Good morning, Bakersfield.

Hodel's Country Dining in Bakersfield is nearing its 60th anniversary and serves breakfast Tuesday to Sunday at 8 a.m. and a BBQ menu on Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m.—owner Don Hodel says his restaurant's strong community ties have made it a local favorite.

Be Finally Free, a local nonprofit, helps people who were homeless, struggled with addiction and faced legal troubles by offering job training, schooling and housing support in Bakersfield.

President Debbie Ormonde said the organization will continue to help residents for the rest of August by donating proceeds from coffee bag sales & giving everyone another chance.

Detectives arrested Jake and Rebecca Haro on Friday at their Cabazon home for suspected murder of their missing 7-month-old baby Emmanuel as the investigation uncovered inconsistencies in their statements—authorities continue searching for the infant.

52-year-old inmate Stephen Williams, already serving a life sentence for prior murders, was sentenced on August 21 to an extra 25 years to life in prison after officers found him with illegal narcotics during a visit at Kern Valley State Prison.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office reported that 14-year-old Fredy Quintero Lopez was last seen on June 28 near Pecangrove Drive in southwest Bakersfield—he was 5 feet 3 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes, and officers urge anyone with information to call the department.

Bakersfield Police Department is looking for a teenager involved in two auto thefts last month — investigations continue.

A group of juveniles ransacked a 7-11 near Bakersfield High School on Thursday afternoon and injured an employee as Bakersfield Police arrived at 3:40 p.m.—the suspects had fled and law enforcement is investigating the incident.

The Bakersfield Police Department asked local residents for help identifying a teen accused in two auto thefts, one on July 1 in the 4000 block of South Real Road and another on July 2 in the 4400 block of Fjord Drive—he is described as a 13 to 15-year-old with dark brown hair who wore a black hooded sweatshirt with a large red skull.

St. Jude’s STEMM program teaches students using real-life childhood cancer case studies and honors Danny Thomas’ legacy from the 1991 Dream Home Giveaway—this approach shows how science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine work together to inspire future research for sick children.

Bakersfield College held its annual New Student Convocation on Friday, August 22 with incoming freshmen, families and staff meeting on the Panorama Campus.

Administrators showcased campus resources such as the Writing Center, DSPS and financial aid options—organizing workshops, a club fair and a dinner to welcome students.

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.