Good morning, Bakersfield.

Kern County public libraries now serve as digital hubs offering high-speed internet, computer access, and digital literacy programs despite staffing shortages and limited outreach via a single bookmobile.

The Grand Jury report calls for more bilingual staff and improved service to reach outlying communities.

Locale Farm to Table in downtown Bakersfield is offering free meals to first responders, hostages and others affected by Tuesday, June 2’s incident; the restaurant began on Wednesday and will serve meals today (11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), having already passed out over 200 meals.

Blaine Hodge, a Bakersfield native, has been named president of the Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce after a two-year search.

Hodge plans to reconnect with members (and promote emerging tech) to help grow Black-owned businesses in the county.

Bakersfield College librarian Ariel Dyer will travel to Taiwan in July as part of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to share library best practices with local professionals—she will discuss AI literacy, reference services, and trends at the National Library of Public Information.

Kern County student Amrita Singh competed at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. two weeks after graduating from eighth grade - she won her spot by excelling in the regional competition after two runner-up finishes and will start high school this fall while planning to mentor aspiring spellers.

Wasco High School broke ground on a new ag farm funded by a bond passed in 2024 (voters approved it) with plans to include an on-site classroom and upgraded facilities.

The project will be completed before the start of the 2027-28 school year.

The Walker Fire burned over 138 acres near Bodfish Road and Walser Road in Caliente on Thursday and reached 10% containment, prompting closure of Caliente Bodfish Road (between Indian Oak Road and Walker Basin Road) as fire crews worked through the night.

Trauma counselors at Awakened Consulting and Wellspring advised those affected by the Chase Bank incident to focus on mental and physical self-care after the bomb threat downtown.

They recommended rest, hydration, and community support to help ease lingering stress and anxiety.

Karanveer Singh is making steady progress in physical therapy at The Rehabilitation Center of Bakersfield after a serious truck crash in October 2024 defied expectations of permanent paralysis.

He now walks longer distances (up to 150 feet per session) and plans to return to work soon.

Kern County ranchers are advised to stay alert after officials confirmed this week that a parasitic worm was detected in the U.S. for the first time in decades.

Ranchers are urged to take extra precautions with their livestock.

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.