Join the team.  You can be part of creating a connected, and healthy community. Building Healthy communities (BHC) Job Description The Position: Community Health Worker/Promotora Location: Kern Send Resume to Alejandra@bhckern.org  by February 15, 2025 Job Summary Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Community Health Worker/Promotora will conduct outreach and awareness activities […]

Join us for the Empowering Kern, Building Futures: The California Jobs First Summit presented by the Kern Coalition. If you are a/an: Resident of Kern County Organized Union Labor Stakeholder Community-Based Organization Nonprofit Organization Education and Workforce Development Leader Government Official Industry Leader This summit is for you. Your participation is vital to enhancing the […]

The Fostering Active Living: Promising Practices Summit will be held this Thursday– the community is invited and it’s a free event. Building Healthy Communities has been invited to present on the work we do. Please join us if you can make it. Registration is required, here is the link: https://form.jotform.com/241587781235161 The Promising Practices Summit will be held […]

Join the team.  You can be part of creating a connected, and healthy community. Building Healthy communities (BHC) Job Description The Position: Community Health Worker/Promotora Location: Kern Send Resume to Alejandra@bhckern.org  by February 15, 2025 Job Summary Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Community Health Worker/Promotora will conduct outreach and awareness activities […]

Join the team. You can be part of creating a connected, and healthy community. Job description Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Job Description The Position: Program Coordinator Location: Kern Job Summary The Program Coordinator will report directly to the President/CEO while working closely on projects and activities related to event planning, database management, website content, social […]

The Position: Program Coordinator Location: Kern Job Summary The Program Coordinator will report directly to the President/CEO while working closely on projects and activities related to event planning, community outreach, database management, and social media as needed.  This position will conduct community outreach, plan and execute community meetings and support with overall grant deliverables.  About […]

The County and City of Bakersfield’s Rental and Utility Assistance is now up and running.  To apply, please visit: https://rup.kernha.org/ Application methods include : Email, Phone, In-Person, Online Landlords can receive 100% payment OR 100% payment to tenant if landlord is unreachable Pays both rental and utility arrears and prospective rent and utilities For renters only

United Against COVID (UAC) Coalition to Host Vaccination Clinics Bakersfield, Calif. – The United Against COVID-19 (UAC) Coalition is partnering with the state to host three vaccination clinics, specifically targeting agricultural workers. One clinic will be held on Saturday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m and Sunday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to […]

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Building Healthy Communities have provided resources and stories from organizations regarding COVID-19. Click the link to view https://conta.cc/2Jx0Dyd

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the #Health4Kern team compiled a list of community resources available to Kern residents. We hope that this list make it easy for residents and community organizations to find programs and services aimed at helping individuals impacted by COVID-19. This is a working list, if you know of any additional […]

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Census day is one year out from today and to officially kick-off outreach efforts the Kern Complete Count Committee (KCCC) held a press conference this morning in front of the Beale Library.  The campaign hopes to achieve a complete an accurate 2020 Census by encouraging Kern residents, particularly Hard-To-Count communities to respond to the questionnaire. […]

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Join the Kern Education Justice Collaborative on January 17  6 p.m. for a Community Forum regarding Kern High School District (KHSD) and learn how you can help ensure all students are treated fairly and get the education they deserve. Come and learn about what the Kern High School District is doing regarding: Positive Behavioral Intervention […]

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The Truth Act Forum, where the Kern County Sheriff’s Office will report to the public about ICE’s access to individuals in Kern County. // // El foro sobre la act de VERDAD, done la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Kern informara al public sobre el accesso de ICE a las personas en el Condado de […]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Oct. 3 2018 MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Reyes W: (559) 443-5306 C: (559) 470-4545 sreyes@calendow.org Press Release COMMON AND THE HOPE & REDEMPTION TOUR HIT THE ROAD AGAIN IN OCTOBER The Tour includes a series of special live musical performances inside prisons along with community activationsthroughout California’s Central Valley Oct. 2, 2018 — Los […]

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On Saturday May 12, Greenfield residents celebrated murals that were added to the community building in Rexland Acres Park over the past year. Responding to a call from the Arts Council of Kern in August 2017, community members were asked for input on mural content. Following many months of work by artists Carlos De Guzman, […]

Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s Education Justice Collaborative launched a media campaign to inform parents how the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) impacts their children. The campaign encourages parents to be familiar with their district’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and provide feedback about the plan, which outlines how dollars will be used to student […]

Yesenia Ocampo from California Walks, along with youth from South Kern, were selected to present at this year’s American Public Health Association’s (APHA) annual conference. Their presentation “Youth Voices for a Healthy, Safe, & Active California” fits squarely with APHA’s conference theme this year: Creating the Healthiest Nation: Health Equity Now”. They will be sharing […]

Joining over 21 localities across California, the City of Arvin signed-on to an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief that was filed on Friday May 18, 2018 urging the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California to uphold Senate Bill 54, the California Values Act, and two related State laws against […]

An estimated 1 million Californians drink unsafe water at home, school, or in public places. Californians deserve water that is safe to drink, free from toxins. Kern County residents have joined forces with other Californians across the State to reach that goal. On May 11, the Dolores Huerta Foundation hosted an event in downtown Bakersfield […]

BHC partners showed up to the Kern High School District Board meeting Monday May 7th in support of redistributing KHSD boundaries equitably. About 150 community members, mostly from South Kern, along with organizations such as the Dolores Huerta Foundation, Leadership Counsel, Committee for a Better Arvin, and Comité Progreso de Lamont spoke at the meeting, asking […]

Throughout the State, youth are finding their voice and developing skills to effectively advocate, and to move into leadership and decision-making positions. YO! California (Youth Organize California) is building leadership pathways and acting as the anchor organization for youth organizing across the State. Jeremy Lehoud from YO! California spoke with BHC Kern partners about they […]

On Wednesday May 9th, the US Census Bureau and California Complete Count staff hosted a Regional Readiness Assessment Convening at the Beale Library. Rolling out the timeline for the 2020 census, the speakers shared changes in the administration of the census, the need for local organizations and individuals to collaborate to ensure hard to reach […]

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By Ja’Nell Gore, South Kern Sol Every year, some local high schools have assemblies recognizing Cinco de Mayo – a holiday largely ignored in Mexico, but held up in America as a day to celebrate Mexican culture with piñatas, tacos and a lot of alcohol. Meanwhile, throughout the whole month of February, my high school […]

Building Healthy Communities Kern in partnership with South Kern Sol youth media, have launched a new youth-produced webcast. “In the 661” will present stories, current events and good work happening in the community- all through a lens of health and racial equity.The show not only gives youth the opportunity to learn about what it takes […]

Bakersfield High School senior Ja’Nell Gore talks about what she experiences in school as far and Black History Month and what she thinks could be done better.

Meet Kiyoshi Tomono and find out about his life, career and how he became the host for In the 661.

In this segment of In the 661, Jack Becker of Bike Bakersfield talks about what they are doing in Arvin to improve health outcomes!

Jeff Flores talks about the Kern High School District’s decision to redistrict and more– all here in this latest segment of In the 661.

Lyndsi Andreas from Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance talks about the disproportionate suspensions, involuntary transfers, and expulsions of African American and Latino students within the Kern High School District, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the restorative justice disciplinary frameworks being implemented in the KHSD now.

Marisol Guillen from Community Health Initiatives talks about their healthcare enrollment efforts with the Kern County community and the barriers people experience in rural areas to enroll in healthcare insurance.

Lorena Lara from Faith in the Valley Kern talks about what her organization is doing to protect undocumented youth in this segment of In the 661!

Mily Trevino the founder of Lideres Campesinas talks about her organizations connection to the #metoo movement and the risk of female farm workers to sexual assault.

Nataly Santamaria from Vison y Compromiso talks about how promotoras work to increase health outcomes among the Kern County community.

Gustavo Aguirre talks about how youth leaders collaborated to create a new app, IVAN, for environmental justice. The app allows you to report environmental hazard regulation violations to the community led environmental task force.

Gina Guzman a parent-leader in the campaign to establish a Lamont High School within the Kern High School District discusses the need for the high school, the response from the Kern High School District Board of Trustees, and what is next for the campaign.

Gerald Cantu the Educational Policy Director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation talks about the school budget process known as the Local Control Funding Formula/Local Control Accountability Plan and the Kern High School District’s decision to redistrict it’s trustee areas in light of the ruling that found the Kern County Board of Supervisors guilty of gerrymandering […]

South Kern Sol youth reporter, Alejandra Alberto, shares the story she wrote about DACA students and her experience reporting on this issue.

In the 661 is youth led and produced broadcast show her in Kern County. Marilu Cisneros is one of the youth producers on our show.

In The 661 is a youth led and produced broadcast show in Kern County. Veronica Morley is one of the Youth Producers for our show. Watch to find out more about her, how she became interested in journalism, and what topics she is passionate about.

By Dean Welliver, South Kern Sol The Third Annual LGBTQ Youth Summit hosted by the Kern County LGBTQ Youth Roundtable was held this past Saturday at Cal State Bakersfield. The summit offered middle school and high school aged LGBTQ youth a space where they could be themselves without judgement, make new friends, and learn about […]

In The 661 is a youth led and produced broadcast show for Kern County. Dean Welliver is one of the youth producers for our show, In the 661.

Click here to read our latest newsletter: MARCH 2018 NEWSLETTER

In the 661 is produced by South Kern Sol in partnership with Building Healthy Communities South Kern. The show is hosted by Kiyoshi Tomono and focuses on highlighting current events and good work happening in the community-all through a lens of health and racial equity. This show gives residents and organizations the opportunity to examine health […]

Parents, students, teachers, and community advocates were among the attendees who packed the Kern High School District (KHSD) board chambers on the evening of Jan. 30 for the district’s second community forum on school climate, a condition of the discrimination settlement agreement, which requires KHSD, among other things, to hold two community forums a year where […]

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The California Environmental Justice Alliance just released their 5th Environmental Justice Scorecard. The scorecard evaluates how “well California’s elected officials supported actions to address environmental issues that impact low-income communities and communities of color.” Kern’s representatives all scored below 70 percent. “There are a number of legislators who scored below 70 percent, but have significant […]

On Jan. 30, the Kern High School District (KHSD) will hold a community forum to update the public on student behavior and school climate. This is a great opportunity for parents, students and teachers to learn about what the district is doing to change its pattern of discriminatory discipline practices against Latino and black students. […]

By Chyna Patz, South Kern Sol West High School has a bullying problem. Walk around West High any school day and you can find somebody on campus who has been personally affected by bullying, or knows a student who has. I have tested this, and found that every student I had spoken to, had been […]

Building Healthy Communities Kern is looking for an All Action Team Liaison. Please take a look at the job description below for more information. Job Description: All Action Team Liaison Job title:  All Action Team Liaison Project Background & Description: Building Healthy Communities is a public health initiative aimed at achieving health and racial equity in […]

Click here to take a look: Newsletter January 2018

Several health care facilities across Kern County are teaming up to hold enrollment events before the deadline on January 31 to help area residents navigate the process. “We are coming together to provide community residents with an opportunity to find out about their health coverage options and to enroll into a qualified health plan before […]

To read our December 2017’s newsletter click here.

