we are a non NONPROFIT committed to Redefining + Revitalizing BAKERSFIELd’s URBAN CORE
Urban cores across America have been neglected + abandoned for years, but that trend is changing. Cities are realizing that economic health, quality of life + community perception lies within the success of their centers. As Bakersfield sits on the cusp of a boom, things are changing here too.
The urban core of Bakersfield is a diverse + unique area full of opportunities. It encompasses the Rivera, Westchester, Downtown business center, Eastchester, Oleander-Sunset, Old Town Kern, Homaker + La Cresta/Alta Vista.
To support what already exists + to bring new opportunity, The Hub of Bakersfield’s programs + committees guide, support + work with Bakersfield community members + business owners to create a vibrant + healthy urban core.
Have questions? We have the answers. Scroll below for some FAQs.
Some of the founding board members at a launch press conference in 2019.
Board of Directors
Jorge Barrientos - Director of Marketing + Public Relations, Chain Cohn Clark (Board Chairperson)
Vicheka Ek - Organization Lead, Blue Zones Project
Andrae Gonzales - Bakersfield City Councilman, Ward 2 • CEO, Stewards
Alison Johnson - Human Resources Manager, Aera Energy
Jennifer Johnson - General Manager, The Padre Hotel
Heather Lagenelli - Owner, Locale Farm to Table
Brie Lancaster - Field Marketing Representative, Valley Strong Credit Union
Steve Sanders - Chief of Staff, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office
Jean-Luc Slagle - Creative Director + Owner, Scope Studios
Olivia Snider - Owner, Snider’s Cyclery
Jonathan Yates - Associate Manager of Strategy, The Wonderful Company
Dorian Wheeler - Bakersfield Ward 2 Resident
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Vanessa Barrientos - Program Manager, The Hub of Bakersfield
Frequently asked questions
Q: So what exactly is The Hub of Bakersfield? The Hub of Bakersfield was established as a nonprofit organization in 2019 with a simple but grand mission: to make downtown Bakersfield and surrounding areas a better place to live, work, play and invest for us all.
Q: How do make your mission a reality? We envisioned we’d do this through three different branches: Through events and memorable experiences, creating exciting and novel events that draw people to downtown and highlight what we love about our city, which we call “Happenings.” By creating programs centered around people who believe in this mission, and empowering community members to get involved and make a positive difference for our city “People.” By enhancing the physical world around us, and investing in making more unique spaces in our downtown core, or “Places.”
Q: Where have I seen your work? Our all-volunteer groups have created some amazing projects under The Hub umbrella including Paint the Void, Cash for Arts, the Bloom Mural, Revitalize Old Town Kern and Save Sumner Stations campaigns, Obscura interactive museum experience, Hello Bakersfield podcast, downtown symposium, cohorts of the Innovation Lab, the Urbanist League, and Second Saturday, among others.
Q: How can I help? We believe that a vibrant Bakersfield core requires a rich diversity of people, places, happenings, and artistic expressions. With your help, we can continue to focus our efforts on providing a platform that supports creatives, innovators, artists and entrepreneurs. Your contribution will help us shape the future revitalization of urban Bakersfield. Simply let us know your interest or where you’d like to help by emailing info@thehubofbakersfield.org.