The latest death toll in the Kern River is on the rise this year and the Kern County Sheriff's department has updated the sign at the mouth of the canyon to reflect the lives lost in the river since 1968.

The sign was updated from 271 to 275 lives lost and while the annual event was delayed a few months because some argued the sign is misleading others felt it was necessary. 

"I think the sign pointing out how many lives have been lost can have a negative cogitation,” said Lewis Monterrosn, Kernville resident.  

For years many Kernville residents have felt the sign sends the wrong message to first-time visitors and although their request to remove the sign was denied, many said they will continue to voice their opinion on the issue.