A river runs through Bakersfield? Judge rules the Kern River must be allowed to flow

“Environmental activists in Bakersfield have won an initial victory in their legal fight to keep water flowing in the Kern River, which for many years was reduced to a dry, sandy riverbed.

A judge has granted a preliminary injunction preventing water diversions that would dry up the river, requiring sufficient water to provide for fish and keep the Kern flowing in the city.

William McKinnon, an attorney for Water Audit California, said the court’s decision “gives the environment a seat at the table, the negotiating table.”

“We’re very excited about this because I think it’s going to bring life to the Kern River, and that’s going to bring life to downtown Bakersfield,” McKinnon said. “I think that’s pretty damn cool.”” [Read More]