The Center for Social Justice Center and the Immigration Justice Collaborative Produced the film, ‘American Migrant Stories from Kern County,’ the documentary exposes the pain that families face in their search for prosperity. The Immigration Justice Collaborative is a group of prominent local attorneys in Kern County who organize to assist immigrants in known their constitutional […]

Arvin youth who participate in Bike Bakersfield’s Arvin bike kitchen gathered signatures, received input from members of the community and presented plans to the city. The effort grew from there and resulted in a state-of-the-art facility.  Take a look at a video produced by The Tony Hawk Foundation here: Look What Arvin Built!

Bakersfield, Calif. – Organizations, advocates, students and families delivered a simple message during a recent press event at the Liberty Bell: health is more than health care and everyone, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community, is at risk. As an example, residents, in partnership with Building Healthy Communities South Kern including Faith in […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 14, 2017 Media Contact: Reyna Olaguez, Building Healthy Communities South Kern (661) 817-3577, reyna@healthysouthkern.org Hundreds of Residents Are Expected to Attend Screening of ‘American Migrant Stories’ Building Healthy Communities South Kern is proud to present a special screening of ‘American Migrant Stories’ to a special audience today at CSU Bakersfield (CSUB). […]

  Photo above: Jack Becker (Program Manager at Bike Arvin and Bike Bakersfield), Alex Gonzalez (Organizer at Faith in Kern), Bill Phelps (Chief of Program Services at Clinica Sierra Vista) and Elizabeth Martinez (Healthy Policy Organizer at the Dolores Huerta Foundation)   Building Healthy Communities South Kern partners attended the inaugural Cross-Collaboration Breakfast on October […]

The Central California Environmental Justice Network (CCEJN) held bi-annual Roots of Resistance Conference on October 21 at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center. The conference included workshops and trainings from nonprofit and community leaders. “The purpose of this conference is to showcase the environmental justice victories from Fresno and Kern Counties, as well as an in-depth […]

In mid-November, three youth from South Kern Sol had the opportunity to travel to Austin,Texas to participate in Voto Latino’s 10th Annual Power Summit. The youth, Marisol Sanchez, 17, Veronica Morley, 21, and Yesenia Aguilar, 19, heard from national figures like Maria Teresa Kumar, Voto Latino’s President and CEO, as well as the former Secretary […]

After parents in the Mojave Unified School District reached out to the Dolores Huerta Foundation for help in addressing the racial disparities in school suspensions, Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s Kern Education Justice Collaborative partners began their work to find a solution to the extreme suspension and expulsion rates for students of color in the […]

In October, the California Environmental Protection Agency approved a plan to enforce pesticide buffer zones statewide. Our partners say that while this is a great step forward there is still more work needed to protect our children. The new regulations cover most school hours, but advocates say the rule doesn’t consider after school or weekend […]

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Our own Dean Welliver, Program Associate at South Kern Sol, recently attended the Inaugural Summit for the Obama Foundation in Chicago. Bringing together civic leaders from across the globe for a two-day summit held October 31 and November 1, the summit was packed with panels, workshops, and speakers including elected officials, writers and artists, social justice leaders, and […]

Don’t miss the unique opportunity to watch Dante Alencastre’s Raising Zoey on the big screen in Bakersfield. The documentary, follows transgender rights activist Zoey Luna as she struggles with acceptance at school. A panel discussion will follow the film. The screening will be held Wednesday, May 17 at 6 p.m. at Maya Theatre, 1000 California […]

Kern County Public Health Services, in collaboration with Building Healthy Communities-South Kern, California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) and Kern County Library, invite you to the Language Access Workshop. This workshop is a follow-up event to the Language Access Convening held on November 9, 2016. The workshop, like the convening, will focus on the Indigenous Mexican […]

A #HealthyKernCounty benefits us all. Please send us a message to learn how you can get involved.

Please join us on May 11 for a special screening of Ana DuVernay’s new film, ’13th,’ which takes an in-depth look into our country’s prison system within the context of this nation’s history of racial inequality. A panel discussion will follow the film. The event is free to the public, but people must register as space […]

Youth leaders from South Kern Sol, community organizations, residents, and local businesses will be launching this year’s Social Justice Series on May 1 with a march and rally starting at 10 a.m. at Mill Creek Linear Park. The event will encourage civic participation and encourage residents to become outspoken advocates and #Resist attacks against our vulnerable […]

There’s a new skate park in Arvin, and skaters from all over the area have been breaking in the state of the art park that was finished last week. The skate park has plenty of spaces to grind, thanks to dozens of young leaders who gathered signatures, received input from members of the community and presented […]

Committee for a Better Arvin, Comite Progreso de Lamont, and Center on Race Poverty and the Environment (CRPE) reached an agreement with Recology over the company’s new operation of Recology Blossom Valley Organics, a composting facility outside of Lamont. “This agreement signifies a new beginning for the residents of Lamont and Arvin in terms public […]

We are proud to announce that Building Healthy Communities South Kern is sponsoring Bakersfield College’s Public Health Hackathon, an event that will bring together public health and science students to develop solutions to community health challenges.  One of the challenges that will be poised to students is the need for a Building Healthy Communities South […]

Public health officials, community leaders, churches, and residents launched an educational campaign about the human and economic impacts of the Medi-Cal expansion. The campaign was launched early this month and includes billboards, radio spots and print ads in the Bakersfield Californian. Below are several of the potential effects a repeal of Medi-cal expansion will have […]

Building Healthy Communities South Kern, CSU Bakersfield’s Social Justice Center and the Kern Rural Teacher Residency will host best-selling author Jonathan Kozol as he leads future and current educators and advocates in a discussion about educational inequality and racial justice. Kozol, in his latest book, ‘Savage Inequalities,” brings into question the reality of equal opportunity […]

The newly constructed action park in DiGiorgio Park is almost complete and ready for area youth to enjoy. Please join us for the grand opening of Arvin’s newest youth attraction to be held at DiGiorgio Park in Arvin on Friday, March 24 at 4:00 p.m. After months of advocating for a skate park, Arvin youth […]

By Diana Cisneros BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Enrique Sanchez, 49, still remembers July 14, 2015. That was the date when laboratory tests confirmed what the trucker had: multiple myeloma. It’s a cancer formed by plasma cells that have turned malignant. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the […]

Kern County community leaders interested in learning about enhancing access to health in Kern are invited to attend Kern’s 2017 Call to Action Summit. To be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Bakersfield on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on March 16 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will […]

On Thursday, Jan. 19 the County of Kern hosted the State Senate Health Committee where members heard from public health organizations and residents about the human and economic impacts of the Medi-Cal expansion should it be repealed. “Thanks for giving Kern residents the opportunity to tell you about the impact the Affordable Care Act has […]

Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s Kern Education Justice Collaborative has launched a campaign to inform residents about the Local Control Funding Formula and encourage parents to give feedback on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP details the districts’ annual goals and details how funds will be spend to increase or improve services for […]

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Arvin residents, clergy, and community leaders will hold a press in front of the Arvin City Hall at 5:30 p.m. to ask city leaders to make Arvin a sanctuary city. Declaring Arvin a sanctuary city will not only help limit the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE (Immigrations Customs Enforcement), but it […]

Please join Building Healthy Communities South Kern and South Kern Sol to celebrate Kern’s diverse community this Friday at the Liberty Bell. Bring your friends and family to enjoy live music and performances as local youth unite to #Stayloud for love, compassion, and equality. The first 200 people will receive a free t-shirt.

Please join our partners on Jan. 20 for a candlelight vigil to call on our congress representatives and ask them to oppose any legislation that will repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) without a viable replacement. “This would directly impact over 70,000 Kern County residents who have obtained coverage through Covered California and the Medi-Cal […]

On January 21, Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation will be holding a Financial Aid workshop for local high school students interested in attending college. Local experts will be helping students apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Dream Act Application during the workshop. Students should bring their 2015 tax returns […]

Es el fin del año y tenemos mucho por celebrar. Deseamos aprovechar esta oportunidad para destacar nuestros principales logros durante el año 2016 y darle gracias a nuestros residentes, jóvenes y colaboradores que continúan trabajando para hacer que la salud ocurra en el Sur de Kern. Gracias a todos por su compromiso de cambiar las […]

The Kern High School District voted to allow more guns on campus. More guns on campus will not create more graduates, but they will create more fear and distrust. Tell the district to pursue policies that will help our students. We can’t afford the risk of putting our students, teachers, and staff in danger. The district […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Chris Romo At a recent session of the Kern High School District Board of Trustees, members decided in a 2-3 vote to allow teachers and staff to carry concealed firearms on district property. The meeting, held last Thursday, comes just months after the board voted to allow non-district employees who […]

  After months of hard work and dedication, advocates successfully worked with the state to bring $5.6 million dollars to Rexland acres to build sidewalks, improve streets and add more lights. A broad coalition of advocates, including Leadership Counsel, California Walks, Greenfield Walking Group, Fairview School, parents, and youth say these are necessary projects because […]

On Dec. 6 & 7, The National Compadres Network will be back in Kern, this time to hold a two day Healing Circle Keeper Training for individuals interested in holding circles of support, healing, and leadership development in their communities. Attendees must be present on both days to receive certification and curriculum. The trainings will be […]

Bakersfield Californian, Christine Bedell, cbedell@bakersfield.com To read this article in English please click here. Si obtiene o puede obtener su seguro de salud a través de Covered California — y aproximadamente 19.000 de ustedes en el condado de Kern actualmente lo hacen — no se preocupe por la elección de la semana pasada. Simplemente inscríbase. […]

