Karla Sosa

Prev Next Posted 7 minutes ago and last updated 0 minutes ago BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The United States men's national team leads Bosnia 1-0 at halftime in a round of 32 World Cup match at Levi's Stadium, with a win-or-go-home result on the line for both sides. The U.S. entered the knockout round as Group D winners with 6 points. Bosnia advanced as a third-place finisher from Group B with 4 points. Heading into the match, the two teams carried different momentum. Bosnia won their final group stage game against Qatar 3-1, while the U.S. fell to Turkey 3-2 in their last outing. The teams also differ in tactical approach. Bosnia lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, while the U.S. typically deploys a 4-2-3-1. The U.S. broke through at the 45th minute, sending the crowd at Legends into a frenzy. Kyle Lawson, who watched the match with his family at Legends, captured the atmosphere inside the venue. "So far the game's been good. The energy has been good here. It's been fun, it's been exciting. We've been here a few times. It's always a good time. Energy's always great, and definitely it's a good place to come back," Lawson said. If the U.S. advances, they will face Belgium in the round of 16. That match is scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. in Seattle. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Kern County Animal Services offered free microchipping and pet ID tags to help owners protect pets over the Fourth of July weekend.

Prev Next Posted BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A new California law that took effect July 1 bans "sell by" date labels on packaged foods as part of a statewide effort to cut down on food waste. The law requires manufacturers to use standardized terms for quality, such as "best if used by" or "best if frozen by," and "use by" or "use or freeze by" for safety. Elena Underwood said she hopes the change makes a difference. "I didn't know that they were gonna do that. I didn't know that that was, like, gonna be a new law. I mean, we do check, like, the expiration date. I don't know that it would make a difference if it was expired or best by." Underwood said the new language could give consumers more flexibility before discarding food. "Because a lot of people will see, like, oh, it expired already, and then throw it away. But if it's, like, 'Best By', then you kind of give it a little bit of a couple days, maybe, or there's a little bit more leeway there." The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery found that 2.5 billion meals worth of unspoiled food are thrown out every year. Al Brown said he supports the new law. "A good, that's a good thing. I agree with that. That's a good thing. But anytime you can do away with wasting food in this community, I agree with that 100%." There are exceptions to the new rules. Eggs and infant formula are exempt. Grocers can still use coded "sell by" dates for inventory management and stock rotation, but that information cannot be easily readable by consumers on the packaging. Consumers can prepare for the transition by familiarizing themselves with the 2 new authorized phrases. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Bakersfield residents gather at Jastro Park to celebrate Independence Day with music and community From a veteran cheering on his wife to a local singer performing the national anthem, Bakersfield residents came together at Jastro Park to mark America's 25th birthday. Prev Next Posted 7 minutes ago BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Bakersfield residents gathered at Jastro Park for a Fourth of July concert, sharing what the holiday means to them and how they chose to spend it with family and community. Air Force veteran John Beard said he never misses the annual celebration. "I never miss one of these things. I love it. I'm a patriotic guy myself and it's — I think it's fantastic," said Beard. Beyond the patriotic festivities, Beard had a personal reason to be in the crowd — watching his wife of 3 years perform on stage. "She hadn't played in 40 years when she started back about five years ago. And now she just loves it," said Beard. Bakersfield native Payton Butcher said she could hardly believe she had the chance to sing the national anthem during Saturday's celebration. "Every single time I'm always looking at the people that do the national anthem, and I'm like, Oh, I want that to be me. So when I was given this opportunity, I was like, 'Oh, my gosh'," said Butcher. Butcher celebrated America's 25th birthday surrounded by family and friends. Aaron Bowers said the holiday is a time to reflect on those who served the country. "My father served in the Korean War, and now I'm seeing people from World War II. I did not have the privilege to serve, but I do appreciate what our men have done for our country, men and women," said Bowers. 4th of July 2026 Events in Kern County, California McFarland 250 Celebration This free community celebration features food vendors and a fireworks show to mark America's 250th anniversary. