Take a look at our past ribbon cuttings, networking mixers, and community highlights. From celebrating the return of the Filipino Weekend with Attorney General Rob Bonta to advocating for our members at the AAPI Policy Summit in Sacramento, KCACC is always on the move. We’ve been busy hosting small business roundtables, supporting community initiatives like our Backpack Drive, and welcoming new ventures—from the grand opening of Maui Pho to the groundbreaking of the new Target shopping center.
For the most up-to-date news and latest happenings, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
We had a blast celebrating with Dr. Justin Smiles, whose commitment to children's oral health continues to make a lasting impact, alongside special guests Miss Rachel, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, plus fun activities, delicious treats, and smiles all around. Congratulations again, Dr. Justin, and thank you for continuing to invest in the health and happiness of our children!
Congratulations to Golden Ox on opening its second Kern County location after serving the community with delicious food for more than 30 years. It was a pleasure celebrating with Ted and Kathy, along with our friends from North of the River, as we welcomed this exciting addition to Oildale!
Today was a meaningful day for the Kern Asian Chamber as we had the privilege of meeting North Korean defectors, including Charles, and hearing their powerful stories of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Their experiences were a moving reminder that freedom is never guaranteed and that the American Dream continues to inspire hope around the world. Thank you to Supervisor Phillip Peters and Joe Peters for creating this opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect on the importance of protecting and appreciating our freedoms.
The Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce hosted a successful Real Estate Panel featuring local experts who shared valuable insights on market trends, investment opportunities, homeownership, and financing strategies. Attendees—including first-time buyers, investors, and business owners—left with practical knowledge and greater confidence to navigate today’s real estate market and build long-term wealth.
Thank you to CA Karen Youth Committee for inviting the Kern Asian Chamber to the 13th Annual Summer Youth Leadership Conference at @csubakersfield! It was a pleasure connecting with students, sharing career insights, and witnessing the incredible leadership, cultural pride, and community spirit that make CKYC's mission so impactful. A special thank you to Ko Ser Lu Htoo and the entire CKYC team for empowering the next generation of Karen leaders—we look forward to future collaborations!
Recently, the Kern Asian Chamber joined fellow chambers of commerce and community partners for a roundtable hosted by CRC/CTV with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate Director Elmy Bermejo to discuss key issues impacting small businesses, including access to capital, disaster preparedness, and economic growth. Thank you to CalOSBA and CRC for bringing us together and strengthening the partnerships that help local entrepreneurs and businesses succeed. Thank you again to Nicole Parra, CRC’s VP of Community Affairs for the invite!
The Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce was honored to celebrate the groundbreaking of Kern Canyon Villas, a significant milestone that marks continued investment and expanded housing opportunities for East Bakersfield. Congratulations to Par Valley Construction, The Mora Partners, and everyone involved in bringing this exciting vision to life and helping build a stronger future for our community.
Strong communities are built through service, partnership, and civic engagement. Thank you to everyone who joined the Kern Asian Chamber, Bakersfield Downtown Business Association, and the Kern Black Chamber for our Public Safety & Business Partnership Forum at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater, featuring local leaders and public safety partners committed to strengthening Kern County. We are grateful to our panelists, participating agencies, and community members for coming together to build a safer, stronger, and more connected community for all.
Meaningful conversations lead to meaningful change. As part of AANHPI Heritage Month, the Kern Asian Chamber partnered with the Kern County Bar Association and the Kern-Tulare Elimination of Bias Committee for an important discussion on equity, representation, and reducing bias in the legal profession and our community, featuring distinguished leaders who shared their experiences and insights. Thank you to our panelists, moderators, sponsor Torres Torres-Stallings Law, and everyone who joined us in advancing dialogue, understanding, and a more inclusive future.
The grand opening of Mi Wellness & Aesthetics was an extraordinary success as the community rallied to support founders Sonia, Su, and Rahkee. Bringing the very first Korean spa to Kern County, this beautiful destination offers a unique oasis dedicated to wellness, beauty, and self-care. They are currently welcoming new clients, so stop by today to experience the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation for yourself!
Thank you for bringing authentic Filipino cuisine to Bakersfield and Delano while creating a welcoming space that celebrates our culture and community in Kern County. Congratulations on this incredible milestone, and we wish you continued success and many full tables ahead!
Meaningful conversations lead to meaningful change. As part of AANHPI Heritage Month, the Kern Asian Chamber partnered with the Kern County Bar Association and the Kern-Tulare Elimination of Bias Committee for an important discussion on equity, representation, and reducing bias in the legal profession and our community, featuring distinguished leaders who shared their experiences and insights. Thank you to our panelists, moderators, sponsor Torres | Torres-Stallings Law, and everyone who joined us in advancing dialogue, understanding, and a more inclusive future.
