Harvey Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harvey Hall
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 25th Mayor of Bakersfield | |
| In office January 2, 2001 – January 3, 2017 |
|
| Preceded by | Bob Price |
| Succeeded by | Karen Goh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 5, 1941 Bakersfield, California, U.S. |
| Died | May 19, 2018 (aged 77) Bakersfield, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Lavonne Hall |
| Children | 2 |
Harvey L. Hall (born January 5, 1941 – died May 19, 2018) was an American businessman and politician. He served as the 25th mayor of Bakersfield, California. He was first elected in 2000. He won re-election three more times. This made him one of the longest-serving mayors in Bakersfield's history.
As mayor, Harvey Hall cared a lot about making Bakersfield a beautiful place. He started programs like "Keep Bakersfield Beautiful." He also helped with monthly "Mayor's Freeway Cleanups." These cleanups helped pick up trash from local freeways. He even donated his entire mayor's salary to a foundation. This money helped local students go to college.
Contents
Who Was Harvey Hall?
Harvey Hall was born and grew up in Bakersfield, California. He went to Bakersfield High School. Later, he studied at Bakersfield Community College. He also attended San Francisco City College. He learned about journalism, managing people, and emergency medicine.
Starting Hall Ambulance Service
In 1960, Harvey Hall began working in emergency medical services. This field helps people during medical emergencies. In 1971, he started his own company. It was called Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. He was the President and CEO for 45 years.
Today, Hall Ambulance is very important in Kern County. It is the largest company that provides emergency and non-emergency medical rides there. It is also the biggest privately owned ambulance service in California.
Becoming Mayor of Bakersfield
In 1999, Harvey Hall decided to run for mayor. He wanted to improve the quality of life in Bakersfield. He focused on making the city beautiful and helping businesses and schools. His campaign slogan was "Unity in the Community."
In March 2000, he won the election. He beat nine other candidates. On January 2, 2001, he became Bakersfield's 25th mayor. He promised to make the city better every day. He wanted Bakersfield to be "the best city in America."
Serving Multiple Terms
Harvey Hall was very popular. He was re-elected in 2004, 2008, and 2012. On January 7, 2013, he started his fourth term. This made him the mayor who served the longest in Bakersfield's history.
Making a Difference in the Community
Mayor Hall had many goals to help his community. He was especially passionate about helping young people.
Helping Students with Scholarships
One of his main goals was to create the Mayor's Scholarship Foundation. He donated all of his mayoral salary to the Kern Community Foundation. This money helped high school students. It gave them scholarships to attend local colleges or universities. So far, he has given out 216 scholarships. These scholarships total $178,500. He loved encouraging young people to follow their dreams.
Keeping Bakersfield Clean
Harvey Hall also cared deeply about keeping the city clean. He organized monthly "Mayor's Freeway Litter Clean-ups." He also worked with the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee. He helped with the yearly Great American Clean-up event.
Addressing Homelessness
In 2008, Mayor Hall introduced "Home First." This was a 10-year plan for Kern County. It aimed to end long-term homelessness. Many groups worked together on this plan. These included non-profits, businesses, faith groups, and public organizations.
Awards and Recognition
Harvey Hall received many awards for his hard work.
- In April 2013, he received the American Red Cross – Kern Chapter Real Heroes Life of Service Award. This award honors people who have helped Kern County throughout their lives.
- In March 2012, he got the Darrel Hildebrand Regional Award of Merit. This was for his leadership in improving Kern County. He was recognized for making Bakersfield more beautiful.
- In November 2011, he received two big awards. The Iron Eyes Cody Award from Keep America Beautiful Foundation. This was for his leadership in preventing litter and making communities beautiful. He also received the Humanitarian of the Year award from the Plank Foundation. This was for selflessly helping others.
- In October 2011, the Kern High School District honored him. He received the Jim Burke Light and Liberty Award. This was for his great help in education.
- In 2010, he received the John Brock Community Service Award. This was from CSUB School of Business. It recognized his amazing community service.
Personal Life
Harvey Hall was married to Lavonne Hall for 29 years. He had two daughters, Shelly and Amy. Sadly, he passed away on May 19, 2018. He died in Bakersfield, California.
