Good morning, Bakersfield.

Data from the 2025 Point-in-Time Count showed a 2.3% drop in homelessness in Kern County with 2,606 persons counted, where most were unsheltered and located in the Bakersfield Metro Area (East Bakersfield, Oildale, and Rosedale).

A fire near Klipstein Canyon Road burned 624 acres and was 15% contained as of Friday morning — it started on June 12 at 10:11 p.m. in Maricopa as reported by CalFire.

A vegetation fire called Dogs Fire burned 3,000 acres north of Bakersfield and started yesterday at 2 p.m., leading to an evacuation order (zone KRN-606) and warnings (zones KRN-600 and KRN-601) while firefighters work to contain it.

Bakersfield police said 17-year-old Layla White, who is considered at risk due to her age and medical conditions, was last seen on June 11 at about 10 p.m. on the 5700 block of Mountain Vista Drive & is described as Black and Hispanic, 5’7” tall, 200 pounds, with brown eyes and hair & wearing a blue shirt, tan shorts and black boots.

Bakersfield Police made 764 DUI arrests in 2024 with 20% being repeat offenders—a rate lower than nearly 30% statewide—and used 10 checkpoints along with 59 saturation patrols while planning to use over $400,000 in grants next year to boost both enforcement and education programs like 'A Life Interrupted.'

Bakersfield police identified 19-year-old Nathon Michael Ramirez as the driver accused of running a red light that caused a fatal crash at the intersection of Union Avenue and East California Avenue on June 10 — the crash involved a BMW that struck a Dodge Charger whose driver died at the hospital, with speed and alcohol reportedly factors.

Bakersfield police are seeking help to locate Miguel Pantoja, an 80-year-old man with Alzheimer’s who was last seen on June 12 in the 1300 block of Dodge Avenue near South High School, described as 5'7" tall, 170 pounds with white hair, light brown eyes, and a white goatee while wearing a light blue button up shirt and light blue jeans; anyone with information should call (661) 327-7111.

71-year-old Marine and Honor Flight Kern County volunteer Lynn Eckert was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer affecting her pancreas, liver, bile duct and bones and is now receiving treatment at the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center in Bakersfield.

Fellow veterans arranged transportation and housing nearby — and she will start chemotherapy later this month — as she fights the disease with military discipline.

Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Dublin Leprechauns

6:30-8 p.m. — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Ticket sales support a charitable cause — Experience an exciting baseball matchup while contributing to a great community initiative.

Purity, Humility & New Meditation Techniques

7-8:30 p.m. — Greenacres Community Center — Free entry — Explore insights on purity and humility while learning new meditation techniques.

Summer Nights Truck and Car Show

12 PM — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience cool trucks, delicious food, and good vibes during this summer celebration.

Homebuyer Workshop

10 AM – 3 PM — Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County - Armstrong Youth Center — Free entry — Gain essential homebuying knowledge with expert advice and access to financial assistance options.

Virtual Tour of Summit Hills Senior Living

9 AM - 7 PM — The Pointe at Summit Hills — Free entry — Explore top-rated senior living options with an emphasis on exceptional care and quality dining.

Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Vallejo Seaweed

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Tickets available — Catch an exciting summer baseball game while supporting a good cause.

Makeup Blowout Sale in Bakersfield

10 AM - 5 PM — Four Points by Sheraton Bakersfield — Free entry — Experience a massive annual sale with discounts up to 75% on top beauty brands.

Battle of the Bartenders

2-6 p.m. — The Iron Lily Venue — All-inclusive ticket required — Experience a lively cocktail showdown with top local bartenders and food samplings benefitting the Houchin Community Blood Bank.

El Jerry Gerardo Coronel & Más

9 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience vibrant Latin rhythms and energetic performances from Erick Y La Zecta.

Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Dublin Leprechauns

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Ticket availability and fair pricing — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup in Bakersfield.