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Coming up on Ricky's Retreat, the Bakersfield AIDS Project's headquarters, I was a bit taken aback to see the lawn blanketed in shoes.

Seven hundred eighty-four pairs to be exact.

There were high heels, cowboy boots, slippers, flip flops — you name it.

The "visual representation of HIV in Kern County" that the press release boasted suddenly made sense.

The shoes represent the number of people who are HIV-positive in Kern County, said Audrey Chavez, the organization's director.

And the diversity of shoes — expensive-looking pumps, moccasins, dusty work boots and even baby shoes — symbolize the diversity of people infected.

Attached to this post are some pictures Audrey provided of the shoes and today's kick-off of Kern County AIDS Compassion Week.

(Read " 784 empty pairs of shoes stark illustration of local HIV cases" on Bakerfield.com.)

Here is the list of events:

• noon to 6 p.m. today through June 27: hygiene drive at Ricky’s Retreat, 910 Grace St.
• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today: take-out deep pit dinner with all proceeds benefiting the Bakersfield AIDS Project. The food is $10 a plate and can be picked up at Martin's Meats and Deli, 801 21st St. Call in orders to 325-4262 or e-mail audrey1bap@yahoo.com.
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday: drop-in support group and special HIV workshop presented by Tibotec Therapeutics at Ricky’s Retreat. To RSVP, call 325-1227 or 742-3611.
• Monday and Thursday: distribution of red ribbons in the community to promote HIV awareness.
• June 27: National HIV Testing Day. Call 325-1227 or 742-3611 to be referred to local groups that test.