Now Is The Time To Act ... We Are Close!

Hello backyard hen supporters. I have not written in a few weeks due to the start of the school year. Life is really busy currently. However, our movement is greater than ever, and you continue to take action to encourage our City Council to amend the current ordinance to allow backyard hens. Two examples: our online petition is over 1,000, and I continue to hear from new supporters that are actively writing Council Members.

Here is what you need to do to help us make this a reality:

1. Write City Council in support of backyard hens. The email address to use is City_Council@bakersfieldcity.us

In the subject line write, "Support Hens All Council Members".

Have every member of the family write their own email. You are encouraged to write multiple times. If you wrote a month ago, write again today.

2. Plan to attend the Wednesday, September 23rd City Council meeting to make a positive public comment. The meeting is either held at 3:30 or 5:15. We will find out closer to the 23rd. Arrive early and fill out a public comment card. You only need to put your name and the topic, "Support Hens", on the card. It is important to have people attend and speak at this meeting. Please make this a priority. No excuses like, "I am not a confident public speaker." All you need to say is, "I support backyard hens. Thank you." If you have been wanting to help; this is how you can make your support count! MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER 23rd.

3. Encourage family, friends and neighbors to write emails to City Council in support of backyard hens. If each of us can encourage one addition person to get involved with support it will be so beneficial.

4. Stay positive and respectful while being relentless with your efforts. There is a small minority of opposition. Do not be drawn in to a negative debate. Continue to be focused on communicating facts and what you what to have happen. What you are asking for is reasonable, fair, and helps improve the "quality of life" experiences for residents of Bakersfield.

5. Vice Mayor Council Member Chris Parlier is still deciding which way to vote on this issue. If you are in his Ward, Ward 7, please contact him directly to make your desire for backyard hens known. His cell number is (661) 496-5476. This is published on the City's webpage so he wants the public to have it. it is OK to call him. His City Email is

City_Council@bakerfieldcity.us. If you email him you should write, "Chris Parlier Support Hens" in the subject line. I recommend you call and email. His vote is very important, and we will not get it if his constituents (Ward 7) do not let him know that you want backyard hens. Ward 7 starts at 99 and Ming by the Valley Plaza Mall and extends east to S. H. Street. Then it moves south along Wible to the west and S. H. to the east until it hits Pacheco Rd. From there it extends west to Stine and east to Monitor St. Ward 7 then extends south to Taft Hwy. It does cross over Taft Hwy in a few areas. That should give you a general idea if you are in Ward 7. Ward 7 residents, call and email Council Member Chris Parlier today, tomorrow, and often. This is important.

Thank you everyone for your ongoing support and action: past, current and future!