Cooling center sites announced with heat near
Local officials have announced the locations and conditions for cooling centers this summer in Kern County.
In general, cooling centers are open in the San Joaquin and Kern River valleys when the temperature is forecasted to be 105 degrees or higher, in desert areas when temperature is forecasted to be 108 degrees or higher, and in Frazier Park when the temperature is forecast to be 95 degrees or higher.
The centers are open from 1-8 p.m. A Cooling Centers Daily Report will be issued by 11 a.m. on the day before the centers open and weekend openings will be announced by 11 a.m. on Fridays.
Residents using the cooling centers are encouraged to bring their favorite non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, reading material, games, etc. to the centers.
For more information, contact Kern County General Services at 868-7000 or Kern County Aging & Adult Services at 800-510-2020.
Here is a list of current cooling center locations in Kern County:
Arvin Community Center, 800 Walnut Drive
East Bakersfield Veterans Building, 2101 Ridge Road
East Niles Senior Center, 6601 E. Niles St., Bakersfield
The Mission at Kern County, 816 E. 21st St., Bakersfield
Kern River Valley Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Boulevard
Gusher Hall, 271 California St., Maricopa Walker Senior Center, 505 Sunset Ave., Shafter
Taft Veterans Building, 213 Taylor St. McFarland Veterans Center, 103 W. Sherwood Ave.
Frazier Park Recreation Building, 3801 Park Drive
Strata Center, 10350 Heather Ave., California City
Hummel Community Building, 2500 20th St., Rosamond
Mojave Vets Building, 15580 O St.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued a health caution Wednesday night through Friday due to blowing dust.
Gusty winds may cause localized wind-blown dust during this time in areas where soils are exceptionally dry, which can lead to unhealthy concentrations of PM 10, particulate matter 10 microns and smaller.
Exposure to particulate pollution can aggravate lung disease, trigger asthma attacks and bronchitis, and increase risk of respiratory infections, the district warned in a news release.
People with heart or lung disease are advised to follow their doctors’ advice for dealing with episodes of particulate exposure, and older adults and children should avoid prolonged exposure or heavy exertion, depending on their local conditions, according to the district.
For more information, visit www.valleyair.org or call 661-392-5500.
Links for Life will hold a Teaming Up Against Cancer Barbecue on Wednesday, May 26 in the parking lot of Buck Owens Crystal Palace.
According to an event flier, the drivethru lunch will be distributed between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will cost $15. It will
include a deep pit beef sandwich, chips, water and a cookie.
For orders of 10 or more, organizers ask that pre-orders be placed by calling 8592530 or emailing cmarengo@cbccusa. com.
The fundraiser will benefit the Kern Cancer Coalition.
The American Red Cross Central California Region is holding a virtual training for those interested in serving as a volunteer shelter worker during the upcoming wildfire season.
Most of the training consists of a threehour online session. Three will be offered in the coming weeks:
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 27
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 17
To register, visit bit.ly/ARCshelter. For additional information, contact program manager Megin Hughes at 661-203-9235 or recruiter Mat Garcia at 805-603-0704.
United Way of Kern County will hold its 30th annual Professional Development Conference on July 20 at the Bakersfield Marriott.
This year, the event has an expanded focus on reaching community and healthbased organizations, as well as elected officials and individuals who want to make a positive impact in their communities, according to a news release from the organization. Typically, the event is geared toward nonprofit directors.
The conference consists of multiple workshops that will provide tools and resources to support community-based organizations focused on servicing thousands of low- to moderate-income individuals and families around Kern County and beyond, the news release stated. The conference also offers networking opportunities, exhibitor booths, continental breakfast and lunch, and door prizes. The closing keynote speaker will be Brandon Leake, winner of “America’s Got Talent” Season 15.
“By broadening our conference to include more members of the community, we are able to bring together more minds and leaders that are dedicated to creating a thriving Kern County. For over a year, organizations and businesses in Kern County have had to evolve to keep up with the rapidly changing needs of the community. We want to encourage open conversations around these changes and work together to utilize change in an impactful way,” said Mari Pérez-Dowling, president and CEO of United Way of Kern County.
Super early bird tickets are now available for $75 per person. For more information and to register for the conference, visit www.uwkern.org/conference.
United Way of Kern County is currently seeking sponsorships and exhibitors for the conference. For more information call 885-5740.