Good morning, Bakersfield.

Lucky’s Crew Animal Rescue hosted its inaugural Paws and Prosecco event Saturday afternoon featuring designer handbag bingo to raise funds for its animal sanctuary in northwestern Bakersfield.

Bakersfield native Sean Starkey (44), who was stuck in Qatar, is now on his way home as his local community eagerly awaits his return.

Leaders watched as the final building at the East 21st Street facility was demolished Monday to clear the way for a new 13,000 sqft building that will offer expanded services and transitional housing.

Construction will begin late this spring.

The Better Business Bureau warned consumers about weight loss scams after receiving over 170 reports of AI-generated deepfake videos falsely endorsing LipoMax, with victims reporting high costs and unwanted supplement offers.

Consumers are advised to verify claims by checking company credentials (BBB tips available).

Pet owners have received scam texts offering to return missing animals with upfront reward requests, and experts at Kern County Animal Services advise checking multiple shelters and safeguarding personal contact information to avoid falling victim to these schemes.

Gas prices in Bakersfield have risen amid global oil supply concerns as Middle East tensions continue, and Cal State Bakersfield professor Richard Gearhart warned the cost could reach historic highs by next week - local drivers like delivery worker Alex Jimenez are adjusting their fill-up habits.

Bakersfield College is reissuing diplomas with the correct spelling as interim President Dr. Stacy Pfluger apologizes to affected graduates; those from 2023 and 2024 must submit a form to update their contact information.

Charlie Wilmot, a Bakersfield Vietnam veteran, and his new wife are stranded at an Abu Dhabi hotel after regional conflict canceled their March 7 departure.

They are set to return on March 13 and say they feel safe while waiting out the delay.

Construction is underway on City Lights, a new 350,000-sqft open-air shopping center at the former East Hills Mall site on Mall View Road in Northeast Bakersfield; it will open in spring 2027 and host retailers like Boot Barn, Sprouts, and PetSmart.

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.

Date Night Comedy

6:00-8:00 p.m. — The Clover Entertainment Group — $130 per couple — Enjoy dinner, laughs, and a live auction supporting mental health awareness with comedian Mike Goodwin.

Cults & Classics: Sunset Boulevard

7-9 p.m. — Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — $5 tickets — Enjoy the classic film Sunset Boulevard at one of California's beautiful movie palaces.

Silverada Live at BarrelHouse Brewing

7:30-11:30 p.m. — BarrelHouse Brewing Bakersfield — Tickets available — Experience high-energy country rock by Silverada in a vibrant taproom atmosphere.