CHP offering free ‘Start Smart’ class for teenage drivers
The California Highway Patrol will offer its free “Start Smart” class to current and prospective teenage drivers and their parents or guardians at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The two-hour class discusses important issues such as safe driving habits, consequences of poor choices behind the wheel and tips on how to avoid a collision, according to a CHP news release.
“Parents and teens will be more aware, more educated, and better prepared to handle the stress of a new driver,” CHP said.
Class will take place at the Bakersfield CHP 420 Club, 3910 Alfred Harrell Highway. Class size will be limited.
Anyone interested can call the Bakersfield CHP Office at 396-6600 to sign up.
Hall Ambulance will host a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing event for its employees and community members this weekend.
The test site will be open Saturday through Monday, from 1 to 7 p.m. at 1001 21st St. in downtown Bakersfield, according to a news release from the Kern County Public Health Services Department.
Walk-ups are welcome, the release stated.
Mayor Karen Goh released a public service announcement in which she called on the community’s help to reach the state metrics to reopen schools, churches, gyms and other businesses.
She emphasized wearing face coverings, avoiding gatherings and getting tested.
“Let’s set aside politics and do this for our kids, our businesses and each other,” Goh said. “We’re so close. With a little more effort, we’ll be able to get kids back in the classroom, worship indoors and work off those extra COVID pounds.”
The Department of Transportation announced the reopening of multiple ramps and a connector on northbound Highway 99 on Friday night as part of the Bakersfield 99 Rehab Project.
The following ramps and connectors reopening were expected to include:
• The Highway 204 connector ramp to northbound Highway 99.
• The westbound California Avenue on-ramp to northbound Highway 99.
• The northbound Highway 99 off-ramp to Airport Drive.
• The intersection of State Road and Airport Drive will be returned to its original configuration.
The American Red Cross’ Central California Region made an alert on Friday to notify the community that they do not solicit donations by going doorto-door and that anyone who is doing so is not acting on behalf of the Red Cross.
If someone would like to support the mission of the American Red Cross they can call 1-800-REDCROSS, visit redcross.org/donate or text “REDCROSS” to 90999, according to a news release.
“In some specific capacities, we partner with other organizations to help raise money for the Red Cross,” said the Red Cross in a news release. “If you have any questions on the validity of a fundraiser, please reach out.”