Good morning, Bakersfield.

The Kern County Coroner’s Office identified two 20-year-old victims from the Highway 99 crash on August 8—driver Alexes Napoleon Perez Rivera and passenger Samuel Ignacio Hernandez Cervantes—and confirmed that two others were injured when a speeding Chevrolet Silverado veered off the road.

A Kern County jury convicted Jeffrey Sellers on August 12 for killing Michael Davis during a dog dispute on Greenacres Drive in September 2022—he will be sentenced on September 10 for charges including involuntary manslaughter.

Over 3,000 people signed a petition calling for an independent investigation into Kern County Child Protective Services after the death of 8 year old Genesis Mata—prosecutors allege she was tortured and killed by her parents.

Petition organizer Josefina Villarreal plans a rally on Tuesday, August 19 to demand further accountability.

New Bakersfield College will host a New Student Convocation event on Tuesday, August 19 at the Panorama Campus Outdoor Theater, with check-in starting at 4:30 p.m. and a Welcome Ceremony at 5:13 p.m. The event offers free food & provides new students and families with a chance to learn about campus resources.

The Bakersfield City Council approved a $300,000 reimbursement grant for the Dolores Huerta Peace and Justice Cultural Center on Wednesday night amid heated debate over downtown revitalization and infrastructure spending—supporters noted that the funds will repair sidewalks and streets while some residents argued the money should go to other community needs. Construction began in June and the vote passed 5-2, setting the stage for local employment boosts and renewed discussions on community priorities.

As students return to school, many are getting sick because germs spread quickly, explained Dr. Crystal Carney of Dignity Health Memorial Hospital.

Parents are advised to watch for symptoms like a staccato cough and high fever and to keep children washing their hands—measures that help stop the illness from spreading.

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.

The Rayford Bros. Concert

12:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. — California Rock Art Foundation — $ — Dance the night away with The Rayford Bros, delivering vintage rock n' roll and surf classics.

Phora Live in Bakersfield

7-10 p.m. — Memento Mori Event Center — Tickets available — Catch Phora performing live on tour in Bakersfield this fall.