Good morning, Bakersfield.

Local outreach teams & police work at riverbed encampments to connect homeless residents with housing and support services.

Flood Ministries and the Street Impact Team have helped many find resources and hope, ensuring every interaction counts for a fresh start.

KCSOS reopened the historic First Baptist Church now called Bell Tower Plaza on Thursday after two years of renovations by the county superintendent.

Arvin Community Services District is partnering with Arvin-Edison Water Storage District on a $2 million project to convert 160 acres of farmland into groundwater recharge basins, which will store excess water during wet years and support local farms & homes.

Environmentalists question if regulators can track hazardous incidents after California increased oil drilling permits following a moratorium — journalist Marek Warszawski reported a Kern County operator faces permitting violations while texts hint at a secret Fresno expansion and a local restaurant owner is in hospital.

Shafter leaders highlighted economic growth and community strength in a State of the City address held Thursday night at Shafter Veterans Hall.

Officials noted that new logistics expansions and over 450 new homes are fueling growth while planning intentional future development (focusing on attracting quality jobs).

Downtown Bakersfield will see a planned luxury apartment complex, Greyhound Flats (a mixed-use development), next to New Yorker Vintage Apartments as economic growth post-COVID has spurred revitalization, yet some residents question the need for high-end units over affordable housing.

Bakersfield bodybuilder Jalen Fray turned personal tragedy and a Type 1 diabetes diagnosis into strength by earning his professional bodybuilding card in 2024 and now inspires others, supported by his girlfriend Rachelle Villa.

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.

UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball Game

6:30 – 8:00 PM — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch the action as the Gauchos clash with the Roadrunners in a thrilling baseball matchup.

Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball

6:30-8 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch the excitement as the Bulldogs take on the Roadrunners in a thrilling baseball matchup.

UC San Diego Tritons vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Watch a thrilling college baseball matchup at Hardt Field.