Kern county

Health-protective Buffer Zones Headed for the 2024 California Ballot

March 3, 2023 | By Marissa Urias

Last year California celebrated a major victory in the passing of SB 1137 (Gonzalez, Limon), a bill meant to ensure that oil companies wouldn’t be able to drill new oil wells within 3,200 feet of vulnerable locations such as hospitals and schools.

Person in filtering industrial face mask standing next to welcome sign for Bakersfield CA (Life as it should be)

Keep California Safe: Oil Companies Are Risking Our Health With This Referendum

December 1, 2022 | By Grace Lee

SB 1137, meant to take effect January 2023, requires oil and gas companies to keep their drilling at least 3200 ft from hospitals, schools and other vulnerable areas. Big Oil responded by filing a referendum just 3 days after it was signed into law. If they collect enough signatures, the measure will be stalled until 2024.

Organizing For Community Safety in Lost Hills, California

April 8, 2019 | By Jesus Alonso

Last month, the Comité Lost Hills En Accion, a group of community members that I work with to advocate for public health and community wellbeing measures in Lost Hills, invited representatives from Caltrans to do a presentation on the expansion of Highway 46. Highway 46, which runs through the Lost

Comité Lost Hills En Accion Meeting With Caltrans

Pursuing Environmental Justice In Kern County

February 19, 2019 | By Jesus Alonso

Clean Water Action has been working with communities in Kern County since 2014 to bring resources and attention to the needs of local residents in order to advocate for community health protections and improved regulations on the oil and gas industry.

Behind Those California Water Headlines: Problem Solved! Let's All Go Home!?

July 6, 2016 | By Jennifer Clary and Andrew Grinberg

What's behind the recent headlines on California groundwater? Does a new study suggest the problem is solved, and that we can all go home? Er...no!

Helen and Cesar Chavez with six of their eight children in 1969 near Delano, California. Standing from left are Anna, Eloise and Sylvia. Seated from left are Paul, Elizabeth and Anthony. (Photo: United Farm Workers)

Remémbrense — In Memory of Helen Fabela Chavez, 1928 to 2016

June 13, 2016 | By Rosanna Esparza

On June 6, 2016 we said goodbye to Helen Fabela Chavez, a first generation Mexican American, wife, mother, activist, union bookkeeper and visionary, born in Brawley, California.

Not much is known or documented about women activists in the United Farm Workers of America (UFWA). History rarely cites