Youth Voices for Safer Streets in Bakersfield: Natalie’s Story

When Natalie remembers her high school days in Bakersfield, she doesn’t just think about the long walks home. What stands out most is the constant feeling of danger. She remembers streets lined with schools, a high school, a middle school, and an elementary school all packed onto the same road. Kids had to navigate through traffic without sidewalks or stop signs. Walking home never felt safe.

While still in high school, Natalie joined ACT Bakersfield and worked with her friends to address the dangers on the roads and sidewalks near their schools and parks. In their overlooked, low-income neighborhood, they faced the lack of safe infrastructure every day.

She shares one personal moment that sparked her commitment:
“I was at the community center near a park, but there was no crosswalk. Cars just wouldn’t stop, and my friend and I had to run across the street. It made me realize that if it was that scary for us, imagine how dangerous it was for little kids walking home.“

Natalie and her youth group wanted to show what their streets were really like. They took photos, gathered stories, and wrote speeches based on their own experiences. Young people noticed dangers that city leaders often missed. Their goal was simple: share their perspective directly with those in charge.

When the group shared their findings with the Bakersfield City Council, their work led to real changes. Now, a new stoplight and crosswalk connect the community center and park. Crosswalks near the high school have fresh paint, and new stop signs help slow down traffic by the school. The city also plans to rebuild the street that links all three schools.

For Natalie, these changes are about more than just safer streets. They show that young people can make a real difference.

We didn’t just make one area safer. We helped create the idea of a safer neighborhood for everyone.

The youth worked with the Greenfield Walking Group, a local group that cleans parks and organizes community events.

Their relationship with city council members made their advocacy stronger and helped them feel more confident when speaking. “They already knew what we were there for,” Natalie says. “It made our presentation stronger because we had support.”

Now that she is in college, Natalie is still active in her youth group. She sees how young people can influence city planning and raise awareness of communities that are often overlooked.

“A lot of city funding goes to housing and shopping centers, but our communities, the ones that already exist deserve that same investment.”

One crosswalk can change everything.
Natalie’s advocacy turned unsafe conditions into safer streets and inspired actionable solutions.

When young people speak up, cities respond and communities become better.

Youth know what their communities need.
Support youth-led change across California, support youth and make All Children Thrive.

Story 2

A Journey of Collaboration: Making Bakersfield’s Parks Safer for All

In the heart of Bakersfield, California, lies a community united by a shared vision: safer parks and routes for all. For three years, the Greenfield Walking Group, Vision Y Compromiso, and All Children Thrive – CA have embarked on a journey fueled by passion, dedication, and collaboration.

On April 13th, 2024, the David Head Center in Lamont buzzed with anticipation. Excitement hung in the air like a promise of change as community members, young and old, gathered to celebrate their collective achievements.

The event was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the power of unity. Guest speakers took the stage, their voices ringing with conviction as they highlighted the significance of youth and adult collaboration in community safety initiatives. Through their words, it became clear that change is not the product of solitary efforts but the fruit of collective action.

A dynamic youth panel captured the audience’s attention, sharing stories of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Their experiences painted a vivid picture of the impact that safer parks and routes have on the lives of community members, inspiring all those present to redouble their efforts in pursuit of a common goal.

Amidst applause and cheers, an award ceremony shone a spotlight on individuals and organizations whose unwavering dedication had propelled the cause forward. Their contributions, large and small, were a testament to the ripple effect of kindness and determination.

But perhaps the most powerful moment of the day came during the commitment ceremony. As participants stood with the glow of shared purpose, it became clear that this was more than just a celebration—it was a promise. A promise to continue the essential work of promoting safety and accessibility in their community, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

Notable figures such as Mayor Karen Goh graced the occasion with their presence, offering words of encouragement and solidarity. Gema Perez of the Greenfield Walking Group and Nataly Santamaria of Vision Y Compromiso stood tall, their spirits undimmed by the trials they had faced along the way.

As the event drew to a close, a sense of optimism permeated the air. Though the journey towards safer parks and routes was far from over, the community had proven that together, they were capable of overcoming any obstacle.

The people of Bakersfield stood united in their resolve. In their hands lay the power to shape the future—a future where parks are not just spaces of leisure, but sanctuaries of safety and inclusivity for all. A place where safe routes protect youth and families as they thrive in their communities.