Good morning, Bakersfield.

California Highway Patrol and Kern County Sheriff's Office are investigating an Oildale crash on May 20 when a driver fled after driving onto Lerdo Jail property and colliding with an SUV carrying two adults and five children, leaving one child, one adult, and the driver with major injuries and receiving medical aid — local officials urge the public to avoid the area.

Two inmates—William Nesler III, 43, and Edward Holden III, 35—stabbed fellow prisoner Timothy Whelan, 56, with improvised weapons at Kern Valley State Prison in Delano on Wednesday afternoon, and officials are investigating the murder.

A 23-year-old man lost control during a police chase last summer and crashed into Stella's Sandtrap, injuring three patrons, and he was sentenced to 6 years+8 months in prison per Kern County Superior Court records.

The Kern County Fairgrounds will host the 25th annual Latino Food Festival on May 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a menudo and pozole cook-off with food and shopping vendors and a tasting session at 3 p.m. Jay Tamsi from the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce says live music and cultural performances—featuring SOS Band, Mary Jane Girls, and Evelyn 'Champagne' King along with Mariachi San Marcos and Ballet Folkorico Huaztecalli—will add to the day’s events.

Festival season returns as Lightning in a Bottle kicked off May 21 at Buena Vista Lake in Kern County and will run through May 25.

Music fans can enjoy performances by headliners John Summit, Subtronics, and TroyBoi — with De Fanasia having launched the event at 5 p.m.

Kern High School District announced graduation dates for the Class of 2025 with ceremonies scheduled from May 21 through May 30 at various school sites in Bakersfield—each event set for a specific program and location honors the graduating students.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines, a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, urged parents to keep a close eye on children by the water as summer temperatures rise.

He noted that formal swimming lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88% — an essential measure for family safety.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, health experts in Bakersfield warn that bullying can harm a child’s mental and physical health — causing depression, anxiety, and long-term trauma.

They advise parents to talk with their children daily to make sure they feel safe sharing their school experiences.

Earlier this month, five seniors from West High School traveled to San Antonio to compete in the Overwatch 2 National Championship and finished undefeated+some team members plan to pursue college esports+others are considering military service.

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.

You Should Be Dancing - A Tribute To The Bee Gees

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Prices may vary — Groove to the iconic sounds of the Bee Gees in this lively tribute performance.

USPA Tested and Open We Are Strong Powerlifting Championships

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — National Academy of Strength and Power — Registration fee required — Compete in various powerlifting divisions in a well-organized championship event.

Alfred Robles Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-9:30 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Catch a rising star in comedy with Alfred Robles, who turned setbacks into laughs.