Residents press council to keep Kern River flowing, expand tree canopy and address illegal dumping in Southeast Bakersfield

At the June 20 city council meeting a steady stream of public commenters urged the council to protect and enhance Bakersfield’s environmental assets and tackle persistent illegal dumping in Southeast Bakersfield.

Students and environmental advocates from Bring Back the Kern and Stockdale Environmental Club emphasized the social, ecological and cooling benefits of keeping water flowing in the Kern River and promoted community events to build public support. Speakers argued that a flowing river supports riparian habitat, helps with carbon sequestration and provides cooling — civic and public‑health benefits especially in extreme heat.

Tree advocates and the Sierra Club told the council to adopt and enforce appendix H of the city’s tree plan, require monthly reporting on tree removals and plantings, and reallocate funds toward planting and protecting mature trees. Professor Ana (CSUB) and Eddie Lane (Sierra Club) requested that the advisory group’s recommendations be turned into enforceable policy.

Separately, developer representatives described privately funded cleanup of more than 100 acres in Southeast Bakersfield and asked the city to support enforcement, signage and ongoing abatement so private investment can proceed. Council members acknowledged the long‑running problem and directed referrals to the police department for stepped‑up enforcement and to the city manager’s office for potential funding assistance.

Attribution: Testimony and requests were made by JC Medina, Giana Mascarino, Steven Montgomery, Max Pacera, Tina Lie, Jesse Bowman and Eddie Lane during the public comment portion of the June 20 meeting.