[{"_1":2,"_118":-5,"_119":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,85,95,106],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6511896,"mediaKeyId","5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73","parentId",5127949,"title","Meadows Field to allow Uber service; county names new airport director as SB 661 seeks dedicated aeronautics funding","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",307000,"endMs",447000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73&start=307&end=447","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73/thumbnail_307000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511896/Kern-County/California/Meadows-Field-to-allow-Uber-service-county-names-new-airport-director-as-SB-661-seeks-dedicated-aeronautics-funding","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511896-8262f98e2bb262dd3729ec94fc6c27a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094244&Signature=D6v9VLdoTgMPWoATGrQ51xEKjdPNg2pjdYGtOTtxl0d46pvrZVXgUys4tsZdjdllsgT6pcQNntQDNgavTbruVQRX4dw2eRGusZ61KK-pN4m3Ogsf~-Jz6hZZljauzLcOZKdY9~tHc6v-NRdNy7PLARF-cyq4Y1G~EocmFiWtB9vrbI6Gis2U5-ZkNjdSQ~J8VCyLhT30GaaFoqxYjADkG2GRJJ11ST~0dh5UMtGpwiEvBTsGp9V2iXQ5LmvMFyxvy4FFpjOzeieGB1LG46Ue7rD9wbBGgHHUlj9Zku0IBTxv4fXg5rr~6roZKQ2HB2HG2WQYXFAdQmO-eyTSpVWp8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-01T19:09:25Z","article","Kern County said travelers can call an Uber to and from Meadows Field Airport starting July 1 as part of broader efforts to expand transportation options for residents and visitors.

The county also announced the appointment of Bill Lemanc as the new director of Kern County Airports. Lemanc was appointed by the Kern County Board of Supervisors and is scheduled to begin the position on July 12, according to the county segment. The segment said Lemanc has more than 30 years of aviation experience and most recently served as business development director at Newport News Williamsburg Airport in Virginia.

At a press event at Meadows Field, county and city leaders and airport representatives also voiced support for Senate Bill 661, the “Aero Act,” authored by state Senator Melissa Hurtado. The segment said SB 661 would redirect sales tax on jet fuel currently flowing into the state general fund into an aeronautics account to provide a consistent funding source for California airports. Senator Melissa Hurtado, speaking at the event, said the bill aims to support Central Valley airports and local economic opportunities: “I know this Central Valley very well, and I know that we're a resilient community. And that's what SB 661 is all about.”

Why it matters: Local leaders say the combination of improved ground transportation, new airport leadership and potential state funding could help Meadows Field expand service and support regional economic development. The segment did not provide details on the county’s role in SB 661 or any local financial commitment if the bill passes.

The segment did not include vote details or dates for the Board of Supervisors’ appointment vote, nor specific projected funding amounts from SB 661 if enacted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Around Kern County, Episode 111","oneSentenceSummary","Kern County announced Uber service to Meadows Field starting July 1, the appointment of Bill Lemanc as director of Kern County Airports effective July 12, and local leaders highlighted Senate Bill 661 (Aero Act) as a potential funding source for airport improvements.","taxTitle","Kern County, California","taxId",2913,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":44,"_47":79,"_49":80,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6511900,"Kern County launches new economic development website and dashboard, officials say",59,248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73&start=248&end=307","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73/thumbnail_248000.jpg","/articles/6511900/Kern-County/California/Kern-County-launches-new-economic-development-website-and-dashboard-officials-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511900-29a63081ab47422a0ce7697e167618e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094244&Signature=Gp9PRJu6eghGXsv~egpUnq3jybZfg52f~xhdSWtYjCdrmhYRcw2ZnOlfVbEwsrvsoOLli1YHd1E8cj9uXMo9W4NEUwyJ8rzFdSLRCaDfW1AI5zHTNVt2HS7lw3GseYmLpJbWXgX7s2Uaf8d2gVX8u9vZlsUW81y68DipB80Zx1PvRLbLD5NVL1jBSNzDzYiwTPSVbqKFgt8DxWOHFvgeSxGnHbjGX4D3gHGfNWgEmihb9pASor9X6c4a6rrA4~zDUZzmooV8zBwSWrW7gJTpBaQg6cxlztrqER89Ly3fK0QwA57P2~udYA0ZP9W~7zH69A1FwxjZUFn2JotVctASNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kern County launched a new economic development website and interactive dashboard the county says will help entrepreneurs, investors and residents explore local demographics, key industries and business trends.

