public interest Archives

Judge considering whether to bring in more defendants on the Kern River case

August 2, 2024

• by Lois Henry

Combatants over the Kern River met in court again Thursday to argue over the City of Bakersfield’s motion seeking an order to compel the plaintiffs to bring in all the rights holders as defendants. Kern County Superior Court Judge Gregory Pulskamp told the phalanx of attorneys on Thursday he would consider the arguments but did…

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Dead end river: Fish carcasses starting to pile up in stagnant pools at the Kern River’s western end

February 16, 2024

• by Lois Henry

Avid cyclist and angler Jonathan Vegas was thrilled last fall when he read that a local judge had issued an injunction requiring the City of Bakersfield to keep enough water in the Kern River to support fish populations. “It’s a dream of mine to be able to leave my backyard, take a two mile trip…

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Judge limits Bakersfield’s take of Kern River water and orders all sides to the drawing board over fish flows

December 28, 2023

• by Lois Henry

Kern County Superior Court Judge Gregory Pulskamp issued a modified injunction on Kern River flows Wednesday that curbs the City of Bakersfield’s take and orders all rights holders to consult on how much water is needed for fish. On Nov. 14, Pulskamp had ordered 40% of the river’s flows be kept in the stream bed…

The Law of the River

VIDEO: Where does the water go? How the Kern River is divvied up

August 11, 2022

• by Lois Henry

Where does the water go? The Kern River’s abrupt stop, practically mid-channel, can be jarring. The full river suddenly goes dry just outside Bakersfield leaving a dusty channel snaking through the heart of town. Why? Where does all that water go? Who owns it? How does it all work? Our video project, “Law of the…

NEWS

Judge considering whether to bring in more defendants on the Kern River case

Dead end river: Fish carcasses starting to pile up in stagnant pools at the Kern River’s western end

Judge limits Bakersfield’s take of Kern River water and orders all sides to the drawing board over fish flows

VIDEO: Where does the water go? How the Kern River is divvied up

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