Good morning, Bakersfield.

Bakersfield animal shelters are boosting cooling measures with fans, misters, and mats to protect pets from extreme summer heat; community donations have helped fund upgrades while staff still seek more mats (especially for small dogs and brachycephalic breeds) to keep animals safe.

Twenty students from Wakayama arrived in Bakersfield this week for the 32nd summer cultural study visit; they met Mayor Karen Goh + toured Fire Station One to celebrate the six-decade sister city bond.

Salty’s BBQ and Catering is shifting its focus to its new Coffee Road restaurant — welcoming guests on Thursday, Aug.

6 — after closing its original Rosedale site on Sunday, Aug. 2, while the Rosedale location remains open today.

Kern County now faces a heat wave with triple-digit temperatures; Bakersfield is forecast to hit 105 while desert and mountain areas follow suit.

Cooling centers (such as the Mission at Kern County open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday) are available to help residents beat the heat.

City crews will close the Ming Avenue on-ramp between Highway 99 and Highway 58 Monday night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday for bridge sign installation; drivers on northbound Highway 99 will face lane closures from 9 p.m. with detours via Wible Road (Oak Street to California Ave).

Kern County’s cooling centers will open when temperatures hit thresholds set by the National Weather Service, with activation at 108 in desert areas, 93 in Frazier Park, and 105 in the San Joaquin + Kern River Valley, county officials said.

Doctors warn that prolonged heat could raise risks for residents.

Kern County Cancer Foundation's annual Cancer Run/Walk and Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept.

12 at the Park at Riverwalk. The event will feature a timed 5K, walk, kids' race, and festival with over 60 vendors (flash sale registration is available until Sunday evening).

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.