Shop Local in Your PJs: Cozy Deals Await!

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

December 18, 2024

Happy Wednesday! The countdown to Christmas is on with just 7 days left to get all your holiday shopping done! Don’t panic—there’s still time to find the perfect gifts.

Today’s brief includes:

  • 🎁Downtown’s 1st Annual Pajama Takeover

  • 📉Bitwise Collapse News

  • 🔔What’s new at Taco Bell

  • 💵Wealth Wednesday

  • 📆Upcoming Events

  • 🎄Christmas Poll - Cast your vote

  • and more…

Enjoy!

Weather Forecast

Wednesday - 60°☀️ | Thursday - 64°☀️ | Friday - 72°☀️

Brief Update…

1st Annual Christmas Pajama Takeover

Skip the mall and shop small for Downtown’s pajama takeover on Saturday, 12/21. Participating stores are getting in the spirit and offering discounts if shoppers arrive in their pajamas. Shoppers can grab a coffee at Dagney’s and Adventure Awaits Coffee, shop at Impact Skate Shop, A&B Naturals Eco Market, Encore Boutique, and other stores, then head to Jerry’s Pizza for some food. Get your last-minute shopping in and have some fun in your pajamas with friends.

Collapse of Bitwise

The collapse of Bitwise Industries, once a promising tech startup, has left a lasting impact on Bakersfield. Co-founders Jake Soberal and Irma Olguin Jr. were sentenced to 20 years combined for wire fraud, after fabricating financial records to sustain their failing venture. Bakersfield, Bitwise's first expansion city, saw nearly 1,000 job losses and unfulfilled promises of a tech hub. The $115 million fraud devastated investors and disrupted local redevelopment efforts.

Taco Bell’s New Menu Item

Taco Bell will launch its Crispy Chicken Nuggets nationwide on December 19, featuring tortilla breading and sauces like Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, Bell Sauce, and Jalapeño Honey Mustard. Tested in Minneapolis and Houston, the nuggets will be available for a limited time, showcasing Taco Bell’s bold twist on chicken classics.

source: msn.com

Food Recalls this Month

In December, several food and drink items were recalled due to safety concerns. Notable recalls included Borsari Bloody Mary mix for unreported allergens, 4Earth Farms carrots and vegetable medleys for E. coli, cucumbers for salmonella, and Daily Veggies Enoki mushrooms for listeria. Other recalls involved MadeGood granola bars for metal contamination, Atkinson Milling hushpuppies for undeclared allergens, and VidaSlim weight loss products due to a toxic plant. Consumers are advised to check their products and contact manufacturers for further instructions.

source: msn.com

Wealth Wednesday

Tips for Investing:

  1. Start with a 401(k) or similar plan for tax advantages and employer matching.

  2. Add a Roth IRA for tax-free growth.

  3. Take on as much risk as you can handle, focusing on stocks for long-term growth.

  4. Seek inexpensive diversification through index and ETF funds.

  5. Don't focus solely on retirement—save for other goals like education or a home by prioritizing and adjusting with raises or windfalls.

These strategies can help you make the most of your savings and investments over time.

Events

Christmas Events All Month

2025:

Let us know about events coming up!

Kid Brief

Sports

Thursday Night Football (NFL) 12/19:

  • Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers at 5:15pm on Amazon Prime

Scoreboard

Monday Night Football (NFL):

  • Minnesota Vikings defeated Chicago Bears 30 to 12

  • Atlanta Falcons defeated Las Vegas Raiders 15 to 9

Future Holiday Reminders

  • 7 Days until Christmas

Christmas Poll - Tree Edition

Do you prefer a Real or Fake Christmas Tree?

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