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Premier Assisted Stretching Franchise Welcomes Newest Location Under Local Leadership

BAKERSFIELD, Calif., April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stretch Zone, the nation's premier assisted-stretching brand featuring a patented strapping system on proprietary tables, is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Bakersfield, CA. This marks Stretch Zone's 389th location in the United States and is operated by first-time studio owners Nehal Samtani and Mina Rama.

Interested in tapping into the emerging wellness industry, the business duo decided Stretch Zone would be a great next business venture. Leveraging their past franchise and entrepreneurial experience, Stretch Zone was an easy choice given the simple business model and easy build out. "Introducing this one-of-a-kind concept and service to our community exposes a new side of wellness, and with a growing fitness culture in the Bakersfield area, we know the studio will have significant impact on resident's lives," said Rama. "We have experience in various business ventures together, but what most excites me about Stretch Zone is the aspect of community. Feeling good about the work that we're doing is what drives me every day," says Samtani.

Stretch Zone provides a unique approach to improving mobility, offering customized stretching plans designed to meet the specific needs and goals of each of our members. The opening of this Bakersfield location represents the continued growth of Stretch Zone's presence, bringing this premium wellness service to a vibrant area with a largely active community. "It's great to promote something beneficial to those looking to be more active or move through life with a little more ease. Mina and I love the concept and think it will be popular among the fitness culture here in Bakersfield," shares Nehal.

Stretch Zone is the only nationally accredited stretch franchise, thanks to its patented equipment and proprietary training methodology. The brand uses a science-backed approach to stretching, helping your muscles relax and move more freely for better flexibility and mobility. With a welcoming environment and an open studio layout, Stretch Zone emphasizes a gradual, personalized approach that helps members safely increase their mobility and range of motion over time. With several membership options, there's a plan that suits every lifestyle and price point.

Stretch Zone Bakersfield is located at 12716 Stockdale Highway, Suite 600, Bakersfield, CA, 93314. Operating hours are M-F 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-1pm, and closed on Sunday. The studio phone number is (661) 205-3992. The first visit is free for any new Stretch Zone member. For more information, visit www.stretchzone.com.

By: Eric J. Dockery

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — DOGE is planning on closing the FSA office in Bakersfield and not renewing the lease. Without the office, local farmers will have to travel to other counties for the services they use for their crops.

BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:

California is one of the largest agricultural producing states in the country. Recently, DOGE announced that they are discontinuing the lease of the FSA building in Kern County. I'm Eric J. Dockery, your Bakersfield neighborhood reporter. This closure will affect over 3000 residents who produce quality ingredients for every industry nationwide.

According to the United States Trade Representative, in 2023 California produced and exported $24 billion in domestic agricultural products. And according to Valley Ag Voice Kern County alone produced close to 9 billion in domestic agriculture exports. Kern farmers produced 37% of the produce in the U-S in 2023. Half of the farmers in the county use the Farm Service Agency for services to help their crops grow, without those funds, some farmers aren't able to attend to their crops.

Rachel Nettleton Executive Director with the Kern County Farm Bureau said ""They help provide farm loans and emergency relief funds as well. To put it into perspective of the impact that this can have on the producers. In 2022 one of the applications that was available to producers was for relief funds. 70% of those applicants came in person to be serviced and helped with their application. "

With over 50% of the producers using their local FSA Building, if closed they would have to go out of the county to either Visalia or Lancaster which are both at least a hour and a half away to two hours away from their crops or farmland.

Matt Cauzza Kern County Grower said "It's a tough time right now, and I think the FSA develops a lot of these programs that are beneficial and help a lot of the farmers out in times of need. There is a relationship that we have developed with the people that work here. They know are farms and sometimes even better than we do."

Members of the farm service agency are worried because the ending of the lease means they have to start to look for another job or even uprooting their families and having to move to another county. 23ABC reached out to Congressman Vince Fong and David Valadao they responded with the following statements that read in part.

“As we review the operations of federal agencies, I continue to work to maintain critical support for Central Valley families, especially our farmers” said Fong

“I’ve been in regular contact with the administration on the importance of maintaining a local FSA office for our farmers, and will continue to reaffirm how vital this agency is to Bakersfield and the entire Central Valley.” said Valadao

"Our Agriculture community needs as many resources as they can get. There are a lot of issues that are agriculture faces day to day. We need companies that can help provide those resources in order for our farmers to keep their doors open. Its extremely important for the farm services agency to stay open so they are getting the services and resources that they need." said Nettleton

The Kern County Farm Bureau plans to be the voice for those farmers and reach out to legislators directly for their assistance. DOGE plans to terminate the lease by August 2025, unless they find a way to keep the facility open. For 23ABC, I'm Eric J. Dockery, your Bakersfield neighborhood reporter.

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Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Barrington’s Jamaican Kitchen, a popular Jamaican restaurant in Bakersfield, California, was forced to close its doors due to financial difficulties. The owner is asking for assistance from the community to reopen this cherished local eatery.

Barrington Lewis opened the Jamaican restaurant in 2017. Known for its authentic cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant quickly gained popularity among locals. Lewis mentioned that he began facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought capacity constraints and rising inflation. The Jamaica-born native noted that his restaurant did not receive the financial assistance related to COVID that other businesses received during that time.

“I fell short of getting the financial support that the nation was getting, and I didn’t get it because they exhausted the money that they had allotted for small businesses like mine. I was kind of counting on that,” Lewis told the Jamaica Observer.

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Despite a significant rise in supply and operating costs, with some expenses even doubling, Lewis said his priority was to provide affordable food for his customers. Therefore, he was reluctant to raise his prices. The financial strain led him to fall behind on his rent. Although he attempted to establish a repayment plan, his landlord terminated his lease, forcing him to relocate.

He acquired a new building about five minutes from his old location. Lewis planned to reopen there on April 1 but could not due to financial constraints. The business owner says he is facing difficulties obtaining the financial resources required to purchase restaurant equipment, supplies, and a rental deposit. He has launched a GoFundMe to help raise $20,000 to help cover the costs.

The business owner, who provided free food to unhoused people, hopes to reconnect with his customers with whom he has built solid relationships over the years. Lewis has yet to announce a date for the restaurant’s reopening.

RELATED CONTENT: HBCU Track Legend And Jamaican Olympian George Rhoden Dies At 97

Bakersfield, CA (April 25, 2025) – Emergency responders from Bakersfield were called to the scene of a car accident that left one individual injured on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred near the intersection of McKee Rd and South Union Ave at approximately 8:11 a.m., prompting an immediate response from the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated individuals hurt in the crash. At least one person sustained injuries significant enough to warrant hospital transport for further medical care. The circumstances surrounding the crash, including how many vehicles were involved and what may have led to the collision, remain under investigation.

Officials worked to secure the scene and restore traffic flow in the area while gathering witness statements and assessing vehicle damage. Emergency crews ensured that the injured party received necessary attention, and any debris or hazards were cleared to maintain road safety.

No further information has been released about the extent of the injuries or the current condition of the hospitalized individual.

We extend our best wishes to the injured person for a full and speedy recovery.

Car Accidents in California

Accidents like the one that occurred Wednesday morning at McKee Rd and South Union Ave are an ongoing concern in Central California communities such as Bakersfield. This specific stretch of road experiences a steady flow of morning traffic, especially during commuting hours, increasing the potential for collisions.

In many similar cases, early-morning crashes can result from factors such as reduced driver alertness, rushing to work or school, or low-angle sunlight impairing visibility. The presence of injuries in this case also reinforces the importance of immediate medical attention following any collision—even when injuries are not immediately apparent.

In California, accident victims often face a cascade of challenges following a crash, from mounting medical bills and missed work to navigating complicated insurance processes. Documenting injuries and preserving evidence early on is key to protecting one's rights and recovery path.

Local authorities and emergency personnel acted swiftly in this case, ensuring the injured individual received the medical support they needed. As the investigation continues, those involved may benefit from guidance on how to move forward—whether through medical, legal, or logistical support channels.

If you or someone you know has been hurt in a crash in the Bakersfield area, you don’t have to handle it alone. At Local Accident Reports, we provide up-to-date information and connect victims with resources that can make a difference. Whether you're looking for medical referrals or help understanding your legal options, we’re here to support you. Reach out today and take that first step toward recovery.

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