Bakersfield

The Bakersfield City Council voted to approve a $926 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27. The total is about 9% higher than the previous year, even though the city cut $13 million in expenses. The plan sets how the city funds services for residents over the coming year.

Bakersfield has appointed Daniel Maldonado as director of its Water Resources Department. Colleagues praised his knowledge of Kern River operations and water and wastewater systems. He earlier helped run the department during record droughts and oversaw Kern River infrastructure projects, giving residents a leader familiar with dry years.

The City of Bakersfield closed Cottonwood Road around the clock for road reconstruction work. The closure runs along the stretch between East White Lane and East Pacheco Road in Bakersfield. Drivers who normally use that section of the road should plan other routes while the reconstruction work continues.

The Kern County Fair is featuring youth livestock projects and a Hispanic Heritage Month rodeo. Wasco FFA students showed animals at the fairgrounds, and 4-H members spent months feeding and grooming pigs and other livestock. Fiesta del Charro Rodeo offers charrería demonstrations through the week, giving families a chance to see both traditions.