Good morning, Bakersfield.

United Way partnered with Superior Grocers to give $300 gift cards to 30 families facing summer food challenges.

A resource fair (with free backpacks, supplies, and haircuts) will be held at South High School on July 30 from 9 a.m. to noon to help students prepare for school.

Bennett Houchin, diagnosed as non-verbal autistic, has grown more confident after seven years at MARE—a local nonprofit that uses horseback riding to build communication skills.

His family says the program has helped him become calmer and more talkative as he continues riding.

On Wednesday, July 22, the Kern County Fire Department issued an evacuation warning for areas north of Hart Park — residents near the 24000 block of Round Mountain Road were urged to leave as the South Fire burned up to 70 acres.

A report from Bank of America Institute shows business applications grew nearly 15% by June, with younger and lower-income entrepreneurs spurring a rise in solopreneurship — a change that could bring new small business ideas to Bakersfield.

Kern County families face rising AC costs and limited cooling options as triple-digit heat strains budgets — over 10,000 households lack AC units.

Local businesses and community programs advise scheduling maintenance early to help manage repair and energy expenses.

Kern Dance Alliance marks 10 years of its free Books in Motion program — offering live dance performances that bring children’s books to life for young readers.

The free shows continue until Aug. 1 at local libraries and have reached over 25,000 kids.

Lamont School District kicked off its new school year yesterday at Mountain View Middle School as families welcomed students back; Delano Union will start classes Monday while Bakersfield City and Kern High School resume on Aug.

12.

Kern County water districts are testing EPA-approved copper-based treatments to control all life stages of the invasive golden mussels as a state of emergency continues.

The project is underway at the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District & officials are monitoring its impact on canals, pumps, and pipelines.

Since April, the City of Bakersfield has released extra water for the Kern River Run; water releases are now being reduced and will run out on July 31 as city supplies alone keep flows in the Kern River Channel (near Chester Avenue and the Calloway Pool) until September.

Caltrans has announced major traffic changes on Taft Highway beginning Aug.

3 for its Pumpkin Center Rehab project, expected to last at least two months. Local businesses remain open with driveway access maintained throughout construction (delays may extend closures).

Bear Valley Community Services District reported water service was cut near Fawn Way and N.

Lower Valley Road after an emergency shutoff on Jul. 22, and it remains out (no restoration time has been given) as of today.

Linda is the featured adoptable pet on Wag Wednesday at Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue in Tehachapi.

Rescued a month ago with an injured eye, fungal infection, and pneumonia (now healed), she is ready for a meet-and-greet at the rescue ranch.

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.

California's Best Hip Hop Music Festival

7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience live performances from top West Coast hip hop artists.