Good morning, Bakersfield.

The Bakersfield Police Department hosted a Business Safety Expo today to give local business owners tips and resources to prevent crime, with input from the District Attorney’s Office, Community Vitality Unit, and Organized Retail Team.

The expo also showcased a new Bakersfield Mobile App that lets owners send reports for issues like graffiti, potholes, and street light outages—helping them get help from the right department.

Bakersfield’s CHP crime suppression team, established in April 2024, has led to 859 felony arrests, 2,654 DUI arrests, 1,386 recovered vehicles and 114 seized firearms—helping drive crime down after Kern County saw a 57% drop in homicides and a 60% drop in shootings as Governor Newsom expands these teams statewide.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office asked the public for help finding 17-year-old Anthony Lukenbill, who was last seen wearing a gray shirt and gray pants at his home on the 3300 block of Carnation Street in Rosamond at 8:00 p.m. on August 27th—authorities say he is at risk due to having no history of going missing.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that CHP crime suppression teams will be deployed in six regions, including San Diego, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, the Central Valley, Sacramento, and the Bay Area+ they will work with local law enforcement to target repeat offenders and seize illegal weapons and drugs.

William Pederson, 56, who pleaded no contest after killing Juana Calderon and injuring her passenger in a DUI crash on Highway 65 near Famoso Road north of Bakersfield in February, now aims to withdraw his plea as his attorney plans to file a motion+ the case returns to court on October 14.

Today, the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery in Bakersfield completed a monument honoring veterans who did not return, displaying over 80,000 dog tags from WWII—each dog tag marking a sacrifice.

The memorial will open to the public on September 19th to remember the service of more than 82,000 heroes.

Bakersfield College welcomed new and returning students for Fall 2025 during lively Welcome Week events—free coffee and donuts, games, art displays, and karaoke.

The school will host a Student Involvement Festival on September 4 at 9:00 a.m. and a Renegade football home game on Saturday, September 6 at 4:00 p.m.

Bakersfield officials said homicides dropped from 50 to fewer than 25 since 2022 due to stronger youth programs and community partnerships—today the city will apply for a $5 million CalVIP grant to boost prevention efforts and further lower gun violence.

Attorneys for bakery owner Cathy Miller filed a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to review her case for refusing to decorate a wedding cake for a same-sex couple—she fought the case through local and state courts and her team expects a decision after November.

CDC, FDA and state health officials are investigating a multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs that led to 73 cases in California.

Country Eggs recalled egg products on August 27 — consumers should discard or return the recalled eggs.

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.