BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The dispute between the Open Door Network and the Kern County District Attorney’s office hit airwaves on the biggest radio talk show in town. Lauren Skidmore appeared on the Ralph Bailey Show and responded to the DA’s office which called her unethical and unprofessional.
The DA demanding victims’ advocates to stop speaking publicly — that’s the topic of closed door meetings described by the Open Door Network CEO Lauren Skidmore who said nonprofits have been brought into the DA’s office and told not to talk about cases.
“So basically what somebody has told me is they call them in for the meeting, they present them with this letter, and then they go over media statements that were problematic and they do it in person,” said Skidmore.
The letter Skidmore is referencing was drafted by Assistant District Attorney Ken Russell, and she said she received it in September of 2025.
The letter read, “The Kern County District Attorney’s office is asking that you refrain from public comments about pending cases until the case is concluded and sentencing is complete. I am providing you with written notice to comply with our obligations.”
Skidmore did not attend the meeting and did not stop talking. That’s when the Open Door Network was fired from its role in the Family Justice Center.
Skidmore said she’s not the only one to receive a letter like this, but she’s the only one willing to speak publicly.
“They unfortunately are not interested in coming forward because they’re concerned that their victims will not be heard in court,” said Skidmore.
It’s not only advocates who’ve reached out to Skidmore — previous prosecutors have also allegedly contacted her. They told her that they feared retaliation from Zimmer.
“I can’t even begin to explain the dozens of messages that I’ve received from prior employees, stating that there has been so much fear of retaliation in that office and there has been individuals that have experienced direct retaliation and that this is not uncommon,” said Skidmore.
We asked for the DA’s response to Skidmore’s statements, and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kinzel replied.
Below is his statement:
We have an ethical obligation to counsel partners of the responsibility to ensure a fair trial for all sides on pending cases that we are currently prosecuting. The rules of professional conduct require as much from a prosecutor.
Ms. Skidmore acknowledged that she is unfamiliar with ethics required for prosecuting cases. This is why ADA Ken Russell sought to meet with her personally; to discuss the ethical requirements as she is associated with the DA’s office. Had she shown up for the meeting, Ms. Skidmore would have been counseled against discussing pending KCDA pending jury trial cases and making media appearances where she expresses opinions on guilt or heinousness of case facts, specifically including her public comments on the Kevin Mays case and the case involving the death of Genesis Mata. Ms. Skidmore scheduled, then refused to attend the meeting requested by Mr. Russell, the Assistant DA that oversees the Family Justice Center and its partners. Had she attended, she could have been counseled on how this applies to pending jury trial cases; not completed ones. She would have been advised that she is welcome to discuss the hundreds of thousands of criminal cases that have gone through the trial process in Kern County as well any the millions of cases prosecuted by any other county prosector’s office, the United States Attorney, or the California Attorney General to make whatever points she chooses — just not the cases actively being prosecuted by KCDA and pending jury trials.
That the DA’s office takes rules on pretrial publicity seriously should not be lost on members of the media, who routinely ask, and are routinely declined DA comments on pending jury trial cases and investigations. DA press releases detailing case facts come only after jury deliberations have concluded, and rare press releases or conferences on newly filed cases of significant interest are limited on what information is provided to ensure compliance with these ethical responsibilities.
Adherence to these standards is a primary reason why judicial ‘gag orders’ on cases are seldom necessary and a rare occurrence, and why Kern County cases are almost never subjected to change of venue motions that would put the case in another county, to be decided by non-Kern County jurors.
The Family Justice Center remains open. The operations agreement with the Open Door Network continues through March 31. The letter ending the partnership was sent in late February to ensure that the required thirty days notice to the Open Door Network was provided so that they may have sufficient time to vacate before the new partner takes occupancy in the Family Justice Center on April 1.
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However, his response did not address our questions on fears of retaliation, who the new vendor of the Family Justice Center is, or how many nonprofits had this meeting with the DA’s office.
Another note — Skidmore confirmed her staff was out of the Justice Center on Friday. They continue to offer services at the Open Door Network building at 1921 19th St.
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