Apr 30, 2026
PHOTO COURTESY RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT
The nonprofit Shoes That Fit and The Wonderful Company recently teamed up to distribute over 500 pairs of brand-new, athletic shoes to students at Sequoia Elementary School. For most students, going to school means learning, playing, and spending time with friends, but many feel anxious about fitting in. Shoes That Fit is on a mission to see that every child deserves a chance to move forward with confidence. A new pair of properly fitted name-brand athletic shoes doesn’t just protect growing feet;; it also helps children participate on sports teams and at recess, stay active and healthy, and walk into school feeling proud instead of self-conscious.
“One in seven children in the United States lives in a low-income family, and shoes are one of the most expensive items for families to provide. When families have to choose between putting food on the table or buying new shoes for school, you can imagine that food wins every time,” says Amy Fass, CEO and Executive Director of Shoes That Fit. “The simple gift of a pair of shoes can increase a child’s confidence, attendance, and performance at school, and we are so thankful to the Wonderful Company for taking the time to make such a positive impact on these kids.”
Named a California Nonprofit of the Year, Shoes That Fit delivered new athletic shoes to more than 218,000 children across 50 states last year alone. For more information, please visit www.shoesthatfit.org or www.csr.wonderful.com.
PHOTO COURTESY DIGNITY HEALTH BAKERSFIELD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
Memorial Hospital recently completed its brand new Pediatric Operating Rooms within the Lauren Small Children's Center, which will soon be fully operational. This occasion marks the successful culmination of a vital $23 million expansion project, significantly enhancing the hospital's capacity to deliver exceptional pediatric surgical care to children and families in Bakersfield and the surrounding communities.
"This is a truly transformative moment for pediatric healthcare in our community," says Ken Keller, President and CEO of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. “For years, children in Kern County needing surgery often had to leave the area, adding immense stress and logistical challenges for families. With the opening of these dedicated pediatric surgical suites, we are fulfilling a long-held promise to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive care right here at home."
Susan Hopkins, Manager of Philanthropy at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, says, "The Lauren Small Children's Center is more than just a collection of specialized units; it’s a testament to the enduring impact achieved when dedicated hospital leadership, profound philanthropic spirit, and the unwavering support of the Children's Miracle Network unite. These new surgical suites truly complete our vision, ensuring that families find a beacon of hope and healing right here in Bakersfield, dedicated to securing a brighter, healthier future for every child."
For more information, please visit www.dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.
88.3 Life FM recently announced a significant expansion in its broadcast reach, as American General Media (AGM) officially donated 1180 AM to reach more listeners than ever before, continuing its commitment to providing encouragement, faith-based content, and connection throughout Kern County. Listeners of the previous 1180 AM programming can continue to enjoy their favorite content, now available on its new home at 96.1 FM and 1230 AM.
“It’s always been our dream to find a way to grow deeper into the community of Bakersfield and the surrounding areas. We simply could not be more thrilled with the opportunities that have been provided for us with this new signal,” says Jon Engen, Station Manager of 88.3 Life FM. “Our thanks to AGM and Rogers Brandon for the generosity of helping us bring more hope to our area.”
For more information, please visit www.883lifefm.com.
PHOTO COURTESY CSUB
California State University, Bakersfield’s Concert Band recently performed at a national conference for the first time in its history. The band was one of eight ensembles selected through a competitive blind peer-reviewed process to perform at the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Western/Northwestern Division Conference at the University of Nevada in Reno. The Concert Band performed four pieces at the conference, which the students had been rehearsing since the start of the spring semester.
“An invitation to perform at a CBDNA conference is a significant achievement,” says Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies Dr. Leo Sakomoto. “I feel nothing but pride and gratitude for the students who worked incredibly hard to learn their music and were laser-focused during every second of rehearsal. I hope that the students feel a sense of accomplishment and pride that we were able to share our talents, efforts, and artistry with an audience that may not have been truly aware that such a thing existed at CSUB.”
PHOTO COURTESY KCFM
Kern County Basque Club (KCBC) will host its 52nd Annual Basque Festival during Memorial Day weekend, May 22 through May 25. The festivities will begin with a film screening of Karmele (2025) on Friday, May 22, at CSUB’s Dore Theatre from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Directed by Asier Altuna, Karmele (presented in Euskara with English subtitles) tells a story of resilience and dignity in the face of oppression during the Spanish Civil War. Based on the real-life experience of Karmele Urresti and Txomin Letamendi and inspired by the novel Elkarrekin Esnatzeko Ordua (Time to Wake Up Together) by Karmin Uribe. Join the director for a Q&A conversation after the screening. Altuna will be available for Q&A after the screening.
The festival continues on the 23rd and 24th at the KCBC Clubhouse, 2301 S. Union Avenue, Bakersfield, with a Basque breakfast at Wool Growers on Monday, May 25th. For a full lineup of all the cultural activities, games, and fun, visit https://kcbasqueclub.com/basque-festival/.
Did you know? The Basque language, Euskara, is one of the oldest in Europe. It’s so unique that it isn’t related to any other language on Earth.
Peace and Harmony by Aliza McCracken
Local artist and author, Aliza McCracken, has released a new inspirational art book just in time for Mother's Day. This beautiful creation features her vibrant artistry and uplifting messages for every reader.
"I am so delighted to share these reflections on cultivating inner peace and harmony. As always, it is truly an honor to create something meaningful for our community." - Aliza McCracken
Aliza's books are available through aliza-mccracken.square.site. A portion of the proceeds will benefit fine arts and educational programs throughout Kern County.
