Good morning, Bakersfield.

Former Kern County deputy Michael Clark was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison after a jury found him guilty of sexual battery, stalking, assault and false imprisonment—he must also register as a lifetime sex offender.

Bakersfield Police issued 150 citations for speeding in school zones — as students returned to class — and urged drivers to slow down — to avoid expensive fines and rising insurance —.

CDCR officials are searching for inmate Felipe Rodriguez after he left the Bakersfield reentry facility early Thursday morning at about 5:25 a.m.—he was last seen near Brundage Lane and South Owens Street dressed in blue jeans, a white undershirt and a gray sweatshirt.

A 32-year-old LAPD officer, Hector De Leon-Saldana, died after an ATV crashed and ignited dry grass in northeast Bakersfield on August 10 after 8 p.m., with two others injured and taken to Kern Medical.

The Kern County Board of Supervisors will consider an independent review of child welfare services on August 19 — a request made by DHS director Lito Morillo following concerns raised by an 8-year-old's death and a petition with over 4,000 signatures to improve child protection, with the county advising the board to explore contracting an outside agency for the review.

Local lawmakers, nurses, and community leaders held a town hall today to fight proposed Medicaid cuts that could take over $4.7 billion in funding from the Central Valley and leave many without needed care.

Sandy Reding said the cuts may hurt families on Medi-Cal—and leaders stressed the need for new political support to protect these services.

Students may feel stressed when school starts as big changes, tough schedules, and social media add to worries and sadness.

Kern High School District offers counselors and crisis help along with CalHope’s 24/7 warm line — parents are told to watch for mood shifts that may signal more trouble.

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.

Faculty Concert

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Doré Theatre — $12 General Admission, $7 Seniors, Free for CSUB Students — Enjoy a variety of performances by CSUB Music faculty featuring works by Prokofiev and more.