Good morning, Bakersfield.

The Kern County Fair in Bakersfield will run for 12 days with an expected 400,000 visitors, showcasing new rodeos, a returning sea lion show, and over 7,000 competition entries.

The fair offers discounted ticket and parking promotions with free admission for blood donations or canned food contributions and will maintain safety with police support and magnetometers—ensuring a secure, family-friendly environment.

The Bakersfield Fire Department hosted the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on September 11th at the fire station on Buena Vista Road to honor those who lost their lives and the heroes who responded on September 11th, 2001—attendees also viewed a World Trade Center girder displayed at the station.

Bakersfield residents say ICE raids have made them fear leaving home ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and many plan to skip the Mexican Independence Day event at the Liberty Bell.

They are limiting outings to work or grocery trips—worrying they might not return safely.

Community members gathered Thursday morning in Bakersfield to observe a moment of silence for those lost in the 911 terrorist attacks — the annual event honored the brave first responders and the legacy of Betty Ann Ong who saved many lives.

Officers from the California Highway Patrol will be at Starbucks on Hageman and Coffee roads next Friday from 10 a.m.-noon to answer community questions and foster dialogue.

The event offers a relaxed space for locals to interact with law enforcement.

The final Kernville Summer Festival will take place tomorrow at Circle Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature crafts, handmade jewelry, live music, and fresh produce and admission is free.

Fresh produce prices are rising in Bakersfield as tariffs and inflation push up the cost of imported fruits and vegetables.

Owner Kahlid Manasour of Blue Fig Farms said he is seeing price spikes of up to $2 per pound while a local professor noted that about 75% of imported food is affected by tariffs—factors that could lead to further cost increases for shoppers.

Benjamin Brundage was an early Kern County leader who moved the county seat to Bakersfield and became the first judge on the Superior Court—he also played a key role in a landmark water rights dispute and served at the state Constitutional Convention.

His journey from Ohio and Civil War service helped shape the legal history of the Central Valley.

More than 8,300 customers lost power in east Bakersfield on Thursday morning when an outage struck neighborhoods from Panoma Drive to East Pacheco Avenue and Golden State Avenue to Mount Vernon Avenue—PG&E said crews assessed the damage and expected power to return by 12:30 p.m.

Kern County backs SB 237 that streamlines drilling permits by counting its local environmental review as enough to move projects forward—officials say this will boost the oil industry and stabilize the fuel market until the bill expires in 2036.

Critics warn the change may increase toxic pollution and risk air quality in the area.

Bakersfield health experts urge residents to get flu shots as cold season nears — doctors say the vaccine can lower the severity of illness for those with conditions like asthma, COPD, or diabetes.

Today, the City of Bakersfield and the American Red Cross are offering a $5 pediatric first aid, CPR/AED, and water safety course for parents, caregivers, and youth at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center.

All 75 slots have been filled—officials stress that learning these skills is key to reducing child drownings.

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.

Northlane Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience Northlane's new music with their fresh lineup.

Goat Yoga Classes

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Cherry Acres — Bring your yoga mat — Enjoy a unique yoga experience complemented by friendly goats.

Bely y Beto

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Cost info not available — Enjoy a vibrant family-friendly show featuring beloved characters Bely and Beto.

Saliva Concert

11:30 AM – 8:00 PM — The Nile Theater — Ticketed event — Rock out with Saliva, the band that brought fresh energy and spirit since 2011.

Doormat Crafting Event at Cherry Acres

6-8 p.m. — Cherry Acres — $45 — Create a personalized doormat with festive designs to enhance your fall decor.