  Today the Kern High School District (KHSD) Trustees scheduled a special meeting tomorrow at 2 p.m. to intend to vote on a provision allowing CCW holding teachers to carry firearms on campus with the Superintendent’s permission. Please join Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s partners in telling the district’s Trustees to table this agenda item […]

Clinica Sierra Vista will host an open enrollment event for 2016-2017 health insurance coverage in partnership with Covered California Statewide Tour on Nov. 16 from 10:00  to 11:30 a.m. at the East Bakersfield Community Health Center located at 815 Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. in Bakersfield. Certified enrollment counselors will be at the event to provide assistance […]

We are proud to share this video which features BHC-SK partners and highlights how a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) was instrumental in bringing $2 million dollars for sidewalks in Lamont. “The assessment helped ensure that the concerns of rural communities were incorporated into the county’s final plan, and residents worked with the county to ensure […]

Early this month the Kern Education Justice Collaborative held a press conference minutes before the Kern High School District board of trustees monthly meeting to urge the trustees to stop pursuing dangerous policies like arming teachers. “I want them to focus on us and our education,” Aldo Avilas-Rojas told KERO 23. The school district recently […]

South Kern Sol, Staff Last week, the Kern County Planning Department launched the county’s General Plan Update effort, a process that is expected to take two years to complete. General plans help determine how a county will grow and how land will be used, but there will be a new wrinkle this time around. A […]

Please mark your calendars for a training led by the National Compadres Network (NCN) with support from Building Healthy Communities South Kern on the network’s transformative healing informed philosophy and framework. The framework called La Cultura Cura recognizes the importance of cultural values, traditions, and indigenous practices on the path to healthy development, restoration, and lifelong well-being. This […]

On October 19, Equality California and other community groups will hold a community meeting in Bakersfield for uninsured lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals interested in learning about where to get healthcare in Kern County. Please join the meeting if you are interested in learning about where to find basic medical care, how can transgender […]

The County of Kern is in the process of updating its General Plan, and this is our chance to help create a healthy Kern County. The plan determines how a county will grow and how land will be used. It’s an opportunity for residents to share ideas about how we can improve our communities and […]

Nearly 25 percent of California schools, almost all in low-income communities, do not provide free and fresh drinking water to students at meal times every day, despite state and federal laws that require it. Water consumption is critical to good health and a vital component for successful learning and physical development. If water access or […]

Locally produced anti-violence music video aimed at putting a stop to violence and preventing youth from joining gangs has gone viral. The video was produced by Danny Morrison, a local radio personality and owner of New Life Residential and Training Center and features local artist. “I’m sick of seeing young people drop out of school,” says Morrison. “I’m sick […]

Our partners over at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability are looking to hire two full time staff members to be based in their Bakersfield office. The organization is seeking a full time Policy Advocate and full time Staff Attorney. Click on the links to learn more about the positions. Positions available until filled. Resume and cover letters […]

South Kern Sol’s Randy Villegas, wrote the following response to Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green’s recent comments about closing libraries so that the county can put deputies on the streets. In the commentary, Villegas highlighted, “If you really want to prioritize public safety, you need to attack the real threat: lack of education and […]

CSU Bakersfield’s Center for Social  Justice and Building Healthy Communities South Kern hosted the Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color in California to understand the role health plays in achieving successful outcomes for Boys and Men of Color (BMOC). The select committee is chaired by Assembly Members Rob Bonta […]

The County of Kern is in the process of updating its General Plan, and this is our chance to help create a healthy Kern County. The plan determines how a county will grow and how land will be used. It’s an opportunity for residents to share ideas about how we can improve our communities and […]

South Kern Sol, Yesenia Aguilar More than a thousand South Kern residents turned out for the sixth annual Building Healthy Communities South Kern (BHC-SK) celebration in late August. The event featured a variety of activities, music and access to local resources. It was held at Rexland Acres Park in southeast Bakersfield. “I feel very satisfied […]

South Kern youth and parents, mark your calendars for Building Healthy Communities Americorps 2nd Annual ‘Pathways to Success,’ a great opportunity for youth to explore college and career pathways to be held Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golden Valley High School located at 801 Hosking Ave., in Bakersfield. The event is being hosted […]

South Kern Sol youth storytellers demonstrated the power behind storytelling at their final event of their 2016 Summer Series earlier this month where they invited community leaders, elected officials, county administrators to the Bakersfield Museum of Art to join the conversation about equity, and why place and race matter in Kern. Youth spoke about the breadth […]

Cal State Bakersfield’s Social Justice department with support from Building Healthy Communities South Kern is hosting a California State Assembly Legislative Hearing this Tuesday to understand the role health plays in achieving successful outcomes for Boys and Men of Color (BMOC). With California fast becoming a “minority” dominant state, a few years ago the state legislature determined they […]

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) will be in holding a workshop in Bakersfield on Sept. 1 to discuss updates to a policy aimed at benefitting disadvantaged communities. The policy, known as Supplemental Environmental Projects was established as a result of the passage of Assembly bill 1071 in 2015 and recognizes that communities who are […]

The hard work of Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s Education Action Team is paying off. Last month, the Kern Community College District (KCCD) voted to place a $502 million bond measure on the November ballot. The bond includes $25 million for an outreach facility to serve the communities of South Kern. BHC-SK partners held a press conference last month […]

Please join us on Saturday, August 27 to celebrate one more year of Building Healthy Communities South Kern (BHC-SK). This year will be like no other as we are holding our own mini-ciclovia. Enjoy a day with family and friends as we take the streets of the community of Rexland Acres so that we can walk, […]

By Randy Villegas for The California Endowment “Human beings can be beautiful or more beautiful, they can be fat or skinny, they can be right or wrong, but illegal? How can a human being be illegal?” These are words spoken byElie Wiesel, Nobel Prize winner, and Holocaust survivor. Although he just passed away, his words […]

Join us on Thursday July 7 to celebrate the rich culture and artistry of Kern County at the Kern Youth Arts Festival, held at Relaxed Acres Park from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The event, featuring installation art and performances, will be curated by Dulce UpFront. The festival will showcase how arts and culture can […]

Join youth leaders from Building Healthy Communities South Kern and South Kern Sol this summer as they use their voice to engage youth across Kern County and lead us to a better and more just future. South Kern youth leaders and advocates are launching a three-part series focused on #schoolsnotprisons, #unity, #investinyouth and #vota. The series […]

The Dolores Huerta Foundation is looking for youth who would like to participate in painting a mural in Rexland Acres Park located at 325 E. Fairview Road in Bakersfield. Call Nancy Becerra at (661) 322-3033 for more information.

The community is invited to a public meeting to learn and provide input for an affordable housing project being proposed on Main Street in Lamont by the Housing Authority of Kern County and American Community Development. The meeting will be held June 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the David Head Center, 10300 San Diego St. […]

South Kern Sol, Commentary, Randy Villegas Equality does not mean equity. It’s a distinction administrators with the Kern High School District (KHSD) need to understand. In 2011, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law the Local Control Funding Formula, revamping how the state funds K-12 public schools with an eye toward providing more money to […]

The Dolores Huerta Foundation, Faith in Action Kern County and the Kern Education Justice Collaborative have teamed up to host a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) Forum to inform the community about why community involvement in school spending decisions is critical right now that schools are receiving public input on the LCAP. The new school funding […]

South Kern Sol, Staff Please join us on Sunday, April 24 to learn how you or someone you know may be able to reduce a low level felony conviction to a misdemeanor under Proposition 47. Doing so, will increase your opportunities for housing, employment, education and more. Proposition 47 ends in 2017. In Kern County more than […]

Please join us for Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s 6th annual Live the Challenge 5K Color Run or Walk next Saturday, April 23 at DiGiorgio Park located at the corner of Meyer and Haven Drive in Arvin at 7:00 a.m. The event is free and everyone who registers will receive a free t-shirt the day […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Marcus Castro South Kern community members gathered at the #Agua4All rally to celebrate the installation of filters in certain locations throughout the South Kern that produce safe water, but also to discuss how that is just a start to fixing a larger problem. The installation of 71 water stations and […]

Community Water Center, Rural Community Assistance Corporation and The California Endowment invite the community to celebrate the installation of over 70 water stations and point-of use filters in South Kern, which were installed as a temporary response to address the lack of clean drinking water in the area. “The program will highlight the progress Arvin and Lamont have […]

The Kern Education Justice Collaborative, the Dolores Huerta Foundation and CSUB’s Center for Social Justice invite school administrators and the community for a free screening of StrikeOut, a docudrama about the harsh policies and discipline practices in Kern schools, which push students out of the classrooms and into the juvenile justice system. A panel discussion following the film will […]

Check out our most recent newsletter here!

Building Healthy Communities South Kern (BHC-SK) was recognized by Kern Council of Governments on March 3 with the Regional Award of Merit for Community Involvement. The award recognizes BHC-SK’s success at achieving health equity by improving community health in Arvin, Lamont, Weedpatch and Greenfield. Congratulations to all of our BHC-SK partners, who have worked tirelessly […]

The community is invited to the first annual Cesar Chavez Day of Service to  be held at Sunset Middle School located at 8301 Sunset Blvd. in Weedpatch on March 30 from 2-8 p.m. and Rexland Acres Park, 325 E. Fairview Rd. in Bakersfield on  March 31 from 3-5 p.m. The events are hosted by Assemblymember Rudy […]

The Gay and Lesbian Center of  Bakersfield’s Speak Up anti-bullying program will be hosting a Spring Social for LGBTQ youth and allies. The social will he held April 9, from 1 to 5 p.m., at 902 18th Street. The event is free. For more information visit www.glcenterbak.org.

