Good morning, Bakersfield.

Total Wine is beginning tenant improvements inside a 25,800 sqft retail space at Town & Country Village on a busy west Bakersfield street; the space has been vacant for nearly two years and will soon host the national retailer.

California Beauty Salon XO, a mobile salon in Bakersfield, has added small travel fees because gas prices have climbed, making home visits more costly but still cheaper than renting a salon suite — the owner says the mobile model saves on expenses.

Buildings along California Avenue display lease signs + mark a renewed interest in Bakersfield's professional services corridor west of downtown.

The trend suggests office space demand is on the rise as businesses search for new locations.

Oildale residents expressed concern over recent closures at 7-Eleven on Roberts Lane—local business fears persist even as District 3 County Supervisor Jeff Flores points to improved oil permitting and outreach efforts starting in June.

Workers removed the Cesar Chavez mural at the northeast corner of 18th and L in Downtown Bakersfield on Friday morning after vandals spray painted a phrase over it — officials are still reviewing details.

Churches in Bakersfield mark Good Friday as a time to reflect on Jesus' crucifixion and the promise of forgiveness; pastors from Canyon Hills, Bakersfield First, and First Presbyterian Churches stress that the day sets the stage for Easter (symbolizing new life).

Local residents and farmers report rising gas and fertilizer prices as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed after nearly a month, and the cost hike may squeeze budgets if supply disruptions continue.

The impact is being felt across our community.

Caltrans will close the No. 1 lane on I-5 near Grapevine and Lebec Road Overcrossing from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7, and begin 24-hour closures on Wednesday, April 8 through early May — part of the Grapevine Rehab Project.

After losing her son, Dani Wallace is funding Kern County’s first doula training class for 20 doulas to improve maternal care — she says more OBs and permanent nurses are needed to address local shortages.

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.

Bakersfield Condors vs. Tucson Roadrunners Hockey Match

6:30-9 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena — Affordable family-friendly fun — Experience the thrill of AHL hockey with speed, hits, and excitement.

The Great Classics

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — $TBD — Experience timeless classical music performed by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in an elegant setting.

R&B Sundaze

11 AM – 3 PM — BottleShock Wine and Brew — $20 presale, $25 at the door — Enjoy a vibrant afternoon with live R&B music by DJ Spoon and DJ Ace.

ABRA Cadabra: An ABBA Tribute

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of glittering costumes and irresistible ABBA melodies with the acclaimed tribute band.

2026 Earth Day 661 Festival

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Beach Park — Free entry — Celebrate Mother Earth with live music, eco-friendly vendors, and family fun activities.

Baseball Game: CSU Bakersfield vs. Cal State LA

6:30-8 p.m. — Hardt Field — Check for ticket prices — Catch the action as CSU Bakersfield takes on Cal State LA in an exciting baseball matchup.

Chito Ranas Live in Concert

8-11 p.m. — Paradise Palace Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of authentic Latin rap with Chito Ranas and special guests.

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball

6:30–8:00 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Witness an exciting college baseball matchup under the lights.