Good morning, Bakersfield.

Rec league supporters now look forward to new travel ball games as a new operator takes over the county-owned Northwest Baseball Complex — ending decades of management by another group and aiming to boost local baseball opportunities.

Valley Plaza Mall introduced a new paid parking system for 240 preferred spaces (costing $2 per hour with a $10 daily cap and a 45 cent fee) starting August 1, with 10% of net proceeds benefiting the Kern County Cancer Foundation, sparking community debate.

United Airlines has launched nonstop flights at Meadows Field—connecting Bakersfield to Los Angeles with round-trip tickets around $300 for a one-hour flight.

The first flight landed Tuesday and the route is open for travelers starting today.

Two California condors were spotted on an ALERTCalifornia camera near Bear Valley Springs on Tuesday morning.

One, tagged Blue (hatched at the Los Angeles Zoo on April 24, 2022), flew away after being visible from 6:40 a.m. to 9:33 a.m.

City officials and investors are pushing to add downtown to the federal Opportunity Zone program to boost growth and housing.

The U.S. Treasury will decide on the zones before the end of the year.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick visited Bakersfield on Tuesday to discuss challenges facing local farmers and expanding exports with Rep. Vince Fong (citing upcoming opportunities for area growers) amid tariff criticism.

He said farmers will see new export opportunities over the next six months as trade barriers ease.

Caltrans announced that Highway 58 east and westbound bridges between Mohawk Street and the southbound Highway 99 connector will be closed in 10-minute intervals from 8 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug.

13 — drivers should expect delays and choose alternate routes.

In June, a market update showed Bakersfield's single-family home market stabilized as rising demand & fewer homes for sale balanced out, keeping prices steady.

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.