The Kern Education Justice Collaborative is teaming up with the Advancement Project to provide a budget analysis training for South Kern residents, the training focus on how our local high schools are spending their money. With the passing of the new school funding formula, known as Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), school districts have more authority over how to spend […]

Building Healthy Communities- South Kern (BHC-SK) has opened its grant program, which awards up to $500 for projects that aim to improve community health in South Kern. Grants to Build Healthy Communities The Grants for Blocks Program will provide up to $500 in materials/supplies to groups of residents or youth from South Kern to complete […]

In late January, Lamont and Weedpatch residents who have been working on wastewater issues for the past five years had a chance to review and give input on the findings of an independent study of Lamont Public Utilities District’s (LPUD) plans. The final report includes seven recommendations to reduce potential impacts of the current plan on the […]

Jesse Aguilar, a teacher at East Bakersfield High School and the vice president of the Kern High School District Teachers Association, wrote an op-ed that highlights the importance of implementing alternative discipline methods in our schools. Aguilar is also a member of BHC-SK’s Kern Education Justice Collaborative (KEJC). The op-ed was published in the Bakersfield Californian on Feb. 1. Click […]

Thanks to everyone who joined us to kick off our sixth annual Live the Challenge last month! It’s still not too late to Live the Challenge with other South Kern residents who are making health happen in their community. Last year, over a thousand South Kern residents committed to make a healthy lifestyle change for […]

It’s still not too late to Live the Challenge with other South Kern residents who are making health happen in their community. Last year, over a thousand South Kern residents committed to make a healthy lifestyle change for 100 days and over 300 runners attended the Live the Challenge Run/Walk in April! To get involved, […]

The United Farmworkers Foundation will offer a workshop to inform residents about how to become a citizen. The event is free.  For more information contact Juana Carbajal, who is spearheading this project, at (661) 324-2500

Faith in Action Kern County is hosting a Know Your Rights Training for parents on January 30 to discuss students’ rights during suspensions and expulsions.

Lamont Residents are Invited to Hear and Give Feedback on the Independent Review of LPUD’s Plan B Lamont and Weedpatch residents who have been working on wastewater issues for five years will finally have a chance to review the findings of an independent study of Lamont Public Utilities District’s (LPUD) plans, and ensure that the […]

The power of paint is being put to the test in Rexland Acres Park and it’s not too late to become involved with this amazing project, which aims to bring the community, especially youth, to take ownership of the park. “The theme of the mural is racial unity. We hope that this mural is something […]

Join us for the first Central Table Meeting of the year, where we will share our our work plan for this year with the community and kick off our annual ‘Live the Challenge!’ Last year, over a thousand South Kern residents committed to make a healthy lifestyle change for 100 days and over 300 runners […]

Building Healthy Communities South Kern is deeply honored to have been selected as an Innovation Challenge Finalist in Let’s Get Healthy California, for our ‘Live the Challenge’ work in South Kern. The California Health and Human Services Agency and the California Department of Public Health announced early this month 23 community-based innovations that work towards making […]

South Kern Sol, Staff With just day until the close of Covered California open enrollment, community groups have come together to help Kern residents enroll by the January 31 deadline. The groups, held their first enrollment event last Saturday at East Hills mall and enrolled about 90 families. The next enrollment event will be held tomorrow, […]

For youth wanting to become more involved with their community in 2016, start now at this Youth Summit to be held on Friday, Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church, located at 2216 17th Street in Bakersfield. The Youth Summit was created to bring resources to local youth and […]

The new year is here and with it, a new fresh start for everyone. Please join us for the first Central Table Meeting of the year, where we will share our our work plan for this year with the community and kick off our annual ‘Live the Challenge!’ Last year, over a thousand South Kern […]

Building Healthy Communities South Kern is thrilled and deeply honored to have been selected to receive a Kern Council of Governments Regional Award of Merit in the category of Community Involvement. The Award will be presented to BHC-SK partners this March by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG). The award recognizes BHC-SK’s success at […]

In light of the new Star Wars movie, The California Endowment and BHC-SK want to know, “What does it take to Awaken the Force in you?” Star Wars is about how people come together to empower themselves and make a better future for themselves and their planets. Join the effort and share what motivates you […]

Building Healthy Communities South Kern is proud to announce the installation of three new steering committee members. We would like to welcome the Greenfield Union School District (GUSD) representing the education sector and will be represented by Cynthia Marquez who works at the Greenfield Family Resource Center (GFRC). Estela Escoto will be representing Arvin residents, […]

By Ray Gonzales, PH.D. Five years ago, The California Endowment launched a $1 billion dollar, ten year investment in its Building Healthy Communities (BHC) campaign. The campaign targets 14 communities across the state, one of which is South Kern, with the goal of improving health outcomes. Now at the halfway mark, BHC South Kern has […]

Clinica Sierra Vista will be hosting two Covered California enrollment events on December 12, 2015, one in Lamont and the other in East Bakersfield.  These events are open to the public and no appointments are necessary. Please call 328-4245 for more information.

South Kern Sol, Youth Commentary, Jocelyn Cuevas I have lived in Rexland Acres for four years, and every day I worry about the safety of my fellow residents as they go about their everyday business. I worry about mothers pushing strollers, students heading to school, and children walking to the park. Why am I worrying? […]

Health Happens With a Clean and Safe Environment Environment and Health are Top priorities for Building Healthy Communities South Kern. Health doesn’t only happen in the doctors office. It also happens in the places where we live, work, and play. How we plan and build our communities, our air quality, drinking water quality, and risk […]

Fusion, in partnership with The California Endowment, is pleased to announce the 2016 Rise Up: Be Heard fellowship! Fusion is looking for 12 young Californians between the ages of 18-25 who are passionate about media and social justice to take part in a seven-month (Jan-Aug) journalism training, mentorship and content production program. Each fellow will work […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Randy Villegas, photos by Carla Bruno This past weekend marked five years since the start of the Building Healthy Communities South Kern initiative. The occasion was marked by a celebration at Sunset Middle School in Weedpatch, where BHC South Kern members announced the adoption of the group’s action plan for 2016. […]

  Join Building Healthy Communities South Kern’s Recreation Action Team this Friday for a Zumbathon event to raise money for the construction of an indoor soccer field in Rexland Acres Park! The suggested donation is $5 dollars and all proceeds will go towards the construction of the indoor soccer field. The event is this Friday, […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Randy Villegas There’s soon to be a new half-pipe in town. Early this month, the Arvin City Council voted to use funds to support the construction of a new skate park in Arvin, after over 40 youth advocated for something they believe will benefit the entire community. “I feel excited […]

South Kern youth and parents, mark your calendars for ‘Pathways to Success,’ a great opportunity for youth to explore college and career pathways to be held Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Golden Valley High School located at 801 Hosking Ave., in Bakersfield. The event is being hosted by AmeriCorps, South Kern schools, […]

Beyond Almonds and Blond Lawns: Learn How The Drought is Affecting Nonprofit Organizations in the Central Valley, Oct. 26  Please join the Central Valley Community Foundation on Monday, October 26  for a community conversation about a first-of-its-kind study which measured how hard the drought has hit the San Joaquin Valley community organizations. The report was […]

Building Healthy Communities-South Kern (BHC-SK) will unveil the initiative’s 2016 community promises and recognize partners at this year’s Annual Celebration to be held Nov. 7, from 10am to 2 p.m., at Sunset School in Weedpatch. BHC-SK sure has a lot to celebrate this year– the initiative secured nearly 2 million dollars for a project that will bring much […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 16, 2015 Media Contact: Bianca Quintero bquintero@crpe-ej.org, (661) 709-5089 Building Healthy Communities South Kern: Collaboration Brings Nearly $2 Million for Major Sidewalk Project in Lamont “Residents Partner with Kern County Roads Department on major project” Leading a diverse coalition that features Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, California Walks, Center on […]

Interested in serving the South Kern community? We are seeking nominations to fill positions on Building Healthy Communities-South Kern (BHC-SK) Steering Committee for 2016-2017. The BHC-SK Steering Committee is responsible for oversight of the structures, staffing and support of the BHC-SK work, also known as the HUB. The Steering Committee is made up of 15 ambassadors who represent each of […]

In and out of the Shadows, a play by Chicano writer Gary Soto, is about the lives and experiences of a group of undocumented teenagers living in California is coming to Bakersfield later this month. In a format loosely based on the Canterbury Tales, members of San Francisco Youth Theatre’s professional ensemble not only perform […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Randy Villegas Nearly two hundred South Kern residents gathered at the David Head Center in Lamont this past Thursday for Building Healthy Communities-South Kern ‘Central Table.’ Held every three months, last week’s meeting allowed residents to voice their thoughts one last time on the coalition’s proposed action plan for the […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Earl Parsons Photo above: Arvin Mayor Pro-Tem Jose Gurrola, speaking as a private citizen. A coalition of immigrant rights proponents rallied at the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting on August 17 to demand that undocumented immigrants in their community be given access to health care. Before the Board of Supervisors […]

Mark your calendars for Vision y Compromiso’s Health and Nutrition Fair early next month, the health fair features samples of nutritious food, health screenings and fun activities for the whole family. The event will be held Sunday, Sept. 6 from 9 to 2 p.m. at the San Judas Tadeo Parish located at 8409 Gail Marie […]

We are nearing the end of our Action Planning process and will be presenting the Draft Action Plan for the next five years for final community review and approval at the Central Table meeting coming up on Thursday, August 27th at 5:00 p.m. at the David Head Center, 10300 San Diego Street in Lamont. Please […]

Faith in Action Kern County, California Partnership, UFW Foundation and in partnership with Building Healthy Communities South Kern will be having a press conference on Monday, August 17 to urge the Kern County Board of Supervisors to draft a budget that offers health care for all regardless of immigration status.

Building Healthy Communities South Kern Youth Leaders in partnership with Mighty Kicks, Dignity Health, and the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County will be hosting a soccer camp for children ages 5 to 12 at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15 at Haven Drive Middle School located in the corner of Hood Street and […]

Reyna Olaguez officially stepped into the role of communications coordinator last month. In her new role, she will support Building Healthy Communities, South Kern and the action teams by increasing their visibility within Kern County. Olaguez attended California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) where she earned her master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management. […]

Mark your calendars for Faith in Action’s evening with Allison Elgart, the legal director of the Equal Justice Society and a Harvard Law graduate who is coming to Bakersfield on August 13 to present on, “How implicit bias impacts our community?”    

