Good morning, Bakersfield.

On July 1, PG&E reported an unplanned outage that affected 1,737 customers near Stockdale Highway (New Stine Road) in southwest Bakersfield; restoration was expected by 9:30 a.m.

The Bakersfield Museum of Art is accepting applications for the 28th annual Via Arte Chalk Festival until Monday, Sept.

7. The festival will be held at The Marketplace on Ming Ave. on Oct. 17 – 18 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Bakersfield City School District will offer free meal pickups at Stiern Middle School (Morning Drive) on July 6 and 20 to provide 10 days of meals for children ages 2 to 18.

A parent or guardian must verify names during the drive-thru from 9 a.m. to noon.

Taft College has appointed a new president and superintendent to lead the institution and guide its future initiatives.

Bakersfield fire agencies and county units teamed with police to seize over 10,000 pounds of illegal fireworks through undercover buys with 179 extra fire personnel scheduled for July 3 and 4 to boost enforcement—efforts continuing beyond the holiday weekend.

California gas tax increased today to 63.4 cents per gallon from 61.2 cents as Senate Bill 1 adjusts prices for road repairs (diesel tax will also rise to 48.2 cents per gallon).

The West Side Health Care District in Taft is finalizing a $10.7 million operating budget that funds $1.2 million in new hires at its family clinic and shows a $250,000 surplus; construction is underway on a dental clinic and renovations at the former Tang Building for LabCorp's move by August.

Marley, a 7-year-old adoptable dog from Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, will start a 14-week obedience program at Tehachapi State Prison.

Found in California City after his owner passed away, he is available for adoption and volunteers are invited on Sunday, July 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bakersfield Southwest 6U All-Stars—twelve six-year-olds—captured a section championship and are the No. 1 seed heading to next week’s super regional tournament in West Covina; a top-four finish will earn them a chance at the PONY League Shetland Division World Series.

Bakersfield fans gathered at Just Wing It on July 1 as they cheered a 2-0 win over Bosnia that advanced the U.S. to the Round of 16—hoping the victory sparks youth soccer interest ahead of the match against Belgium.

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.

Lefty Gunplay Concert

8-11:30 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Tickets from $94 — Lefty Gunplay brings an unforgettable live music experience to Bakersfield.