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  • Midweek Rundown: Power Outages, Quad-Demic Concerns, TikTok's Fate & More! 💨😷📵☕

Midweek Rundown: Power Outages, Quad-Demic Concerns, TikTok's Fate & More! 💨😷📵☕

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

January 15, 2025

Happy Hump Day! 🐪 🎶whoooaa we are halfway there whoooaa🎶 

Today’s brief includes:

  • 💡Power Outages

  • 😷 Quad-demic

  • 📵TikTok Ban

  • ☕Bakersfield Coffee Shops

  • ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Wednesday - 67°☀️ | Thursday - 65°☀️ | Friday - 64°☀️

Brief Update…

Quad-demic Sweeping Bakersfield

This winter, health officials warn of a "quad-demic," with flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus circulating. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there has been an 18% increase in respiratory illness hospitalizations. Good hygiene, limiting exposure, and vaccination are crucial. Despite vaccine hesitancy, experts stress vaccines' safety and effectiveness in preventing severe illness, as flu cases reached 40 million last season, causing 28,000 deaths.

source: msn.com

Power Outage due to High Winds

High winds in Kern County have prompted potential Power Safety Shutoffs for over 17,400 customers, with SoCal Edison targeting mountain communities like Lake Isabella and Tehachapi. Currently, 75,000 SoCal Edison and 500 PG&E customers are without power. Impacted areas include west of Bakersfield, Fort Tejon, and Lebec. Wildfire risk remains high.

Drought Concerns in Central Valley

California's ongoing drought raises concerns for the Central Valley's agricultural economy, with potential impacts including crop losses, job cuts, and higher costs for farmers and consumers. Experts highlight a $1.3 billion economic hit in 2021 and warn of further repercussions if dry conditions persist. Improved water retention strategies are suggested to mitigate challenges, as Kern County reports significantly reduced watershed levels.

TikTok Ban - What about your data?

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide if TikTok gets banned due to national security concerns. If banned, the app may be removed from stores and stop receiving updates, making it eventually unusable. Users can still keep their data by downloading it through settings. Alternatives like YouTube, Lemon8, and Xiaohongshu are being explored, while VPNs may bypass restrictions. Users’ data might remain if saved before the ban.

source: kget.com

Luke Bryan Farm Tour

Country star Luke Bryan will perform at Sillect Farms in Shafter on May 17 as part of his Farm Tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 17, at 8 a.m., priced at $75 in advance or $90 at the door.

Kid Brief

  • 1/16 - $2 Day! at The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History (10am-4pm)

  • 2/8 - Trout Derby at the River Walk (6am-12pm)

❣️Galentine’s Day Lineup❣️

Plan for Valentine’s Day

Upcoming Events

Future Events

Beverage Brief

Coffee Shops to check out

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