The City of Bakersfield is proposing to raise residential sewer rates from $239 to $950 a year—a nearly 300% increase set to begin July 1. This massive hike would make our city’s rates higher than Clovis, Yucca Valley, and Fresno—with no phased rollout, no clear industrial accountability, and no protections for working families.

The City of Bakersfield is proposing to raise residential sewer rates from $239 to $950 a year—a nearly 300% increase set to begin July 1. This massive hike would make our city’s rates higher than Clovis, Yucca Valley, and Fresno—with no phased rollout, no clear industrial accountability, and no protections for working families.

Why this rate hike deserves opposition:

  • It unfairly targets residents, even though industries like agriculture and processing contribute heavily to water use—and we don’t know if they’re paying their fair share.
  • It ignores economic realities, hitting working families, retirees, and low-income households the hardest.
  • It acts like a regressive tax—a flat fee means someone living on $15,000 per year pays the same as someone making $120,000, or someone in a $200,000 home pays the same as someone in a million-dollar one.
  • Renters and apartment dwellers have no legal voice in this process, yet they’ll likely see rent or utility bills increase as property owners pass the cost down.
  • There has been no transparency about how rates were calculated or where the funds will go.
  • There is no phased rollout, making this a sudden and destabilizing hit to household budgets.

HOW WE STOP THE RATE HIKE:

Under Proposition 218, this rate hike can be stopped. If a majority (50% plus one) of affected parcel owners submit valid written protest letters before the close of the public hearing, the increase cannot legally go into effect.

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Sign the Prop 218 protest form click here to print form.

2. We’ve prepared short (optional) templates you can send as an add on with your Prop 218 opposition form. Each focuses on a specific concern:

Submit by May 10, 2025 (preferred):

We encourage you to return your protest form and letter to Democratic Women of Kern by May 10, 2025.

You can drop it off at:
DWK Meeting – May 10, 2025
115 E Roberts Lane, Bakersfield, CA

Or mail it to (no later than May 10, 2025):

You are also invited to attend the public hearing and make public comments at the May 28 City Council meeting.

Let’s stand together to demand fairness, transparency, and a better approach. Your voice matters—and your letter could help stop this.

In solidarity,

Hortencia Cabral

President, Democratic Women of Kern

Prepared by Flor Olvera, Corresponding Secretary, Democratic Women of Kern

 

Democratic Women of Kern Scholarship—a fantastic opportunity for three young women graduating high school in May 2025 who are planning to attend college. Please share this with any eligible students who may be interested.

DWK Scholarship Form

22nd Annual Great American Cleanup

https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/b66542da0f9347e08bafe6ca181debb2

Volunteer Application Instructions
1️⃣ Complete all required fields with your personal information.
2️⃣ When you reach the section labeled “Are you working as”, select “Crew Member” from the available options.
3️⃣ Under “Do you know your captain’s name?”, select “Yes – then select Hortencia Cabral or Runa Lemminn”, and proceed.
4️⃣ In the drop-down menu that appears, select “Democratic Women of Kern” as your organization.
5️⃣ Review your application for accuracy and submit it.