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.
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A man wanted on suspicion of a hit-and-run last week in east Bakersfield turned himself into authorities on Tuesday. The suspect, Gael Garcia, was booked into Lerdo jail after presenting himself to BPD traffic investors with his attorney present. A 5-year-old was airlifted in critical condition following a reported incident at Wilkins and Tyree Toliver streets.
SocietyPublished Sep 29, 12:00 AMAdded Sep 30, 12:41 AM
At least one person died following a fiery, head-on crash southeast of Bakersfield. The California Highway Patrol reported the incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. Monday when a vehicle crossed from eastbound lanes and hit a westbound vehicle near Malaga Road.
A California Highway Patrol officer, Brian Liles, was killed in the line of duty after a crash on State Route 99 in Tulare County. The collision occurred Monday evening when his motorcycle hit a truck-tractor near Tipton. An investigation is being led by the CHP’s Central Division MAIT.
Governor Newsom signed four new laws increasing penalties for impaired drivers. These changes include felony charges and potential six-year license revocations for repeat DUI offenders in California. Local groups are urging vigilance regarding road safety issues in Bakersfield.
A Second Class Petty Officer originally from Bakersfield, California, serves in the U.S. Navy. He is assigned to the 19th Unmanned Patrol Squadron, the Navy's first unmanned patrol and reconnaissance squadron. Julian graduated from South High School in 2021.
Family and friends gathered in Bakersfield at the Legends Event Center to celebrate Vanessa, Kylie, and Kloie Wetmore. The mother and her two daughters were killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 99 in August. Attendees shared memories as the community honored their lives.
Nina Ha has dedicated decades to reading to children in Bakersfield, sometimes dressing up as Wonder Woman. She also helps raise college funds through the Bakersfield Chinese Women's Club, supporting hard-working high school students.
SocietyPublished Sep 25, 12:00 AMAdded Sep 30, 3:10 AM
Daniel Maldonado has been appointed as the new Director of the Bakersfield Water Resources Department. Colleagues praised his experience, noting his deep knowledge of Kern River operations and water/wastewater systems. He previously helped manage the department through record droughts and oversaw infrastructure projects on the Kern River.
SocietyPublished Sep 25, 12:00 AMAdded Sep 29, 7:22 AM
A Bakersfield man noted the shelter system has no space available, as city data revealed dozens were turned away in July. Flood Ministries' executive director stated a bottleneck remains despite added resources, needing more places for people to transition to.
SocietyPublished Sep 24, 12:00 AMAdded Sep 30, 3:10 AM
A child sustained major injuries when a truck ran a stop sign, broadsiding the mother's vehicle in an east Bakersfield neighborhood. The police reported that one passenger from the truck was taken into custody, while the driver remains at large. The incident occurred on Tyree Toliver and Wilkins Street on September 24.
SocietyPublished Sep 24, 12:00 AMAdded Sep 30, 3:10 AM
Daniel Maldonado has been appointed as the new Director of the City of Bakersfield's Water Department. He previously served as Assistant Director and brings over a decade of experience to the role. Maldonado stated his enthusiasm to work with the team on building a sustainable water future for the city.
Fire crews responded to a two-alarm fire in the 800 block of Union Avenue in east Bakersfield on September 22 at approximately 5 a.m. Firefighting personnel conducted cleanup operations at the scene.
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