The holidays are upon us and that means vacations and time off for millions across the country.
In Kern County, a handful of programs and services will either be completely closed or will scale back operations starting Friday and running through January 2.
The county issued a list of services that will be impacted by closures during that stretch. Essential services will be available during that time and some will only be open Dec. 26-29.
Here is the list of services and service times and dates:
Public Safety: Fire and Sheriff emergency services will be fully staffed throughout the holidays. In case of an emergency, call 911.
Aging and Adult Services: Meals on Wheels deliveries will continue as normally scheduled. Senior centers will be closed for senior nutrition this period. Previously scheduled reservations at the senior center will be honored. Some Adult Protective Services and our Conservatorship Program staff will be working for emergency purposes.
Agricultural Commissioner's Office: Our office will still be conducting exotic pest trap services. Additionally, we will provide export certification inspections for produce shippers as needed.
Animal Control: Local animal shelters will remain open during Dec. 26 - 28 for adoption, redemption and intake. Animal Control Officers will be available on an emergency basis. Hours for the three animal shelters are as follows:
3951 Fruitvale Ave (Bakersfield)
Adoption, Redemption and Intake Hours
Tuesday - 10am - 4pm
Wednesday - 2pm - 7pm
Thursday - 10am - 4pm
Licensing Hours
Tuesday - 8am - 5pm
Wednesday - 12pm - 7pm
Thursday - 8am - 5pm
923 Poole St (Mojave)
Adoption, Redemption and Intake Hours
Tuesday - 10am - 4pm
Wednesday - 10am - 4pm
Thursday - 10am - 4pm
Licensing Hours
Tuesday - 9am -4pm
Wednesday - 9am - 4pm
Thursday - 9am - 4pm
14891 Highway 178 (Lake Isabella)
Adoption, Redemption and Intake Hours
Tuesday - 10am - 4pm
Wednesday - 10am - 4pm
Thursday - 10am - 4pm
Licensing Hours
Tuesday - 8am - 5pm
Wednesday - 8am - 5pm
Thursday - 8am - 5pm
Behavioral Health & Recovery Services: Crisis Hotline services will be uninterrupted and are available at 800-991-5272. Behavioral Health Services will be available to the public throughout the break at our Mary K. Shell Facility at 2151 College Avenue and through the Mobile Evaluation Team.
Child Support Services: Only a satellite office located in the Superior Court of Kern County will be opened during the winter recess. Both the main office in Bakersfield and the Ridgecrest office will be closed.
County Clerk: Available in the District Attorney's lobby on Wednesday 12/27, by appointment only.
District Attorney: The District Attorney's Office and Kern Regional Crime Lab will continue with all operations over the Winter Recess, although with minimal staffing levels.
Human Services: Critical services will be consolidated to the OC Sills (100 E California Ave) building which will remain open to the public to meet essential functions.
Parks Facilities: County Parks will be open and Park Rangers will be patrolling.
Property Tax Payments: The Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office will be closed. Taxpayers may submit taxes online at http://www.kcttc.co.kern.ca.us/Payment/mainsearch.aspx
Public Defender: All cases and court dates will continue as previously scheduled.
Public Works: The following services will be available with a decreased staff: Construction Inspection, Transit Cash Counting and Transportation Permits
Recorder/Assessor: Recorder is open during Winter Recess and all services will be provided. The Assessor will remain closed.
Street Repair Requests: Kern County Public Works will maintain essential services including road maintenance and flood control as needed.
Waste Management: All County recycling and transfer stations will be closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. Trash collection services are delayed by one day in the event of a holiday.
