Community Publishers Name KCFM Double Award Winner

KCFM recently won two 2025 Best of the Best Awards from the Association of Community Publishers (ACP). Out of over 880 entries from 30 publishing members, representing 145 titles, KCFM received 1st place for the Andrew E. Shapiro Cancer Foundation Cancer Awareness Award and 2nd place for Best Front Page, Color, Glossy Cover. The judging was performed by students and faculty of Columbia State College in Columbia, Tennessee, using a combination of in-person and virtual judging, both in a group setting and individually.

“Any publication recognized in the ACP Best of the Best contest should be incredibly proud of their achievement,” says ACP executive director Cassey Recore. “They are competing against the most talented writers, designers, and some of the most compelling special sections, covers, core publications, and from our entire membership and across the country. Earning that distinction is no small feat.”

The Andrew E. Shapiro Cancer (AESC) Foundation was established to engage news media, including free papers and newspapers, to encourage publishers to join the fight against cancer. Andrew E. “Andy” Shapiro was Chairman of Metro Graphics and worked with publishers for more than 40 years. He lost his two-year battle with non-smoking-related lung cancer in October 2005. In tribute to his life and work, this award recognizes publishers who go above and beyond to fight cancer in their communities.

This award was given to KCFM based on Callie Collins’ Hello, Happy Mama article, “Hello, Happy Encouraging Mama,” featuring local champion Stana Bright. As a three-time breast cancer survivor, Stana has become an advocate for early detection. Spotlighting these types of stories helps spread awareness and shows the power of local publishers. KCFM’s August 2024 cover was a second-place winner featuring a photograph of a young boy and his dog taken by Stacey Leigh Photography.

ACP is a professional business association that represents community publishers nationwide to provide a platform for publishers to connect with industry partners, share best practices, and access valuable resources to grow their businesses. For more information and a complete list of award recipients, please visit www.communitypublishers.com/awards.

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Historic Woolworth’s Lunch Counter Returns to Downtown

After nearly four years of meticulous restoration, the beloved Woolworth's lunch counter at 19th and K streets will make its triumphant return with a soft opening later this month and its grand opening celebration in October. Primary owners Emily and Sherod Waite have gone to extraordinary lengths to preserve the historic lunch counter in its original form, calling the project "our love letter to Bakersfield."

The iconic 75-year-old luncheonette, which has served countless burgers and milkshakes since 1950, will reopen alongside expanded dining options, including an additional bar, outdoor seating, and a basement music venue. The Waites have followed the National Park's historic roadmap for every part of the renovation, ensuring preservation for this downtown landmark.

"We'll still be flipping burgers just a couple of feet away from customers," says Emily Waite. "From day one, making that happen has been important to us."

A soft opening is planned for late summer, with the grand opening celebration set for October 25th from 3-7 pm, featuring a block party and ribbon cutting ceremony. For more details about the soft launch, please visit www.historicwoolworths.com/luncheonette.

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New CEO Named for LinkEd Public Schools

LinkEd Public Schools’ Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Greg West as its new Chief Executive Officer. This announcement will also help to strengthen The Central Academy of Arts and Technology by expanding its enrollment, deepening its community impact, and building the infrastructure to sustain long-term success.

West brings more than two decades of experience in education, locally, beginning at Garces Memorial High School, and he also helped launch the early college and dual enrollment programs at Wonderful College Prep Academy. Then he served as Principal at Grow Public Schools and later as Director of Central Operations for the Grow Charter Network. He served for five years at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), where he worked alongside all 46 districts in the county to fulfill the Kern Education Pledge.

“As a proud Bakersfield Native, this community shaped who I am, and I’m deeply honored to join LinkEd Public Schools at such a pivotal time. As we work to create more school choice, I’m committed to helping us build something lasting for Central Valley families,” West says.” Growth means more opportunity, more support, and more innovation, but it only matters if our families feel seen, heard, and empowered. I can’t wait to partner with you to keep building something extraordinary for our kids and our community.”

For more information, please visit www.caatcharterschool.org.

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Wonderful Company Opens Application for Community Grants

The Wonderful Company recently announced that its $1 million Wonderful Central Valley Community Grants application period is now live. Over the past 10 years, The Wonderful Company and its co-owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, along with their foundations, have awarded more than $8.5 million in grants to more than 142 nonprofits and 165 schools in the San Joaquin Valley.

Each year, The Wonderful Company, the Resnicks, and their foundations invest more than $35 million in community development, education, and health and wellness initiatives across the Central Valley and beyond. The Wonderful Central Valley Community Grants program is at the heart of the company’s ongoing commitment to being Wonderful Neighbors, supporting the communities where its employees live and work.

All applications must be received by midnight on August 31 to be considered. The 2025-26 class of Wonderful Community Grants recipients will be announced in October. For more information or to apply, visit www.wonderfulcommunitygrants.com or email communitygrants@wonderful.com.

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Books in Motion ®: Dance + Literacy

In collaboration with the Kern County Library, the ninth annual Books in Motion ®: Dance + Literacy is back this summer, featuring 12 books performed by 12 Kern County dance organizations in 50-plus performances at more than 20 locations. Each program includes a live dance performance (in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language) based upon well-known children’s books; a mini dance class where children will learn a short dance that reinforces the book’s theme; a book-theme inspired crafting session to promote role playing; and a free book to encourage reading at home.

Children are encouraged to attend as many performances as possible to collect all 12 books. For more information and to see the remaining performance schedule, please visit www.kerndance.org/BIM/.

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Adventist Health Honored for Maternity Care Excellence

Adventist Health Bakersfield was recently recognized by Blue Shield of California with a Blue Distinction ® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation, as part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care Program. To earn this distinction, each facility must deliver quality care, safely, and cost-effectively.

The Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program plays a key role in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) efforts to build healthy communities to support members where they live and work and improve patient outcomes for all Americans. To align with this strategy, the Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care program enhanced its quality and measurement standards to recognize facilities that have taken action to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies, promote fair and inclusive healthcare, and improve maternal health outcomes.

For more information about the program and for a complete list of the designated providers, visit www.bcbs.com.