  Check out our draft action plans for the next five years! BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 EDUCATION          BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 EDUCATION SP BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 ENVIRONMENT   BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 ENVIRONMENT SP BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 HEALTH                  BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 HEALTH SP BHC DRAFT Action Plan 5-29-15 […]

Building Healthy Communities-South Kern has partnered with Univision and other community groups to host a naturalization workshop on Sunday at the Friendship House in east Bakersfield. The group will bring professionals and trained volunteers together to assist lawful permanent residents in completing the application for naturalization. If you know anyone that might benefit from this workshop, […]

By Ray Gonzales, Ph.D. How do you spend $1 billion dollars?  That’s the question The California Endowment (TCE), the state’s largest health foundation, had to answer.  In 2010, TCE committed $1 billion dollars in a ten-year period, 2010-2020, in a strategic investment in Building Healthy Communities (BHC) in 14 of the state’s highest needs communities.  […]

Building Healthy Communities- South Kern (BHC-SK) has opened its grant program, which awards up to $500 for projects that aim to improve community health in South Kern. The fourth cycle of grants will fund health-related activities in the communities of South Kern. Funds can be used for materials or supplies, but may not be used […]

Building Healthy Communities-South Kern’s Program Manager Annalisa Robles was among the dozens of state and local leaders who gathered in Sacramento early this month to discuss a report on helping residents of underserved communities report environmental hazards more effectively. The summit was held at the Sacramento offices of the California Environmental Protection Agency to discuss […]

Rural Community Assistance Corporation and the Community Water Center kicked-off their Safe Water Program at the Sierra Vista Elementary School Cafeteria in Arvin in June. About 50 residents gathered to celebrate the first round of installations of point-of-use treatment systems on water fountains in Sierra Vista Elementary School. More than 70 water treatment systems, designed to […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Staff Photo above: Beatriz Basulto talks to residents Beatriz Basulto and Marisela Sanchez joined Dignity Health in June as community health educators to work on helping residents get access to healthcare. As trusted members of their community, Basulto and Sanchez serve as community advocates, educators, mentors, and outreach workers. Basulto, 52, began […]

The Rose Foundation Northern California Environmental Grassroots Fund is providing small grants ($5,000 or less) to community groups that are tackling tough environmental problems: water, toxic pollution, urban sprawl, climate change, environmental degradation.  The grants are awarded every three months and the next application deadline is August 1. Click here for additional information.

BHC Youth Group English Mtg 7-7-15 BHC Youth Group Mtg Spanish 7-7-15

Do you have a project that would benefit the communities of Arvin, Lamont, Weedpatch, and the unincorporated areas of Greenfield, but need funds to purchase materials? If so we may be able to help. Apply for a grant today! Grants to Build Healthy Communities The Grants for Blocks Program will provide up to $500 in […]

Please join us at a public gathering to kick-off the Safe Water Program in Arvin at the Sierra Vista Elementary School Cafeteria on Monday, June 15, from 6-8pm. We hope you’ll join us at this community event to celebrate the first round of installations of point-of-use treatment systems on water fountains in Sierra Vista Elementary […]

Come get Active, have fun and Learn more at the Family Fair!   Building Health Families Fair-SP

Hot Off the Press! We’ve been busy… check out our wins from 2010 – 2014. Click image for more info.

5-6PM Monday 6/8 NEWS MAGAZINE SHOW – PRIMER IMPACTO PKG #1: AGUA4 ALL In California, safe drinking water is a right that many do not have. One million Californians rely on contaminated underground wells for their drinking water. The problem disproportionately affects people of color and low in-come residents of rural communities like South Kern […]

South Kern Sol, News Report, Alfredo Camacho LAMONT, Calif. — Building Healthy Communities South Kern (BHC-SK) celebrated the end of its annual Live the Challenge with its biggest and most successful Live the Challenge event to date. Over 300 runners from the South Kern area gathered at Lamont Park on Saturday, April 25 to participate […]

What should our transportation network look like in the future? Let us know how we’re doing! Kern Council of Governments invites you to a public workshop from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 18th Come discuss Kern COG’s performance as your local transportation planning agency with federal and state officials. Light refreshments will be provided.

Prop 47, also known as “The Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,”reduces the classification of most non–serious and non–violent property and drug crimes from a felony to a misdemeanor. In reducing these offenses to simple misdemeanors, Prop 47 aims to reduce California’s prison population and save hundreds of millions of dollars. The money saved will be funneled back into K-12 school programs, […]

Workshop 1: 10:40 to 11:30 am BHC 101 (Room MU1) – Are you new to Building Healthy Communities? Come find out what BHC is, how and why it started, and what the over 2500 partners and residents who are part of Building Healthy Communities are trying to do to make our communities healthier for the […]

Meet other South Kern Youth! Learn how you can help build a healthy community! Enjoy a fun filled day with motivational speakers from your community and surrounding areas! Learn about safe drinking water, making your communities bike and walk friendly, immigration issues, changing city budgets for youth priorities and much more! We want YOU to […]

Learn about: Immigration, Fair Schools, Health Care, Safe Parks and more! Meet other partners who live in South Kern communities, hear how people across the state are building healthy communities and help decide how we will build a healthy community here! Saturday, March 21st 2015 9:30am-3:30pm Arvin High School 900 Varsity Rd, Arvin FREE Food, Prizes, Music and Raffle […]

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance is excited to announce that for the first time ever GBLA is partnering with One Justice to bring a team of 12 law student volunteers from Los Angeles to deliver much-needed services for individuals facing issues with medical debt, health insurance, workers compensation, and estate planning. Together with the South Kern […]

Featured, Health — By South Kern Sol on February 6, 2015 7:02 pm   By Aurora Cervantes Editor’s Note: Kern County ranks 58th among California’s 58 counties in rates of heart disease, and 57th in diabetes, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In Kern, 6 out of 10 residents are considered obese. Looking […]

5K/10K Fun Run Walk Carrera y Caminata  de Diversión de 5k/10k The first 1000 South Kern Residents or Partners to submit a pledge will receive a Gym/Tote bag. Las primeras 1,000 personas que hagan el compromiso recibirán un gimnasio/bolsa de CCS Residents of Arvin, Greenfield, Lamont and Weedpatch /Residentes de Arvin, Greenfield, Lamont y Weedpatch […]

On behalf of The California Endowment, Rural Community Assistance Corporation, and Community Water Center, you are invited to the South Kern Agua4all Initiative Launch Event in Lamont on Thursday, January 29, 2015. The Agua4all Initiative seeks to create and promote increased safe water access and consumption in light of the health and equity issues such […]

The new company Recology is taking over the recycling center and they would like to meet with the residents of Lamont and Arvin to introduce Recology and discuss their plans to upgrade the Lamont facility and improve operations.  Most importantly they want to listen to the community about current conditions and impacts.  Recology want to […]

The Power of Stories is an archive of projects submitted to the 2014 Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Statewide Convening. It showcases work created throughout California highlighting the power of individual and collective efforts to promote health and demonstrates how stories have the power to re-imagine and transform our communities. Produced in partnership with the California […]

  The Power of Stories is an archive of projects submitted to the 2014 Building Healthy Communities (BHC) Statewide Convening. It showcases work created throughout California highlighting the power of individual and collective efforts to promote health and demonstrates how stories have the power to re-imagine and transform our communities. Produced in partnership with the […]

Dear San Joaquin Valley SB 375 Allies:   Thank you for participating in our intra-regional brainstorming session in Fresno on September 4th. This was a great opportunity to share and identify the regional challenges of SB 375 implementation, and to identify opportunities for state legislative and administrative advocacy.  We will be in contact with you soon […]

CitizenSurveyKernCEDD3_Reviewed  

Dear BHC-SK partners and friends, We still need your help! We are currently in the process of revising the Action Plan that guides the work of BHC-SK and our partners. We want to ensure that this updated plan is reflective of the current needs and issues in our South Kern communities. In order to do […]

Below are some sample Tweets and a link to our report and press release, which has a link to the report as well as Global Community Monitor’s final report on the Bucket Brigade results.   South Kern Communities Held Hostage by “Rotten Neighbor” #HowCleanIsYourCompost  http://www.crpe-ej.org/crpe/index.php/component/content/article/334 #NotAllCompostIsSafe, http://www.crpe-ej.org/crpe/index.php/component/content/article/334 Full report: http://www.crpe-ej.org/crpe/images/stories/pdf/Rotten_Neighbor_Report.pdf Press release: http://www.crpe-ej.org/crpe/index.php/component/content/article/334   Gustavo […]

Center on Arts & Transcripts: Arvin Pipeline Leak Watch the video here http://vimeo.com/107859287

JOB POSTING   University of California, San Francisco in partnership with Community Water Center and Rural Community Assistance Corporation is looking for individuals to assist with data collection for interventions related to promoting intake of healthy beverages among children and families  in schools and other community locations in Arvin and Lamont communities.   We are […]

In 2013-2014, Kern Council of Governments completed and received unanimous approval from its Board of Directors for its $11.2 billion Regional Transportation Plan. Find out more about this project and others in the Annual Report 2013-2014.    

Greenfield: Tuesday, September 23rd, 5:00-7:30pm Rexland Park-325 E Fairview Rd, Bakersfield Lamont: Thursday, September 25th, 5:00-7:30pm David Head Center-10300 San Diego St., Lamont Weedpatch: Wednesday, October 1st, 5:00-7:30pm Sunset School Gym-8301 Sunset Blvd, Weedpatch Arvin: Tuesday, October 7th 5:00-7:30pm Arvin Veteran’s. Hall- 414 Fourth Ave., Arvin

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make our community healthy? Take a few minutes to recognize the hard work of our local leaders (parents, teachers, doctors, businesses, faith-based organizations, youth, etc.). Submit your nomination online at http://goo.gl/Sij3Bb, or fill out the nomination form attached and return to us by e-mail (calltoaction@co.kern.ca.us) […]

After Karen Davis, the family resource coordinator of the Arvin Union Elementary School District attended the Obesity Conference in San Diego, she learned about the importance of nutrition and physical activity in children and that led to an improved school wellness policy that puts children’s health first. Click on the video to learn more.   […]

LAMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE VACANCY August 6, 2014 The following position is Open for: Program Specialist I 5.5 hrs. Position Requirements: Graduation from high school or equivalent; One year performing a variety of clerical work in an office setting; Type accurately from clear copy at the rate of 40 WPM ;  Ability to key numerical […]

Come identify what needs changed in our community, review our BHC vision and goals for 2020 and help us find strengths we can build our future on! Saturday, August 23rd 2014 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Rexland Park (325 E. Fairview Rd, Bakersfield)   For more information check out flyer Annual Celebration save the […]

Resource guides developed by TCE for the BHC in the early years. See attachements for more information. Resource Guide Outcome 1 Resource Guide Outcome 2 Resource Guide Outcome 3 Resource Guide Outcome 4 Resource Guide Outcome 5 Resource Guide Outcome 6

We are very excited that the office of Assembly Member Rudy Salas will be holding a “Stuff the Bus” event here in Lamont to benefit Lamont elementary students! His staff and a school bus will be at the Rite Aid parking lot, 8008 Panama Road accepting donations of school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pencils, […]

