Good morning, Bakersfield.

North of the River Recreation and Park District unveiled a special edition FunBook for Fall-Winter events that lists 57 programs including sports, cooking, sewing, and arts and celebrates 70 years of service with events such as a cornhole tournament—programs may be added, rescheduled or canceled through the season—according to district policy.

Roman Bernal, 28, pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and hit-and-run causing death and was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison after he confessed while drunk to leaving the scene of a crash on July 19 at the intersection of Chester and California avenues that killed a pedestrian—he later admitted hiding and repainting his car.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office warned residents about scam calls and texts impersonating its staff (scammers allege missed jury duty, court summons, or fines and demand payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency) and advised verifying caller credentials by contacting the office directly.

Angel Estrada (46) entered the home of 60-year-old Carol Joyce Ross early on July 1, stayed about one hour, and police later arrested him when surveillance video and witnesses linked him to her fatal stab wounds to the neck and back, with one neighbor saying the killing may have been over a drug deal gone bad (he is held without bail and his court hearing is set for September).

The California Highway Patrol Bakersfield office will host its free 'START SMART' class on Aug.

6 at 6 p.m. at 9855 Compagnoni Street — the session aims to prepare prospective teenage drivers with safe driving skills.

City crews in Bakersfield begin a pavement project today on California Avenue from Stockdale Highway to Real Road with road closures lasting until Oct.

27. The work will remove old asphalt & add a new median, drainage cuts, striping, sidewalk ramps, and adjust utilities so drivers should plan for extra travel time.

Houchin Blood Bank offers a $15 digital gift card to eligible O-positive and O-negative donors—donating from July 30 through August 2—to help ease a critical summer blood shortage as local hospitals face dangerously low O-type supplies.

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.

In The End - The Linkin Park Experience

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience the energy of Linkin Park's tribute band performing fan favorites live.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 50 years of ‘Physical Graffiti’ with the son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer.

Boots on the Ground Soul Festival

7-8:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Refunds available — Experience the ultimate soulful celebration at Bakersfield's 2nd Annual Soul Festival.