kern river | Valley Public Radio

Killer Kern: Should The County Do More To Prevent River Drownings?

By Joe Moore • Aug 1, 2017

Country legend Merle Haggard's famous song about the Kern River isn't just a musical gem, it's also a warning:

It's not deep nor wide,
But it's a mean piece of water my friend.
I may cross on the highway,
But I'll never swim Kern River again.

With Heightened Focus On Dam Safety, Lake Isabella Plans Move Forward

By Joe Moore • Feb 16, 2017

When Isabella Dam was built back in the 1950’s northeast of Bakersfield it was hailed as a great engineering achievement. The structure held back the mighty Kern River to provide water for farmers and communities, and helped protect the Southern San Joaquin Valley from floods.

Kern County: Lake Ming Could Dry Up By July; Bakersfield Gets No Kern River Water

By Joe Moore • Jun 4, 2015

California’s drought is about to hit Kern County in a big way. FM89’s Joe Moore reports on why officials are concerned Lake Ming could dry up next month.

Officials call the situation unprecedented. With the Kern River projected for its lowest level since records began in 1894, the City of Bakersfield has announced that it won’t get any new water from the river this year. The city is currently drawing down what little water it has stored in Lake Isabella, and that’s likely to be exhausted by mid-July.

Despite Drought, Officials Warn Kern River Is Still Deadly

By Jason Scott • May 22, 2015

Kern County Fire Department Facebook page

California’s drought has caused many lakes and rivers to drop to low levels; but officials say it hasn’t eliminated the risk of drowning. FM-89’s Jason Scott reports on why one local river is of particular concern.

The Kern River is one of many popular spots travelers will flock to to this Memorial Day weekend. But officials warn that despite the drought, the river can still be deadly, especially if people ignore safety precautions.

Al Watson is a ranger with the Sequoia National Forest. He says the river can still pose a drowning hazard despite its low levels.

Bakersfield Man Recalls Kayak Trip From Kern County To SF Bay, 30 Years Later

By Joe Moore • Jul 1, 2014

This month CNN journalist John D. Sutter is on a mission to kayak the San Joaquin River from Fresno to San Francisco Bay. We spoke with him last week on Valley Edition as he seeks to document the stories along what has been called America's most endangered river.

On Quality of Life: Kern River; Foreclosures

By Joe Moore • Apr 26, 2011

Segment 1: The Kern River Flows Through Bakersfield Once More? - The Kern River has long been known as one of the wildest rivers in the west. But far below Lake Isabella, as the channel makes its way through the city of Bakersfield, the days of a wild river, or for much of the year a river at all, are long gone. However, a new proposal from the City of Bakersfield aims to do what many thought would never happen, return year round water to the river through the city, creating a new community amenity.

On Quality of Life: Earthquakes; Lake Isabella Dam

By Joe Moore • Mar 29, 2011

California is known worldwide as a state especially prone to earthquakes. The 1994 Northridge quake and the 1989 Loma Prieta quake are still fresh in the mind of many Californians. But deep in California's Central Valley, far from the San Andreas, and the state's major population centers, what are the risks to residents and our infrastructure? In our first segment we talk with Dr.