Bob Barnes
Special to the Sun

Kern River Valley resident and community activist Emily Diggles has a vision of a downtown Lake Isabella. The vision shapes itself from several components. Diggles sees sidewalks for pedestrian safety and use, street and parking lot landscaping, and western-themed architecture and architectural facades. She sees a walkable “Old Town Lake Isabella” district, high quality and themed signage, shaded bus benches, and downtown pocket parks that would build a sense of community by drawing people together.

“Imaging downtown Lake Isabella with beautification so complete that weddings are being scheduled in our vest pocket parks,” envisions Diggles. “I also see lots of special events in the parks, lots of festivals downtown, and sidewalk celebrations complete with sidewalk paintings and wind sculptures that celebrate our windy days.”

South Fork Woman’s Club President Vicki Fernandez, left, hands Emily Diggles a check for $100, the club’s donation to help offset the costs of maintaining the plants and trees along Lake Isabella Blvd.

Diggles has already “talked the talk and walked the walk” for years through her work to beautify grounds along Lake Isabella Boulevard by securing a $750,000 grant to improve the safety and beauty of Lake Isabella Boulevard through scheduled landscaping, sidewalks and curbs.

“I need and want help from others who share the vision of a beautiful downtown Lake Isabella,” said Diggles.

She has been purchasing items such as sprinkler heads, risers, fertilizer pellets, weed killer, hedge shears, pruners, leaf rakes, weeding tools, gloves and buckets out of her own pocket. Upon learning this, Vicki Fernandez, President of the South Fork Woman’s Club rallied her forces and they responded with a donation of $100 last week. “She’s been paying for all the supplies by herself!” Fernandez said.

In total alignment with her philosophy and degree of caring and action, Diggles started a Downtown Lake Isabella Beautification Fund the the Kern Community Foundation. She has made a personal investment in the Fund of $10,000, a significant portion of her estate.

Diggles wants to put together an advisory committee to help build and direct the CGD Downtown Lake Isabella Beautification Fund, even in a future where she is unable to participate. For more information, contact Emily Diggles at digglese@aol.com or by writing to P.O. Box 592, Bodfish, CA 93205.