A few months later, we are still feeling the incredible warmth and energy from this year’s AANHPI Heritage Month! Looking back on a month filled with cultural showcases, inspiring discussions, and networking, we are reminded of just how vibrant and united Kern County truly is. A lasting thank you to our members, sponsors, volunteers, and partners—the connections and momentum we built together are still going strong!
The Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce was proud to join our chamber partners from across the Central Valley in celebrating Eagle Mountain Casino's 30th Anniversary Business After Hours Mixer. With hundreds of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community partners in attendance, the evening showcased the power of collaboration and reminded us that we are stronger together.
We were honored to partner with Girl Scouts of Central California South and our incredible community partners for a beautiful AANHPI Heritage Month celebration filled with cultural activities, food, and storytelling for local Girl Scouts and their families. It was inspiring to see young leaders explore these rich traditions, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this meaningful evening of connection to life!
Thank you to everyone who joined us to welcome Lane Wilcken to Kern County for a deeply moving evening exploring batok and Filipino heritage at Bakersfield College. Lane’s powerful storytelling highlighted how this sacred art form serves as a living expression of identity, resilience, and ancestral connection across generations. We are deeply grateful to our hosts and community for showing up to honor, celebrate, and carry these rich traditions forward!
We had the honor of welcoming five Supreme Court Justices from Mongolia, along with their facilitator and interpreter, to the Kern County Board of Supervisors meeting for a special recognition. A sincere thank you to Kern County Superior Court Judge TaFoya, Kern Probation Chief Dickinson, and Sandra Larson from Open World Visit for graciously hosting and making this meaningful exchange possible!
We are still on a Lunar New Year high after an incredible night of culture, joy, and community connection at the Iron Lilly! A massive thank you to our sponsors, partners, and every guest who showed up to make this celebration so vibrant and special. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, the Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce wishes you all a year filled with strength, prosperity, and forward momentum—Gong Xi Fa Cai and Chúc mừng năm mới!
A heartfelt thank you to Citibank, the Bakersfield College Launchpad, and our fellow chamber partners for bringing together local entrepreneurs and community leaders for an evening of meaningful collaboration. Events like these prove that when we unite to support small businesses, we expand access to vital resources and build a stronger economic future for Kern County!
The Kern County Asian Chamber of Commerce was honored to join the Tejon Indian Tribe and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon for the unveiling and blessing of the iconic 57-foot Guitar Monument. This milestone marks an exciting step toward increased job creation, tourism, and regional growth as we look forward to the Grand Opening on November 13.
Our 2026 Board of Directors gathered for their first meeting of the year, setting the vision and priorities that will guide our work and impact in the months ahead.
A special moment from March 2026 as we celebrated the ribbon cutting of Shipping & More and welcomed a new business into our growing community.
After being gone for 4 years after the pandemic, the Annual Filipino Weekend in Delano, CA made their grand appearance and we were excited to be part of the celebration. We participated in the parade, delighted in cultural eats, and enjoyed the ceremonial welcome that included special guest, Attorney General Rob Bonta.
In Sacramento, AAPI hosted a statewide policy summit. As part of their theme, they focused attention on the need for AAPI civic engagement in the public discourse, harnessing the collective power of our shared history and issues impacting AAPI communities. The summit brought together hundreds of organizations and KCACC was there to participate.
Our board members had the opportunity of meeting with California Commission on APIA Affairs along with representative Kim Salas with Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bain’s office via zoom. We had a great discussion discussing the needs of our AAPI community.
KCACC was invited to participate in a local small business roundtable focus group to discuss the challenges and barriers for small minor owned businesses. Over 20 small business owners and key stakeholders were in attendance. The city as well as community partners have worked on resources, programs, and services and look forward to continued progress.
Maui Pho is no stranger to Bakersfield and we were honored to welcome them at their new location on California and Stockdale. As a founding Chamber member, KCACC had the privilege of hosting their ribbon cutting. They organized lion dancers, entertainment, and the restaurant had a line out the door. We wish Maui Pho lots of success.
Thank you to our community for donating backpacks and school supplies! With your generous donations, we were able to help the kids of Bakersfield and helped disbursement at the Blessing Corner.
YK is no stranger to the Kern County Community and we were there to welcome their new business venture as they broke ground on a new Target shopping center.
Support local. Celebrate community. Grow together. The Kern Asian Chamber is creating the Kern County AANHPI Business & Member Directory, and we invite you to help us recognize and promote AANHPI-owned businesses across the county. Share a business with us at kernasianchamber@gmail.com and be part of building this community resource!
