Patrons could enjoy Dinner at the Derby — and watch the Kentucky Derby come May, too.

The Cal State Bakersfield Nursing Program is so tight-knit that in a matter of weeks, the president of the university’s 50th anniversary graduating class could become the co-worker of the faculty members who have guided him and his 57 classmates through three years of study.

Bakersfield College is gearing up for its 110th commencement ceremony, set to take place at 7 p.m. May 10 at Memorial Stadium on BC's Panorama campus. The event promises to be a memorable occasion as more than 3,200 graduates are eligible to walk the stage, marking a significant milestone an…

The votes are in and the community has spoken! The annual Best Of Readers’ Choice Poll showcases the best of the best — from food to shopping, services and more — as decided by those who call Bakersfield home. This is your guide to the Best Of Bakersfield.

We are all here for a reason. We are all here for an extraordinary reason. When you consider the impact we have on the world, it's truly enormous. Every little thing we do and say changes the trajectory of our lives and those around us. This life is not to be taken for granted or to be taken…

I have had the privilege of being surrounded by so many amazing women over my life whom I admire, look up to, learn from and respect. I wouldn't be who I am without their influence and support. I will always be grateful to them for being in my life.

Kern County tops too many undesirable lists to count, not the least of which is incidences of human trafficking. According to the FBI, the problem here has doubled in the last five years, as evidenced by a two-day sting operation in January that resulted in seven arrests and the identificati…

Thousands of people descended on the streets of downtown Bakersfield, taking off from the Kern County Museum on April 7 for the Bakersfield Marathon — plus half marathon, 10K and 6K races.

People, places and personalities make Bakersfield fabulous.

Households come in all sizes and for smaller numbers, cooking can be a challenge. Single chefs, empty nesters, roommates — those who don't need to feed a big crowd but want tasty dishes need to get creative.

Ask anyone about California Living Museum and you're bound to get a smile. Whether those good feelings are evoked from memories of a school field trip or taking the kids to see the animals or the anticipation of the magic from HolidayLights, CALM has a special place in many residents' hearts.

Springtime in Kern County signifies the blooming of flowers and sunny days and a time of renewal and growth, especially for high school seniors. For these students, this season marks a significant milestone filled with excitement and anticipation for their future.

Fancy Hallmark greeting cards and fresh flowers are nice, but what’s truly lasting when it comes to Mother’s Day?Surely a mother’s advice, passed onto her children who possibly share it with the next generation — or not. Lessons evolve, right?With that in mind, we posed the following questio…

Some might ask what could possibly inspire local law enforcement officers, men and women, to lace up boxing gloves, don padded headgear, and potentially take several left jabs and maybe even a hard right uppercut to the jaw.

On Oct. 5, 1978, the 95th Congress passed House Joint Resolution 1007, which proposed seven days in May be designated as Asian/Pacific American Week and it became Public Law No. 95-419. Under this law, President Carter issued Proclamation No. 4650 on March 28, 1979, designating the week begi…

Live On Stage, Inc. and the Bakersfield Community Concert Association presented popular jazz group the Jason Fabus Trio as part of their 2023-2024 concert season on April 14.

As summer fast approaches and the kids become restless, parents look no further: Bakersfield Kidsfest is your answer.

Kern County is gearing up to celebrate the 21st annual Lightning in a Bottle music festival, a five-day preeminent guide to today’s best electronic artists.

May 1

Graduation for the Class of 2024 holds a little different meaning as they came into Garces during the “COVID” era and started their freshman year online in August, moving to in-person in October of 2020 wearing masks, social distancing and missing out on all the traditional activities at Gar…

Nestled within its historic city, Taft College proudly stands as a bastion of academic excellence, home to the Cougars — a symbol of strength, resilience and determination. Firmly rooted in the community, the institution embraces its role as a small, personalized entity committed to shaping …

Rowdy would approve — a sea of students accepted to Cal State Bakersfield flowed onto campus April 6 for Future ’Runner Day, which was meant to show off what the university offers.

