Mayor Goh opens Bakersfield City Council meeting with invocation and student participation

The Bakersfield City Council convened for its regular meeting on July 9, 2025, at 5:15 PM, presided over by Mayor Karen K. Goh. The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming the presence of all council members, including Vice Mayor Coore and Council members Arias, Weir, Smith, Komen, and Bashir Tash.

The session began with an invocation led by Reverend Joe Baca, the chaplain of the Bakersfield Fire Department. Reverend Baca, who has served in this role for three years, offered prayers for wisdom and guidance for the council as they make decisions affecting the community. Following the invocation, John Oh, a senior at Centennial High School and a city hall intern, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Goh highlighted John's impressive accomplishments, including his roles as a youth commissioner and president of the Chemistry Club, as well as his participation in various extracurricular activities.

The meeting proceeded smoothly, with the council members expressing gratitude for the contributions of both Reverend Baca and John Oh. The council's agenda was set to address various community issues, although specific discussions and decisions from the meeting were not detailed in the provided transcript.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community engagement and the importance of youth involvement in local governance. Further discussions and decisions from this meeting will likely be available in future broadcasts and on the city’s website.