Many Kern County administrative offices and facilities will be closed for a couple of weeks during the holiday season.
Most facilities will be closed Friday, Dec. 22 through Monday, Jan. 1.
The county has noted essential services that will be open from Dec. 26 through Dec. 29. Other facilities will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2. You can call a specific department or check its website to ask about available services if it is not listed below.
Available services:
- Public Safety: Fire and Sheriff emergency services will be fully staffed.
- 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 will be working for emergency purposes.
- Agricultural Commissioner's Office: The office will be conducting exotic pest trap services.
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 - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday - 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Licensing Hours
Tuesday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday - 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
923 Poole St (Mojave)
Adoption, Redemption and Intake Hours
Tuesday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Licensing Hours
Tuesday - 9 a.m. -4 p.m.
Wednesday - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
14891 Highway 178 (Lake Isabella)
Adoption, Redemption and Intake Hours
Tuesday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Wednesday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Licensing Hours
Tuesday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 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 Dec. 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 here.
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.
