Oct 29, 2026
Left to right: Holly, 11, and artist Miranda, 11, showcase Miranda's painting, Flower Child, during the Artfest live auction. Photo courtesy of BGCKC
A standout ArtFest moment and two major grants help strengthen youth development across Kern County.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County (BGCKC) celebrated youth creativity and community support at its annual ArtFest, where an original painting by Miranda, an 11‑year‑old Club member, sold for $2,000. Her piece, Flower Child, created during the summer program, was featured as the Signature Piece of the gala’s 1970s‑themed celebration.
Beyond ArtFest, BGCKC continues to expand its youth development programs through new grant funding. The organization received a 2026 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support its Workforce Readiness Program, which provides teens with internships through Career Launch and paid opportunities through the Summer Jobs Program.
BGCKC also announced the launch of Building Bricks of Well‑Being, a hands‑on learning initiative funded by Kern Family Health Care’s Community Grant Program. The program is designed to help counter the effects of chronic poverty and toxic stress by offering structured activities that build resilience and confidence. It will be available at the Armstrong, Stockdale, and Lamont Club locations.
With continued community investment and youth creativity on full display, BGCKC is strengthening opportunities for young people across Kern County.
The holiday season is getting closer, and Santa’s mailbox is officially open! USPS Operation Santa is now accepting letters from children eager to share their holiday wishes and Christmas wish lists with Santa Claus.
Children can send their letters to: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. You can follow along @uspsopsanta on social media.
Loretta Ross. Photo courtesy of CSUB
The Kegley Institute of Ethics (KIE) at California State University, Bakersfield, has announced that professor, author, and activist Loretta Ross will headline its annual Fall Lecture on Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Dezember Reading Room at the Walter W. Stiern Library. The lecture will also be livestreamed, allowing audiences to participate remotely.
Ross will discuss the practice of “calling in,” an approach to addressing disagreements that offers an alternative to cancel culture. The topic is the focus of Ross’ 2025 book, “Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel.” Following the lecture, Ross will sign copies of her book.
The annual Fall Lecture is presented by KIE and provides an opportunity for the community to engage with ideas and discussions surrounding ethics and contemporary social issues. For more information, please visit csub.edu/kie.
Khloe Verdugo. Photo courtesy of Friends of the Shafter Library
Shafter High School junior Khloe Verdugo has come full circle at the Shafter Library and Learning Center (SLLC), turning her childhood passion for art into a creative business that will feature her own library window mural.
In Fall 2019, Verdugo and four classmates envisioned the “Have Dreams” mural on a blank wall across from their classroom. The girls helped select the artist, painted the mural, cut the ribbon at its June 2021 dedication, and earned the Shafter Chamber of Commerce’s Group Art Award in 2022.
Photo courtesy of Friends of the Shafter Library
“This whole process, starting from the mural to the windows, has really been a full circle moment,” says Khloe. “When I think of my art journey at the SLLC, I feel grateful to be part of a community who loves their town. I’ve taken classes at the SLLC since 2nd grade, but my favorites have always been the art classes.”
For more information, please visit https://www.shafterlearning.com/.
A Kern County Search and Rescue team member shares the climbing experience with a young man with physical challenges. Photo courtesy of Courageous Kids Climbing
Idaho-based Courageous Kids Climbing returns to Bakersfield on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon at Action Sports, 9500 Brimhall Road, Suite 400. The event offers free rock climbing for people of all ages with disabilities and special needs.
Individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities can experience rock climbing in an inclusive, supportive environment. People who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, traumatic brain injury survivors, and cancer or burn survivors are also welcome.
Participation in climbing is optional, and attendees are welcome to enjoy the event without climbing. Registration is required to reserve a spot. Interested participants can request a registration packet by replying to the event announcement email or register online at www.courageouskidsclimbing.org.
