Good morning, Bakersfield.

City officials have set temporary road closures on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard today for the Mothers Against Gang Violence 500 Women March.

The event will start at 2 p.m. at East Belle Terrace and end at MLK Park around 3 p.m., and drivers are asked to use alternate routes.

Three years ago, Bakersfield moms started Little Hikers to encourage outdoor play and friendship on easy hiking trails.

Today the group hosts regular outings with 10 to 20 families, offering hikes, camping trips, and field trips that build lasting bonds among children and parents.

Residents asked the Bakersfield City Council to improve road safety on Harris Road and secure funding for major upgrades to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (a longtime community priority) today.

They expect the council to review these proposals to enhance local safety.

City fire crews quickly put out a small vegetation fire near Yokuts Park on Friday, May 29.

No injuries or major damage were reported as the blaze occurred between the bike path and the Kern River + the cause remains unknown.

California State University Bakersfield will launch the SPARKS program this fall that pairs students with OpenAI engineers—designed to work on community projects addressing groundwater contamination and local business sustainability.

CSUB officials say the interdisciplinary program is open to all students.

Samuel Carranza, a 16-year-old Bakersfield student, is graduating today with a 4.0 GPA and college credits from online learning at IQ Academy (Los Angeles).

He plans to pursue a firefighting career, proving that academic challenges can lead to big achievements.

State regulators fined a local oil producer over $1 million for injecting wastewater into a known broken well and doing unpermitted work near Bakersfield — the measure seeks to curb further contamination risks in the area.

A CDC report shows ER visits for tick bites are rising since 2017; Kern County health officials advise residents to use repellents and wash clothing in hot water (to prevent Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever) as summer nears.

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.