Happy first Friday of the month! 🌟 A brand-new year brings fresh opportunities, trends to explore, and things to look out for as we set the tone for the months ahead.

In today’s edition, we’re highlighting exciting developments, must-read and must-watch list, and a few newsworthy stories. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment, or ways to stay ahead, we’ve got you covered.

Today’s brief includes:

• 📖Reopening Alert

• 🍺Alcohol Education

• 📗🎞️Books and Movies

• 💃/📺NYE Poll Results

• ...and more

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Friday - 66°☀️ | Saturday - 56°☀️ | Sunday- 59°☀️

Brief Update…

Southwest Library Reopens

The Southwest Branch of the Kern County Library, on Ming Avenue, will reopen on January 6, 2025, after a year-long closure for safety upgrades and security enhancements funded by an $800,000 grant. Delays doubled the project timeline. A grand opening celebration is set for January 15.

source: kget.com

Alcohol Education in Schools

California’s Assembly Bill 2865 mandates alcohol education for grades 6–12, aiming to reduce DUI arrests by teaching the long-term harms of excessive drinking. Kern County, with about 4,000 annual DUI arrests, remains a hotspot for drunk driving incidents.

source: turnto23.com

Returns are No Longer Free

Retailers are increasingly charging fees for returns, with 81% of merchants now imposing charges for certain methods. Companies like Macy's, Amazon, and H&M cite the rising costs of shipping and processing, as U.S. return rates surged to 17% in 2022, up from 8% in 2019. To cut losses, some retailers flag frequently returned items, charge selective return fees, or let customers keep low-value bulky returns, addressing both financial and environmental concerns.

source: cbsnews.com

New Year’s Eve Poll Results

How do you prefer celebrating NYE - stay in or go out?

100% of voters said 🥁🥁 Stay in - PJs and TV all the way!

Thank you for participating!

Events

• Bridal Event – 1/26 – KC Fairgrounds (starts at 11:30am)

• Galentine’s Doormat Paint Party - 2/3 - Wine Me Up

• Boots in the Park - 3/7 - Bakersfield Sports Village

• Bakersfield Marathon - 3/30 - Kern County Museum

• Mac & Cheese Fest - 4/19 - Location TBD

• Mud Factor - 4/26 - Kern County Raceway Park

• Lightning in a Bottle - 5/21-5/25 - Buena Vista Lake

Book Releases January 2025

1. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (book #3 of Fourth Wing)

2. The Crash by Freida McFadden

3. Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

4. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

5. Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

…and many more. Full list on goodreads.com

Movies Coming this Year

1. Wolf Man - 1/17

2. Flight Risk - 1/24

3. Captain America: Brave New World - 2/14

4. Disney’s Snow White - 3/21

5. A Minecraft Movie - 4/4

…and more. Full list on forbes.com

Fun Fact Friday

The first New Year’s ball drop in New York was in 1908.

source: originalworks.com

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