Good day Bakersfield! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: Where is the worst place to hide in a hospital ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Bakersfield Senior Center Affordable Housing Facility (ognsc.com) — A long-vacant lot at 530 4th Street in Bakersfield is set to become a new senior center and 36-unit affordable housing complex after a well-attended groundbreaking. Backed by federal funding and local partnerships, the project promises amenities like fitness, tech and activity rooms, with completion expected in about 19 months.
2. Reagan Elementary welcomes students back as new assistant principal starts in Bakersfield (bakersfieldnow.com) — Reagan Elementary in Bakersfield welcomed students back with hugs, photos and a smooth first day as families filled the campus. New assistant principal Susanna Letourneau says parents, staff and kids are energized, focusing on building strong relationships to support students throughout the year.
3. City of Bakersfield halts work on 'sanctuary city' policy following public backlash (kget.com) — Bakersfield city staff have halted work on a proposed sanctuary city policy after residents packed an Aug. 5 council meeting to oppose it. A referral from Councilman Zack Bashirtash, with no objections from colleagues, stopped further action on both the policy and a related TRUTH Act forum for now.
4. Back to School! First day of School for many across Kern County (kget.com) — Families across Bakersfield are sending kids back to class today as Franklin, Downtown, Harding and other elementary schools kick off the 2026–27 year with festive welcomes and themes. Principals and students shared their excitement, from ocean-inspired decorations to superhero second-grade gear, as campuses focused on making children feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
5. Bakersfield dad recalls moment his son was allegedly murdered by 3 teens: 'Something I will never forget' (kget.com) — A Bakersfield father is sharing the painful moment he saw his adult son fatally shot on Crane Street in east Bakersfield, in an attack that also wounded him. The killing, allegedly involving three juveniles, has renewed local concern about youth violence and prompted advocates to call for both accountability and stronger mentoring and guidance for kids across Kern County.
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Ok Bakersfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: In the ICU (Thank you Donna M. for sending it in!)
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