Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap for December 16, 2025

The Kern County Board of Supervisors met today as scheduled for Tuesday's December 16, 2025, Board Meeting. Supervisor Phillip Peters (District 1), Supervisor Chris Parlier (District 2), Supervisor Jeff Flores (District 3), Supervisor David Couch (District 4), and Chairwoman Leticia Perez (District 5) were in attendance. For information on how to address the Board on a specific agenda item or provide general public comment, please click HERE.

Meeting Highlights:

Item No. 5 AM session:

During Board Member Announcements or Reports, Chairwoman Perez recognized the Sheriff's Activity League (SAL) for it dedicated work and commitment to youth in our community. She also recognized Employers' Training Resource for its inaugural Youth Job & Resource Fair.

Item No. 6 AM session:

The Board declared the results of the Statewide Special Election held November 4, 2025 official as certified by the County Clerk.

Item No. 7 AM session:

The Board adopted a Resolution authorizing the Director of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services or Designee to Sign 988 Crisis Call Services grant related Agreements subject to approval as to form by County Counsel.

Item No. 14 AM session:

The Board approved the proposed Agreement with City of California City for provision of fire protection duties and enforcement of State Fire Marshal regulations by Kern County Fire Department from January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, in the amount of $4,561,904. You can watch the presentation HERE.

Item No. 19 AM session:

The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Kern County Library and Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program for "Books for Kids" program providing free books to families to encourage at-home reading from January 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027.

Item No. 20 AM session:

The Board approved a temporary license Agreement with American Red Cross for use of Rosamond Branch Library Community Room for Community Blood Drive on Tuesday, January 12, 2026.

Item No. 23 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with Bakersfield Recovery Services, Inc., to provide Sober Living Environment (SLE) services for male and female AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,389,564.

Item No. 24 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with The Brown Family Home to provide Sober Living Environment (SLE) services for male and female AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,095,000 (Fiscal Impact: $1,095,000; AB 109.

Item No. 25 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with Freedom House Recovery Homes to provide Sober Living Environment (SLE) services for male and female AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $2,030,641.

Item No. 26 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with Cottage of Hope and Gratitude to provide Sober Living Environment (SLE) services for male and female AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,123,470.

Item No. 27 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with Special Treatment Education and Prevention Services, (STEPS) Inc. to provide Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Educational Services for AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $340,369.

Item No. 28 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with Third Tradition Venture, Inc., to provide Sober Living Environment (SLE) services for male and female AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,502,128 (Fiscal Impact: $1,502,128; AB 109 Realignment.

Item No. 29 AM session:

The Board approved an Agreement with Garden Pathways for Education, Vocational, Employment, Mentoring case management and other evidence-based services for AB 109 individuals from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,018,828.

Closed Session - Item No. 34 Public Employee Appointment/Employment and Performance Evaluation

In closed session, the Board appointed Craig Murphy as the next Director of Planning and Natural Resources, effective December 27, 2025. Mr. Murphy has served as interim Director since August 23 of this year.

Item No. 3 PM session:

The Board held a hearing for the request of Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department for Revisions to Title 19- Kern County Zoning Ordinance Code - 2025 (B) (All S.D.s). The Board adopted the resolution and recommended findings and enacted the ordinance amending Title 19 of the Kern County Zoning Ordinance Code (2025) (B).

The Staff Report can be found HERE.

Item No. 4 PM session:

The Board approved a proposed Request for Release of Funds (RROF) and Environmental Clearance Certification for Lamont Public Utility District Water System improvements using Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) Funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The proposed project consists of improvements for the connection of two water lines that intersect with Main Street and serve approximately 200 properties.

As part of the action, the Board authorized the Chairman to sign the necessary documents and authorized the Planning and Natural Resources Director to submit to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Item No. 13 PM session:

The Board approved proposed Amendment No. 3 to Agreement 017-2020 with Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) to operate the "M" Street Navigation Center extending the term from December 16, 2025 through June 30, 2028, in an estimated amount not to exceed $6,966,780.

Item No. 14 PM session:

The Board approved agreements with Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in the amount of $45,000 and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in the amount of $65,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 contributions.

Item No. 16 PM session:

The Board approved contributions to National Ski Patrol System, Inc., in the amount of $500, to support safety on the Kern River Bike Path; Greater Lighthouse Community Outreach Inc., in the amount of $500, to support seniors in need; and Bakersfield City School District Education Foundation, in the amount of $500, to enhance classroom activities.

Item No. 18 PM session:

The Board approved Amendments to Agreements with the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdoes Prevention Task Force participants to extend the term of agreements through April 30, 2026.

Item No. 19 PM session:

The Boad adopted a Resolution of Intent to set hearing for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. for proposed 20-year non-public utility franchise to Cardinal Pipeline, L.P., for oil, natural gas, and produced water pipelines.

Item No. 20 PM session:

The Board held a public hearing on proposed Resolution and Ordinance amending Franchise Ordinance F-633, as amended by Franchise Ordinance F-670, granted to Valley Water Management Company, to reduce the franchise area, update the use and size of pipeline, and reduce the bond amount. The Board made a finding action is exempt from further CEQA review per section 15301 of state CEQA guidelines, adopted the resolution, and enacted the ordinance.

Item No. 23 PM session:

The Board adopted the proposed Resolution of Intent to set hearing for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. for proposed grant of 20-year non-public utility franchise to Kern Ridge Growers, LLC, for irrigation water pipelines.

Item No.32 PM session:

The Board adopted a Resolution to name the District Attorney's press room the "Edward R. Jagels Press Room" in honor of former District Attorney Edward R. Jagels.

Item No. 35 PM session:

The Board approved Amendment No. 3 to Agreement 545-2023 with Kern County Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 1301, to propose terms for former California City employees transferred as part of Fire Department, providing fire protection and enforcement of State Fire Marshal regulations for California City, effective December 16, 2025.

Item No. 36 PM session:

The Board approved Amendment No. 4 to Agreement 545-2023 with Kern County Firefighters Union, IAFF Local 1301, to amend the existing staffing resource plan and add one firefighter position to selected locations at the discretion of Fire Chief, effective December 16, 2025.

The next Board Meeting for selection of Chairman is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

The next Regular Board Meetings are scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.