Good morning, Bakersfield.

Independent oil producers in Kern are facing lower profits as a dwindling pool of buyers pushes crude prices down, raising concerns about market stability.

Kern County homeowners have seen water bills jump this summer, and California Water Service explained its tiered rate system raises costs with increased outdoor use (exceeding 27 ccs in a month may lead to much higher charges).

The Parks Department received a $54,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente that will fund 300 swim lessons this year + 300 next year and provide 200 splash passes for children ages 3 to 17 at city pools.

The two-year program will expand low-cost swim education in Bakersfield.

Bakersfield parents are pushing for cameras in special-ed classrooms after gathering over 6,000 signatures since January.

Hopwood has arranged a meeting with lawmakers this month to discuss a bill for more transparency — the effort seeks to protect both nonverbal students and teachers.

GET's newish Toucan Trolley system has been extended for six months, continuing its pilot run from downtown Bakersfield to Old Town Kern and historic eateries like Wool Growers Restaurant and Pyrenees — offering an engaged public transit option for local riders.

City Lights shopping center in east Bakersfield is 90% leased and on track for a spring opening.

Developers and Councilman Andrae Gonzales say the project will fill long-standing retail gaps & boost local job opportunities as more tenant announcements are expected.

Cal State Bakersfield named Ray Alvarado as the permanent head coach of its women’s basketball team following a national search — he served previously as interim coach after Ari Wideman resigned.

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.

Fireflies

7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. — Bakersfield Community Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a heartwarming tale of late-in-life romance with Eleanor Bannister.