Good morning, Bakersfield.

Eyewitness News is partnering with Feeding America for Sinclair Cares: Summer Hunger Relief to help local families access meals when school nutrition is unavailable.

Donations plus local food bank support will ease meal costs for Kern County households during the summer.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County held an open house tonight at the Armstrong Youth Center in east Bakersfield to mark its 60th anniversary.

Kids and families explored programs and services as summer break approaches.

Bakersfield’s Annual Independence Day Celebration at The Park at River Walk will offer family-friendly fun with music, food & activities beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, and it will conclude with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

Donations are pouring in to help families of crew members killed in a B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base last week as local supporters share their compassion.

A Cal State Bakersfield economist will explain Kern County labor market trends during a one-hour webinar starting at noon today, offering local insights into shifting job markets.

Tuesday night, the Bakersfield City School District board unanimously voted to rename Cesar Chavez Elementary as Helen F.

Chavez Elementary after a Chavez family member spoke to honor her legacy. The new name will be implemented (effective by August).

A brush fire called the Pierce Fire burned 50 acres in Taft Tuesday morning near North Lincoln and Pierce Streets — Kern County Fire crews were on scene and official evacuation warnings were not issued as the cause remains under investigation.

Today, Bakersfield received a $1.79 million county grant to fight illegal dumping in focused areas such as between South Martin Luther King Drive and Cottonwood Road.

The funding will support additional big belly bins, camera surveillance and Clean City Initiative programs.

The Bureau of Land Management signaled Tuesday that federal oil and gas auctions may resume in Kern and other Central California counties after a four-year pause — the auctions are expected later this year.

Manufacturers warn that tires 6 years or older may be unsafe even when unused.

Buyers should check the DOT code (the last four digits show the week and year of manufacture) to make sure their tires are safe for road trips.

Joe Petersen, 68, from Bakersfield is in his 20th Race Across America, riding with Team Skipper (a four-person group) from Oceanside to Atlantic City.

The 3,000-mile race, which started on June 20, will see his team compete in the 60-plus division over the next 7 days.

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.

Comedy Night with Jeff Dye

6:30-11 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — $30-$40 — Experience a night of laughter with Jeff Dye's sharp and hilarious comedy.

Bakersfield International Music Festival 2026

All day — CSUB Music — Registration required — A ten-day solo & chamber music program welcoming aspiring pianists and string players from 7th grade onward.

Midland Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with Midland as they bring their country hits to Bakersfield.

Hat Trick Watch Experience at Dave & Buster's

12 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Bakersfield — Starting at $24.99 — Enjoy unlimited wings, fries, and video games while cheering for your favorite team on massive screens.