Aug. 3: Bakersfield Increased Its Sewer Rates. Kern County Is Suing To Stop Them.
Summary
This episode covers Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer’s ban on data centers and the return of the Fresno Falcons hockey team. It also details faculty protests at State Center Community College over pay and benefits. The main segment features an interview with Peter Siegel about Bakersfield’s controversial sewer rate hikes, the resulting lawsuit from Kern County, and debates over infrastructure funding and Proposition 218 compliance.
Topics discussed
Intro: Bakersfield sewer rate hikes and headlines
Fresno mayor bans data centers in city limits
Fresno Falcons hockey team returns to Selland Arena
SCCC faculty protest for union benefits and pay
Bakersfield triples sewer rates for infrastructure
Interview: Origins of the sewer rate increase debate
Interview: Infrastructure needs and resident opposition
Interview: Kern County sues over Prop 218 violations
Interview: Legal stakes and financing models
SEIU joins lawsuit and show credits
Listen ad-free on Castria