99 Cents Only Stores to close all locations

The grocery chain 99 Cents Only Stores announced Friday it will close all 371 locations, including six in Bakersfield.

In a news release Friday, 99 Cents Only Interim Chief Executive Officer Mike Simoncic cited economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Simoncic is also to step down from his leadership role, according to the release.

It has not been announced when the stores are expected to close. The Californian called all six locations in Bakersfield to ask about closure dates, but was unable to speak to anyone at the stores.

Kern County Animal Services will host a compre

hensive pet resource fair from 9 a.m. to noon today at Heritage Park, 8636 Bernard St., offering low to no-cost pet services and adoptable pets.

Canine parvo/distemper and feline vaccines will be offered for free while supplies last, courtesy of the Petco Love Foundation. There will also be state-mandated rabies vaccinations for $10.

There will also be free pet microchips for unincorporated Kern County residents, and they will be $15 for people who do not live in unincorporated Kern County.

Residents of unincorporated Kern County can also get a comprehensive Responsible Pet Owner Package for $70, which includes a license, microchip, parvo/distemper and rabies vaccine, plus a spay or neuter of the pet.

Animal Services will also have pets at the event that are up for adoption and state and locally mandated dog licenses.

The Lamont Boys & Girls Club will host an Earth Day

Fair from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 22, to celebrate environmental awareness with a focus on air quality.

The club plans to show a short film that highlights the Boys & Girls Club’s efforts to improve air quality. The event will include planting seeds in the club’s Learning Garden, recycling and air sampling demonstrations and other games. Food and drinks will be provided.

Bakersfield National Cemetery is looking for volun

teers to help with three events in May for Memorial Day.

There will be a flag holder placement event at 8:30 a.m. May 23 ahead of the Memorial Day Ceremony to take place at 9 a.m. May 25. On that day, visitors are invited to place a flag on their loved one’s gravesite between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Flags for others will be placed after the ceremony.

On May 28, flag and flag holder pickup will take place at 8:30 a.m.