Give a Toy, Spread Joy

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

December 16, 2024

Happy Monday! With just 9 days left until Christmas, the holiday excitement is building. Whether you're finishing up your shopping, preparing for family gatherings, or simply soaking in the festive spirit, there's no better time to make the most of these final days. Let's dive into some updates and ways to make this holiday season even more special!

Today’s brief includes:

  • 🧸Toys for Tots News

  • 💥Crash at DUI Checkpoint

  • 🥰Monday Motivation

  • 📆Upcoming Events

  • 🎁Stocking Stuffer Ideas

  • 🎄Christmas Poll

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Monday - 61°☀️ | Tuesday - 61°☀️ | Wednesday - 59°☀️

Brief Update…

Support Toys for Tots

Toys for Tots in Bakersfield is urgently seeking community support to meet its goal of providing toys for 47,000 children this holiday season. Currently at only 25% of their target, the organization has postponed its toy distribution to December 22 to gather more donations. Coordinator Darlene Doughty, involved for a decade, expressed concern about potentially running out of toys for the first time. The community is encouraged to contribute by donating toys to ensure every child receives a gift this Christmas.

Crash at DUI Checkpoint

A suspected DUI driver injured a CHP officer and two juvenile Explorers in Bakersfield on Saturday evening. The crash occurred around 8pm on Calloway Drive as officers were setting up a DUI checkpoint. The driver bypassed a patrol car, entered the closed area, and struck the officers and a patrol vehicle. All three injured were hospitalized, and the driver was arrested after a field sobriety test. Sgt. Robert Rodriguez highlighted the dangers of drunk driving, noting this was his first pre-checkpoint DUI arrest in 26 years.

source: turnto23.com

Monday Motivation

❝

It’s not what’s under the tree that matters, it’s who’s around it.

Charles M. Schulz

Woolworth’s Building Revamp

Bakersfield’s historic Woolworth’s building, dating back to 1950, is undergoing a $10 million redevelopment by Sherod and Emily Waite. Set to reopen in summer 2025 for its 75th anniversary, the space will feature a live music venue, recording studio, music education space, and Moneywise Wealth Management offices. The iconic 1950s soda fountain and lunch counter will return, blending nostalgia with modernity. The Waites aim to revitalize downtown Bakersfield, preserving the building’s legacy as a cultural landmark and creating a vibrant community hub.

source: kget.com

Events

Christmas Events All Month

2025:

Let us know about events coming up!

Kid Brief

Sports

Monday Night Football (NFL):

  • Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings at 5:00pm on ABC

  • Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders at 5:30pm on ESPN

Frontier High School Football

  • The Titans defeated the Amador Valley Dons 18-14 to win the CIF Division 3-AA State Football Championship, their first in school history.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

  • 10ft-Phone Charger

  • Electric Lighter

  • Shower Steamers

  • LCR (Left Right Center) Dice Game

  • Gel Dust Cleaner

  • Portable Pocket-size Bluetooth Speaker

Future Holiday Reminders

  • 9 Days until Christmas

Christmas Poll - Tree Edition

Do you prefer a Real or Fake Christmas Tree?

Select your vote below

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