Additional $2M available to aid local businesses, city says
An additional $2 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds has been made available for local businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from the city of Bakersfield.
The city said small business owners interested in receiving a grant from the B-CARES program must apply before 5 p.m. Friday. Application and eligibility information can be found on the city’s website at bakersfieldcity.us.
The city said it originally set aside $3 million in CARES Act funds for the B-CARES program. Since the program launched in September, however, the city said it has awarded nearly $2 million in grants to more than 300 small businesses.
Because of that demand, the city will shift an additional $2 million of CARES Act funds into B-CARES. The city said it anticipates that support will fund the remaining eligible applications.
The Outlets at Tejon will stay open with stores operating at 20 percent capacity following Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order, according to a news release from the shopping center.
It will also still host Cinema Under the Stars: Holiday Edition on Saturday, with gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and a movie starting at 6:30 p.m.
“With the health and safety of all our tenants and customers top of mind, our tenants will limit their inside capacity at the Outlets at Tejon,” Rebecca Swiggum, marketing director, said in a news release. “We look forward to continuing to provide a safe and clean open-air shopping environment for our community and travelers.”
The California Living Museum’s daytime zoo operations have been suspended until further notice because California’s stay-at-home order requires zoos and museums to close.
Animal keepers will continue to work to ensure the welfare of the animals, according to a CALM news release.
HolidayLights at CALM will continue its drive-thru experience at night.
The city of Bakersfield Animal Control Unit will still hold its vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Liberty Park at 11225 Brimhall Road, but with extra precautions in the midst of COVID-19.
The clinic will be set up
near the Jewetta Avenue parking lot. People are asked to stay in their vehicles; staff will distribute forms and give an appointment time slot. The forms must be completed before you exit a vehicle and get in line with your pet.
A minimum of 6-feet distance will be enforced in line and must be maintained for the city to continue providing the service, the BPD said. There must be one person only per animal, or two maximum if the owner needs help controlling the animal. Everyone must use masks.
Upside Academy, Inc. will hold its 7th Annual Christmas in the Neighborhood event this year, only in a drive-thru format at the Kern County Fairgrounds.
According to a news release from Upside Academy, the event has traditionally provided Christmas toys, food and clothing to more than a thousand low-income families as a part of the academy’s “give-back” community projects.
The academy said that this year it will give away more than 400 Christmas bags stuffed with toys and school supplies, one per vehicle; along with 800 food distribution boxes, filled with non-perishable food items (pasta, rice, cans, peanut butter and more), two per vehicle. Entry is on a first-come basis.
The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19.
Kern County residents received an emergency service alert from the California governor’s office on Tuesday at noon, asking residents to stay at home unless performing essential activities.
According to an email from a Kern County spokesperson, the phone alert was sent to counties throughout Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and regional stay-at
home orders have been put in place by the state.
Tehachapi Unified School District has suspended in-person services for all students “due to a current strain on staffing capacity,” according to a letter dated Monday and posted on the school district’s website.
The letter signed by Superintendent Stacey Larson-Everson says students will now be in a virtual learning mode.
“In-person services will return as soon as we can ensure adequate staffing and safely support our students and staff,” the letter states. “This temporary pause will not impact the District’s reopening plans and is not a result of the tier status of Kern County or California’s Stay-at-Home orders. During California’s current orders, schools are permitted to remain open.”
Business people tuning into a free local webinar today will get a top 10 checklist of things to remember when filing for forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program loans — plus hear about upcoming contract opportunities at places including China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station.
Updates provided at the noon-hour webinar hosted by Cal State Bakersfield’s Small Business Development Center will cover a variety of recovery programs. Director Kelly Bearden welcomes questions.
Regional SBDC contract and procurement specialist Erika Baltazar is scheduled to share how some businesses are increasing their revenues working with the government during the pandemic. She will touch on defense-related opportunities.
To attend, register beforehand at www.tinyurl.com/ BizRelief39.
The local SBDC offers free, one-on-one consulting services to small businesses. Information is available online at www.csubsbdc.com.