The Kern River Parkway has been a crucial part of Bakersfield for nearly 50 years, but it owes its existence to a small group of locals who stood up to protect it for future generations.

The attached video is an amazing testament to what the Parkway means for Kern County and what involved citizens can help accomplish. But what is a River Parkway without a river?

In the video, you'll see numerous aerial shots showing the river teeming with water. Each of these clips truly show the beauty that the Kern River brings to Bakersfield. 

Unlike in the video, though, in most years the majority of the river through Bakersfield is dry. These drone shots were filmed in one of the wettest years on record, when the water was released into the channel because their was more water than what could be carried in the canals that neighbor the riverbed. It doesn't have to stay that way - California's 9th largest city can and should have a healthy, flowing river, much like what you see in the video.

In 10 days, we have over 700 signatures. Please help us get to 1,000. Have your family members sign, tell your friends about it, and share on social media. By doing your part to support this petition, you are joining the many others who have fought to protect the Kern River. Future generations will thank you!