The Kern County Call to Action would like to invite you and your colleagues to a summit we are coordinating for September. Save the Date: September 17, 2014 for the Call to Action for a Healthy Kern Summit.  Come and join your fellow community leaders and residents to exchange ideas, hear about local efforts, and learn how we can take concrete steps to change how health […]

Eleven-Month, full-time positions are available for AmeriCorps Members to serve as mentors in one of two California communities starting August 18, 2014 and ending July 17, 2015. Applicants must be available to serve site-specific schedules during the term of service.   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES   As a Mentor: Under general supervision, to implement the Building Healthy Communities […]

 KCCD will be offering three training programs this summer. A FREE job training program that starts June 9, 2014 . Only 30 students will be accepted in each program this summer. Prepares individuals for careers in the Construction, Industrial Maintenance and Oil Field Services fields including the highly sought after safety certifications. The retail sales […]

June 23rd is last day to apply.  For more information on how to apply visit Www.bhcamericorps.org

Whether in the home, at the pool or on vacation, it is always important to keep safety in mind when children are in or near water.   Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death among children in California. In Kern County, 9 Kern County children lost their lives to accidental drowning between 2010 […]

In “Local Harvest: Developing the Central Valley Workforce for California’s Future Agriculture,” the Milken Institute’s research depicts a future where agriculture (Kern’s largest employer) will face technological innovation and our employees will become increasingly unprepared and unable to fill available jobs. Effectively, the existing skills gap will continue to grow at a more rapid pace […]

JOB SUMMARY: The Recreation Projects Coordinator for South Kern provides leadership, planning, and  coordination with the Building Healthy Communities Hub and the Recreation Action Team to facilitate youth engagement and agency collaboration. The BHC youth component focuses on convening local school-aged youth and developing capacity for youth generated health priorities in the recreation arena. The […]

Bike Arvin is a non-profit bicycle advocacy group. Our goal is to help and teach people about safe bicycling skills, improve the streets of Arvin, as well as South Kern, and teach basic bicycle mechanic skills. All profits made will be put back into the city of Arvin or the South Kern areas, for better […]

Come to this free class to learn what you can do to prevent or manage diabetes. You can live a healthy lifestyle even if you have the disease. You will learn about: How to prevent diabetes Signs and symptoms to watch out for How insulin works in your body Possible diabetes problems How to manage […]

Hello, all For those of you who may not know me, My name is Marylou Chavez. I am part of the Adelante Coalition in Arvin and am the South Kern Youth Representative of Building Healthy Communities and a member of the BHC Recreation team. I know Amerika no longer works with us, but I felt […]

¿Qué es Construyendo Comunidades Saludables – Sur de Kern? Construyendo Comunidades Saludables – Sur de Kern es un esfuerzo para cambiar de manera positiva la salud de nuestras comunidades a través de una visión, metas y plan de acción compartidos. Los residentes, jóvenes, empresas y organizaciones en Arvin, Lamont, Weedpatch y las áreas no incorporadas […]

Grants to Build Healthy Communities The Grants to Build Healthy Communities Program will provide up to $500 in materials/supplies to groups of residents or youth from South Kern to complete projects that will improve our community.   Who can apply for Grants to Build Healthy Communities? Applications can be made by any group of residents, […]

 LAMONT, Calif. – In spite of a surprise winter storm the night before, close to 100 South Kern residents came together on April 26 to celebrate the completion of the “Live the Challenge” campaign, where participants devoted 100 days to a healthier lifestyle. The 4th annual “Live the Challenge” celebration, which was held at Sunset […]

Monday, April 28th, 5:30pm Lamont Weedpatch FRC, 7839 Burgundy Ave, Lamont Tuesday, April 29th, 5:30pm Haven Drive School, 341 Haven Dr. Arvin Wednesday, April 30th, 5:30pm Rexland Park Center, 325 E. Fairview Building Healthy Communities South Kern is excited to announce: Grants to Build Healthy Communities The Grants to Build Healthy Communities Program will provide […]

We are all concerned about state groundwater adjudication.  Inasmuch, I want to stress the value of this upcoming water forum by adding an additional note to the invitation that was sent out. It is important that we are proactive and stay informed as much as possible.  We would like to use this opportunity to discuss controversial […]

Living with lung disease?   Join the American Lung Association in California to learn more about managing and living with chronic lung disease. Date: Thursday, May 15, 2014 Time: 10:00 am — 3:00 pm (registration starts at 9:00 am) Where: Bakersfield Memorial Hospital — Founders Hall 420 34th Street Bakersfield, CA 93303 For further information […]

  Wednesday, April 30, 2014 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM Where: Caliente Creek Apartments 909 Meyer St Arvin CA 93203  

  DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59PM ON FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2014.   Since its inception in 1982, the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) has offered a once in a lifetime opportunity for California’s youth in Sacramento. Every summer the CLYLP brings 120 high school students from throughout the state to participate in the Sacramento Leadership […]

  The Grants for Blocks Program will provide up to $500 in materials/supplies to groups of residents or youth from South Kern to complete projects that will improve our community. What is Building Healthy Communities – South Kern? Building Healthy Communities – South Kern is an effort to positively change the health of our communities […]

  Sons and Brothers Plan: Through a seven–‐year investment, the California Endowment is addressing the inequities that affect the health and lives of boys and young men of color (BMoC).  The current crisis ends with too many of our sons and brothers to dropping out of school, growing up in poverty, and falling short of […]

One Life One Love One Thing Youth Summit WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 2014 9:30am-3:00pm AGES:12 -19 WHERE: Alicante Elementary School,  7998 Alicante Ave, Lamont, CA93241 Free Food, Games, and Workshops For more information please see attached flyer Flyer 2014 youth summit  

By Alfredo Camacho / South Kern Sol A historic change to California schools is taking place over the next few years that hopes to give parents and local school districts more control of how money is spent, in a change that Governor Brown has described as one in which ‘schools that need more, get more.’ […]

OPEN TO ALL FARMWORKERS Community & employment resources  Career & training education Agricultural worker rights & safety information Learn about services available to the agriculture community and more! ABIERTO A LA COMUNIDAD AGRICOLA Servicios comunitarios  Recursos de empleo  Información sobre entrenamiento vocacional  Servicios sobre los derechos y seguridad del trabajador  Informese de estos y otros […]

5K/10K Fun Run Walk Carrera y Caminata  de Diversión de 5k/10k Celebrate completing “Live the Challenge”, be healthy and active with others in South Kern, visit the Resource Fair after the run    Celebra haber terminado “Vivir el Reto”, se saludable y activo con otras personas en el sur de Kern, visite la Feria de […]

Acompáñenos a nuestro primera academia de negocios dirigida por la Cámara de Comercio hispana del Condado Kern Una serie enfocándose en lo necesario para comenzar su negocio. la academia empieza febrero 25 todo en español. Si a soñado en tener un negocio propio hoy es tiempo. Matricúlese para participar en la academia de negocios por […]

Residents of Arvin, Greenfield, Lamont and Weedpatch /Residentes de Arvin, Greenfield, Lamont y Weedpatch You are invited to make one change for 100 days that will improve your health/Estas invitado hacer un cambio por 100 días que mejorara su salud. Guidelines for Participation/Pautas de la participación: Choose one change that will improve your and your […]

Check out how BHC English_v 2 ver cómo aquí BHC Spanish v 1  

Join us March 8th 12:00pm-3:30pm 325 E. Fairview Rd. Bakersfield See our park improvements. Enjoy the new walking path. Learn about new ordinances that will create safer and more family-friendly parks. Join us for the grand re-opening of the Rexland Acres Park Community Building. FREE! Food. Resource Booths. Music. Games. Dancing. Bike Rodeo. Bring the […]

This past Tuesday South Kern Sol attended the Building Healthy Communities Central Table Meeting, a community-wide collaboration opportunity informing members of local issues, such as proposed changes to discipline in area schools, addressing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, neighborhood security, and environmental issues. Parents and students also decided on an action plan for the […]

Dear Partners,   The hard work that you have invested in the youths Beautiful Parks, Healthy Communities Campaign has paid off! On Tuesday, January 28th the Kern County Board of Supervisors approved both ordinances to restrict alcohol use (at Rexland and DiGiorgio Parks) and to restrict tobacco use to parking lots (at Rexland, DiGiorgio, and […]

INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS The American Lung Association in California is looking for enthusiastic and qualified interns to join our dynamic air quality policy team in its Fresno and Bakersfield offices. TIME COMMITMENT: Flexible schedule, 15-20 hours/week through June 2014 COMPENSATION: $15.00/hour, plus expenses LOCATION: Fresno and Bakersfield openings DATE: Open for immediate placement   INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION: […]

  About the Workshop The next opportunity to fund a Safe Routes to School or active transportation project is fast approaching! The Active Transportation Program makes $180 million in state funds available across the state for walking and biking infrastructure, planning, or education programs. Come and learn about tools and resources key to preparing a […]

Building Power in South Kern   Save the Date! March 1, 2014 Arvin Veterans Hall @ 10:00-2:30 pm The Environment Action Team invites you to come learn about resident efforts to improve South Kern and how you can support their work. More details to come! Food, Transportation, and childcare will be provided. Please contact Petra […]

Central Table Meeting Kick off the 2014 Live the Challenge Hear how BHC is making schools healthier Talk with Action Teams about BHC work Thursday, February 6, 2014 @ 5:00 to 7:30pm Arvin Veterans Hall,  414 Fourth Ave, Arvin   Make sure your voice is heard!  Dinner, Transportation, and Child Care/Children’s Activities will be provided. […]

Arvin Community Enrollment Event Certified Enrollment Counselors will be on site to assist you.  Here is what you will need to bring: Proof of Income for all family members on the application(tax return, W-2, recent pay stubs, etc.) Legal resident card or Certificate of Naturalized Citizenship Proof of Kern County residency (driver’s license, utility bill, […]

Saturday, February 15th the Building Healthy Communities Recreation Action Team will be partnering with many local partners, including the City of Arvin to plant 200 trees with 200 volunteers in one day!! By planting these trees you will help us build a healthier South Kern by improving our parks and our air quality. We will be […]

Greenfield Family Resource Center Enrollment Event Certified Enrollment Counselors will be on site to assist you.  Here is what you will need to bring: Proof of Income for all family members on the application (tax return, W-2, recent pay stubs, etc.) Legal resident card or Certificate of Naturalized Citizenship Proof of Kern County residency (driver’s […]

