Kern United Way, Councilman Arias to host book drive

United Way of Kern County will host a book drive today to help fill small libraries throughout east Bakersfield.

The nonprofit has partnered with Ward 1 Bakersfield City Councilman Eric Arias to collect new and gently used books today at the United Way of Kern County parking lot, located at 1707 Eye St. Residents can enter the drive from H Street.

Small libraries will be installed throughout east Bakersfield so children and their families can choose a book to read. Underserved children do not have enough books at home, and studies suggest children have a better chance to succeed in school when adults read with them, a news release from UWKC said.

Books can be dropped off at the following times today:

• 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

• 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

• 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Traffic lanes on Truxtun Avenue will be closed today, and portions of G Street might also be impacted, the city of Bakersfield announced.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane on the eastbound side of Truxtun Avenue between D and H streets from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. There could also be temporary closures on G Street.

Detours will be available, according to a city news release.

New cross gutters are being installed to improve drainage on Truxtun, the release said. Construction may be postponed and rescheduled without notice because of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Small business owners looking to build a powerful online presence without breaking their budget are invited to tune in today to a locally produced webinar offering tips from a professional marketer.

Melissa Forziat, a Hermosa Beach-based marketing speaker, consultant and author whose past clients including the U.S. Olympic Committee, will join the hourlong webinar put on weekly by Cal State Bakersfield’s Small Business Development Center.

Joining SBDC Director Kelly Bearden for the noon to 1 p.m. webinar, Forziat will go over ways to grow an audience and build a brand without spending big on advertising.

Bearden will provide updates on pandemic relief programs and small business recovery opportunities while also touching on the June 30 deadline for employers to sign up for the CalSavers Retirement Program.

The free webinar will take questions in real time. Register at www.tinyurl. com/BusinessRelief119.