Good morning, Bakersfield.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California is expanding its mentorship program to Kern County to serve youth ages 6 to 18.

The nonprofit is seeking adult volunteers and business partners and uses a rigorous screening process (including fingerprinting and interviews) to keep children safe.

Kern County Animal Services is featuring Oasis — a gentle grey Pitbull helper dog about 10 months old — as pet of the week on Wag Wednesday; the shelter is also seeking volunteers or foster families to help care for its animals.

Bakersfield parents remain divided over Meta’s new social media restrictions, which set a default two-hour daily limit for teens and block nighttime use as part of a multibillion-dollar settlement aimed at protecting children online.

Some parents express skepticism that the changes will fully shield their kids from inappropriate content.

Kern High School District announced enhanced safety measures at stadiums for athletic events held yesterday (Aug.

26) to require school-issued IDs and limit bags, with extra security and strict guidelines in place.

OpenAI partnered with Kern High School District to expand ChatGPT for Teachers into 30 school systems today in Bakersfield; the program aims to help educators personalize lessons and streamline prep work.

This move supports safer, efficient AI adoption in classrooms.

Local water agencies are taking early action to protect water supply and agriculture from golden mussels by using EPA-approved copper-based treatments and coordinating efforts at a round table held Tuesday in Bakersfield (which included Representative Vince Fong and other stakeholders).

Pho Hut on California Avenue was closed today after health inspectors discovered a severe German cockroach infestation — officials said the shutdown addresses an imminent health risk.