ADAKC Appoints New Executive Director

          The Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (ADAKC) welcomes Tamara Baker as its new Executive Director.  Combing leadership, community engagement, and project management skills, Baker is ready to guide ADAKC into an exciting new phase of over four decades of service to the Kern County community.

          “More than her professional accomplishments, Tamara brings a personal touch to her role, drawing from her own experiences with Alzheimer’s disease within her family,” says Donna Sharp, ADAKC Board President and Regional Director of Community Health for Dignity Health Mercy and Memorial Hospitals.  “This deep personal connection, combined with her roots in Kern County fuels her passion for ADAKC’s mission and her dedication to positively impacting the lives of those dealing with the disease.”

          As Executive Director, Baker will direct ADAKC’s strategic operations, including its valued day programs and staff, while also serving as a key representative to the community.  For more information, please visit www.adakc.org.

KCFM’s 27th Annual Summer Camp & School Fair is BACK!

            Meet camp representatives and learn how kids can have the best summer ever at KCFM’s 27th Annual Summer Camp & School Fair on Thursday, April 11th from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Westside Church of Christ’s Gym.  This family-friendly FREE event is the perfect place to learn more about summer camp opportunities for kids of all ages, abilities, and interests. For booth information call Leslie at 661-861-4939 and for event information, please visit www.kerncountyfamily.com. 

Bakersfield College Welcomes New President

          Bakersfield College welcomes Dr. Jerry Fliger as its new President.  Dr. Fliger’s appointment by KCCD comes after a comprehensive nationwide search, aimed at finding a visionary leader capable of navigating the complex challenges facing higher education today.

          Previously, Dr. Fliger held the position of Vice President for Instruction at College of the Mainland in Texas City, Texas. During his tenure, he achieved a significant milestone by transitioning the college to a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. He also led the launch of various new programs in both academic transfer and workforce development and established an Academic Master Plan aimed at enhancing student access. Dr. Fliger has a comprehensive background that encompasses vital roles in instructional leadership, the development of academic infrastructure, and fostering relationships with industry partners, including the creation of specialized workforce training programs for the aerospace sector.

          For more information, please visit www.bakersfieldcollege.edu. 

The Open Door Network Awarded $9 Million for New Homeless Shelter

          A $9 million community project funding allocation, included in the recently passed Transportation and Housing and Urban Development bill sponsored by Congressman David Valadao, will be given to The Open Door Network (TODN) for their new homeless campus. TODN’s new homeless campus is scheduled to break ground this year with the support of public and private dollars, to ensure much-needed services for homeless women, families, and youth.

“This much-awaited community funding will give our organization a jump start to constructing a state-of-the-art facility, including needed emergency shelter and critically needed services for those facing homelessness and abuse,” says Lauren Skidmore, CEO of TODN. “We could not make this project happen without Congressman Valadao’s support.  This project is going to truly transform clients and families who are experiencing homelessness and provide important services on-site, such as childcare, after-school programs, workforce development and healthcare services.  This project is necessary to reduce homeless families throughout Kern County.”

JJ’s Legacy’s 14th Annual Gala Brings Awareness to National Donate Life Month

Every April, National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors, and honors those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. Local nonprofit, JJ’s Legacy’s 14th annual Tropical Nights Gala on April 20 at 6 p.m. at Stockdale Country Club honors the life of Jeffrey “JJ” Johns and helps raise money and educates Kern County residents about this important issue. 

            For more information on organ donation, please visit www.donatelife.net and for more about JJ’s Legacy’s community work and Gala, please visit www.jjslegacy.org.

10 Kern County Schools named to 2024 California Distinguished Schools

Congratulations to 10 Kern County middle schools and high schools that were recently announced as part of the 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program.  These schools are acknowledged for closing the achievement gap and demonstrating exceptional student performance.

Local schools named to this distinguished list include:  Bakersfield City, Chipman Junior High; Bakersfield City, Paul L. Cato Middle; Delano Joint Union High, Cesar E. Chavez High; Fruitvale Elementary, Fruitvale Junior High; Lost Hills Union Elementary, A.M. Thomas Middle; Panama-Buena Vista Union, Earl Warren Junior High; Panama-Buena Vista, O.J. Actics Junior High; Panama-Buena Vista Union Elementary, Rio Bravo-Greeley Elementary; and Wasco Union High, Wasco High. 

For more details and to see how your children’s schools measure up, please visit www.caschooldashboard.org.