Good morning, Bakersfield.

Pet owners received low-cost spay and neuter services on Wednesday when the Snip Bus mobile clinic stopped at Heritage Park in east Bakersfield— a service aimed at curbing Kern County pet overpopulation.

The clinic now operates four to six times weekly.

Sean Starkey, a Bakersfield native, remains stranded in Qatar and shared his story on YouTube, saying he feels abandoned by US authorities and is unsure when he will get home.

His video shows his struggle amid travel delays + personal hardship.

Kernville celebrates its roots in early California with an annual Whiskey Flat Days festival that draws 70,000 visitors, and local officials say the Chamber of Commerce is already planning its 70th anniversary celebration next year (community leaders noted).

Bakersfield College hosted Financial Aid Fest 2026 on Feb.

27 on the CSS Lawn (with support from Kern Regional Center, Valley Achievement Center, and the U.S. Postal Service) to connect students with financial aid details and campus resources.

California State University, Bakersfield placed its women's head basketball coach, Ari Wideman, on paid administrative leave on March 5 for undisclosed reasons (according to Senior Director of Strategic Communications Jennifer Self).

Industry leaders met at the Kern County Water Summit at the Dignity Health Convention Center to discuss an ambitious statewide water plan targeting 9 million acre-feet by 2040.

Joel Metzger, comparing the goal to two Shasta reservoirs (roughly 18 million homes’ supply), emphasized modern planning for crops and environmental flows.

At the annual Kern water summit here in Bakersfield, experts discussed how destructive golden mussels arrived two years ago from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and predicted they are here to stay — a challenge for the region’s water management.

Daylight Savings Time will begin on Sunday and many residents may get less sleep + Dr. Hemmal Kothary from Dignity Health’s Central California Chapter advises simple changes to adjust sleep habits and reduce health risks.

12th Annual Honor Run

8-10 a.m. — Hart Memorial Park — $10-$50 — Participate in a charitable run supporting the families of fallen deputies with fun for all ages.

32nd Annual Christian Youth Film Festival

2-10:30 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Various costs available — Celebrate young filmmakers showcasing inspiring short films filled with faith, hope, and love.

College Baseball Game: CSU Bakersfield vs. Westcliff

11 AM – 1 PM — Hardt Field — Watch live sports — Catch the action as CSU Bakersfield takes on Westcliff in this college baseball matchup.

Concert by Dueto Voces del Rancho & Chaque Peña Junior

8 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant night of regional music with top artists in a legendary venue.

Heartland Charter School Field Day

10 AM – 12 PM — Westdale Park — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day of athletic games and family bonding at this exciting Field Day event.

CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse

7:30 p.m. — CSUB Music Building, Room 127 — $10 General Admission, $5 for Students & Seniors — Experience jazz standards and original compositions by local talents and guest artists.

Bakersfield Marathon

7 AM - 1 PM — Kern County Museum — Registration required — Experience a scenic race featuring full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 6K options through Bakersfield.

Jackyl Concert

7-10 p.m. — BarrelHouse Brewing Bakersfield — All Ages — Experience loud, gritty rock & roll with Jackyl's high-octane performance.

CSUB CalFresh Carnival

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Student Union — Free entry — Discover the new Mobile SNAP Vehicle and learn about accessible benefits for rural communities.

Viejones Mañosos Tour

9 PM – 1 AM — La Movida Night Club — Tickets selling fast — Experience a vibrant night of live regional music with renowned artists in an electrifying atmosphere.