Good morning Bakersfield! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Bakersfield Backyard BBQ Hosted By The Tracy's and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Kern County's unsecured property tax deadline is inching closer. Here's what you need to know. (kget.com) — If you own business equipment, farm gear, boats, or similar assets in Kern County, you'll need to pay your unsecured property tax bill by August 31 to avoid a 10% penalty. Officials in Bakersfield say payments can be made online, by mail, or in person, with electronic checks free and card payments carrying a small processing fee.
2. DA taps Bakersfield Police Sgt. Robert Pair as next Chief of the Bureau of Investigations (bakersfieldnow.com) — Kern County's district attorney has chosen Bakersfield Police Sgt. Robert Pair to lead the DA's Bureau of Investigations, which handles serious cases like homicides. Pair, a longtime BPD leader, will take over from retiring Chief Randall Meyer in early October and oversee a 50-person investigative staff serving Bakersfield and the wider county.
3. Bakersfield residents push for more trees and cleaner air as heat and pollution concerns grow (turnto23.com) — Bakersfield residents are pressing city leaders for more trees, better maintenance, and infrastructure upgrades to combat intense heat and poor air quality. Community members and Council Member Andrae Gonzales describe dead street trees, needed watering systems, and costly sidewalk and irrigation work that could reshape local neighborhoods if the city moves forward.
4. Fight to save the Crystal Palace in Bakersfield (turnto23.com) — Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in Bakersfield faces an uncertain future, including at least one offer that would demolish the landmark venue. Fans, including musician Scotty Crabtree, are rallying with a petition while the Buck Owens Private Foundation and the City of Bakersfield look for a buyer who can reopen and reimagine the space for the community.
5. Bakersfield Fox Theater announces Cults & Classics 2026-2027 season (kget.com) — Bakersfield movie lovers can now grab early-bird season passes for the Fox Theater's 2026–27 Cults & Classics film series, which includes 18 screenings and free popcorn at each show. Discounted $50 passes are available for two weeks before rising to $55, with $5 individual tickets on sale starting August 31.
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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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
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