South Kern (see
map) - located in the unincorporated region of Southern Kern County along
the I-99 corridor - is rich in natural resources with a large agricultural base,
and is home to large numbers of farm workers. With a population of 65,000, this
region of Kern County has a number of challenges including high rates of
poverty, substandard education, unhealthy air and water, and inadequate
infrastructure and public services.
However, this community also has
strong network of organizing and advocacy partners working to ameliorate the
deplorable living conditions many of these families must endure. Though they are
under-resourced, the community-based service providers valiantly work to meet
the residents' needs. In addition, the political leadership in the region is
committed to improving the health of its residents and the environmental
conditions that contribute to poor health.
Though the challenges may
seem vast, the high level of community engagement makes it an ideal place to
build a healthy community. The California Endowment is excited by the wealth of
opportunity for improvement in the region and envisions a robust and vibrant
movement within this community that will ultimately result in positive,
meaningful and sustainable changes for the residents of South Kern County
Leadership
Mayor:
City Council:
County Supervisors:
Governor: Jerry Brown (D)
State Senate: Darrell Steinberg (D-6)
State Assembly:
Roger Dickinson (D-9)
Alyson Huber (D-10)
U.S. Senators:
Dianne Feinstein (D)
Barbara Boxer (D)
U.S. Representatives:Doris Matsui (D-5)
|
|
|
