As the dispute over the forfeited Kern Delta water stretches into its 14th year with much of that time being spent in total stalemate, the various parties involved have at last come back to the negotiation table in "secret mediation talks."

This is potentially a great step for Bakersfield once again having a flowing river, but we need to remain vigilant these negotiations actually result in an outcome that is favorable for the river and, if there are comprimises, that any comprimises result in sufficient benefits to merit whatever is given up. Bring Back the Kern will continue to monitor new developments and keep you posted so you can be involved and make your voice heard.

This isn't a time for us to sit by and wait. Rather, it's time to keep up the pressure so that all parties involved in this mediation effort clearly understand that any resolution that doesn't bring back a flowing river will be an unacceptable resolution. So please share this petition and get others to sign - having more signatures on this petition is a powerful way of showing community support for this critical cause.

To read more about the newest developments in greater detail, see the article below. Reading SJV articles is free for all, provided you create a login. If you don't want to create a login, you can wait until The Bakersfield Californian runs the story to read it.