I have had numerous Bakersfield residents reach out to me recently inquiring about what they can do to help renew our efforts to amend the R1 city ordinance to allow for backyard hens. Our work in 2020 was impressive, and we have moved the needle closer to making it a reality. I believe our city will do the right thing eventually and align the existing practice of Backyard Hen ownership in the city by amending the ordinance. Bakersfield is hen friend. It is time to make it legal.
I started the work that led to the amendment to the ordinance which was quickly followed by an annonoumous counter lawsuit, change of council members, and a rescinding of the approved vote around this time two years ago. I just started showing up at the city council meetings. At first it was just me. Then, after about a month and a half, others joined. Our topic clearly had the overwhelming support of the people - and it still does.
The next council meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 4th at 5:15. Backyard Hens is not on the agenda. Citizens are allowed (and should be welcomed - after all, we live in a Democracy) to attend and submit a public comment card. The council will hear up to five comments (speakers) regarding a topic that is not on the agenda. Here's a positive, speakers of a non agenda item get to present at the start of the meeting. Then, you can leave.
Commit yourself (and bring a friend) to showing up and sharing your support for Backyard Hens. This will lay the foundation for our next steps. If the council sees and hears from us over the next several months, and we take back the majority vote in November, our work will go much smoother to once again amend the ordinance.
PLEAE ATTEND AND MAKE A STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR BACKYARD HENS
this Wednesday, May 4th at 5:15.
The address is 1501 Truxtun Ave. The building is located on the south-east corner of Truxtun and Eye Street. You should arrive at least 20 minutes early to find parking and fill out the public comment card. You only need to put your name and topic on the card (NOT YOUR PHONE NUMBER AND ADDRESS). For the topic write, "support backyard hens". Your talk has to be less than three (3) minutes. It is ok if it is short; just not over three (3) minutes. Attending in person is best. I recommend you make seven (7) to ten (10) copies of your speech and turn them in at the start of your talk for the Council Members to have. You may provide any documentation, resources, or literature that you want the Councilmembers to have. If you cannot attend in person, then you should make the following phone call. It is simple and quick. Call (661) 326-3100. Leave a voice mail of your support for Backyard Hens. Your message needs to be less than three (3) minutes. You need to make this phone call before 4:00 PM of the Tuesday prior to the meeting. Your message will be transcribed and added to the official records of the meeting.
Ken Weir, Ward 3, Vice Mayor is up for reelection and he has been adamantly opposed to backyard hens.
Chris Parlier, Ward 7 is up for reelection and he has been adamantly opposed to backyard hens.
Bob Smith, Ward 4 is up for reelection and he has been adamantly in favor of backyard hens. Thank you Councilman Smith!
In a perfect world, Ken and Chris would reach out to me. We could have a respectful dialog regarding the topic and come to a compromise. I have invited them to do this in the past. We could address concerns in a newly amended ordinance. The ordinance that was originally passed could be a starting place for such a conversation. They did not provide any willingness to do this the last go around. Therefore, if we can get a pro Backyard Hens councilmember in either Ward 3 or Ward 7 (or both) we will at least be setup to have the conversations needed to respectfully work together. That would be a good thing for the city of Bakersfield.
Be a citizen and activity participate to make this change happen. Backyard Hens add to the quality of life for families and communities. Attend this Wednesday, may 4th at 5:15.