Good morning, Bakersfield.

Early Friday at 12:38 a.m., a head-on crash on Stockdale Highway west of Driver Road caused a 2021 Freightliner driver to die and hurt two others after a 2018 Freightliner crossed into eastbound traffic and hit a 2003 Honda Odyssey—causing the truck to hit a power pole and catch fire—and investigators said they are still reviewing if drugs or alcohol played a part.

Bob's Bait Bucket, a longtime fishing supply store where generations of local anglers gathered, will close on Aug.

16 marking its 48th anniversary & owner Clay Rutledge will move full time to Carpinteria with his wife Tammy & the community will keep the shop's legacy in its heart.

On January 27th, 2022, 14-year-old Angel Berumen was hit-and-killed by a truck while skateboarding on Niles Street in east Bakersfield, and after nearly three years of delays, five suspects—including alleged driver Juan Rodelas Ortega and four others—were indicted and pleaded not guilty as the trial is set for August 11.

Jonathan Goodrich, a 45-year-old third-strike offender who robbed the Rite Aid on 34th Street in Bakersfield five times between July 15 and 25, 2024 using pepper spray and threats+ was sentenced on June 27 at 5:13 a.m. to 100 years to life under the three-strikes law+ he had two prior violent felony convictions.

Researchers from Columbia University and University of Delaware studied data from over 45,000 coastal cleanups (the largest study of its kind) and found that areas with plastic bag bans saw a drop ranging from 25 percent to 47 percent in plastic bag litter compared to areas without such rules. California will close a loophole in 2026 that lets stores sell thicker plastic bags (a move expected to further cut waste and help wildlife).

The California Transportation Commission has allocated $3.5 billion to improve road safety, pedestrian travel and highway safety with funds from Senate Bill 1 and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

In Kern County, projects will get $10.89 million for Highway 46 repairs, $2.3 million for the Norris Pedestrian and Railroad Safety Project in Oildale, and $8.58 million to start the Ridgecrest-Inyokern Pavement Project in 2030.

The City of Bakersfield passed its budget for the next fiscal year after a 5 to 2 vote, cutting nearly $44 million from a total of over $852 million.

City Manager Christian Clegg said the plan sets aside $765.2 million for operating costs and $87.5 million for capital projects while boosting funds for police and fire departments.

Kern County Public Health reported harmful algal blooms in Isabella Lake that are causing locals to avoid water activities due to risks like eye irritation, rashes and vomiting—officials check the lake every month to monitor the blooms and advise caution.

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.