Bakersfield Daily Brief: Thursday, August 27, 2026

Good morning, Bakersfield. It’s Thursday, August 27, 2026, and we’re starting the day with a high of 94° and a low of 74° tonight. Air quality is moderate at AQI 64, and the Kern County High School District is tightening safety measures following last week’s deadly shooting at Independence High School. Overnight, responders handled a possible overdose on White Lane and a couple of medical-welfare calls. Let’s get you caught up.

The Kern Overnight

Overnight activity across Kern County was light, with no major incidents reported anywhere in the county. Responders handled a possible overdose, two medical-welfare calls, and a downed tree branch over the course of the night. Around 4:35 a.m., medical responders were called to a motel on White Lane for a possible overdose and administered Narcan after the caller was transferred to medical aid. Just after midnight, a medical aid call came in from Stine Road. Several people got on the phone asking for an ambulance, but no one could explain what the situation was. Shortly before 12:05 a.m., units were sent to check on an elderly woman with dementia who could not be reached at her home on Mountain Oak Road. At 9:40 p.m., a tree branch came down onto a telephone wire and a vehicle in an unincorporated part of the county, reported as a hazard condition.

Today's weather

Expect a high near 94° and a low around 74° tonight. It's currently 77° at Meadows Field (KBFL). No active weather alerts for Kern County. Air quality is 64 — moderate.

Top stories

According to 23ABC, Kern County water agencies are taking early action against golden mussel threat to water supply. Golden mussels remain a growing threat to California's water supply, but water agencies in Kern County are taking early action to stay ahead of the invasive species before it can disrupt water delivery. On Tuesday, a round table was held in Bakersfield, bringing together Representative Vince Fong, local water agencies and other stakeholders to discuss ways to fight back against golden mussels. Andrea Sealock with SePRO Water attended the event and said interagency cooperation was a central theme. Sealock pointed to Arvin Edison Water Storage District as an example of a district acting responsibly after it detected golden mussels in its system in December 2025. SePRO worked with Arvin Edison on a treatment program using an EPA-approved, copper-based treatment while monitoring the system. Sealock said the work is showing promising results. SePRO is also currently working with multiple water districts throughout Kern County.

Bakersfield Now reports that a "severe vermin infestation" has shut down Pho Hut on California Avenue after roaches were found. The restaurant was closed by health inspectors after a routine inspection uncovered a significant rodent and cockroach infestation. The closure comes after inspectors found live and dead roaches throughout the facility, as well as rodent droppings and gnaw marks. The restaurant will remain closed until it addresses the vermin issues and passes a re-inspection.

KGET 17 tells us the City of Bakersfield is set to finalize the purchase of the Bank of America building. The city council is expected to approve the final purchase agreement for the downtown building at its next meeting. The city plans to use the building to consolidate several departments currently spread across multiple locations, potentially saving on lease costs. The building is expected to house the city’s finance, administrative services, and parks and recreation departments.

According to 23ABC, a judge has ordered a 15-year-old held on a murder charge after a 17-year-old was shot dead at a Bakersfield football game. The 15-year-old teen charged with the shooting death of another made his first court appearance in Juvenile Court on Wednesday morning. Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer identified the suspect as Gabriel Torres Reyes. A judge ordered Reyes to remain in custody on a first-degree murder charge in the death of 17-year-old Levi Brown, who was shot at a football game at Independence High School last Friday. Prosecutors charged Reyes with premeditated, first-degree murder, along with a gang enhancement and an allegation that he personally used a firearm causing Brown's death. Reyes denied the charges and allegations — the juvenile court equivalent of a not-guilty plea. Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said California law requires the case to remain in juvenile court because Reyes was 15 at the time of the shooting.

KGET 17 reports that at least 1 person is in custody after a vehicle pursuit that ended in south Bakersfield. Police say the pursuit started in the area of South H Street and ended near South Union Avenue and Pacheco Road. No injuries were reported, and the suspect is facing charges.

According to 23ABC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California is expanding its one-on-one mentorship program to Kern County. The nonprofit, which has been mentoring young people for more than 50 years, currently serves Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties. CEO Diane Phakonekham said Kern County has long been a priority for the organization. The program creates matches between adult volunteers and children ages 6 through 18. Children's safety is the organization's top priority.

KGET 17 tells us the Kern County High School District has announced tightened safety measures, following the deadly Independence HS shooting. The district says it will increase the number of security officers at all high school football games and other large events. It will also implement a clear bag policy for all events and increase the use of metal detectors at the gates. The district says it will work with local law enforcement to review its safety plans and make any necessary changes.

Something good

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California is expanding its one-on-one mentorship program to Kern County and is looking for adult volunteers and business partners to support local youth. This expansion will provide more local youth with positive role models and support.

Coming up this week

The Personnel and Processes Committee will meet on Thursday, September 2, at 12:00 p.m. The Planning Commission will meet on Thursday, September 3, at 5:30 p.m. The Fox Theater will host a variety of events, including Cults & Classics: Season Pass 2026-2027 on August 24, Rodney Carrington on August 27, CUMBIATRON: THE CUMBIA RAVE on August 28, Willie Barcena on August 29, Michael Return Of The King Tribute Featuring Michael Phoenix on August 29, and MI HISTORIA TOUR LEYENDAS DEL MARIACHI USA on September 4.