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026 Time: 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Location: Blanco Park, 1000 E. Sherwood Ave., McFarland, CA Buttonwillow 19th Annual Fireworks Show The annual community fireworks show at Buttonwillow Park features vendors, games, swimming and more. Free swim begins at 6 p.m. with fireworks after dark. Date: Thursday, July 2, 2026 Time: 6 p.m. (free swim); fireworks after dark Location: Buttonwillow Park, Buttonwillow, CA U.S. 250 Tour at Dignity Health Amphitheater (Annual Independence Day Celebration at The Park at River Walk) Bakersfield's annual Independence Day celebration features the U.S. 250 Tour's Freedom Village, live music, food, drinks, family-friendly activities and a fireworks show once it is dark. The event starts at 10 a.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (fireworks) Location: Dignity Health Amphitheater and Park at Riverwalk, 11200 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA Shafter Lion's Club Fireworks Celebration (Celebrating America's 250th Year of Independence) The Shafter Lion's Club is hosting a picnic-style Fourth of July event. There will be no food vendors, so attendees should bring their own food, drinks, snacks and chairs. Fireworks begin at dusk. Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: Gates open at 7 p.m.; fireworks at dusk/9 p.m. Location: Grass area of Sequoia Elementary School, 500 Fresno Ave., and Shafter Recreation and Parks District, 700 E. Tulare Ave., Shafter, CA Taft 250: A Hometown Celebration – Cruise Night The City of Taft hosts a cruise night featuring an array of classic cars, food, live music, shopping vendors and family fun in downtown Taft. Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: Evening (specific start time not listed) Location: Downtown Taft, CA Tehachapi All-American 4th of July Festival – Concert and Movie Night The Tehachapi All-American 4th of July Festival kicks off with a concert at 6 p.m. and a movie at 8 p.m. on the eve of Independence Day. Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: Concert at 6 p.m.; movie at 8 p.m. Location: Tehachapi, CA (Philip Marx Central Park area) Delano Annual Family Fun Day Delano's annual family fun day celebration takes place at Memorial Park with activities for the whole family beginning at 5 p.m. Date: Friday, July 3, 2026 Time: 5 p.m. Location: Memorial Park, Delano, CA Tehachapi All-American 4th of July Festival – Main Event The full-day festival features a 5K run starting at 7 a.m., the Tehachapi Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m., live music, food and vendors starting at 10 a.m., the Bad Bulls Rodeo at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 7 a.m. (5K); 9 a.m. (parade); 10 a.m. (festival); 6–9 p.m. (rodeo); 9 p.m. (fireworks) Location: Philip Marx Central Park and surrounding areas, Tehachapi, CA Ridgecrest Family Picnic Event at Freedom Park This family-friendly event features food and drink vendors, a splash pad, cornhole, ax throwing, contests, races and a drone show. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Location: Freedom Park, 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA Wasco Car Show at Barker Park This car show features contests and a firework show for the community on Independence Day. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Not specified Location: Barker Park, Poso Drive and Poplar Avenue, Wasco, CA Westchester Parade at Jastro Park This annual Bakersfield parade includes a flag presentation by the Sons of the American Revolution, the Pledge of Allegiance led by neighborhood children, the National Anthem sung by American Musical and Dramatic Academy student Payton Butcher, a tribute to Korean and WWII veterans memorials, a presentation for Honor Flight and an introduction from Grand Marshals. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 9 a.m. Location: Jastro Park, Bakersfield, CA Kern Raceway Event Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway hosts a Fourth of July celebration featuring a firework show, NASCAR racing, a Drag-a-Boat demolition race and entertainment for the entire family. Gates open at 4 p.m. and main events begin at 7 p.m. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Gates open at 4 p.m.; main events at 7 p.m. Location: Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway, 13500 Raceway Blvd., Bakersfield, CA Taft 250: A Hometown Celebration – Patriotic Parade The second day of Taft's celebration features a Patriotic Parade starting at 9 a.m., followed by an apple pie baking contest and local vendors. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Parade starts at 9 a.m. Location: Taft, CA Lake Isabella 2026 Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza Fireworks will be launched from Engineer's Point shortly after dark in this annual tradition in the Kern River Valley, sponsored by local merchants and community members. Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: Shortly after dark Location: Engineer's Point, Lake Isabella, CA Tehachapi Freedom Fest at West Park The final day of Tehachapi's Independence Day weekend celebration features a Freedom Fest at West Park. Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026 Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location: West Park, Tehachapi, CA This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube Bakersfield CA Weather Enter zip code to change location

