Welcome to Boron, California

Entering into Boron, California is a sign welcoming all who travel across its boundaries into a town established in 1925. Marking Boron’s 100th anniversary, the question arises - what has the town accomplished in a century to demonstrate its capacity to serve its residents?  What has the county of Kern done to ensure residents the same services as other towns across the county?

Centennial Crossroads: Boron Residents Rally for Equitable Services and a Brighter Future for Youth - Urgent Need for External Intervention

Boron, CA – May 19, 2025 – As the town of Boron commemorates its 100th anniversary, a unified voice is rising from its residents, demanding equitable access to essential services on par with other communities in Kern County. This growing concern has been amplified by recent observations highlighting disparities in fundamental resources, a perspective underscored by the personal experience of a visitor whose family has felt the impact of these limitations.

While local stakeholders, such as Rio Tinto's U.S. Borax, have recently hosted a Community Town Hall Meeting to outline their contributions and future plans for the town, and organizations like Megan Pater's East Kern County Community Foundation actively advocate for change and pursue grant funding to address critical local issues, the reality remains that significant systemic challenges require immediate intervention at the county, state, and federal levels.

Established in 1925, Boron, an unincorporated area within Kern County, faces persistent inequalities that hinder the well-being and future prospects of its residents. The core areas of concern remain:

• Entrenched Disparities in Essential Services: The gap in access to and quality of vital services, including reliable water infrastructure, timely and comprehensive healthcare, and responsive emergency services, continues to be a major point of contention. Boron residents deserve the same standard of care and resources as those living in incorporated areas of Kern County.

• Stagnant Economic Landscape: Despite local efforts, meaningful economic development remains elusive. Perceived obstacles impede the revitalization of vacant properties and the attraction of diverse businesses, limiting job opportunities and hindering the town's overall progress.

• Critical Gaps in Social Safety Nets: The recent incident involving a vulnerable young person vividly illustrated the urgent need for robust social safety nets, particularly concerning law enforcement response and accessible mental health resources for both youth and adults. The lack of immediate support in this situation underscores the inadequacy of the current system.

The absence of readily available mental health support poses a significant threat to the future of Boron's young people. Without adequate resources to address emotional and psychological well-

being, these individuals face increased vulnerability and potential barriers to leading healthy and productive lives. The community recognizes that the long-term vitality of Boron hinges on prioritizing the holistic development of its youth.

While acknowledging the efforts of local entities like Rio Tinto and Megan Pater's East Kern County Community Foundation, residents emphasize that the scale and complexity of the challenges necessitate immediate and substantial intervention from Kern County, the State of California, and even federal agencies. The persistent disparities are systemic and require coordinated action at higher levels of governance to ensure lasting and equitable solutions.

A Unified Call for External Intervention and Community Action:

The residents of Boron are resolute in their demand for equitable treatment and a commitment to building a brighter future. While local initiatives play a crucial role, the community recognizes that true and lasting change requires external support and resources.

The community urgently calls for:

• Immediate County, State, and Federal Intervention: Boron requires the focused attention and dedicated resources of Kern County, the State of California, and relevant federal agencies to address the deep-rooted disparities in essential services, economic opportunities, and social support systems.

• Prioritization of Equitable Resource Allocation: Residents demand that higher levels of government prioritize the needs of unincorporated communities like Boron in budget allocations for critical infrastructure upgrades, enhanced healthcare access, improved emergency services, and the establishment of comprehensive mental health resources.

• Collaborative Partnerships for Sustainable Development: A coordinated effort involving local stakeholders, county officials, state representatives, and federal agencies is essential to develop and implement sustainable economic development strategies that create opportunities and improve the quality of life in Boron.

• Empowered Community Engagement: Residents are urged to continue actively participating in local discussions, engaging with elected officials at all levels, and collaborating with organizations like the East Kern County Community Foundation to advocate for the changes Boron urgently needs.

  
  

The centennial of Boron marks not just a historical milestone but a critical juncture. The future well-being of its residents, particularly its young people, depends on the collective will of the community and the decisive action of external governing bodies. The time for acknowledgement has passed; the time for meaningful and impactful intervention is now. Only through a concerted effort can the next 100 years of Boron be truly greater than the first.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Terry Hardy

Founder, World of Soul® Motorcycle Community and Ride for CHANGE Ride for HOPE™ Foundation

Phone: 773-220-2602

Email: thardy@rideforchangerideforhope.org