Good morning, Bakersfield.

Yesterday, CAPK kicked off Food Hunger Month in Kern County (announcing new program changes and donation drives) to help local families facing hunger.

Kern County Animal Services and Kern County Library partner to run the 'Tales for Tails' summer program where children read to shelter animals today, boosting reading skills and providing comfort to pets as they await a loving home.

The Bakersfield City School District Board voted to add a state-mandated policy that sets clear rules for employee-student interactions.

The decision was reached at the board meeting to meet state requirements (ensuring safe school boundaries).

Kern County businesses can apply (from Sept.

14 to 25) for new liquor licenses in on-sale and off-sale categories as announced by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Applicants must pay fees and file early if applications exceed available licenses.

At Jastro Park, 152 flags were raised to honor loved ones lost to fentanyl overdoses as families gathered to remember them + learn how to use Narcan to save lives.

Local organizers said the event brought the community together and shared vital health resources.

Joe Cypher, a 62-year-old veteran who overcame paralysis to build the world’s first hand-controlled monster truck (Airborne Ranger), has raced on the Hot Wheels Monster Truck tour for over 33 years and plans to drive until he is 70.

Shafter approved a tentative tract map in May for about 1,200 Lennar homes near the planned high-speed rail.

The city is now seeking clear guidance from the rail authority to move forward with this long-awaited development.