Economic development analyst Jasmine Hernandez introduced the site in the county’s segment and described it as a “one-stop shop destination for business growth, investment, and innovation.” The site includes a dashboard updated quarterly with data on demographics and key industries from energy and agriculture to aerospace and logistics, the segment said. The site is accessible from kerncounty.com or via a QR code shown in the county’s program.

Why it matters: The website is intended to centralize county data and resources to help prospective and existing businesses evaluate opportunities and navigate local economic development supports.

The segment did not list specific programs, application links, or initial metrics showing site traffic or expected business uptake.","Kern County unveiled an economic development website with an interactive dashboard for demographics, industry data and business resources; county analyst Jasmine Hernandez highlighted tools for entrepreneurs and investors on the site.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":77,"_43":88,"_45":78,"_47":89,"_49":90,"_51":91,"_53":92,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":93,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":94,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6511905,"Kern County Fire urges safe fireworks, warns against illegal sales and use",189000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73&start=189&end=248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73/thumbnail_189000.jpg","/articles/6511905/Kern-County/California/Kern-County-Fire-urges-safe-fireworks-warns-against-illegal-sales-and-use","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511905-c847e3078c34b6e4e74e318c7d8abe7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094244&Signature=YQI9TPCY4qj-dHcXOp71p52hFf5LOUsnIn4lDLX2HtT-cOWHhSauX0H5X13~Eqm~IvCR9vxe5KmCX7u-cbsiccwDzhbzf8t6yCIOActnjJG7k4AYQbdNk~RpKNWYQarMXHA3KsRBZjSvwCG39KonT7k7Z006E4992XhlW2Pw5rMWbqAUbxIA03YIngX12jM9okEVJ8go9LG8N9g~kkMBvjY1C23S0F2BShl9ZSl3GFc39wNBG9kYwm9JpJHLBVvLT2seTugESywURH7rEql~cVegEXDqNYhDDFRSDIqA4Kyven2W3-gkc3d9aDXMPj9~loqPuba3MoFLN45LUmqveg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kern County Fire advised residents ahead of the July 4 holiday to buy only legal fireworks from permitted booths and to check for the California State Fire Marshal 'safe and sane' seal, the county’s public information segment said.

The department warned that illegal fireworks can closely resemble legal items and that using illegal fireworks could result in citations. The segment reiterated that fireworks are not allowed in the county’s mountain communities and provided reporting avenues: the segment cited the website youlightit,wewriteit.com and a free app (referred to in the segment as the \"my current app\") for reporting illegal fireworks.

Why it matters: Illegal fireworks increase the risk of fires and injuries, particularly during dry summer conditions. Kern County Fire’s reminders are part of standard seasonal public-safety messaging ahead of Independence Day.

The segment did not specify enforcement thresholds, citation amounts, or which specific communities are included in the \"mountain communities\" restriction.","Kern County Fire reminded residents that legal, 'safe and sane' fireworks go on sale July 1 in most communities, advised buying only from permitted booths, and said fireworks are banned in mountain communities; illegal fireworks may carry citations.",{"_33":96,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":97,"_41":98,"_43":99,"_45":88,"_47":100,"_49":101,"_51":102,"_53":103,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":104,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":105,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6511910,"Ridgecrest's Leroy Jackson Park upgraded with ARPA funds, officials say",45,144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73&start=144&end=189","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73/thumbnail_144000.jpg","/articles/6511910/Kern-County/California/Ridgecrests-Leroy-Jackson-Park-upgraded-with-ARPA-funds-officials-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511910-83716e0d161724c98f9f7dc6886d26ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094244&Signature=ggCFV2tPeGGFvZ5MHU2AjH2u4b84MfKW-vcSK2mRzvqaGkVmvb5VPfZpgvzu1krOkIP8Aqd0ZCfEszo~ZxmcamTe-665gd-HUchxwTxeyHST9vStlLdefgGDZhjnyuHjta7gr~lVoOaXrQaagZDFtQvo4KwBv1k3akAtu0flr9d08fWErpLr-uvJTsLP3QAPJCfuqAc2O4iG0f2lY5Z99oLlbYCuPn3EvUrI4f3qD0UJ52BYwR6scgWMm7i58sMN2vS7qpYyVWfekg-5ZJVQpJRO0Lkuy5~DEhyEsPgQR9cypL~8JbhxDtDLoyXR5enD56Kwvc4jX6MrDmh7~bzC~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ridgecrest city leaders and Kern County officials marked improvements at Leroy Jackson Park this month, the county’s public segment reported. The upgrades were funded with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, county officials said.

