Local Politics · Arvin, CA
The Arvin City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday, October 27, at 6 p.m. on whether to file a formal state bar complaint against former interim city attorney Nathan Hodges. The proposal follows a grand jury report and independent audit alleging that Hodges' office overbilled the city by more than $78,000 through incorrect service classifications and failure to apply retainer fees. In March 2025, the council voted to fire Hodges after these billing discrepancies were identified. The current city attorney has been directed to prepare the complaint and pursue recovery of the alleged overcharges.
Local Politics · Kern County
Randy Villegas, a Bakersfield-born community college professor endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is challenging Republican Rep. David Valadao of Hanford for California's 22nd Congressional District seat in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Villegas campaigns on Medicare For All and universal childcare while Valadao defends his vote for H.R. 1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act), which is expected to cause tens of thousands in the district to lose Medi-Cal coverage under stricter eligibility rules. California's Proposition 50 redrew boundaries, further increasing Democrats' registration advantage in the majority-Latino district. Valadao, who has won six of seven elections since 2012, maintains a fundraising advantage backed by Republican PACs while Villegas relies on grassroots organizing.
Housing & Development · Kern County
On Monday morning, community leaders held a tape-cutting ceremony at Di Giorgio Road and Rose Street in Lamont to mark the completion of new sidewalks serving 260 homes. The project provides safe walking routes, school-bus waiting areas, storm drainage to reduce flooding, and dust control for cleaner air. Comite Progreso de Lamont, led by president Diana Mireles, advocated for the improvements as part of 13 road-related demands brought to Kern County; ten have been completed. The sidewalk work is part of a $55 million investment in the unincorporated, predominantly farmworker community, according to Public Works manager Yolanda Alcantar.
