Nov 25, 2025
East Side Aquatic Center PHOTO COURTESY KERN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Kern High School District recently announced the grand opening of its East Side Aquatic Center on the Highland High School campus. As the district’s second aquatic center, this state-of-the-art facility includes a 50-meter pool designed to support local and regional competitive events for swimming, diving, and water polo programs.
In addition, the pool was designed to serve as an asset to the community by offering swim lessons and youth swimming through scheduled civic use, promoting a culture of community engagement, health, and fitness. This project has been made possible by the generosity of the 661 Foundation and Measure E, a general obligation bond approved by Kern County voters in 2022.
Colonia Park Shafter PHOTO COURTESY OF KERN COUNTY
The County of Kern celebrates the grand opening of La Colonia Park, located at 30714 Martinez Street in Shafter, and its significant investment in neighborhood revitalization and community wellness. La Colonia is the County’s second pocket park and was made possible with over $1.1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
What began as a vacant lot has been transformed into a welcoming gathering place for the entire community. Planning for the project began in 2020 and involved extensive community engagement, where residents helped shape the park’s design and amenities based on what mattered most to local families.
PHOTO BY JEFF MALET, WESTERNU
Kern Medical has partnered with Western University of Health Sciences to expand physician training in Kern County. The collaboration creates a pathway for local students—from Bakersfield College and CSU Bakersfield—to attend medical school at WesternU and complete clinical rotations at Kern Medical.
Plans are also underway for a new medical education and wellness center in Bakersfield, offering advanced training facilities and community health programs. This partnership supports Kern Medical’s mission to grow a skilled, compassionate healthcare workforce for the region.
This Holiday Season, mark your calendars to visit the Bakersfield Giving Machines from December 13 through January 3 from 9 am to 9 pm in the Shops at Riverwalk. Sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you will spot these red vending machines near Crumble Cookie and DSW Shoes. Instead of offering candy or soda, these machines will provide opportunities to give to five local nonprofits and/or two global charities. It’s a creative way to give to those in need, making your own holiday even more meaningful.
HolidayLights at CALM Zoo, presented by Adventist Health, is back for its 23rd year, transforming the California Living Museum into a glowing winter wonderland. From November 29, 2025, to January 3, 2026, visitors can stroll through millions of lights, enjoy unlimited train rides, meet Santa, and get creative at The Pines Creation Station.