Prev Next Posted 4 minutes ago and last updated 4 minutes ago BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Mexico fans in East Bakersfield watched their team fall to England 3-2 Sunday, ending Mexico's World Cup run in the round of 16. Fans packed Rock & Wings in East Bakersfield for a watch party, hoping to see Mexico advance. Merwin Rodas attended the watch party with his girlfriend and said the energy in the room was electric from the start. "We'll be here on our toes. Super nervous, I can't stop shaking my leg. Getting excited for every shot that's going on, you know," Rodas said. England took the lead in the 36th minute and scored again in the 38th minute to go up 2-0. Mexico answered before halftime, scoring in the 42nd minute to bring the score to 2-1 and reignite the crowd. Luis Lopez arrived early to Rock & Wings to secure a table for his family. He said Mexico's performance in this tournament impressed him compared to their last World Cup appearance. "In this one we have great player and I hope we keep on going forward," Lopez said. England extended their lead to 3-1 on a penalty kick in the 60th minute. Nine minutes later, Mexico converted a penalty kick of their own to pull within one, making it 3-2 and giving fans a brief surge of hope. It wasn't enough. Mexico was eliminated, ending their run as World Cup hosts in the round of 16. Rodas said he was disappointed but gracious toward England. "It's upsetting, that Mexico lost, you know but congratulations to England. They played a hell of a game," Rodas said. England will face Norway in the quarterfinals Saturday, July 11, in Miami. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Arvin parks get major renovations, including lighting and picnic tables The city of Arvin has been upgrading five parks since 2025, adding restroom improvements, lighting, and picnic tables funded by the general fund and a new grant. Prev Next Posted 5 minutes ago Arvin is upgrading five city parks with new restroom facilities, lighting, picnic tables and more, funded by the city's general fund and a $250,000 grant. Margarita Perez has called Arvin home since 1965. While her kids played sports at the parks, the family had to drive home to use the restroom. "I would say maybe for the last 10 years, it's been like, no, we're going home to the bathroom, and then we're coming back," Perez said. Perez is glad the city made these upgrades to all of the parks. "It's nice and clean in there, and it's the lighting, so that's a big plus, especially since they play at night. So that's a big plus. It's nice. You know, we deserve to have good bathrooms," Perez said. Arvin Mayor Olivia Calderon says residents raised concerns about the parks. The city started working on renovations in 2025. "Doors, locks, trash can receptacle, toilet paper receptacles, paper towels, making sure that there's lighting, mirrors, and that they're fully accessible, stocked up every single day," Calderon said. The improvements are ongoing across multiple parks. "In Kovacevich Park, you could see it at Las Palmas Park, and soon here at Smotherman Park, we're also going to have lighting at the restrooms," Calderon said. Calderon said the work has been paid for by taxpayers. "The repairs to our parks over the past year and a half, this has come from the general fund. It comes from all of our taxpayers," Calderon said. The city plans to install a total of 21 new picnic tables. Calderon said the items currently being installed were previously purchased. The city was also awarded a $250,000 grant from the San Joaquin Air District, which will go toward planting trees. Perez hopes to see even more improvements in her hometown. "I think that there should be more improvements. I mean, everybody would like to see all the families come out to the parks and have a good time, but the parks have to look nice to do that," Perez said. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube Bakersfield CA Weather Enter zip code to change location

