Good morning, Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Angels partners volunteers with foster families across Kern County through its *Love Box* program, offering *monthly support* like meals and encouragement.

The effort helps caregivers keep their doors open for kids in foster care.

Meta announced it will donate its AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses to blind veterans nationwide through nonprofit partners, with in-person training events planned in coming weeks + the program aims to boost accessibility.

Three local friends launched the nonprofit Good Times with Skate Friends in early 2026 to offer skateboards to kids and build community spirit.

They held a Skate It Forward event on June 21 and plan more free back-to-school events and local camp trips.

The American Red Cross has served Kern County since 1917, offering shelter, food, clothing, and financial help during local emergencies (volunteer-led relief efforts).

Volunteer Cindy Huge stresses that timely donations and volunteer responses ensure neighbors receive the support they need.

KGET reporter Robert Price revisits Buck Owens’ legacy at the closed Crystal Palace, a venue that helped shape Bakersfield’s country music scene.

Meanwhile, Orange Cove rejected a controversial climate project and UC Merced announced layoffs, each reflecting changes that continue to affect our community.

Following yesterday’s earthquakes, experts urged residents to boost safety by following updated building codes and assembling emergency go bags today; officials advise planning meeting spots and maintaining older buildings as tremors can still cause damage.

Last month, a newly built home in Bakersfield jumped significantly in price, breaking from an otherwise flat single-family market trend.

The spike could influence upcoming development decisions in our local housing scene.

Bakersfield fans packed Pyrenees Cafe (a local hotspot) on Thursday to cheer Team USA in a World Cup match against Turkey; although the team fell short, they remain upbeat as they look forward to the knockout round match on Wednesday, July 1.

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.

Comedy Night with Joe Torry

8-10 p.m. — Legends Lounge & Event Center — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening filled with side-splitting laughter from comedy legend Joe Torry.