MERCY PEÑA BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL WARD 1
FPPC ID# 1494778
Mercy Peña was born and raised in Bakersfield. As a mother she raised four children in the Greenfield Union School District, where she participated in several school site councils, promoted the importance of english language proficiency, and applied LCAP policies to help parents advocate for special ed children. As a grandmother, she is currently a Trustee for the Greenfield Union School District Area C where she interacts with parents and students, advocating for their rights. Mercy is also a member of the Friends of Fatima group who provide monthly sack lunches for the St. Francis church soup kitchen.
Mission: why i'm running
I am running for Bakersfield City Council because I believe every neighborhood deserves the same basic promise: to be safe, respected, well-maintained, and given the opportunity to thrive.I want what every Bakersfield family wants—a community where our children can play safely, where police and firefighters are there when we need them, where our streets and parks are maintained with pride, and where businesses can grow allowing families to build their futures in Bakersfield.As a public servant I have navigated the system and seen how difficult it can be for residents to understand the process and find the right resources. I have also seen how disadvantaged communities can be overlooked, underserved, and too often taken for granted.Ward 1 deserves better.I do not believe the answer to every problem is simply to throw more money at it. Real solutions require listening, accountability, coordination, and a willingness to understand the complexities behind the problems our residents face. Temporary resources can help someone through a difficult moment, but our ultimate goal should be to help people move forward—not keep them dependent on temporary solutions.My life experience has taught me the value of patience, responsibility, structure, and community. I have provided redirection when challenges arose, and supported efforts to build respect between neighbors. These experiences have shown me that positive change happens when we meet people where they are, set clear expectations, and give them the tools and support to succeed.I will bring that same approach to City Hall.I will listen before I act. I will ask questions before I spend. And I will put residents before politics.Every decision I make will come back to one simple question:Is this good for the people of Bakersfield?I believe City Hall should be accessible to the people it serves. Our residents should not have to fight to be heard. They should not feel ignored until an election comes around. They deserve leaders who show up, answer the phone, listen to their concerns, and follow through. I will be that kind of representative.Ward 1 deserves a voice that will not be silent, a representative who will not look the other way, and a leader who will work for every resident—not just the well-connected.Together, we can build neighborhoods that are safer, stronger, cleaner, and full of opportunity.Ward 1 deserves to be heard and with your vote and support I will be that voice.THANK YOU, MERCY PEÑA
CHALLENGES:
lawlessness threatens public safety
The rise of violent offenses in Bakersfield poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Bakersfield's residents. Local crime rates and violent incidents, particularly in specific sub-categories like DUI's, domestic violence, homicides or localized property crime in downtown areas, remain higher than state averages, creating a distinct local safety gap.
Homeless crisis continues
Previous policies have had short term success in previous years; however, the homelessness in Kern County has ticked up in 2026, with a new count finding 2,690 people experiencing homelessness across the county — a 3.2 percent increase from 2025 — as housing affordability, economic instability, rising rent costs, and job loss have contributed to the homeless problem.
sewer maintenance neglect
Mismanagement of funds has resulted in Bakersfield facing a severe infrastructure crisis regarding its aging sewage and wastewater systems, requiring an estimated $1.3 billion in total upgrades. Decades of deferred maintenance neglect have pushed key facilities way past their intentional life cycles. Now city hall seeks to increase taxes to cover expenses.
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greenfield middle school (the nest)
ollivier middle school: 2026 california distinguished school
CONTACT MERCY PEÑA
Volunteer: you can make a difference
FIGHTING CRIME
Bakersfield Police Department is searching for individuals interested in working with their local law enforcement and giving back to their community.How to ApplyIn Person or Mail: Pick up or drop off applications at the Bakersfield Police Department Headquarters located at 1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.Email: Send completed applications to [email protected].Contact: Call the department at 661.326.3053.
FEEDING THE HOMELESS
By volunteering, you are helping the vulnerable. It is more than a service opportunity, it brings hope, healing and compassion to our homeless neighbors.places to volunteerSt. Vincent De Paul
316 Baker Street
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Tel: 661.323.2942Salvation Army
4417 Wilson Road
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Tel: 661.325.8626Golden Empire Gleaners
1326 30th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tel: 661.324.2767Catholic Social Services
310 Baker St.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Tel: 661.281.2130
CLEANING OUR STREETS
You can show your community pride and commitment to keep Bakersfield clean and beautiful by taking part in the local Adopt A Street program.For more information visit
https://www.bakersfieldcity.us/adopt-a-streetor call(661)-326-3539
