Kern County

Openings, closings, alerts and local government updates across Kern County, California.

Latest stories

News · California

Local agencies weigh proposed Cadiz water pipeline

Around town

Kern County, Tehachapi and Boron districts are identified as weighing in on a proposed Cadiz water pipeline project.

Kern County California DeskNov 10, 2026

News · California

Court Rejects California Carbon Capture Project

Around town

A court has ruled against California’s first carbon capture project, described as an important part of the state’s climate plans.

Kern County California DeskNov 6, 2026

News · California

18th Street closure in downtown Bakersfield begins Oct. 28

Around town

18th Street will close between L and O streets in downtown Bakersfield starting Oct. 28.

Kern County California DeskOct 29, 2026

News · California

Friant-Kern Canal bike trail nears completion

Community and events

A new trail along the Friant-Kern Canal is nearing completion and is intended to connect northwest Bakersfield with the Kern River trail.

Kern County California DeskOct 26, 2026

News · California

Kern officials to outline preparations for possible El Niño impacts

Around town

Kern County officials are set to discuss preparations for possible effects from El Niño.

Kern County California DeskOct 24, 2026

News · California

Rider killed near Lake Isabella identified as Utah man

Police, fire and courts

A rider who died in an Oct. 3 crash near Lake Isabella was identified as a man from Utah.

Kern County California DeskOct 16, 2026

News · California

ICE arrests reported across San Joaquin Valley

Around town

CalMatters reports that a sudden increase in ICE arrests has changed activity on streets across the San Joaquin Valley.

Kern County California DeskOct 10, 2026

News · California

Mortgage rates rise above 7% again

Around town

Kern County homebuyers are facing higher borrowing costs as mortgage rates move above 7%.

Kern County California DeskOct 6, 2026

News · California

Mortgage rates rise above 7% again in Kern County

Around town

Higher borrowing costs are putting added pressure on Kern County residents shopping for homes.

Kern County California DeskOct 5, 2026

News · California

Canada imposes tariffs on U.S. farm goods

Jobs and economy

Canada has imposed new tariffs on U.S. farm goods, creating uncertainty for agricultural businesses in Kern County.

Kern County California DeskOct 5, 2026

News · California

Grapevine Fire reported in Kern County on Sept. 30

Around town

A Grapevine Fire was reported in Kern County on Sept. 30, with additional incident details still unconfirmed.

Kern County California DeskOct 1, 2026

News · California

Four Killed in Head-On Crash on State Route 58

Police, fire and courts

A head-on crash on State Route 58 in Bakersfield left four people dead, Culver Legal reported.

Kern County California DeskOct 1, 2026

News · California

Kern County libraries mark September card sign-up month

Community and events

Events are underway at Kern County libraries as September is recognized nationally as Library Card Sign-Up Month.

Kern County California DeskSep 15, 2026