Good morning, Bakersfield.

Community members gathered to honor Irma Carson’s pioneering legacy (she was the first African American woman police officer and city councilwoman) as funeral services are held today at 9 a.m. at St. Johns Missionary Church.

CAPK Head Start held its 3rd Annual Fatherhood Conference in Bakersfield (217 registered) to offer workshops, resource booths, and a complimentary lunch that helped local dads and father figures strengthen family bonds.

The event provided networking opportunities to build ongoing community support.

Be Finally Free is hosting its eighth annual Candlelight Vigil tonight at a local park to honor those lost to drug addiction and celebrate residents rebuilding their lives (over 200 memorial posters are displayed and personal testimonies are shared).

A methane gas leak caused an evacuation order for areas north of Wasco last Friday — authorities warned residents that exposure could lead to dizziness, nausea, and brain damage.

Authorities reported that a gas leak near the Wasco-Kern County Airport had forced closures of Phillips Road and Palm Avenue when firefighters handled an oil well fire — releasing methane gas — around 9:37 a.m. Motorists were urged to take alternate routes.

Local officials said changes to Medi-Cal and CalFresh will take effect this year to update benefits for residents, though details (such as eligibility rules) remain to be finalized.

Earlier this week, a city council meeting saw Councilman Bashirtash call homelessness spending a waste, prompting groups including The Mission at Kern and Open Door Network to stress that addressing homelessness needs more resources and time — local programs continue reinvesting in people.

California State University-Bakersfield hired new volleyball head coach Kristen Wright in January after she disclosed allegations from her previous job at the University of North Florida (UNF) where concerns about student-athlete well-being were raised and reviewed to inform the decision.

Private Eyes: A Tribute to Hall & Oates

7-9 PM — Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an authentic tribute to the iconic sounds of Daryl Hall & John Oates.

Ontario Reign at Bakersfield Condors

7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — $3 Beers Night — Enjoy affordable brews while cheering on the Condors in this exciting hockey matchup.

La Lomita Wine Dinner

6-9 p.m. — The Padre Hotel — $120 per person — Experience a curated four-course dinner with exquisite wine pairings from La Lomita.

San Diego Gulls vs. Bakersfield Condors

7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — $3 Beers — Enjoy a spirited hockey matchup on Country Night with drink specials.

Kern County Fairgrounds Event

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Ticket allows entrance for both days — Enjoy a family-friendly weekend with free entry for kids under 12.

Los Hermanos Mendoza Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Los Hermanos Mendoza with their unique blend of traditional and modern music.

Baseball Game: CSU Bakersfield vs. Utah Tech

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Hardt Field — Watch the teams battle it out in an exciting college baseball matchup.

Yannis Pappas Comedy Show

9:30-10:30 p.m. — The Well Comedy Club — General admission available — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian and podcaster Yannis Pappas.

Yannis Pappas Comedy Show

5:30-10:30 p.m. — The Well Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with renowned comedian Yannis Pappas, known for his relatable humor and engaging storytelling.