English Monday, September 23rd – Thursday, September 26th Monday, September 30th – Thursday, October 3rd 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (lunch provided)   Spanish Martes, 21 de Enero – Viernes, 24 de Enero Lunes, 27 de Enero – Jueves, 30 de Enero  9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (almuerzo incluido)   Boys and Girls Club […]

Our 2014 Calendar is now available. BHC-SK Calendar 2014 Eng BHC-SK Calendar 2014 Sp

by Alice Daniel, California Healthline Regional CorrespondentThursday, November 14, 2013 ARVIN — Thousands of students in the south Central Valley who didn’t have access to clean drinking water in their schools will now be able to quench their thirst safely after several organizations and companies that make water filters formed an unusual partnership. More than […]

By Alfredo Camacho for South Kern Sol This past Thursday, community members and local leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Rexland Acres Park in Southeast Bakersfield, to celebrate improvements that intend to make the park a friendlier place for families. In recent years families had abandoned the park, which had become a popular hangout […]

RCAC seeks nominations for the Yoneo Ono Rural Volunteer Award. The award honors rural people who have made significant lifelong contributions to their community in volunteer capacities. RCAC hopes to encourage further rural volunteer activities by acknowledging the accomplishments of a select few. We need your help to identify an outstanding rural volunteer to receive […]

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Alcohol and tobacco use has been an ongoing problem at parks around Kern County, but a group of local youth is trying to curb the problem. Naomi Mercado and Ann Williams use team work to clean up Rexland Acres Park. “I like a pretty park, not one that looks nasty,” said Williams. […]

  All BHC partners are invited to come and participate in our Family Festival Celebration on November 16th from 10am – 2pm at Sunset School in Weedpatch. In keeping with our carnival theme, we are asking that anyone participating with a booth bring some type “Edutainment” a fun family game or activity for our families […]

October 30th 5:30-7:30 Event will take place   in the auditorium.  Parents and all students are welcome! parentcollegefairflyer

Bakersfield College, CA December 4 – December 20, 2013 A flagship for the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation (USA) and in partnership with The California Endowment, the “Big Rig Teaching Kitchen” brings food education, nutritious cooking skills, and “real food” dishes to local communities across California. During its 40 week tour, the Big Rig will work […]

Family Fun Festival All BHC partners are invited to come and participate in our Family Festival Celebration November 16 from 10am-2pm at Sunset School in Weedpatch.  In keeping with our carnival theme, we are asking that anyone participating bring some type “Edu-Tainment” a fun family game or activity for our families to participate in, where […]

Dear South Kern Leadership, If you are ready to take the first step to developing your dream parks make sure you attend Saturday, November 9th to make a plan for DiGiorgio and Weedpatch Parks! Location to follow soon. When: Saturday, November 9th DiGiorgio Park Workshop – 8:30 am – noon Weedpatch Park Workshop – 1:30 pm – […]

Are you interested in making your community garden profitable? Do you have produce from your garden that you would like to donate? Would you like to network and share resources with other gardeners? If yes, then this workshop is for you!  ¿Está interesado en hacer que su jardín comunitario sea lucrativo? ¿Tiene productos en su […]

Send Us Your Innovative Idea to Improve Rural Health The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, a private foundation focused on health care and quality of life issues in North Carolina, is now accepting submissions for the 2014 Innovations in Rural Health Award. For the second year in a row, we are looking for original, innovative […]

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The state is turning to parents and teachers in several communities to plan for the future.  It’s all part of a new law to improve education. Check out video clip http://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/state-looking-for-parent-teacher-input-on-new-funding-093013

The Greater Lamont Chamber of Commerce Invites you to a COMMUNITY MEETING La Cámara de Comercio de Lamont Los invita a una JUNTA COMUNITARIA  Thursday October 3, 2013 @ 6:00 pm /Jueves Octubre 3, 2013 6:00 pm  David Head Center 10300 San Diego Street, Lamont Topic:New Application to the County of Kern by Walmart Tema: Nueva Aplicación […]

The California Board of Education, The California Endowment, and South Kern School District leaders want to hear your ideas for how to make this new law a success and improve California schools using funds from this new law. La mesa directiva de la Educación de California, la Fundación California Endowment, y los líderes del Distritos […]

Annual Open House  Tuesday October 8, 2013 4:30 – 6:30 PM GreenfieldFamilyResourceCenter 5400 Monitor St.Bakersfield, CA  93307 Our center is dedicated to helping families in our community with access to needed resources. Join us on October 8 and meet the children and families in the Greenfield Union School District. GFRC Open House 2013 Save the […]

How would you like to see the District dispose of its treated wastewater in the future?  Which of the possible Plan B options is best for our community?  ¿Cómo quisiera usted que el Distrito descargara sus aguas residuales tratadas en el futuro?  ¿Cuál de las posibles opciones del Plan B es la mejor para nuestra […]

Lamont   Mobile Office Hours Navigating the bureaucracy of the federal government can be   frustrating. As your Congressman, one of my most important responsibilities   is to serve as a link between you and the federal government. Although I   cannot override the decisions made by a federal agency, I can often intervene   […]

“Growing our Businesses to Greatness” Find out about resources and programs available for growing your business Learn how to get and stay compliant with local, state, and federal laws, and new health insurance laws Keynote Speakers: Supervisor Leticia Perez and Assemblymember Rudy Salas   Wednesday, November 20, 2013 8:30am to 2:00pm David Head Center, 10300 […]

      Access the Covered California Certified Enrollment Entity Application at: www.healthexchange.ca.gov/Pages/EnrollmentAssistanceProgram.aspx

Check out South Kern Sol http://www.southkernsol.org/

 Application date extended till positions are filled   BHC-SK is a 10-year initiative where communities are taking action to make where they live healthier. They are doing this by improving employment opportunities, education, housing, neighborhood safety, unhealthy environmental conditions, access to healthy foods and more. The goal: to build healthy communities for the next generation. […]

Grand Prize is $6,500.  Deadline is September 23. Follow this link for more info:  health/young/america. Feel free to reach Amerika Nino for more information. BHC might be able to loan recording and editing equipment in order to complete the project.

  Come kick off Live the Challenge and see what our BHC Action Teams are doing in your community.   Thursday, February 6th, 2014 5:00 to 7:30pm Arvin Veterans Hall 414 Fourth Ave, Arvin

    April 2013 Youth Leaders with Building Healthy Communities South Kern recommended to both Board of Bear Mountain Parks and Recreation and Kern County Parks and Recreation Commissioners that they work together to make their parks safer and …more family friendly as part of their Beautiful Parks, Healthy Communities Campaign. Their work will impact […]

    Congratulations Clinica Sierra Vista on the Grand Opening of the Greenfield Community Clinic! For the first time the residents of Greenfield have a way to get their health needs served in their own community. Thanks to CSV and all of their partners and supporters for making Health Happen in Greenfield.

Supervisor Leticia Perez invites you to a meeting regarding the company Community Recycling. This company provides services for our sewer water in Lamont but had safety and environmental violations and may be closed. The meeting is this Wednesday, August 21st at 6:00pm at the David Head Center located at 10300 San Diego St. in Lamont. […]

An update on project progress, community outreach and preliminary scenarios for the 2014 Regional Transportation Plan Update will be presented at the following public meetings: Session #1 Wednesday, August 21, 2013 6:00-8:00 PM Rabobank Convention Center (Potato Room) 1001 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield Session #2 Tuesday, August 27, 2013 6:30-8:30 PM Fresno Pacific University (Bakersfield Center, […]

 Many States Show Declines /Muchos estados muestran disminuciones  Obese children are more likely to become obese adults and suffer lifelong physical and mental health problems. Obesity rates in low-income preschoolers, after decades of rising, began to level off from 2003 through 2008 and now are showing small declines in many states. However, too many preschoolers […]

Covered California is holding a Town Hall Meeting   Friday, August 23, 2013 from 4:30- to 6:00 pm East Bakersfield Veteran’s Hall located at 2101 Ridge Road, Bakersfield, CA.   The focus of this forum is to inform community leaders and key stakeholders about the new health care market place.   Bakersfield Town Hall Meeting […]

Non Custodial Parent Workshop- August 1, 2013  5:30-6:30p.m. Managing Your Pas Due Child Support-August 8, 2013 5:30-6:30p.m. Custody and Visitation- August 15,2013 5:30-6:30p.m For more information please check out flyer Workshop Poster 8 x 11 2013 Final  

You’re Invited! / Estás Invitado Central Table Meeting/Reunion de la Mesa Central     Come see what our BHC Action Teams are doing in your community and learn how you can obtain health insurance coverage under the new programs   Ven a ver lo que nuestros Equipos de Acción de CCS están haciendo en tu […]

CSV cordially invites you to the Grand Opening/Open House Celebration of our newest health center, Greenfield Community Health Center 9001 South H Street Bakersfield, CA 93307 Thursday, August 22nd 12 noon to 2pm Tours, Lite Lunch & Refreshments will be provided NHCW 2013_Kern Aug 22 (3)  

Tuesday, July 30-Thursday, August 1, 2013 Dear South Kern Youth-Adult Allies, California WALKS and Greenfield Walking Group will be hosting a youth-led advocacy training institute next week in Bakersfield, July 30-August 1. The Training will be featuring hands-on VideoVoice filming and editing training for youth to document existing community conditions and to express the changes […]

ARVIN, Calif. — This small town in South Kern County is home to many farmworkers, including young college students eager to make some cash during their summer break. And although it may seem strange to those living outside of California’s Central Valley, working in the fields, although physically demanding, can be a gratifying experience for […]

The Neighborhoods Workgroup at the California Endowment is pleased to invite you to a: Community of Practice on Land Use Thursday, August 8, 2013 2:00pm-4:00pm Please join us for a videoconference/conference call on health-promoting land use hosted by Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE) and PolicyLink. This meeting is in response to feedback […]

Bakersfield-Clinica Sierra Vista is marking National Health Center Week 2013 with the Grand Opening/Open House of our newest health center, the Greenfield Community Health Center located at 9001 S. H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93307 on Thursday, August 22 at 12 noon.  This event will include a short program, a few dignitary remarks, a light lunch, […]

You are cordially invited to the AMCOE educational street fair hosted by SoCal Gas in partnership with Housing and Opportunity Foundation of Kern. Usted esta cordialmente invitado a esta evento presentado por SoCal Gas en colaboracion con Housing and Opportunity Foundation    Free Food and drinks, Bounce house and children’s entertainment Gratis Comida y Bebidas, Casita Saltadora […]

