Good morning, Bakersfield.

Bakersfield's population reached 422,853 according to the California Department of Finance — nearly 20,000 more than in 2020 and only 7,000 fewer than Oakland's count.

The Kern County homelessness count shows 2,690 individuals — a 3.2% rise — with over half unsheltered and more than 1,000 in Bakersfield.

The report also notes gains in moving people from the streets to temporary and permanent housing.

Rising gas prices have squeezed earnings for rideshare and delivery drivers in Bakersfield, and some drivers report gas costs cutting into their profits.

Economics professor Aaron Hegde (CSUB) explained that a 50% rise in fuel expenses forces many to reconsider work options, which may reduce available services.

Stockdale High teacher Kate Adamson was selected for the prestigious Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to join National Geographic on a research trip to Antarctica in December.

She will share her experiences +inspiring lessons+ and +real-world science+ with her students upon return.

Three Kern County teachers (Angel Rose Gabion, Edmund 'Ned' Maino, and Amanda Meszaros) were named finalists for Teacher of the Year during Thursday’s Champions of the Year celebration at Bell Tower Plaza in downtown Bakersfield, and they now qualify to apply for the California Teacher of the Year program.

Kern County school districts will transition to electric buses by 2035 to cut pollution and lower long-term costs; state grants and upgrades like new air conditioning support the change + enhance student transportation.

The move builds on pilot programs that began in 2022 with initial electric buses.

Students at Pioneer Drive Elementary School participated in its annual Career Day on Friday with professionals from varied fields such as firefighting and journalism.

The event in southeast Bakersfield sparked excitement as teachers and students discussed future career paths and explored early goals.

Kern County Board of Supervisors will consider declaring a local emergency on Tuesday, May 12 after a rapid golden mussel infestation affected local water facilities.

Health officials in Bakersfield report that a hantavirus outbreak aboard the M-V Hondius (near the Canary Islands) resulted in three passenger deaths and is under close monitoring while local authorities say no cases have been confirmed among returning travelers and advise proper rodent cleanup measures.

For 35 years, Bakersfield’s Relay for Life has drawn thousands to a 24-hour walk that raises funds and honors cancer survivors.

The event blends celebration with remembrance as community members unite in the fight against cancer.

Bakersfield Little League umpire Sawyer Sparks went viral Friday after an Instagram video captured his energetic game-calling style, drawing over 126,000 likes.

He said his movement on the field—essential for making accurate calls as the sole umpire—helps boost his performance.

Aztec Image Car Show Featuring Lil Rob

12-3 p.m. — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Free entry — Experience the vibrant culture of custom cars and live performances at this beloved annual gathering.

Goat Yoga Class at Cherry Acres

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Cherry Acres — Bring your yoga mat and enjoy a playful blend of yoga and adorable goats in a serene farm setting.

Robert Jon and the Wreck Live

7-11 p.m. — World Records — Ticketed event — Enjoy an electrifying mix of Southern rock and West Coast soul with Robert Jon & The Wreck.

Bakersfield Puerto Rican Salsa Festival

1-8 p.m. — Kern County Shrine Club — Donations accepted — Dance to salsa beats and enjoy Puerto Rican culture while raising funds for student scholarships.