Chevron is slashing almost 100 jobs in Bakersfield starting June 13 as the oil producer deals with the falling price of crude.

A letter sent to the Kern County Board of Supervisors Thursday says the company will give severance pay and career transition services to those affected, but spokeswoman Carla Musser says the choice to let go of so many people was difficult.

The layoffs are permanent and affect workers in multiple departments. Other cuts are planned at Chevron sites across the San Joaquin Valley, but the company will not confirm how many.

Kelli Forsch