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Category: Bakersfield

African Americans
Stefi Mar

NaTesha “T” Johnson Breaks 110-Year Barrier as First Black Chair of the Kern County Fair Board

There was a time when NaTesha T. Johnson knew the Kern County Fair the way a lot of Black kids from Bakersfield knew it, as a rare treat carved out of a tight budget. Her mother, a single woman raising four daughters while putting herself through school, would gather just enough to give each girl about $20 in ride tickets. When the money ran out, they found other ways to stretch the day: the free stages, the livestock pens, the gospel celebration that drew the African American faith community together.

Stefi Mar April 14, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

New CalFresh & Medi-Cal Rules Start Soon

Federal and state policy changes will roll out over the next few months that may impact some people in San Diego County who receive CalFresh or Medi-Cal benefits. The first of these changes starts April 1.

Stefi Mar April 14, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

Do DUI checkpoints reduce impaired driving? What local data shows

It’s true that DUI checkpoints can reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road if they’re used in a consistent manner that supports larger enforcement efforts, such as public education campaigns. Local data shows that DUI checkpoints have resulted in a decline in alcohol-related crashes in areas where such checkpoints occur on a regular basis.

Stefi Mar April 14, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Sickle-Cell-Advocates-Sound-Alarm as Georgia Bill Advances

As momentum builds around new sickle cell legislation in Georgia, advocates say a deeper issue continues to threaten the very communities the disease impacts most. Black-led organizations on the front lines are still being shut out of critical funding.

Stefi Mar April 14, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

What to do when inheriting a house that is paid off

Inheriting a house that is paid off puts you in a strong position with built-in equity, though your next steps matter. Start by confirming ownership, reviewing any tax considerations, and weighing whether keeping, renting, or selling supports your financial goals. Taking time to assess the situation early can help you preserve and make the most of the property’s value.

Stefi Mar April 14, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

State of Black California: New Data Shows Black Californians Falling Behind as Leaders Convene at UCLA to Confront Crisis


New data showing rising unemployment and widening economic gaps for Black Californians framed a statewide conference at UCLA, where more than 200 advocates, policymakers, elected officials, scholars, entertainers and community leaders gathered to examine the conditions facing Black Californians and to push solutions for a thriving Black California.

Stefi Mar April 14, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Bonta and Weber Pierson Lead on State Health Policy as Disparities Persist

Nearly 6 in 10 Californians delayed or skipped medical care in the past year because of cost, and 4 in 10 reported their conditions worsened as a result — trends that disproportionately affect communities already facing disparities, including Black Californians.

Stefi Mar April 13, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

You, Me & Tuscany

She loves him. She loves him not. He loves her. He loves her not. One woman. Two men. She’s living a lie and falling in love under the Tuscan sun.

Stefi Mar April 13, 2026
Arts & Culture
James Luckey

Miss Fashionetta 2026, Mr. Gent 2026 Crowned at Bakersfield Scholarship Gala

Eight Kern County high school students were honored for leadership, academic achievement and community service during the 2026 Miss Fashionetta and Gents Program in Bakersfield, where Madisynn Brown and Abdur Clark were crowned this year’s top honorees. The longstanding initiative continues to invest in youth through mentorship, scholarships and personal development.

James Luckey April 13, 2026
Women
Kathleen Untalan

A DREAM COME TRUE: Angel Reese is traded to the Atlanta Dream

Atlanta’s own, Taylor Rooks, took to Twitter/X to report the Chicago Sky would be trading Angel Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star, to the Atlanta Dream. The news would later be confirmed by multiple outlets. The Dream acquired Reese in exchange for Atlanta’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. The Dream also receives the right to swap second-round picks with the Sky in 2028. 

Kathleen Untalan April 13, 2026
African Americans
James Luckey

Political Candidates and The Black Press

The Black Press which we know as our Black newspapers, are the institutions we recognize and trust. How then can a candidate say he or she respects and wants the Black vote when they refuse to advertise their candidacy with Black newspapers, i.e., the Black Press.

James Luckey April 12, 2026
Bakersfield
Stefi Mar

A New Home, A New Chapter: Bakersfield Opens Senior Affordable Housing in the Southeast

For Rita McArn, moving to Bakersfield from Kansas City was an act of faith. She came to be close to her family and for the weather. Today, she is one of the first residents of the newly opened 610 4th Street Apartments, a 16‑unit senior affordable housing development quietly transforming a corner of southeast Bakersfield.

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026
African Americans
Stefi Mar

Historic Black Baltimore Community Secures $3.15M Federal Grant for Flood Relief

After decades of persistent flooding and property damage, Turner Station, a historic Black community in Baltimore County, has received a federal grant to the tune of $3.15 million for flood resiliency and mitigation upgrades. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), alongside Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier and leaders from Turner Station Conservation Teams, announced the funding on March 12.

Stefi Mar April 7, 2026