Good morning, Bakersfield.

A fire in an eastern Kern County mobile home took the lives of five family members on April 9, including a mother and her four children, after a water heater began emitting black smoke and the blaze quickly spread before help arrived — it stands as the county’s deadliest home fire.

A former Bakersfield tax preparer, Victor Cruz, pleaded guilty on Monday to helping a co-conspirator file over 500 fraudulent tax returns claiming $25 million in refunds — the IRS paid $2.3 million of that amount — and he faces sentencing on November 17 with up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In Bakersfield, Martin Renie Williams aged 76 was sentenced by Judge John R.

Brownlee to 100 years to life and five more years for shooting Latashanay Jones aged 29 at her West Columbus Street home in January 2022—Jones fought for a year in the hospital before dying.

A woman died after being stabbed in south Bakersfield on Tuesday afternoon at the 5800 block of Ream Way and police arrested Derrick Williams, 50, around 4:28 p.m., seizing a weapon at the scene.

The Kern High School District is hosting a drive-through meal program every Wednesday in July from 9 to 11 a.m. to give children aged 2 to 18 seven days’ worth of free meals at select Bakersfield sites—helping local families keep kids fed and save on groceries.

Mayor Karen Goh announced in her annual State of the City address that Bakersfield will add thousands of new housing units, new business locations on 18th Street, an open-air park and dining space built from shipping containers, and a commercial center on the former East Hills Mall site. City officials said planners will carefully guide the growth to manage higher building densities.

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.

Nurse-Family Partnership Graduation Ceremony

3:00-5:30 p.m. — Richard Prado Center — Free entry — Celebrate the achievements of graduating Nurse-Family Partnership students and their families in a special ceremony.

Jake Gill Live Performance

11 PM - 4 AM — Krush Bar and Restaurant — Tickets available — Experience a night of country music with the talented Jake Gill, a finalist from NBC’s “The Voice.”

Sensory Friendly Family Swim Day for Autism Families

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — McMurtrey Aquatic Center — Registration required — Enjoy a sensory-friendly swim experience for families with autistic children.

Concert Featuring LIL KAYLA & LOU DEEZI

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets from $36.01 — Enjoy an evening of Hip-Hop/Rap with emerging artists Lil Kayla and Lou Deezi.