Even before a lighthouse was built nearby, the white rocks of Piedras Blancas — on a point north of San Simeon — helped early mariners navigate the waters off California’s coast.

The Central Valley is built on a combination of different cultures, creating a rich history all its own. Among the many families that chose to set their roots in Kern County are a variety of Asian Americans.

God promised Kristen Krafthefer at age 3 that she would be a mother.

For more than 100 years, Americans have celebrated Mother’s Day on the second Sunday of May.

Every October, the community gathers to celebrate the Greek Food Festival at St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Plenty of people will fire up the barbecue or head out of town for the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day's three-day weekend, but what about paying heed to the true meaning of the day?

Spring is here and with it comes a bumper crop of fresh produce just waiting to be highlighted.

From April to September, outdoor enthusiasts head to the Kern River for a thrilling and unbelievable experience. In the lower part of the river, adventurers can find the most challenging rapids, ranging from Class II to Class V. But there was once a time when the Kern County Safety Council s…

So many hikes, so few hikers.

The Santa Lucia Highlands region has gained recognition as one of California's premier cool-climate wine regions, and its wines have received critical acclaim. Still, other than wine enthusiasts, few know about it or where it is located. The Santa Lucia Highlands appellation is situated in t…

There's nothing wrong with hiking as a way of getting in exercise or observing wild animals and plants. I do that, too, for the most part incidentally. It seems to me there's a better reason to hike.

With a push for a more environmentally friendly world all the more important every day, what better way to celebrate than the Earth Day 661 Festival.

The popular motivational series Reflections for All celebrated its third anniversary with a special fundraiser and auction March 13 at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. The fundraiser honored the Buck Owens Family for their numerous contributions to Bakersfield.

The Bakersfield College Foundation recognized the 16th Annual Sterling Silver honorees at a celebration March 16 at the Renegade Event Center on BC’s main campus.

Let go of the past that you carry within you and embrace a new mindset. Instead of constantly striving to feel a certain way, let go of the past that dictates your likes and dislikes. You are not your feelings, but rather a soul within a human body, experiencing life. Take a thunderstorm, fo…

I've recently realized what a gift nature is to us. Yet, in the hustle of life, we often ignore it, neglecting to take hold of its many benefits. I am guilty of experiencing it from my car on the way to my next thing. But while the weather is nice, we should soak up time outside.

The 52nd annual Collectors Showcase at Hodel’s Country Dining on March 9 and 10 attracted young and old who enjoy a bit of the past.

The nonprofit Covenant Community Services and Covenant Coffee hosted its third annual Covenant Community Concert Benefit on March 9.

As a complement to the ongoing exhibition “Modern Women | Modern Vision: Photographs from the Bank of America Collection,” the Bakersfield Museum of Art on March 9 presented a panel discussion titled “Through the Lens,” about the power of visual storytelling. Photographers and other creative…

In the fight to eradicate sex trafficking and modern-day slavery, Magdalene Hope held its 7th Annual Tee Off for Hope Golf Tournament on March 18 at Stockdale Country Club.

The 2024 Kern County Go Red for Women Luncheon on March 8 at the Bakersfield College Renegade Event Center celebrated women who have lived with heart issues and those who support them.

Knowledgeable wine lovers have long taken into consideration the region in which a wine is grown when making a decision about whether to buy a wine — or not.

Hikers can spend a lifetime looking for the perfect trail, and the truth is, it doesn't exist. What feels great during one outing can turn into a disappointment under different conditions. Plus, people change, and so do the things we look for in a hike.

As springtime takes hold and the weather warms up, restaurants are preparing their patios and outdoor dining spaces for people to enjoy. There are several options for outdoor dining in Bakersfield, whether you are looking for a quick bite or a nice sit-down restaurant.

With the season of spring at our doorsteps, it’s that time of year to say goodbye to winter and bring out your favorite spring decor. From small decorations to big projects for any budget, here are a few options to invite springtime into your home: