The January freeze caused over $1 billion in damages to California’s agriculture and displaced thousands of workers who depend on the industry to earn a living. In Kern County alone, there are over 660 people receiving unemployment benefits because of the damage caused by the freeze. Demand for local, state, and federal assistance has continued to rise since the beginning of 2007.
“It is going to take efforts from the public, private, and non-profit sectors to provide needed assistance to both residents and businesses adversely affected by the freeze,” said Assemblywoman Nicole Parra. “Part of this commitment has been to raise donations to help our residents most in need. Today, I am proud to announce the results of this joint effort.”
Thousands of dollars have been raised to support the relief efforts. The Southern California Gas Company (The Gas Company) was one of the first companies to contribute. Since then, donations have come in from businesses large and small, and countless individuals.
Today’s announcement highlights a concerted effort to solicit community support, including much needed donations to the Community Action Partnership for Kern (CAPK), a group that strives to strengthen, promote, represent and serve its network of member agencies to assure that the issues of the poor are effectively heard and addressed. CAPK will distribute the donations in a manner that will maximize relief to those in need.
"We truly thank Assemblywoman Nicole Parra for her leadership on this important issue,” said Fred Drew of CAPK. “With Nicole’s help, the community came together to help support one another in this time of need. CAPK is committed to continuing the efforts to distribute these funds as effectively as possible."
Last month, Assemblywoman Parra went to Washington, DC to lobby Congressional leaders for additional federal funding for California, including funding for freeze relief. Parra has also authored two measures addressing the freeze. Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 12 encourages the Public Utilities Commission to work with other utilities to establish interest-free payment deferral programs. Assembly Bill 1632 would exempt schools from being penalized for lower student enrollment due to the freeze.
“Challenging times reflect the true nature of a community. The recent devastation wrought by the freeze demonstrates the strength of the people of Kern County and businesses like The Gas Company to rally in support of one another and our neighbors,” Assemblywoman Parra stated.
“We are proud to partner with Assemblymember Parra, the Community Action Partnership of Kern, and so many others to provide aid to our customers. We were pleased to be there at the beginning of this effort, and will be there for the Kern County community through the end,” said David Christensen, public affairs manager for The Gas Company.
Individuals who wish to contribute to join the relief effort should send checks made payable to Community Action Partnership of Kern, Attn: Freeze Campaign, 300 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301-4906. Or visit www.capk.org for additional information.
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