Good morning, Bakersfield.

Funds donated for a new church building were redirected by the Fresno Diocese following a bankruptcy filing to settle abuse claims, affecting multiple Kern County parishes — leaving church leaders disappointed.

The church said donors who contributed in August will receive refunds and its building campaign is now suspended.

Wind Wolves Preserve is adjusting hours to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the end of September + hosting summer events with a sunrise hike on Aug.

23 at 6:30 a.m. and Movies in the Canyon on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History in downtown Bakersfield is asking for help rebuilding its children’s exhibit and turning a setback into a new opportunity for local science lovers.

Extreme heat is reducing Kern County pistachio yields as USDA projects a harvest between 600 and 900 million pounds compared to last year’s 1.63 billion pounds — smaller family farms feel the impact as rising prices strain local markets.

Kern County requested state aid after a mid-March heat wave led to a 56% loss in pistachio production, resulting in nearly $395 million in losses near Bakersfield.

The crop damage is expected to cause higher prices & reduced cherry yields by 42%.

Families face rising college costs with tuition spiking 10% and an average expense of $34,000; financial expert Jennifer Finetti recommends starting scholarship conversations early and considering community college as a more affordable option (to avoid heavy debt burdens from new student loan rules).

The National Weather Service predicts a 90% chance of a very strong El Niño reaching up to 2.5°C — a threshold not seen since 1950 — for this fall and winter in Kern County.

Forecasters warn that while above-average rainfall is likely, heavy rain is not guaranteed.

Eastern Kern announced a 92-megawatt battery energy storage system that discharges electricity for four hours nightly — built next to a 300-megawatt solar array — to boost renewable energy in the area.

On Thursday, Aug. 20, one southbound lane will close overnight on SB Highway 99 at the Ming Avenue off-ramp as planned by the City of Bakersfield; drivers are advised to expect delays.

Kern County officials warn seniors that AI videos are circulating a fake form (1098-SR) which falsely promises to freeze property taxes and cut school-bond charges.

The office urges residents to rely on official channels to learn about legitimate tax relief programs.

Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream has voluntarily recalled certain Outshine Fruit Bars sold in local stores after consumers found glass in them; the recall affects several flavors of 6-count bars + a 24-count pack, and no illnesses have been reported.

Downtown buildings in Bakersfield are being slowly converted into housing for the young workforce.

The project aims to revitalize the area and offer affordable living options.