Kern Latino COVID-19 Task Force announces this week’s testing sites
The Kern County Latino COVID-19 Task Force announced five test sites that will be rolled out this week.
In a news release, task force co-founder Jay Tamsi urged the importance of community testing, specifically after Kern County entered stay-at-home order status on Sunday night and coronavirus case counts continue to rise.
Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged and pre-registration is not required, according to the news release. People are asked to wear face masks and implement physical distancing protocols when on site.
Here are this week’s testing locations.
■ Today, 11 a.m. start time: Standard Park at the corner of East Minner and Doyle streets in Oildale
■ Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Vallarta Supermarkets at 5951 Niles St. in Bakersfield
■ Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Leroy Jackson Park at 300 E. French St. in Ridgecrest
■ Friday, noon to 4 p.m.: Lamont General Store, 10405 Main St. in Lamont
■ Saturday, 11 a.m. start time: Mechanics Bank at 5151 Stockdale Hwy. in Bakersfield
The city of Bakersfield is postponing its planned Friday celebration dedicated to the completion of the 24th Street widening project.
In a Monday news release, the city said the celebration will be put on hiatus because of the recent stay-at-home order issued by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city said the event, scheduled to be held at Beach Park, will take place at a later date.
Bolthouse Farms has remained in the spirit of giving throughout the holiday season.
The company — which according to a news release has already donated $3.1 million in fresh carrots, beverages, dressings and monetary donations during the COVID-19 pandemic — has rolled out a handful of initiatives over the past month.
Here are some of the efforts made locally by the company to help fight hunger and aid the community:
■ On Giving Tuesday, Bolthouse made a $10,000 donation to Bakersfield food banks to support their efforts in feeding the hungry this season. The company is also encouraging employees to make donations to a handful of food banks nationally, including the Community Action Partnership of Kern.
■ At each of its locations during Thanksgiving, Bolthouse collected donations of canned food items, which were delivered to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. The center collected more than 2,500 nonperishable goods.
■ The company is also partnering with the Bakersfield Homeless Center to adopt a family this holiday season. Recognizing the increased need this year, Bolthouse will provide gifts for about 25 families.