Good morning, Bakersfield.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office Rural Crime Investigations Unit broke up an illegal copper wire theft ring at an illegal recycling center on the 3000 block of Belle Terrace when a search warrant on June 25 found about 6,000 pounds of copper—three local suspects were arrested.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office is asking the public to help find 29-year-old Jimmy Flores, who was last seen on May 10 near California and Union Avenues in Bakersfield and is described as Hispanic, 5'3" tall, 130 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, tattoos reading Victoria on his arm, sabe on his shoulder, and numbers on his fingers plus a scar above his right eyebrow, and anyone with information is urged to call (661) 861-3110 or (661) 322-4040.

Bakersfield police are asking the community to help find 14-year-old Gabriel Reyes, who was last seen on Tuesday, June 24 around 12 a.m. on the 5900 block of Carrotwood Avenue wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants; anyone with information is asked to call (661) 327-7111.

The Bakersfield Police Department ask for help finding 17-year-old runaway Jovanni Limon—who is at risk due to a medical condition and was last seen on Saturday, June 21 at 6 p.m. in the 100 block of North Stine Road wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and checkered jeans.

The Kern County Library and local dance groups will launch Books in Motion this summer at libraries, community centers and schools with over 50 performances and nearly 6,000 free books to help boost reading skills among children—marking its 9th year of inspiring literacy through dance, crafts and storytelling. This program engages kids who struggle with reading by bringing books to life through movement and art.

Wildfire season has begun in Kern County and local residents are urged to remove dry, dead vegetation from around their homes—fire officials say to check vents and eaves and download the Genasys protect app for alerts.

Residents should also have a go-bag ready in case they need to evacuate.

On Wednesday night, the Bakersfield City Council passed the $852.7 million 2025–2026 budget despite public comments criticizing the high police funding—residents noted that 44% of the total was allotted to the police department.

City officials defended the spending as a response to rising costs and said adjustments may be made during the mid-year review.

Kern County Public Works announced that gate fees will be enforced at all disposal sites starting July 1 — the new charges include $67.25 for standard gate fees, $11.60 per ton at transfer stations, $92.79 per ton for construction and demolition waste, $5.80 per ton for clean dirt, $115.95 per dead animal, and $104.36 per ton for out-of-county waste.

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.

Soccer Camp in Bakersfield

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — Kaiser Permanente Sports Village Soccer Complex — Registration required — Enhance skills with Real Madrid Foundation coaches in a fun and inclusive environment.

Tribute to Café Tacvba by La Chilanga Band

7 PM — Rock & Wings — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant fusion of Latino and pop music with La Chilanga Band.

Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Monterey Amberjacks

6:30-8 p.m. — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Watch the excitement as the local Train Robbers take on the Amberjacks in a thrilling baseball showdown.

Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Monterey Amberjacks

6:30-8 p.m. — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement of a live baseball game featuring the local Train Robbers and the Amberjacks.

Millionaires Concert

9:00 – 10:30 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Tickets starting at $24.12 — Dance the night away with Millionaires and Blade Trip rocking the stage!

Back To Black - Amy Winehouse Tribute

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Tickets from $21.03 — Celebrate the music of Amy Winehouse with live performances and a vibrant atmosphere.