Good morning, Bakersfield.

A two-vehicle collision killed a Delano woman early Sunday at Panama Lane and Stine Road in SW Bakersfield—Kern County coroner’s office reported the incident.

Highway 178 reopened from Kern Canyon Road to Borel Road after a mudslide closed it over the weekend; county crews cleared debris but drivers should use caution as mud still remains—conditions on the road remain unstable.

Nearby, the Little Fire burned 2,548 acres and is 29% contained.

Jay Tamsi, President/CEO of the Kern Co. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said the 28th Annual Hispanic Business Conference & Expo will host over 3,000 people on August 28th in Bakersfield and offer a full day for networking and business opportunities.

Space remains available and interested parties can call for more details.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office asks for help in finding Stephen Thomas Marek, a 32-year-old man with autism who was last seen on foot leaving his home near Blue Tail Lane and Quail Creek Road in Bakersfield — he is 6'3" tall with dark blonde hair, green eyes and was wearing a light-colored long-sleeve shirt with gray pants.

A Bakersfield High School student was arrested after juveniles allegedly ransacked the 7-Eleven on California Avenue—injuring one employee—police arrived at 3:40 p.m. but the suspects had already fled while the Kern High School District investigates the incident.

Firefighters battled the Butter Fire in Kern River Valley after a vegetation fire started Tuesday on Butterbredt Canyon Road east of Pacific Crest Trail; 48 acres burned by 1:51 p.m. and the cause remains under investigation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation withdrew $175 million in federal funding from California's high-speed rail project on Tuesday, saying no track had been built despite years of planning and prompting a review of all related federal grants while state officials said they would continue working on the system.

Kern County supervisors approved a $4.5 billion fiscal budget for 2025-2026 that provides $114 million for child protective services after Genesis Mata’s death—funding will also increase pay for 522 county positions and boost services including public safety and park improvements.

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.

Katchafire Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Tickets via Ticketmaster — Experience the vibrant sounds of Katchafire and Ka'ikena in a lively atmosphere.

Militarie Gun, Death Lens, and Milly Concert

7-10 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Cost Info N/A — Experience an evening with powerful performances from Militarie Gun, Death Lens, and Milly.

Los Bélicos De Culiacán Live Concert

8 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of electrifying regional music with Los Bélicos De Culiacán and special guests.