Kern County’s Public Services Are in Crisis: Fix Kern Now

Crumbling Infrastructure Threatens Public Safety

Kern County's roads and highways are in an unacceptable state of disrepair. Despite approving millions of dollars in road maintenance budgets, the County spent nearly 30% less for personnel than was allocated, leaving vital infrastructure neglected. The consequences are dire: shredded tires, crumbling sidewalks causing serious injuries, and accidents due to poorly lit roads. Multiple claims have been filed, including cases of severe injuries and fatalities—such as amputations and deaths from accidents caused by unsafe road conditions. Women, in particular, have raised concerns about the dangers posed by failing streetlights, which increase their vulnerability at night. These issues underscore the urgent need for the Board of Supervisors to prioritize public safety over budgetary neglect.

A Child Welfare System in Crisis

Children in Kern County are facing alarming risks under the county’s child welfare system. Between 2020 and 2023, children with allegations of maltreatment were 288% more likely to die in Kern County than the statewide average. The county also reported one of the highest rates of deaths among children with open welfare cases—3.3 times higher than the state average. Despite these efforts, children in danger are left without adequate protection, reflecting a system in need of immediate reform.

Emergency Services at a Breaking Point

Kern County’s 911 centers are dangerously understaffed, putting residents at risk during critical emergencies. Chronic underfunding has led to uncompetitive wages, high turnover rates, and hundreds of vacancies across essential departments. Senior county workers now earn 10% less than they did five years ago, adjusted for inflation, exacerbating staffing shortages. This lack of resources directly impacts the public, as delayed response times can mean the difference between life and death in emergency situations. The Board of Supervisors must take immediate action to ensure these positions are filled and adequately compensated to meet the community's needs.

Mental Health Services Failing Those in Need

The lack of comprehensive mental health services in Kern County is a public safety crisis. Without proper support, individuals struggling with mental health issues are left vulnerable, contributing to an unsafe environment for everyone.

In 2023, the ratio of therapists to residents in Kern is 410:1 and in California it’s 220:1, meaning Kern has 54% less access to therapists than the average Californian.

Data from 2017-2021 shows that in Kern County, there were 13 deaths by suicide per 100,000 people. In California, there were 10 per 100,000.

According to the California Department of Public Health, there were 321 deaths due to opioid overdose in Kern in 2023, or 37.0 deaths per 100,000 in population. Kern’s opioid death rate was 78% higher than the statewide average of 20.8 per 100,000. In 2023 alone, that represents an additional 141 Kern residents who would not have perished if Kern’s average matched the state’s.

Short staffing in the County Department of Behavioral Health and Recovery Services means residents with mental illness who should be getting help are not getting it.

Kern County Workers Are Experts—But Their Voices Are Ignored

County workers are the backbone of Kern's public services, yet their expertise is disregarded by management. From social workers handling overwhelming caseloads to road maintenance crews working with insufficient resources, employees are consistently prevented from delivering the quality services the public deserves. Despite proposing practical, cost-effective solutions to improve operations, workers are met with resistance from upper management. The Board of Supervisors must engage with these frontline experts to create meaningful change.

Demanding Accountability from the Board of Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors has consistently failed to allocate public funds to critical departments effectively. While Kern County boasts a strong financial position, the mismanagement of resources has left public services underfunded and residents underserved. Fixing Kern County isn’t just possible—it’s necessary and urgent. Residents and SEIU Kern County members are united in demanding accountability and action to create a safer, cleaner, and healthier community.

A Call to Action

The time for change is now. Kern County can no longer afford to ignore the dire state of its public services. From fixing roads and addressing child welfare crises to staffing emergency services and improving mental health care, the solutions are clear. It’s time for the Board of Supervisors to listen to the experts, allocate resources effectively, and prioritize the well-being of Kern County residents. Together, we can Fix Kern.