Fifth Annual Autism Awareness Car Parade & Family Festival

April is Autism Awareness Month! Join the Kern Autism Network, Inc. for its 5th Annual Autism Awareness Car Parade & Family Festival on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beach Park, 3400 21st Street. Following the Autism Car Parade, there will be food vendors, bounce houses, and more to visit in the gated softball diamond. This event has free admission, but registration is required. It sold out last year. For more information, please visit www.kernautism.org and click on the Eventbrite link.

---

CSUB Hosts Annual Engineering Day

As part of its annual Engineering Day, about 400 local high school students recently visited the California State University, Bakersfield campus to learn about engineering programs and careers. The College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (NSME) hosts the event in conjunction with National Engineers Week in an effort to inspire the next generation.

“Kern County needs more engineers; we need more innovators and problem solvers who will shape the future of the community,” Dr. Jane Dong, dean of NSME, told students. “As the only four-year university in the area that offers ABET-accredited engineering programs, we take great pride in our responsibility to inspire, to educate, and to create opportunities for young minds like yours.”

For more information, please visit www.news.csub.edu.

---

Congressman Fong Invites High School Students to Participate in 2025 Art Competition   

Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) invites high school students within California’s 20th Congressional District to compete in the 2025 Annual “An Artistic Discovery” Congressional Art Competition. High school students (grades 9 – 12) from portions of Kern, Fresno, and Tulare counties who live in California’s 20th Congressional District can submit artwork on a wide variety of subjects and mediums. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 11, 2025, to Congressman Fong’s Bakersfield or Clovis offices. The winning entry will be prominently displayed in a corridor leading to the United States Capitol for one year.

All artwork must be an original concept, two-dimensional, and no larger than 26” x 26” (the measurement should allow for framing) and 4” in depth. Paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc.), computer-generated art, photography, drawings, collages, and prints (lithographs, silk screens, monotypes, woodcuts, and intaglio methods) are acceptable. The winner of the overall competition will receive roundtrip airline tickets to travel to the exhibit opening in Washington, D.C. in June.

In addition to the overall winner, awards will also be given to students who place first, second, and third in the following three categories: photography, computer-generated art, and artwork of all other mediums.  For further information, please contact Congressman Fong’s Bakersfield office at (661) 327-3611 or any high school art department in California’s 20th Congressional District.

---

CSUB Education Graduate Programs Receive Nationwide Ranking

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) ranks nationally in Money Magazine’s Best Graduate School in America. In partnership with College Factual, Money Magazine has rated CSUB’s education master’s programs five stars in the Best Education Master’s Programs for Your Money category. CSUB was one of 32 universities from across the nation to be ranked in the education programs category.

“I’m thrilled that CSUB once again made Money Magazine’s Best in Graduate Schools in America (rankings),” says Elizabeth Adams, interim associate vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of academic programs. “Our graduate student Runners are doing amazing work across the disciplines and throughout our region. CSUB continues to foster and build dynamic and relevant programs in graduate education. Being Kern County’s university (and Antelope Valley’s) means offering master’s and doctoral programs needed by the economies and communities we serve.”

For a complete list of rankings, please visit www.money.com.

---

Skye on the River: Reimaging Okihi

When Stephen and Catherine Winters, founders of White Wolf Wellness, decided to put their creativity and expertise towards reimagining Okihi by the Kern River, they knew they had found their passion. This 14-acre piece of land has been dedicated as a space for nature, education, and community.

On Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m., you can help celebrate this magical retreat with their fundraising event, Skye on the River, at Okihi’s Outdoor Amphitheater, 13227 Round Mountain Road. This night will feature local musicians, curated by Crimson Skye, performing under the stars with a panoramic Kern River view. On property, you can enjoy food and drinks while you meet Okihi’s wildlife: horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, and chickens. Stay for the concert or extend your stay for the night in a fully equipped RV rental, glamping tent, or bring your own tent to camp at one of their sites.

For ticket information and to learn more about Okihi, visit www.okihi.org.

---

Rio Tinto US Borax Donation to the Kern County Fire Department

Recently at the Kern County Board of Supervisors, Rio Tinto US Borax made an impressive donation of $200,000 to the Kern County Fire Department. This generous contribution will directly support the personnel and resources needed by the Fire Department. Given the current high demand on local firefighters, it is essential that they receive the support and resources they need and deserve. For more information, please email kuwaharas@kerncounty.com.