BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Bakersfield is receiving nearly $5 million from the California Violence Intervention and Prevention program, also known as CalVIP, as the state continues investing in community-based efforts aimed at reducing violent crime.
Since 2019, more than $350 million has been invested in the program.
Bakersfield to receive nearly $5 million in CalVIP violence prevention funding (KBAK/KBFX)
The governor’s office has touted recent data showing violent crime is down 12% in California’s major cities.
In 2024, the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform was commissioned to do a cost analysis of every fatal and nonfatal shooting in Bakersfield.
The institute concluded that in 2023, Bakersfield saw a 40% decrease in homicides from 2020.
Local partnerships are part of what officials say is helping drive those efforts, including work with organizations such as Garden Pathways.
“We’re super excited that the state of California is actually investing in community violence intervention efforts,” said Juan Avila, chief operating officer at Garden Pathways.
Bakersfield to receive nearly $5 million in CalVIP violence prevention funding (KBAK/KBFX)
Garden Pathways is dedicated to mentoring services that empower youth.
Avila said the grant funding will allow the organization to provide more resources and hire more mentors from within the community.
“This funding actually allows us to expand our reach into other areas like Arvin, Lamont, Oildale, Wasco, McFarland, Shafter, and other unincorporated areas in the county that are struggling with community violence as well,” Avila said.
City Manager Christian Clegg said partnering with organizations such as Garden Pathways strengthens the city’s connection to people most at risk.
Bakersfield to receive nearly $5 million in CalVIP violence prevention funding (KBAK/KBFX)
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“They can reach people we can’t reach. And Garden Pathways provides this incredible case management client services, so does CAPK, that we’re just not built to do, and they’re bringing the dividends,” Clegg said.