Good morning, Bakersfield.

McFarland city officials say work on Garzoli Avenue is underway to widen the road and add sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and a bike path that will boost safety for drivers and pedestrians; the project is set to be completed by year-end while similar updates for Sherwood and Perkins avenues are planned.

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, two school buses crashed in separate incidents—one on Center Street near Sierra Middle School and another on Allen Road near Rosedale Highway when a car’s unsafe turn struck the bus—but no one was injured.

Blue Oak coffee shop posted on Instagram it will close after 11 years, thanking the Bakersfield community for their support (final closing date not provided).

School bus drivers urged motorists to slow down and stop when buses display red lights as students returned to class; Transportation Director Neftali Perez said drivers often ignore signals and that following the law could save lives (some buses practice extra safety drills).

Eastern Kern is now home to California’s first 8-hour battery energy installation, which expands power storage beyond the typical 4-hour limit.

The project aims to improve local energy supply and could spur similar developments statewide.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is investigating the death of a bear that occurred in Bear Valley Springs on July 20 — the agency is asking anyone with information to call 1-888-334-2258.

HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. met with local and federal partners Thursday at Edible School Yard Kern County to discuss healthy food access and nutrition education — Congressman Vince Fong joined the roundtable to boost community wellness.

The 20th Annual NAMIWalks Kern County will be held on Saturday, Oct.

17 at Park at River Walk from 9 a.m. to noon, raising funds for free mental health services provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Participants can register online to join the event.

During his visit to Bakersfield on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F.

Kennedy urged parents to vaccinate their children against measles (defending current vaccine policies) to boost local public health.

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.