Take Our River Back

Anyone who has lived in Bakersfield for any length of time expresses frustration with the dry riverbed that runs through the city.

Download and sign this petition if you would like to restore water to the Kern Riverbed through BakersfieldThe mighty Kern River -- home to some of the most daring whitewater rapids in the West -- is tamed by canals in and around Bakersfield and diverted from its natural flow through the heart of the city. Only when we get heavy rainy seasons do we see the true Kern River at play within Bakersfield. And what a difference that water makes in recharging our acquifers, attracting wildlife and generally giving us a visual and psychological lift. Who can resist a ride or walk along the 26-mile-long Kern River Parkway when it's in its natural state, something beautiful that's a magnet rather than a repellant?

That's why The Californian is encouraging all local residents to sign a petition urging state officials to permanently grant the city of Bakersfield a disputed share of Kern Rever water rights, a move that would ensure water flow is restored.

Californian columnist Lois Henry has been pushing for change for years, and explains her reasoning and the urgency in getting the public to lobby for this change. Our publisher, Ginger Moorhouse, shares similar reasoning.

If you care about quality of life in Bakersfield, please read their opinions. If you agree with them, please take a few moments to print out and sign a PDF version of the petition, and then mail it to state officials so they can introduce your support in the public record. But hurry, all petitions must be received in Sacramento by Feb. 9 or they won't be considered.

Your support is critical to driving this change, which would have enormous benefits to the city for years to come.