This is the final video in our series exploring how the Kern River is divided up. Several local groups sued the City of Bakersfield demanding it look at its river operations under the Public Trust Doctrine. That doctrine requires water in California to be used for the highest beneficial use, which includes the environment and public access, according to the lawsuit. There’ve been a lot of twists and turns in this lawsuit. Now the trial date has been pushed back to 2027 as the California Supreme Court has agreed to review one portion of the case.