My dad and mom grew up in Bakersfield. Actually, my grandmother ran a magnificence store on South Hayes Road for a few years. I nonetheless have a lot of household right here and I really feel a deep connection to your metropolis. That’s why I’m so excited to have a weeklong go to whereas attending the Bakersfield version of the California Financial Summit, hosted by California Ahead. Whereas I’m right here, I’ll meet as many native small-business homeowners as I can and get a really feel for a way Foremost Road is faring in my household’s hometown.
I’m right here to symbolize the California Workplace of the Small Enterprise Advocate, which helps financial development and innovation by offering our state’s small companies and entrepreneurs with the data, instruments and assets they should begin, handle and develop profitable and resilient companies. I’ll be attending a number of occasions, together with a panel on power, local weather, neighborhood resilience and financial mobility organized by the Kern Group Faculty District. On the summit on Thursday, I’ll be asserting a brand new effort from my workplace, the 2022 Entrepreneurship & Financial Mobility Process Drive.
My workplace’s message to each small-business proprietor I meet this week: Your financial restoration is California’s financial restoration.
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With 4.2 million small companies, California has the biggest small-business sector within the nation. They rent almost half our state’s workforce. Serving to these companies to start out, scale and thrive is the rationale CalOSBA was created.
Aside from Hawaii and the territories, our state has probably the most various small-business sector within the nation; almost 45 p.c of our small companies are owned by Hispanics or racial minorities.
However that is additionally the place the story will get extra difficult: Solely 13 p.c of those 1.9 million Hispanic- or minority-owned companies have achieved the objective of hiring workers.
That is why, when Gov. Gavin Newsom describes his imaginative and prescient of a “California for All,” I take into consideration what CalOSBA can do to assist these companies develop and create extra jobs that help area people.
On the California Ahead summit, I’ll be diving into contemporary concepts with native practitioners and neighborhood leaders on the way to implement three massive targets that the Entrepreneurship and Financial Mobility Process Drive can be specializing in:
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Democratizing entry to capital. One of many the reason why so many women- and minority-owned companies can’t scale giant sufficient to rent workers is as a result of they don’t have equitable entry to capital. We should give you profitable methods to “loosen the credit score field.” California’s technical help community of greater than 100 small-business facilities — together with the Cal State Bakersfield Small Enterprise Improvement Heart and Kern Girls’s Enterprise Heart — are there to assist companies from underserved enterprise communities get loan-ready. However we want extra artistic methods to make enterprise financing equitable.
Diversifying the innovation economic system. California’s domination of the high-tech startup house remains to be plain, however largely concentrated within the San Francisco Bay Space and Los Angeles. My workplace’s Speed up California program is funding a community of Inclusive Innovation Hubs to diversify innovation, throughout ZIP codes and backgrounds, and when it comes to trade and expertise sectors. That’s why the KCCD panel this week will delve into clear economic system alternatives for Kern County.
Driving financial mobility by way of entrepreneurship. That is what it’s all about for me — ensuring that small-business possession can create generational wealth for households that pursue it and, in flip, cut back the racial wealth hole. We want a better proportion of small companies that may rent workers, enable the homeowners to purchase a house, ship their youngsters to school and go away a strong succession plan once they’re able to retire.
That’s the dream behind each storefront, both on Foremost Road or on-line. I’m excited to listen to in regards to the massive, progressive goals being cooked up in Kern County and to study out of your neighborhood this week about the way to assist them come true.
Tara Lynn Grey was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom as director of the California Workplace of the Small Enterprise Advocate in March 2021. She serves because the voice for California’s small companies within the Governor’s Workplace of Enterprise and Financial Improvement. She beforehand led the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce and Black Chamber Basis.
Thousands of firefighters battling a wildfire in northern California are getting some help from the weather just hours after the blaze exploded in size, scorching an area larger than Los Angeles. But it is little consolation to the many who have had to evacuate or have lost their homes to the flames, including evacuee Susan Singleton and her 7 dogs. (AP Video by Eugene Garcia)
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A group of horses walk along a road as they are being evacuated during the Park Fire in the community of Cohasset near Chico, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Park Fire in Chico
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A home destroyed by the Park Fire is seen in Chico, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25 a general view of damaged structure as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25 a general view of damaged structure as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
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Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews battle against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Dozens of burned up cars that were destroyed by the Park Fire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
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Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: A view of huge smoke as crews are battling against to flames which Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: A view of huge smoke as crews are battling against to flames which Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
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Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Smoke and flames rise from the forest as crews try to extinguish a wildfire in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: A view of huge smoke as crews are battling against to flames which Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
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Park Fire: Wildfire in Chico of California
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CALIFORNIA, USA – JULY 25: Crews are battling against to flames as Park Fire of wildfires continue in Chico, California, United States on July 25, 2024.
Park Fire in Cohasset
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A sports utility vehicle is seen engulfed in flames during the Park Fire in the community of Cohasset near Chico, Calif., Thursday, July 25, 2024.
