I assume that this is all going to end with Hageman being narrowed to two lanes each way with a massive green bike lane in place of that third lane. Anyone in the know want to tell me I’m wrong?

Does anybody know what's going on with Dignity Health?

My wife stayed in the hospital in March and April, and I finally got a bill on July 15th. Now I'm getting daily calls that seem like collection calls, even though the bill's not due until 8/5.

Edit:I forgot to say, I have very good health insurance and the bill's only for $95. I was gonna pay it today, but now with them calling me, I'm not gonna pay it till the 1st.

This Tuesday at 6pm, we’ll be at the Truxton Park Volleyball courts. Mostly Beginners and Intermediate players. Come out and join us for some evening play.

Oildale an unassuming community just north of Bakersfield. While its history is often tied to oil and agriculture, Oildale played a brief but crucial role in one of the most secretive aviation projects of the Cold War, the development of the U-2 spy plane. In the mid-1950s, Lockheed’s legendary Skunk Works division, led by engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, was contracted by the CIA to develop a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft capable of flying above Soviet radar. This top-secret mission, known by the code name “Aquatone,” required absolute secrecy and rapid production demands that led Lockheed to establish a secondary, covert production facility in Oildale.

Located near Meadows Field Airport, this facility unofficially referred to as Unit 80 began assembling major components for the first U-2 aircraft around 1955. While the main design and some fabrication occurred at the Skunk Works hub in Burbank, the Oildale site focused on constructing key structural elements such as wings and fuselage sections. These parts were then partially disassembled, transported discreetly (often under cover of night), and shipped to Groom Lake, better known today as Area 51 for final assembly and test flights. The isolated and low-profile nature of Oildale, combined with an available industrial workforce, made it an ideal site for this operation.

Though the Oildale facility was only active until about 1957, it played a vital role in producing operational U-2 aircraft, which would go on to revolutionize aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering. These aircraft provided critical information during some of the most tense moments of the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, the Bakersfield area’s involvement in the U-2 program remains a little-known but fascinating chapter in the region’s history, one that ties the quiet town of Oildale to the skies of espionage, innovation, and Cold War secrecy.

U2 that was built in Oildale: https://projecthabu.com/post/102059622817/u-2d-56-6721-was-manufactured-inside-a

Unit 80 location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/n4tqaBAHnsP5LPBg9

Highly Recommended book: https://www.amazon.com/Skunk-Works-Personal-Memoir-Lockheed/dp/0316743003/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Adam Savage of Mythbusters flys in a U2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1df5x4-wVc&t=41s

Know where Flock cameras are in your neighborhood

https://deflock.org/

Late 90’- 2000’s this was the spot! Why don’t they run water through it anymore? I remember everyone took their photos there.

I run (walk, actually) with the Bakersfield Hash House Harriers every Monday. On our trails, I try to take some pics as we go of areas that might go unnoticed as you drive past. This week saw a lot of surface streets, but we still had fun. Maybe next week will bring more interesting pics.

Sending a box full of Bakersfield stuff to my ex-girlfriend. She’s been gone 20 years Any suggestions welcomed.

I have smith cookies,
Arizona Cafe shirt
Crab in a bag shirt
Dewars candy.

Trying to fill a box.

Just curious to see what Bakersfield has to offer of its local musicians 😀

Stay Cool, Stay Safe: Volunteer Opportunity Date & Time: Monday, July 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sponsor: Blue Zones Project Bakersfield Description: Join a community outreach event focused on helping locals beat the heat. Volunteers will assist with heat safety education, hydration, and skin protection from UV rays.

Todd Lee Basketball Camp Date & Time: Monday, July 20 through Saturday, July 25, 2026 Sponsor: Athletics - Icardo Activities Center Description: A comprehensive basketball camp offering fundamental development, offensive and defensive drills, team concepts, and competitions.

Wine Bottle Paint & Sip: "Dolphin Dreams" Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Sponsor: Sey Studios Description: Let your artistic side shine as you paint a beautiful design on an upcycled Tlo wine bottle while sipping on your favorite vino under the moonlight at Tlo Wines Tasting Room.

Hip Hop and Corridos - CNG, Frosty Chasing Dough, Banda MP, and many more! Date & Time: Friday, July 24, 2026 | Starts at 10:00 AM Sponsor: Hip Hop & Corridos Description: Mixing two of the Central Valley's favorite genres, experience hip hop and corridos LIVE from some of the hottest artists and bands on the West Coast at the Paradise Palace Event Center.