Improvements include a new shaded play structure, upgraded safety play surfaces and improved accessible walkways and parking designed to make the park more usable for children and visitors with mobility needs.

Why it matters: The use of ARPA funds for local recreational improvements is part of federal pandemic-relief spending that communities have allocated for capital projects, health and economic recovery. City and county leaders said the upgrades create a more enjoyable park experience for all visitors.

The report did not name the Ridgecrest mayor or provide the exact ARPA allocation amount for this specific project.","Officials celebrated improvements at Leroy Jackson Park in Ridgecrest funded by American Rescue Plan Act money; upgrades include shaded play structure, improved safety surfacing and accessible walkways and parking.",{"_33":107,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":108,"_41":109,"_43":110,"_45":111,"_47":112,"_49":113,"_51":114,"_53":115,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":116,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":117,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6511915,"Riverside Park reopens in Kernville after $2.2 million restoration",63,45000,108000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73&start=45&end=108","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5127949-ac867564baf4c06a0dac2eaefeb70a73/thumbnail_45000.jpg","/articles/6511915/Kern-County/California/Riverside-Park-reopens-in-Kernville-after-22-million-restoration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511915-349227d23a303bf1c3a46c2f32dde68f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771094244&Signature=OxDL8V0Ect580xzwivhPwBpyzVmxBWpnh2ypOanYe2ZfFmrwYrbWB~11buTX~CqrqvBY57q7UbVP3YSeC-3RJIVBNt-2voIl9BkPNztY51YKlIZiL880PISgUF7htdN3zNgTe2wKW9g1mbyEq92TIwPJWcu4Ix19HPFgssKspzWDQPJBXs2CJvczUlGew3u4P1H8uEEqey5s7x1uSP5-NwqPKp5C9Zk9CaWEw~i8z2CeAWjYkKCMpy4vSb6jaKJCKGRz8JdiMhWiz3SMsGoBXDpxZUPI~V6edjPmPjpE9hOWTOC1Pn7iwccIkdVS8nlwh-QSaD8WrrW4ebwxjVV1tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Riverside Park in Kernville officially reopened June 13 following an extensive restoration after historic flooding in 2023, county officials and community members said. First District Supervisor Philip Peters joined Kern County General Services and local residents to mark the reopening.

The rehabilitation included accessible parking and walkways, picnic tables and benches, a new basketball and pickleball court, exercise and play equipment with safety surfacing, barbecues, new turf and irrigation, and a raft launch area. The segment on the county’s public information program said the work was completed through a $2,200,000 investment to better serve residents and visitors.

Why it matters: Riverside Park is one of the county’s most visited parks and a focal point for recreation in the Kern River Valley. The restoration aims to return the park to service and improve accessibility and recreational features for both residents and visitors.

County and local leaders credited county staff for coordinating repairs after the flood. Supervisor Philip Peters said, “Really, I mean, the way that this all happened was, just a tremendous effort by, county staff, the way general services came together, even public works, to try and repair some of the damage up here.”

A resident who attended the reopening celebration said patience paid off: “We’ve waited patiently, and I always tell people patience being patient is, like, the greatest skill anyone can master. ... When they finish the park, we were just so happy having the park reopened.”

Background: The park was underwater during 2023 historic flooding. The county-provided segment did not specify the source(s) of the $2.2 million investment or whether the funding was county, state, federal, or a mix.

Riverside Park’s reopened facilities are expected to serve local families and visitors, with river access, new courts and improved accessibility.","Riverside Park in Kernville reopened June 13 after repairs and upgrades following 2023 flooding. County supervisors, General Services and community members marked the reopening; the site received about $2.2 million for accessibility, courts, play areas and river access.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Meadows Field to allow Uber service; county names new airport director as SB 661 seeks dedicated aeronautics funding

Kern County launches new economic development website and dashboard, officials say

Kern County Fire urges safe fireworks, warns against illegal sales and use

Ridgecrest's Leroy Jackson Park upgraded with ARPA funds, officials say

Riverside Park reopens in Kernville after $2.2 million restoration