la Luna Drive. Residents and community advocates noted that the park previously lacked lighting and had safety concerns.
About Your Local News in Kern County
Every night we go through the news sites and public notices that cover Kern County, CA. When several outlets report the same council vote, you read about it once.
The email goes out before 6am. Where the original article is free to read, we link to it.
