Good morning, Bakersfield.

An adult died after an ATV crashed and ignited dry grass as crews fought the blaze just south of the 11000 block of Highway 178 in northeast Bakersfield (after 8 p.m. on August 10th) (with two others sustaining minor injuries and taken to Kern Medical).

Two people died and two others were injured when a 20-year-old driver in a Chevrolet sped on State Route 99 near South Union Avenue just after 11 p.m. on August 8—his vehicle hit a guardrail and went out of control, officials said.

The Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield is set to close after 28 years due to a challenging business climate — the Owens family said all scheduled events will be honored.

Bakersfield Fire Department asked for help identifying a man in his late 40s to mid-50s accused of setting fires to water dispensing machines between July and August — he was often seen wearing a Green Bay Packers hat and around Haley and Lake Streets — and anyone with information is urged to call the BFD Arson Division.

Officers responded on Sunday, August 10 just after 6 p.m. to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Union Avenue and Panorama Drive in Bakersfield where a 16-year-old female passenger in a Hyundai died — speed and drug intoxication are suspected factors — while other passengers and the Jeep driver were taken to a hospital.

Golden Empire Transit District has extended its free rides for students program for the 2025-2026 school year so students can ride fixed-route buses and on-demand paratransit when they show a valid school ID—bus passes are available at the school’s main office or GET’s Downtown Transit Center on Chester Avenue and 20th Street.

Teacher Megan Murphy at West High founded the Little Librarians Club to fight a literacy crisis after noting that students' reading levels hovered around fifth grade; the student-led effort installed eight free libraries in West Bakersfield—plans call for expanding the program to East Bakersfield schools next school year.

Caltrans broke ground Monday on the $167.6 million Highway 99 Delano to Pixley Mainline Improvement Project — the project will expand highway lanes from four to six with completion slated for fall.

Kern Medical has declared August as Valley Fever Awareness Month — doctor Rasha Kuran warns that the fungus in local soil can cause flu-like symptoms.

She advises wearing a mask in dusty weather and said the Valley Fever Institute will host a symposium for primary care providers on August 28 at the Iron Lily.

Eyewitness News visited Headquarters Bar and Eatery on Monday, August 11th to review menu highlights for Foodie Fridays — the Kern County spot at 3015 Calloway Drive showcased its top picks.

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.

29th Annual VillageFest

6-10 p.m. — Kern County Museum — Ticket includes food and drink samples — Celebrate Bakersfield's longest-running food, beer, and music festival with live bands and local cuisine.