Good morning, Bakersfield.

Bakersfield will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Antongiovanni Park tomorrow, May 30 at 11 a.m. near Douglas Miller Elementary School (just off Berkshire Road) as construction starts this summer and is set to finish by spring 2027.

PG&E warns that metallic balloons released during graduation season can hit power lines and cause outages + wildfires in Kern County, urging families to secure or safely dispose of them.

Kingston, one of the region’s earliest communities founded in 1855 as a ferry crossing near Laton, grew to include a hotel, post office, school and several businesses before railroads and a new bridge left it fading—today, the Laton-Kingston Regional Park marks its historic location.

California State University, Bakersfield is considering a three-year bachelor’s degree pathway that reduces requirements from 120 to 90 units to lower time and tuition costs.

Campus officials will review options (including professional and applied studies) before deciding on implementation.

A local developer's plan to build an AI data center in Inyokern is drawing skepticism from residents and Ridgecrest officials because of water use concerns, even as developers claim the project will use 98% less water than traditional centers (independent studies note minimal environmental impact).

New CalFresh requirements will take effect Monday, June 1 in Kern County and require able-bodied adults (ages 19 to 64) to complete 20 hours of work or volunteer service weekly to keep food assistance.

Nearly 30,000 residents might lose help, prompting local non-profits to set up a volunteer collaborative.

The Tejon Tribe and Hard Rock Casino opened the Tejon Public Safety Center yesterday, which includes a sheriff’s substation and a fire station to expand services around Hard Rock Casino Tejon in Kern County — a facility built without taxpayer funds.

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.

Summer Nights Truck and Car Show

All day — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Check the event page for pricing — Celebrate automotive culture with trucks, classic cars, and vibrant entertainment.

NEF The Pharaoh

4:20-10 p.m. — Paradise Palace Hall — Free entry — Experience live music, local vendors, and delicious food at this vibrant community event.

USPA Tested and Open WE ARE THE STRONG 2 Meet

8 a.m. — National Academy of Strength and Power — Registration required — Compete against some of the best lifters in the area with both tested and non-tested divisions.

BELY Y BETO

3-6 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Tickets required — Experience joy and magic with these beloved children's entertainers.