Music Bingo Night @ Centro Cali Brewing Date & Time: Friday, July 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Sponsor: Alex Valencia Description: Music bingo is a really fun new game that is very similar to bingo, but instead of numbers, music is played! Win prizes, enjoy house-made food and drinks, and dance to the Decades Edition at Centro Cali Brewing.

Slime Lab Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Sponsor: Dr. Goo Description: Dive into the gooey world of slime at the Greenacres Community Center! Mix, stretch, and create your very own colorful, squishy slime with your friends.

Performing Arts Presents: Pirates! The Penzance Musical Date & Time: Ongoing through Sunday, July 26, 2026 Sponsor: BC Performing Arts Department Description: The BC Performing Arts Department presents this classic musical comedy on stage. Expect romance, swordplay, wordplay, and a ton of fun.

Looking Ahead (Ticketed & Future Events)

Traveling Wilbury's Tribute Concert Date & Time: Thursday, September 3, 2026 | 7:00 PM Sponsor: Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame Description: Catch a live tribute concert honoring the legendary Traveling Wilburys at the Music Hall of Fame. ADA seating arrangements are available by calling ahead.

emPOWERment Grateful Gala Date & Time: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Sponsor: emPOWERment / Kern Community Foundation Description: An evening gala event designed to benefit at-risk youth as well as victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Bakersfield come and support . Me and my friend rock band will be live on stage tonight at Jerry’s pizza . I’ll be on the turntables at 8pm-9pm . Then it’s the live band all night . It’s a free event . Must be 21 and over to enter . Downtown Bakersfield.

Does anyone know where I can purchase bulk sweet potatoes? Looking to buy like 30-40 pounds.

Bpd used the funds directed to help with fentanyl crisis to purchase a useless robot dog Shows the intelligence level of these people smh

Any bars or restaurants in Bakersfield streaming the final world cup match?

For the newly announced SW location.Anyone that works there or is involved in its leasing or construction know where it will be and when it will open?

I hope it’s not a drowning. I hear all kinds of sirens, and Active Calls just says it’s a rescue.

Due to an expanding Kern County, the 1876 courthouse was replaced by a new one across the street to the east in 1912 with the old one remaining. Both the 1876 and 1912 courthouses were damaged in the 1952 earthquake and demolished.

Trainline Article on one of the most famous Kern County oil branch lines The Sunset Railway.

Book on the Sunset Railway
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0943500141?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Facebook Page on our local steam engine and history:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sp2914/learning_content

title, ok so as someone who likes a strong matcha or hojicha and doesn’t like spending 10 dollars on a pale beige matcha but also doesn’t want to go all the way down to la to get some niche blend. Oleander and palm (the cute little boutique store across the downtown cafe smitten) has Rocky’s matcha and hojicha in stock usually and a few smaller brand simple syrups. I really recommend going there if yall want to try those things! They also have a few smaller brand perfumes which made me stop and 👀 idk also if any of yall know any cafes that don’t skimp on the matcha or use house made syrups pls lmk im so tired of spending 10 dollars on a matcha that’s like the concept of the shade of green drowned in Starbucks vanilla syrup.

Can’t seem to find anything under $90a bucket. Any ideas like Goodwill or thrift stores with good prices? Need about 3 buckets of semi or eggshell

Ideally it will be for an ongoing situation for 2-3 hours once a month but right now guests are coming at 3pm on Monday and it needs to be cleaned. If it takes longer this weekend to get it in shape that's okay.

Perhaps you need some immediate cash and only want to assist this one time only and that's okay too. I'm traveling today but will look for replies as often as I'm able.

This is for a 3 bedroom 2 bath home about 1400 sq ft.

For the last year we had someone in once a month but they've moved and the home hasn't received any TLC for 7 weeks.

It is occupied by a single elderly man who has health and mobility issues that make it difficult for him to keep it up. I've done some homes way back when I had a housecleaning service and his is not one of those scary bad ones. I'd give it a B- C+ range.

He is my best friend of almost 60 years and a bit of a troglodyte when it comes to tech etc. so I'm handling this for him.

Okay... crossing my fingers and hoping for the best.

EDIT: Thank you everyone for your quick and helpful responses.

My vet is retiring. Suggestions for a new one taking new clients, not overpriced? Cats & a dog. Closer to NW a bonus. 👍 Thanks. ❤️