Good morning, Bakersfield.

Firefighters battled the Gifford Fire that scorched 129 square miles and threatened 872 structures near Santa Maria on Aug.

4th while injuring three people—over 1,900 personnel worked to contain the blaze amid road closures and evacuations.

CHP is searching for the driver of a white pickup truck — accused of fatally striking a woman on Oregon Street at about 1:46 a.m. on August 3 — who fled the scene before officers arrived.

Bakersfield man Jarrod Gentry pleaded no contest to spousal abuse and possession of a gun by a felon and was sentenced to two years in prison after his arrest on February 28th—he had a prior spousal abuse conviction from 2015.

Eduardo Figueroa, 26, was sentenced to 20 years and eight months in prison for shooting a Delano police K-9 named Axel on New Year's Day 2022 during a traffic stop chase in McFarland, and he pleaded no contest in June as both he & Axel were treated for their injuries.

Ray Mata Jr. and Graciela Bustamonte made their first court appearance on Tuesday after being charged with first-degree murder, willful cruelty to a child, and torture in connection with the death of 8-year-old Genesis Ariah Mata, who was found dead in a motel bathtub on August 2—family members said CPS ignored at least 20 prior alerts about abuse.

Two inmates at Kern Valley State Prison—David Charles Macon and Michael Gaddy—received extra 27-year sentences after they attacked a fellow inmate with makeshift weapons, including a wooden cane that caused at least eight wounds before officers intervened.

A new police records database now lets Bakersfield residents search misconduct and use-of-force reports from over 600 California law enforcement agencies—Kern County data shows 338 cases from 2022 and offers a more open look at agency records.

Today at 7 a.m., Bakersfield Country Club hosts the Kevin Harvick Foundation Junior Championship—part of the AJGA Open now in its third year—and the event offers competitive golf for young players from across California.

The tournament started Tuesday with a junior-amateur fundraiser that drew statewide participation.

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.

Aaron Watson Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Check the event page for ticket info — Experience the captivating country music of Aaron Watson live in Bakersfield.

Live Tribute Night: Heroes del Silencio, Caifanes, and Soda Stereo

8:30 PM — Rock & Wings — $25 — Celebrate iconic Spanish rock legends with vibrant live tributes in Bakersfield.