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Fire engines drive through flames ripping across Highway 36 as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
Firefighters Battle The Park Fire In California
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The Park Fire near Chico, California, US, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Arson investigators in California arrested a man on suspicion of starting the state’s largest wildfire this year – a conflagration that has prompted evacuations and threatened the state’s power grid. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
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CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: A massive pyrocumulus cloud rises from the Park Fire, which has grown to 239,152 acres and is 0 percent contained, expands at a rapid rate on July 26, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousand of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
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Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
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CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 26: A massive pyrocumulus cloud rises from the Park Fire, which has grown to 239,152 acres and is 0 percent contained, expands at a rapid rate on July 26, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousand of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Firefighters Battle The Park Fire In California
Bloomberg
A plane drops fire retardant during the Park Fire near Chico, California, US, on Friday, July 26, 2024. Arson investigators in California arrested a man on suspicion of starting the state’s largest wildfire this year – a conflagration that has prompted evacuations and threatened the state’s power grid. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg via Getty Images
US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
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Vehicles drive through flames ripping across Highway 36 as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images
A property is seen in flames as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
TOPSHOT-US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
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TOPSHOT – Resident Grant Douglas takes a drink of water while evacuating his wife and dog as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. More than 1,150 personnel are deployed to fight the blaze, which has burned more than 180,000 acres and burned dozens of homes, and more than 3,500 people have been forced to flee their homes, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
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TOPSHOT-US-ENVIRONMENT-CLIMATE-FIRE
JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images
TOPSHOT – A property is seen in flames as the Park fire continues to burn near Paynes Creek in unincorporated Tehama County, California on July 26, 2024. A huge, fast-moving and rapidly growing wildfire in northern California has forced more than 4,000 people to evacuate as firefighters battle gusty winds and perilously dry conditions, authorities said on July 26.
Park Fire in Butte County
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Vehicles destroyed by the Park Fire are seen in the community of Cohasset near Chico, Calif., Friday, July 26, 2024.
Park Fire Ravages Communities In California
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A destroyed car is seen parked along Cohasset Road in Cohasset, Calif. Friday, July 26, 2024 after the Park Fire ripped through the community and continues to burn through Butte County.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
David McNew / Getty Images
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: The ruins of a structure are seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
David McNew / Getty Images
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Wild turkeys walk on scorched earth near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
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Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
David McNew / Getty Images
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: A burned truck is seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
David McNew / Getty Images
CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: The ruins of a structure are seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
Park Fire Burns Thousands Of Acres In Northern California After Man Charged With Arson
David McNew / Getty Images
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CHICO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: The ruins of a structure are seen near the small community of Payne Creek as the Park Fire, which has grown to 348,370 acres and is still 0 percent contained, continues to expand on July 27, 2024 near Chico, California. Strong winds and dried vegetation fueled the fire that exploded 70,000 acres in the first 24 hours after a man allegedly pushed a burning car into a ravine to intentionally set the blaze. In 2018, more than 18,000 structures were destroyed and 85 people killed in the nearby town of Paradise when the Camp Fire entrapped thousands of people and became the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history.
The blaze has nearly doubled in size since Friday morning. It’s burning about 90 miles north of Sacramento.
Watch: Firefighters try to tame massive Park Fire in California
The destructive Park Fire has burned over 150,000 acres in California.
A fire that allegedly started when a man pushed a flaming car into a gully in a Northern California park on Wednesday has quickly ballooned into the West’s largest fire burning right now and one of the largest in state history.
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The Park Fire, about 90 miles north of Sacramento, has now burned over 307,000 acres as of Saturday morning, according to Cal Fire. It’s currently the eighth-largest fire in California history, has no containment, and is even producing its own clouds.
The blaze has roughly doubled in size since Friday morning when it engulfed an area the size of Chicago.
Prosecutors allege the fire started when Ronnie Stout sent his mother’s car ablaze 60 feet down an embankment near Alligator Hole in Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park. That gave the fire its match to spread northward across the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds contributed to the Park Fire’s rapid growth, officials say. The Park Fire on Saturday has burned an area roughly the size of the city of Los Angeles. So far, the Park Fire has damaged 134 structures, Cal Fire’s latest incident report showed.
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Cooler temperatures, with highs in the upper 80s, and more humidity are expected Saturday, according to the National Weather Service’s Sacramento office. On Friday afternoon, officials hoped these conditions would give some 2,500 firefighters the needed respite to reduce the fire’s spread from Butte County into Tehama County, where the majority of the fire is now occurring, as it burns grass, brush, timber and dead vegetation.
Evacuation orders and warnings continued through Friday night, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office announced. This included warnings for Magalia in the foothills east of Chico, located just next to Paradise, the California town burned by the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed 14,000 homes and killed 85 people. The Camp Fire, caused by faulty Pacific Gas & Electric power lines, maxed out at 153,336 acres, half the size of the current Park Fire.
There are nearing 100 large wildfires across 10 western states and Alaska that have burned over a million acres and growing. Climate change is driving fires’ growing size and severity as warmer temperatures, high winds and dry conditions help fuel fires.
Contributing: Christopher Cann and Dinah Pulver of USA TODAY