Good morning, Bakersfield.

MLK Community Garden will be built on an empty lot with $700,000 in funding to bring fresh produce and hands-on workshops to about 200 residents in a food desert area.

The project will be ready in about eight months—community volunteers are invited to help with its development.

A fatal solo-vehicle crash occurred on westbound State Route 178 just west of Mount Vernon Avenue at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 9th when a black sedan struck a pole blocking lane three as emergency responders attempted CPR on the driver who was pronounced dead at 2:06 p.m.

Bakersfield police arrested Jeremy Daniel Cruzen, a 47 year old man in CDCR custody (set for release next month), in connection with the 2014 murder of Christopher Wagstaff whose body was found in front of the courthouse on Truxtun Avenue.

Bakersfield Police is seeking help to find 17 year old Kenny Barrios who was last seen May 8 on the 12800 block of Shallow Water Court near Allen and Brimhall roads—he is described as Hispanic, 5’5” tall, 130 pounds with black hair, brown eyes, and a black and white Nike backpack and is at risk as a first-time runaway.

William Pederson, a 56-year-old accused drunken driver, pleaded no contest to charges including second-degree murder in Superior Court for the Highway 65 crash that killed Juana Torres de Calderon on Feb.

14 near Famoso Road—he faces sentencing in July that may bring up to 30 years to life plus an extra 16 years.

On Friday morning, residents on Water Street were woken by gunfire when a man allegedly shot a woman in her home—deputies then engaged an armed suspect carrying a gun, machete, and hammer, resulting in injuries to the victim, one deputy, and the suspect who was arrested and is being treated in the hospital.

A Kern County jury convicted 76-year-old Martin Williams of fatally shooting his ex‑girlfriend Latashay Jones in 2022 — a conviction that comes after years of violent behavior — and he will be sentenced on June 26, facing up to 80 years to life in prison.

Bakersfield College held its first Rising Scholars pre-commencement ceremony on Friday to honor 12 formerly incarcerated students for academic success and personal growth — the program supports second chances through mentorship and resources.

The college will hold its official commencement on May 16 at Memorial Stadium.

The California Highway Patrol will introduce a new patrol vehicle this weekend in the Central Valley that blends in with traffic to better spot risky driving behavior.

The vehicle is one of 100 statewide and covers the area from Bakersfield to Modesto—its subtle design lets officers see natural driving patterns before making enforcement stops.

Bakersfield Mother's Day Run

8 a.m. — The Park at River Walk — Registration fee required — Celebrate the incredible moms in our lives with a fun run honoring their superpowers.

Sleeping Beauty Ballet

6-9 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Get enchanted by a mesmerizing ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty.

State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: The Sleeping Beauty

2 AM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Ticket prices starting at $88 — Experience a stunning ballet performance from the renowned State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.

Mocedades Concert

8:30-11 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Ticket availability varies — Experience the enchanting harmonies of the legendary Spanish vocal group Mocedades.

Bravo Oilmen and Azabache Ensemble Live Show

9 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Ticket purchase required — Experience a vibrant night with live regional music that promises to keep you dancing all night long.

Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Vallejo Seaweed

6:30 PM – 10:30 PM — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch exciting baseball action as the Bakersfield Train Robbers face off against the Vallejo Seaweed.

Bakersfield Hiring Event

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hyatt Place Bakersfield — Free entry — Connect live with HR teams from local and Fortune 500 companies for full and part-time opportunities.

Bakersfield Hot Fudge Sundae Run

8 AM – 12 PM — The Park at River Walk — Entry fee applies — Enjoy a fun 5k run or 1 mile walk and earn a delicious hot fudge sundae.

On-Site Senior Living Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Able Care Home — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living communities dedicated to exceptional care and engaging activities.

Shoreline Mafia Concert in Bakersfield

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unique West Coast flow of Shoreline Mafia live in concert.