Every once in a while, I think: Get in the car, and drive somewhere in Kern County. Just go, and see what you find. Then reality hits as my mind turns to the to-do list: Editing. Writing. Non-work responsibilities. 

The 30th annual Battle of the Badges was put on at the Kern County Fairgrounds on May 8 to benefit the Bakersfield Police Activities League. 

The Bakersfield Women's Business Conference hosted e-commerce leader Sophia Amoruso as its keynote speaker this year to share her entrepreneurship experience during a dynamic conference at the Dignity Health Convention Center.

At the future site of its full-city-block shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness or who have been abused, Open Door Network on April 17 held its Reimagine fundraiser. 

Golfers at the 33rd annual Sharyn Woods Memorial Golf Tournament teed off April 13 at Seven Oaks Country Club to support Links for Life programs and services for breast cancer patients and survivors in Kern County. 

In 1958, real estate developer Nat Mendelsohn acquired 82,000 acres of land in the Mojave Desert with plans to create a city that would rival Los Angeles. He mapped out streets through the arid landscape, built infrastructure, designed golf courses, established a 26-acre Central Park featuri…

It draws you in before you even walk through the front door.

“The poppy, that reckless flower of the fields, burns like a sudden flame.” — English poet D. H. Lawrence.

Just like the historic Ridge Route was before the Grapevine connected motorists from Southern and Central California, think of Frazier Park as less a destination than a gateway. It’s your invitation to a weekend of relaxation in the Los Padres National Forest.

Kern County came together on May 2 to celebrate heart and brain health at the American Heart Association Heart Ball hosted at Seven Oaks Country Club. 

Kentucky came to Kern County at the CASA Derby Party on May 2 at Gardiner Ranch. Guests enjoyed the tradition of this event and put on their best fascinators and dapper wear for a night of exquisite dining, lively dancing and exclusive auction opportunities. 

Seven Oaks Country Club set the scene for the Garden Pathways High Tea on May 6. 

Truth is, most of us dads have plenty of ties. Plus, this is Kern County. A blazer says more than a tie around here.

Vin Gris is an ideal wine for a warm summer afternoon gathering, offering the refreshing brightness of a white wine with just enough red-fruit character to keep it intriguing. Its pale blush or faint salmon color brings a touch of elegance to the table, while flavors of wild strawberry, citr…

This Father’s Day, as we take time to show honor to those fathers who have loved us well, extend grace to the ones who are still growing and hope and pray for the ones who have lost their way, we can find comfort in the love of our Heavenly Father.

I want you to try something with me.

Although not a lot of vacations are on the books, it's definitely time to break out the summer reading. Those are the kinds of books that offer some form of escape, whether that's from unpleasant weather or just everyday life that becomes more tedious in the summer.

Driving along Seventh Street in downtown Wasco today, one can observe a vibrant transformation that was absent just a few years ago: an infusion of color.

Even if you haven’t seen the Disney 2015 film “McFarland U.S.A.,” if you’ve traveled on Highway 99 through the small town about 25 miles north of Bakersfield, you must have noticed silhouettes of runners making their way across an elevated walkway over the freeway.

Shafter grew up as a railroad loading dock — literally. More than 125 years later, the city is still growing and has become an important hub for movement of products of all kinds.

Delano, Kern County’s second-largest city located about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, is an important part of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley. For more than 100 years, fine table grape vineyards, nuts and citrus orchards have brought economic success to the region.

Local military history enthusiasts have a potential field day in store for them should they visit the Ridgecrest area this summer, as the China Lake Museum stands ready to receive visitors interested in knowing more about the history of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a pivotal site of…

The Bakersfield Californian and Bakersfield Life honored its Best of Kern winners and favorites at a celebration April 23 at the Neon Plaza of the Kern County Museum. 

Anyone looking to take a trip in the Mojave area as the weather improves this year will find one of the town’s most famous features remains open to visitors as it revitalizes its tour program.

As we head into summer, plans loom for vacation or, if the budget doesn’t allow, fun in town. If you can’t visit a tropical destination this year, consider entertaining at home with cocktails that can mentally transport you to another place.

Deion Sanders, the only pro sports athlete to play in both a Super Bowl (1995 and 1996) and a World Series (1992), was the center of attention April 16 at the 29th annual Hoffmann Hospice Voices of Inspiration.

The Fox Theatre on Center Street is a real treasure — an art deco landmark that has anchored downtown Taft since 1951.

Arvin, Kern County’s sixth largest city, is nestled against the foothills 15 miles southeast of Bakersfield, and surrounded by some of the most productive farmland in the San Joaquin Valley.

Kern County’s smallest city is getting something new.

Already I’d taken my mom on two impressive hikes in about as many days: Panorama bluffs and Wind Wolves Preserve. How could I outdo those on the final day of her visit to Bakersfield?

The 2026 Tehachapi's Finest Recognition Gala was held April 25 at Mirabelle Estate in Cummings Valley to present four special honors. 

The fourth annual CSUB Golf Classic on May 9 at the Sundale Country Club brought university fans together to benefit students. 

A Bakersfield tradition continued April 30 at the CSUB Spring BBQ at the Icardo Center, complete with favorites from Salty's BBQ & Catering and Prime Time BBQ.

With a "Re-Lei for a Cure" island theme, the American Cancer Society's 24-hour Bakersfield Relay for Life attracted more than 100 teams for a gathering that featured live music, specially dedicated laps, line dancing and fundraising.

Many sights draw people to Tehachapi, whether it’s the local engineering marvel the Loop, the fascinating Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, or the opportunity to ride the wind via glider. Greater Tehachapi offers more than enough to fill a day, before and after seeing a day trip’s centerpiece …

May 1

Art lovers attended Night in Tuscany: An Evening of Art and Culture at Seven Oaks Country Club on April 9. 

A local art institution is celebrating its platinum anniversary, and the festivities began March 26 with an opening reception for Seventy Years of Inspiration: The Story of the Bakersfield Museum of Art.

In front of the Kern County Superior Court building stands a striking black and granite monument dedicated to those from Kern County who gave their lives in the Vietnam War. An inscription reads: “To the more than 14,000 men and women from Kern County who served in Vietnam… and to those who …

Mike Estrada used to look forward to Mother’s Day, because he knew his mom loved the occasion. But it was never easy for him, and it’s not much easier since her death eight years ago.

Fresh after recommending an Anne Hathaway film in April, we're back again with another starring the versatile actress.

As someone who constantly runs late, it’s a special moment when I get ahead of the game.

Groove to your own beat.

Kids and parents celebrated Easter early on April 4 with North of the River Recreation & Park District's Easter Egg Hunt at Emerald Cove Park. 

The Women's and Girls' Fund 21st Anniversary Luncheon took place March 25 at Seven Oaks Country Club. 

For McFarland native Michelle Chavez-Richard, a series of difficult early life experiences made the path toward pursuing higher education often feel uncertain and out of reach.

Joy is building at Taft College as the Class of 2026 prepares for an unforgettable graduation season — one expected to celebrate the largest graduating class in college history.