Aug 26, 2025
Ribbon cutting recognition: Eagle Scout Marshall Sanchez, 17, is honored by Kern County leaders for raising money to improve the Children’s Visitation Center play area—a space where families reconnect and heal. PHOTO COURTESY BIANKA PANTOJA, KCAO
The Kern County Board of Supervisors and the Kern County Department of Human Services recently honored 17-year-old Marshall Sanchez for completing a remarkable Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout community project. He raised $10,500 to enhance Kern County’s Department of Human Services’ Children’s Visitation Center’s (VCV) play area, a vital space where reunifying families can reconnect in a safe and supportive environment.
In 2023, the CVC, located at 150 Tulare Avenue in Bakersfield, supported 430 family reunifications. Now, thanks to Marshall’s project, the Center features a brand-new basketball court, a renovated wooden playhouse, soccer gear, benches, and interactive games, all designed to bring joy, comfort, and healing experiences for children and their families.
What began as a simple service project quickly evolved into a mission of compassion. Inspired by a close friendship and a connection to DHS, Marshall witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by children and families and responded with impactful action. His dedication exemplifies how young people can lead with empathy, making a lasting difference in their communities.
The Eagle Scout is the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts of America, and only four percent of scouts have earned this distinction. Achieving this rank shows a scout’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to service, as they have to complete 21 merit badges and a community service project to qualify. For more information, please visit The Southern Sierra Council’s website at www.sscscouts.org. To hear more of Marshall’s story, check out the latest episode of The HeartBeat of Human Services, available now on Spotify.
Naomi Rodriguez poses for a photo with students from one of the schools she visited this summer as part of CSUB's first faculty-led trip to Dominica. PHOTO COURTESY CSUB
Thirteen CSUB students, along with their faculty advisor, spent two weeks in Dominica to earn college credit and learn more about culture and health on the Caribbean Island. While it was geared to psychology majors, it was open to all students.
During the first faculty-led trip to Dominica, students visited primary and secondary schools, met with an island healer, and visited care facilities for the elderly and children who have been victims of abuse. The goal of the program was to educate students on how cultural and health practices often relate to and inform each other about how cultural factors can have a significant impact on health.
“Their eyes were really opened. They saw things they weren’t expecting to see,” says Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Heidi McLaughlin, who led the program. “It was really impactful for them to see the difference how care can differ drastically between public and private institutions. It was interesting for the students to see that while America has disparities, other countries have disparities too.”
For more information, please visit https://news.csub.edu/a-beautiful-enriching-experience.
Kern Medical has earned national recognition from the American Heart Association (AHA) for its commitment to high-quality patient care. The hospital received the Get With the Guidelines ® - Stroke Gold Plus award, along with inclusion on the Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. This prestigious recognition reflects the hospital’s dedication to following the latest evidence-based clinical guidelines to improve outcomes for patients experiencing stroke and managing Type 2 diabetes.
This award also highlights the exceptional work of Kern Medical’s clinical teams and reinforces their mission to provide the highest standard of care to every patient. For more information, please visit www.kernmedical.com.
The Bakersfield Community Land Trust (BCLT), in partnership with the City of Bakersfield and Self-Help Enterprises, recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to start the construction of 14 affordable homes across sites in Bakersfield. These homes will be sold to first-time, low- and moderate-income buyers through a community land trust model that keeps them affordable for generations. Two homes will be offered through a public lottery, now open through September 10. For more information, please visit www.bakersfieldclt.org.
This project marks the launch of a long-term, community-based solution to housing affordability in Bakersfield. The new homes will feature modern, energy-efficient designs and provide access to supportive services for first-time buyers. By separating land and home ownership, the community land trust model ensures permanent affordability while helping families build equity and stability.
The Kern Council of Governments awarded the Advanced Planning team with Kern County Public Works’ Transportation Division a $22,000 grant aimed at promoting safer streets for everyone who walks or bikes in Kern County. These vital funds will support a two-year initiative focused on educating residents about bicycle safety, road-sharing etiquette, and the importance of pedestrian awareness.
As part of the campaign, the Public Works’ Transportation Division will distribute safety helmets and bicycle maintenance kits to encourage safer riding habits and better preparedness on the road. To learn more about this campaign and community outreach events, check out their newly launched Instagram page @kerncountypublicworks.
