Good morning, Bakersfield.

Amy Travis has been named the new president and CEO of Kern Community Foundation, which manages more than $50 million in assets and brings years of local nonprofit experience; she will officially assume her role on June 8 in Bakersfield.

A brush fire reported shortly before 8:30 a.m. Monday spread to over 2,000 acres and closed Highway 178 through Kern River Canyon.

A second fire burned north of Highway 58 near the Bena Landfill on Monday morning and had burned about 40 acres by 9:30 a.m. while smoke filled the area and traffic remained clear.

The Kern County Library selected 'The Housmaid' by Freida McFadden as its Book of the Week.

This psychological thriller, first published in 2022, is available for borrowing at local branches.

Lightning in a Bottle returns this Memorial Day weekend, May 20-24, to the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area with five days of music, art and camping that will attract thousands of visitors.

The festival, produced by Do LaB, will feature headliners such as Empire of the Sun and Mau P.

Bakersfield businesswoman Raji Brar, a CSUB alum, was elected vice chair of the CSU Board of Trustees, making her the first Kern County native to hold the post.

She will hold listening sessions on campus to bring the Central Valley's voice to statewide education decisions (CSUB).

Heidi Olsen — a national expert on child exploitation and online safety — will lead a free virtual seminar in Bakersfield today at 10 a.m. hosted by Seek Truth Not Illusion to help parents, caregivers and professionals learn about online risks.

Kern County Library will launch a summer reading challenge (June 1 to July 31) to help readers win prizes by reading ten books or spending ten hours reading; all ages can join to boost their reading goals.

County neglect has led to trash build-up, crumbling walkways, and safety hazards at Hart Park Lake, causing watercraft rentals to close.

Business owner Jacob Clagg hopes county repairs will resume kayak access soon (repair funds pending) for community families.

Highway 178 is closed Tuesday morning as crews fight the River Fire in Kern River Canyon — which burned about 2300 acres and is now 10% contained — while a secondary blaze near Tehachapi burned 300 acres and is 20% contained.

A new study finds that California data centers use water in ways that lack transparency — raising local concerns about shortages and grid stress, while some Inyokern residents worry that proposed drilling and 500,000 gallons in water use may be unsustainable.

Kern County veterans face challenges when returning to civilian life, so the Veterans Chamber of Commerce is hosting a town hall meeting + connecting veterans with local lawmakers on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in Woolworth’s basement on 19th Street.

Kern County mosquito control officials warned residents today that ankle-biting mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of standing water (in potted plants and kids' toys) as summer nears.

Officials urged homeowners to clear water and use bug spray to lower West Nile virus risk.

18-year-old little league umpire Sawyer Sparks has gone viral for his fast moves plus his energy and care for kids during games in Bakersfield.

He began umpiring two years ago and hopes to expand his role in baseball even further soon.

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.

The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County

7:30 p.m. — Bakersfield Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a haunting tale of love and tragedy set to music from Stephen King and John Mellencamp.

The Lovers Rock - Sade Tribute

8-11 p.m. — BottleShock Wine and Brew — Fundraising event — Enjoy a night of Sade's legendary sounds while supporting Kern County students in music and STEM education.

Garden Bros Nuclear Circus: Fun Factory

4:30 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrilling and colorful world of the Garden Brothers Nuclear Circus in a fantastic family-friendly performance.