Friday News Updates - Kern County Supports LA

The Bakersfield Brief! Everything you need to know, Briefly!

January 10, 2025

Finally, Friday! We would like to begin by expressing that our thoughts are with the residents of Southern California during this time. Our hearts go out to those affected by the ongoing wildfires, and we deeply appreciate the efforts of the local firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly to contain these fires and protect the communities. ❤️‍🩹

Today’s brief includes:

  • 🔥SoCal Wildfire Update

    • 🥫Donations Needed

  • 👮🏼Border Control News

  • 🧑🏼‍🏫Job Fair - Save the Date

  • 🎬Fun Fact Friday

  • ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Friday - 67°☀️ | Saturday - 59°☀️ | Sunday - 58°☀️

Brief Update…

SoCal Wildfires

Massive wildfires in Los Angeles have killed five people, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced over 180,000 residents. Ferocious winds fueled the fires but have eased slightly, aiding containment efforts. Key areas affected include Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Hollywood Hills. Landmarks and infrastructure suffered significant damage, with power outages affecting hundreds of thousands. Evacuation orders remain widespread as officials warn of ongoing risks.

Local Firefighters to the Rescue

The Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) and Bakersfield Fire Department (BFD) have deployed nearly 175 firefighters and dozens of vehicles to assist Southern California in battling multiple fires fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions. Crews are engaged in direct fire attacks, structure protection, and incident management. Both departments emphasized the importance of mutual aid, ensuring local communities remain protected. Officials urge the public to keep all affected in their thoughts.

Donations Needed

If you wish to donate, Pizza-a-Perfection is accepting donations. Items needed: blankets, non-perishable food, water and beverages, personal care items, animal supplies.

Drop off between now and January 17th at 8500 Harris Rd. Ste. 8

More information on Pizza-a-Perfection’s Instagram.

Customs and Border Protection

Federal immigration sweeps in Kern County disrupted industries as CBP detained undocumented individuals. Advocacy groups condemned the actions, while officials urged better communication and reform. Employers raised workforce concerns, and rights groups offered legal help. CBP claimed its operations focused on criminals but faced criticism for limited transparency and fear-inducing practices.

Teacher Job Fairs

Bakersfield will host two teacher job fairs on February 1. The Bakersfield City School District’s event is at Downtown Elementary (8am–2pm), and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools' fair is at the Reider Education Center (9am–12pm). Positions include multiple subject, special education, and speech pathology roles. Pre-registration for the Kern County event is required by January 29. Visit their websites to apply or register.

Will TikTok be Banned?

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on TikTok's potential ban over national security concerns. The Biden administration mandates TikTok’s parent, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. assets by January 19 or face a ban. TikTok argues the ban violates First Amendment rights, while courts upheld it citing security risks. If banned, the app will become unusable. Buyers like Kevin O’Leary and Frank McCourt aim to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations to prevent the ban.

source: msn.com

Fun Fact Friday

The most popular movie of 2024 was Deadpool & Wolverine, which grossed $1.335 billion globally.

source: extratv.com

Events

Live Music this Weekend

  • Vince Galindo - 1/10 - Temblor Brewing Co. (at 7pm)

  • John Paniccia - 1/10 - Wine Me Up

  • Ben Purdy - 1/11 - Temblor Brewing Co. (at 6:30pm)

Food Brief

Top Restaurants - Steak Edition🥩🥩

Author’s note: Restaurant websites are not easy to navigate and could use an upgrade! Potentially a good segment to go after if you are in website design!

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