Local Politics
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways increased the two-year Mussel Fee Sticker from $16 to $42, a 162.5% hike effective Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. The increase responds to invasive golden mussels first discovered in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in October 2024, which prompted emergency declarations in Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin and Kern counties. Boaters purchasing stickers in odd-numbered years pay $42; those buying in even-numbered years pay $21. Existing sticker holders do not owe the difference until their current sticker expires at vessel registration renewal on Dec. 31 of each odd year. State Parks said additional revenue will fund boat inspections, decontamination, monitoring and grants to waterway managers, though the announcement did not specify projected revenue or success metrics.
Local Politics · Kern County
McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon has announced his candidacy for California's 35th Assembly District, challenging Democrat Andrae Gonzales. Ayon, a former Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputy and McFarland High School teacher, cites affordability, housing, water access, and public safety as key priorities. He emphasizes his experience working across party lines to secure resources for Kern County. The general election is scheduled for November 3.
Public Safety · Kern County
Residents of Pond, an unincorporated community in Kern County, California, are preparing on their own for potential heavy rainfall and flooding from Poso Creek, which overflowed and flooded the area in 2023. Store owner Bilqees Ubadi is pouring concrete around her business to keep floodwaters out, while other residents say they received no assistance from local, county, or state government after the earlier flood. Residents report that officials told them the creek and surrounding land are unincorporated with no single agency responsible for cleanup or safety measures. The office of District 4 County Supervisor David Couch, whose jurisdiction includes Pond, had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication.
Crime · Oildale, CA
Ana Barbosa, 53, disappeared May 6, 2024, in Oildale, and her daughter Ana Maria Leal Ochoa has been searching for answers for 900 days. Sheriff's investigators say family members reported domestic violence involving Barbosa's husband, Fabian, who is considered a person of interest in the case. Ochoa has rallied community support, including funding a billboard off Rosedale Highway since July, and her Facebook page has grown into a support network for domestic violence survivors.
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Community News · Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital has earned Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, making it the first and only hospital in Kern County to receive this recognition. Fewer than 10% of U.S. hospitals hold this status, and just 64 exist in California. Hospital leaders say the honor reflects their nursing team's work and that patients at Magnet-designated hospitals often see better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
Public Safety · Bakersfield, CA
KHSD Police investigated social media threats made Friday against North High School and deemed them non-credible, but increased police presence will remain at the school next week as a precaution. School officials said student safety remains the top priority and thanked students, staff, and community members who reported the threats. The incident remains under investigation.
Education · Bakersfield, CA
Enrollment at Cal State Bakersfield’s College of Business and Public Administration has increased nearly 25% over the past three years. Dean Dr. Deborah Cours attributes this growth to deliberate outreach efforts with local high schools, community colleges, and professional organizations. The college has aligned its programs with regional industries such as supply chain logistics, healthcare management, and agriculture. Partnerships with employers like Target Distribution Center and Grimmway provide students with internships and career pathways.
Transportation · Bakersfield, CA
A new six-mile bike trail along the Friant-Kern Canal connecting northwest Bakersfield to the Kern River Parkway Trail system is nearing completion, according to Councilmember Bob Smith. A large portion from the Coffee and Rosedale intersection to 7th Standard Road is already open for use. The remaining work involves a railroad crossing bridge between Rosedale and Brimhall-Truxton; final approval has been received and fabrication of the bridge piece has been ordered, with installation expected by late spring 2027. Kevin Talley, owner of Grizzly Cycles in northeast Bakersfield, said the trail's integration with main arterial crossings will increase visibility between cyclists and drivers.
Public Safety · Bakersfield, CA
A Bakersfield family is raising security concerns after allegedly unauthorized access to North High School resulted in the theft of a student's belongings. The incident reportedly occurred when a man entered the campus during school hours and hid in a restroom until dismissal. Campus police have identified a suspect, but the stolen items remain missing. The Kern High School District has not yet responded to inquiries regarding how the individual gained access.
