Good morning, Bakersfield.

Local mothers with Alongside Autism are petitioning for safety fences at Bakersfield parks to protect autistic children from busy roads.

They will meet with a district ward supervisor to discuss the plan after a six-year-old boy named Andrew wandered off twice+ they hope to add fences in each region.

Bakersfield Soul Food Fest returns this Saturday from 3pm to 9pm at Nobel Park on P street and will feature 30 food vendors offering soul food, live music, and a slam dunk contest—ticket sales for $20 will support local non-profits and churches facing funding cuts.

California Highway Patrol said at around 7:47 p.m. Wednesday night that a collision on Highway 223 east of Arvin involving a grey Saturn sedan and a semi-trailer truck killed at least one person—highway 223 is now closed as officers investigate the cause.

Authorities arrested a 17-year-old boy on Wible Road in connection with the April 5 shooting that killed Jessica Lorraine Arevalos and injured another woman—he is due in court today while 20-year-old Tyree Buckley’s arraignment was postponed to April 24.

Bakersfield Police Department is asking the public to help identify two robbery and assault suspects; the first (with short black hair and wearing a black sweatshirt, black shorts and white shoes) and the second (with black hair and wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, black pants and white shoes) were involved in an incident that occurred April 9th at 10:30 p.m. on Truxtun Ave.

Bakersfield residents are objecting to a proposed sewer rate increase that will raise fees for a single home from $239 to $950, saying the hike will worsen their financial burden.

City officials say the change is needed to cover rising maintenance costs, and residents must submit written protests by May 28—over 53,000 letters are needed to block the increase—while debates continue.

Bakersfield Greyhounds, a running group formed over five years ago, trains together for the Boston Marathon and has already seen 38 runners qualify; runner Shane Goslin will race on April 21 while 20-year-old Brady Butcher qualified for Boston 2026+ the team’s support helps all members push toward their goals.

An Evening of Opera Scenes

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Doré Theatre — $12 General Admission, $7 Seniors & Students, Free for CSUB Students — Experience a captivating night featuring scenes from grand opera and musical theatre.

Empower Wellness Run 5k/1 Mile

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Hart Memorial Park — Registration fees apply — Run, walk, or crawl for wellness in this community-focused event!

Spring Expo 2025

7 p.m. — Villa Punta del Cielo — Free entry — Celebrate spring with local vendors and activities at this community expo.

G-Eazy & Marc E. Bassy Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — VIP Meet & Greet available — Experience multi-platinum artists G-Eazy and Marc E. Bassy live in concert.

F.Y.A.H. Reggae Event

7-11 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience a night of vibrant reggae music in the heart of Bakersfield.

Creed Fisher Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Buy Tickets — Enjoy an evening of live country music with Creed Fisher and Buckshot.

Cinco de Mile Half Marathon & Ole 5K

1:45-6 p.m. — 4200 Empire Dr, Bakersfield, CA — Check website for entry fee — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive run and a post-run fiesta filled with fun.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace

5-10 p.m. — Buck Owens' Crystal Palace — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant festivities of Cinco de Mayo with music, dance, and cultural celebration.

Kultura Night Celebration

5-8 p.m. — Student Union — Free for CSUB students, $10 for non-students — Celebrate Filipino culture with food, music, and art.

Mopars of Bakersfield Car Show

All day — Bakersfield KOA Journey — Donation-based — Experience classic cars and community spirit while supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Bakersfield.