Arvin Little League makes history with first California State Tournament appearance, community rallies to help The team finished 15-1 and defeated Chowchilla in sectionals. Now the community is raising $10,000 to send them to Yuba City. Prev Next Posted 1 minute ago Arvin Little League is heading to the California State Tournament for the first time since the league was founded in 1973, and the community is rallying behind the team to help make it happen. The team finished the regular season 15-1 before advancing through sectionals, defeating Chowchilla to earn a spot in the state tournament, where they will face Oakland. The tournament takes place in Yuba City over 8 days. Rebecca Bullard, Arvin Little League president, said the milestone is a long time coming. "They went to sections, they defeated Chowchilla in our sectional to advance them to state where they're going to be playing Oakland." To cover expenses for the trip, the league is working to raise $10,000. Fundraising efforts include selling tacos, and local businesses have also stepped up to contribute. Cristina Duran, who is with the league, said the effort reflects the community's commitment to the team. "It is very challenging coming from a small agricultural community. However, we are fully devoted to our boys to get them to compete at this tournament." Bear Mountain Pizza owner Manuel Pantoja donated money to the cause. "I decided to give back something to the community. So if we invest in our good generation, that's like a good for the community, that's like investing for the future of Arvin." Pantoja said the achievement extends beyond the players themselves. "So everybody's very excited and this is a huge thing for Arvin because I think this is one of the biggest sport here in Arvin, the little league." For Julian Aguilar, who has been part of the Little League for 8 years, the moment is personal. "Nothing could replace baseball for me. Like, it's just where I love playing since I was a little kid. And, like, even though it gets me, like, upset sometimes, like, I like playing me a lot." Fellow league member Jesus Gomez said the team's preparation made the difference. "Practice has helped all of us, mostly. Like, without practice that our coaches, we wouldn't probably be here." The team said there aren't enough words to express their gratitude for the community's support. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube Bakersfield CA Weather Enter zip code to change location

Arvin Little League is heading to the California State Tournament for the first time since the league was founded in 1973.

Prev Next Posted 9 minutes ago BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — An installation of 20,000 teddy bears representing Ukrainian children abducted by Russia came to Bakersfield's Central Valley, drawing attention to what organizers call an ongoing war crime. The display, called "Bring Kids Back," was set up Saturday. Each bear carries a message claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin has abducted that many Ukrainian children since the war in Ukraine began. Mira Rubin, president of the nonprofit Shield of Freedom, said the installation is meant to raise awareness about an issue many people are unaware of. "At least 20,000 of Ukrainian children, but some estimates are hundreds of thousands of children," Rubin said. Rubin said her organization provides aid to people in Ukraine, but noted that the separation of children from their families remains largely unknown to the public. "So it's what Russia is doing with Ukrainian children is unspeakable, and, you know, it cannot continue," Rubin said. "This is a horrendous war crime, and many people don't know about it. So we are hoping that with this installation, we are letting people know that this is happening, and they will do something about it," Rubin said. Iryna Shifman, co-founder of Globe 4 Ukraine, said the display first appeared in April in the nation's capital before making its way to the Central Valley. "Today, indoctrination abduction and militarization of Ukrainian children, it's a very important issue, not only humanitarian tragedy, but it's also on the level of global threat to democracy," Shifman said. Rubin said the goal extends beyond the local community. "So we wanted to bring awareness to the world, not just for the resident of Bakersfield and local communities here," Rubin said. Rubin said she hopes families will soon be reunited. "We have to get these children back, and these families are really suffering right now," Rubin said. The installation is expected to travel next to either Arizona or Washington, D.C. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube

Bakersfield resident with family in Venezuela describes impact of deadly earthquakes A Bakersfield woman with family in La Guaira, Venezuela, shares how loved ones are coping after two deadly earthquakes killed more than 4,100 people. Prev Next Posted 7 minutes ago BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — The impact from two powerful earthquakes last month is still being felt in Venezuela, and a Bakersfield resident with loved ones there is sharing what her family has experienced. Carolina Lopez is originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and has called Bakersfield home for nearly 20 years. She still has family members living in La Guaira, one of the areas hit hardest when two earthquakes struck along Venezuela's coast on June 24. The death toll in Venezuela has climbed to more than 4,100 people following the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes. "And there are families who continue looking for their kids, their mothers, their brothers," Lopez said. Lopez said her brother was searching for friends in the aftermath of the earthquakes. "I have my brother, he was looking for friends; he found them, but sadly they didn't survive," Lopez said. One of Lopez's nephews is among those working to help people affected by the disaster. "He's a volunteer to help out in La Guaira, to help out people, remove debris," Lopez said. Lopez said that due to the urgency of the situation, donating through the organization All for Venezuela has been one of the most effective ways to help. "They have a list/link on Amazon, it has all the medical supplies that they need at this time," Lopez said. "And that goes directly to Miami. Miami is 3 hours from Venezuela." Lopez said she is grateful for the international support her country has received, from rescue teams to donations. "We are grateful for all the help we're getting. This situation is catastrophic. Venezuela needs a lot of support," Lopez said. This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Stay in Touch with Us Anytime Anywhere Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube Bakersfield CA Weather Enter zip code to change location