Univision will hire up to ten graduates to work as Health Fellows for a period of six months, with a possible six-month extension.  The Fellows will be assigned to support Univision’s Health Unit and focus on coverage of the new health care law and how it impacts California Latinos.   Fellows will work as full-time, […]

Youth (ages16-24) who are involved in The California Endowment’s Building Healthy Communities work in Del Norte, South Sacramento, Fresno, South Kern, Long Beach, Eastern Coachella Valley and City Heights are invited to apply for the BHC Statewide Steering Committee on Youth Leadership For more information see flyer. Statewide SC Youth Leadership Applicaion Form

A summer-time digital media project for Boys and Young Men of Color WHAT?  An opportunity for Boys and Young Men of Color throughout Building Health Communities Places to create  1-2 minute videos to encourage other young men to learn about how and why they should get covered under Obamacare. WHY? Young men have a lot […]

Public Health Institute is awarding Climate change $20k grants to urbanized areas (which includes Kern County) twith high rates of asthma, bad air and high heat island vulnerability. This would be an opportunity to move a collaborative effort between air quality and healthy communities of both residents and organizational/public agency aligned efforts forward. California WALKS […]

Youth and other members of the community have noticed that there   is a problem with the high rate of alcohol and tobacco use at Rexland Acres Park.  If you are willing to help reduce this problem and improve your park please come join: Jóvenes y miembros de la comunidad han visto un problema con el […]

Central Valley communities have the highest percentage of youth in the state who are not working and not in school, according to a recent report. Advocates in the afflicted counties say there is a way to help these so-called  “disconnected youth” by building a council specifically aimed to address their needs. read more

Do you and your family have concerns about: Buying healthy food in you neighborhood? Walking Safely to the park? Other Community Concerns that affect your health? Please take this opportunity to share your opinion! Tiene usted o su familia tiene preocupación sobre: ¿La compra de alimentos saludables en su vecindario? ¿Poca seguridad en el parque […]

 A special forum on California’s new health care marketplace for Central Valley community leaders and key stakeholders. Friday, June 14, 2013   3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  (Doors open at 2:30 p.m.) Fresno City College Old Administration Building Room 251   1101 E. University Avenue, Fresno, California 93741 Please join Covered California Board Members and Executive Director […]

FREE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY!!   Title: Well Disinfection Workshop Presented by: Joyce Tuttle from Environmental Health Services -Net Date: Tuesday, June 4th, 2013 Time: 6pm Location: Community Water Center, 311 W. Murray Ave. Visalia CA 93291 Please forward this invite to anyone that might be interested in attending this training. For more information or to rsvp contact: […]

Dear Community Leaders, Freight traffic has had a huge impact on the roads, traffic, and pollution in our communities.  A local consulting firm, VRPA Technologies, is assisting CalTrans in the preparation of a statewide California Freight Mobility Plan and will be hosting a special focus group in Fresno in June.  They really want to here […]

For months, South Kern’s Building Healthy Communities (BHC) partners have been meeting and organizing efforts for a major WE Connect Health Care Enrollment and Resources Fair. Held on May 18, the event brought together dozens of partners and engaged more than 1,500 residents.  The effort helped connect families to free health care enrollment assistance and […]

June 4th from 1-3:00pm.  Location to be announced!  Please keep it in your calendars and contact cesar.campos.12@outlook.com for any questions that you have about KEEN.   El 4 de 1-3:00pm.  ¡Lugar por confirmar y ser anunciado!  Por favor anote la fecha en su calendario y comuníquese con cesar.campos.12@outlook.com si tiene cualquier pregunta acerca de KEEN.

Thursday, May 16th  at 9:00am.   Something important that they will talk about is item #6 in their agenda. Authorize a contract with Atmospheric Analysis Consulting to conduct an ozone saturation study in Arvin – in order to determine the best spot for a monitor.  Attend in person: 1990 E. Gettysburg Avenue, Fresno, CA 4800 […]

Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at Buttonwillow Union School District in the Music Room, 46200 California Highway 58, Buttonwillow.  This hearing is organized by Greenaction and will be in Spanish with English Headsets.   El Distrito de Control de Polución del Valle de San Joaquín celebrará una audiencia pública el miércoles, 15 de […]

April 23, 2013 3:30-5:30 at the David Head Center   Learn strategies for creative Youth/Resident engagement Assess your Action Team’s engagement efforts Create a plan for meaningfully engaging the community   Aprenda estrategias para la participación creativa de Jóvenes/Residentes Evalúe los esfuerzos de Su Equipo de Acción para hacer participes a los Jóvenes y Residentes […]

Be a Connector. Volunteer with WE Connect to help needy families get access to healthcare and other vital resources Saturday, May 18. www.Tinyurl.com/WEConnectKERN For more information please see the flyer Kern Volunteer Flyer_Roles

Clinica Sierra Vista in Bakersfield is getting a $2 million low-interest loan through the California Endowment to fund construction invoices and the partial payoff of open lines of credit. Clinica Sierra Vista provides medical services to underserved populations of Kern, Fresno and Inyo counties regardless of their ability to pay. The California Endowment, in partnership […]

Thursday May 23, 2013 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the Kern County Public Health Services Department 1800 Mt. Vernon Avenue Bakersfield CA in the San Joaquin Room Learn about: Creating a Culture of health in your workplace Key elements of successful worksite wellness programs What othe companies in Kern County are doing to:  Improveing employee health, […]

  Come and join in on the celebration April 27th at the Greenfield Baseball Association on the corner of Cottonwood and Panama Road/Taft Highway. Registration will be at 7am and we’ll be walking/running at 7:30!   Acompáñenos en la 3ª  celebración anual el 27 de abril en el Campo de Beisbol de Greenfield ubicado en […]

The public is invited to offer its ideas or concerns on Kern Council of Governments’ (Kern COG) proposed Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) methodology, which distributes existing and projected housing needs over the next decade to the 11 incorporated cities and the unincorporated county. The RHNA methodology can be viewed on the Kern COG website […]

The Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRBSF) are pleased to announce a FREE workshop series to build capacity in both the nonprofit and government sectors to help families become more financially secure.   See flyer for more information Central Valley Financial Security and Opportunity Workshop Series

The USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) seeks to hire young adult research associates to assist with the evaluation of BHC youth programs and disseminate evaluation results. This youth program evaluation aims to measure the impacts of BHC youth programs on the lives of youth participants and their communities. The evaluation will also […]

The James Irvine Foundation New Leadership Network: an innovative new program that brings together diverse San Joaquin Valley leaders across issues, sectors and generations. Together, this group of individuals will learn, collaborate and build relationships with one another to contribute to a better future for the Valley. Join us If you are committed to the […]

Join the Greenfield HELPS Collaborative Partners for a day of fun, food, and information on good health & safety.  Acompáñenos Greenfield HELPS Collaborative Partners a una reunión familiar llena de información y diversión de buena salud y seguridad Thursday April 25, 2013/Jueves, Abril 25, 2013        4:30 – 6:30 PM  Greenfield Family Resource Center 5400 Monitor […]

● Aprenderá como mantener sano su corazón y también los de su familia. ● Encontrará distintas maneras de hacer más actividad física, comer de manera saludable para el corazón. ● Aprenderá cómo hablar con su familia y amigos sobre las enfermedades del corazón. ● Gozará de videos, juegos, dramatizaciones y otras actividades que hacen divertido […]

Wednesday April 10, 2013 9:00am-2:00pm (1-2pm will be for grantees only) Hear updates on guidlines for BHC-SK Partners;Get updates on BHC-SK and TCE directions for 2013;Meet TCE staff and review grantee reporting This meeting is recommended for all BHC-SK partners, and mandatory for all TCE BHC grantees For more information please contact Rocio: 845-2724 Partner […]

Are we too quick to expel and suspend students in Kern County? That’s what a group of parents met to discuss in Arvin on Saturday….Read more

 Community Transformation Education Series 2013. This series is designed to provide free information and education opportunities to all of our Community Transformation Grant Partners as we move forward with this project. We will be introducing different topics ranging from health equity, food security issues, and policy, systems, and environmental change to community engagement practices, social […]

April 12, 2013 8:00 a.m.-Registration/ Breakfast 9:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m- Presentation Limited seating available. For more information please call Brooke Cuper at 661-864-3307 or Amanda Kammen at 661-868-0495   Obesity Summit Save the Date_1

Anna Deveare Smith is known for her pioneering approach to theater through which she gathers stories from a broad range of people and translates those stories into compelling one-woman performances.  Her most recent production, “Let Me Down Easy,” centered on health care.  She talks about her creative process in this interview:  http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/let-me-down-easy/interview-with-anna-deavere-smith/1230/   Anna’s new […]

The Economic Developmetn Work Group will be holding a meeting on February 27th, from 1-3.  The goal of the Economic Development Action Plan, as part of the BHC initiative funded by The California Endowment, is to create a vibrant and diverse economy in South Kern and to support opportunities for the region. The plan focuses […]

The Kern Education Justice Collaborative (KEJC) will be hosting a community action on School Discipline on Saturday March 2nd, at the Arvin Veterans Hall (414 4th St. Arvin Ca 93203), from 2-4pm. This convention will be so we can continue the dialogue, hear testimonies and decide on a course of action to address this issue. […]

WE Connect was established by former California First Lady Maria Shriver in 2005 and is now run by The California Endowment. WE Connect empowers lower-income families to utilize resources that can help them lead healthier, more financially secure lives.

In South Kern, a group of active and engaged youth have joined together to spread the word on issues that may otherwise go unnoticed. South Kern Sol is media website staffed by youth ages 14 to 24 from the areas of Greenfield, Arvin, Lamont and Weedpatch. Together this team researches and reports on matters that […]

You are invited to make one change for 100 days that will improve your health.

Choose one change that will improve you and your family’s health and make that change for 100 days. Begin the challenge on or after January 17th, then join the celebration on April 27th to see how your change has helped create a healthier South Kern!

Todos sabemos que el lugar donde usted vive afecta a su salud-para mejor o para lo peor. Si su comunidad ofrece alimentos sanos y de calidad, lugares seguros y limpios para jugar y mantenerse activos y, de excelente salud y los servicios de educación, entonces es probable que sean sanos y saludables. Pero, si mala […]

We all know that the place where you live affects your health—for the best or for the worst. If your community provides healthy, quality foods, safe and clean places to play and be active and, excellent health and education services, then you are likely to be healthy and well. But, if poor air quality, substantial […]