Valerie Cassity
Special to the Sun

Kern River Valley Revitalization (KRVR) held their monthly Community Meeting last Wednesday, March 3, to discuss local current events and topics. 

CERT  Training has begun Dean Ott, leader of the Kern Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) gave a presentation about CERT’s role in the area and what CERT members can and cannot do in case of an emergency.

Developed in Los Angeles in 1985, CERT’s goal is to have a trained population in case of a natural disaster; trained citizens to help prior to first responders’ arrival. CERT training will take place March 6, 13, and 20 from 9-5 at the First Baptist Church in Lake Isabella.  Training is free but a $20 book must be purchased.  Training focuses on disaster preparedness, medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, terrorism, and more.  For additional information, or to RSVP to the training, contact Dean at ott_dean@yahoo.com or call 760-379-2797.

Bring business to East Kern

George Passantino, marketing director for the new East Kern Economic Alliance (EKEA) gave a presentation on the group’s “branding effort” for the region.

“A brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room,” he explained.

EKEA is a coalition of organizations, county government, and businesses seeking to attract commerce and investment into eastern Kern County, i.e. Mojave, Rosamond, California City, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, Inyokern, and the Kern River Valley.

The tagline is “Innovation. Rising.”  The goal:  To attract big businesses into the region with a focus on aerospace and alternative energy.  To learn more about EKEA, visit www.eastkern.org.

Kernville Chamber update

Vice President Cheryl Borthic reported the Whiskey Flat Mayor candidates brought in more than $30,000 in donations; $12,000 went right back into community organizations including AYSO, Youth Football, BMX track, SAL, Kern Valley High School’s ECHO academy, and more. 

Borthick added the Kern County Board of  Trade gave the Chamber a grant to redesign its website.

Living Green Festival coming soon

Richard Rowe said he anticipates the Living Green in the KRV Festival being bigger and better this year, thanks to the 40 volunteers on 18 committees that are helping to make the event a success.

He reported “Green Leprechaun” kickoff dinner on March 17 is nearly sold out. The dinner will be held at the Oddfellows Hall and will feature an exhibit of recycled art created by children and adults.

If your child would like to enter the kids recycled art contest, or you would like more information about the Living Green Festival email Richard Rowe at eworinkrv@mchsi.com.

KRVR meets the first Wednesday of every month, and the public is encouraged to attend.  The next meeting is on Wednesday, April 7, at 9 a.m. at the Kernville Chamber Building.  For more information, visit www.krvr.org.