Bakersfield Hosts California’s Only US 250 Tour Stop

Thousands gathered at The Park at River Walk Friday as Bakersfield’s Independence Day celebration became California’s only stop on the nationwide U.S. 250 Tour honoring America’s 250th anniversary.

The free event featured live music, historical reenactors, family activities, an interactive Benjamin Franklin hologram, and Freedom Village before the city’s annual fireworks show lit up the night.

The coast-to-coast tour will visit all 50 states for America’s semiquincentennial, making Bakersfield one of the first communities in the nation to join the celebration.

California Rower Makes History

California adventurer Kelsey Pfendler has become the fastest solo rower to complete the journey from California to Hawaii, arriving on Oʻahu after 43 days, 17 hours, and 55 minutes while also becoming the youngest person to cross the mid-Pacific Ocean alone.

Pfendler departed from Monterey in May and captured millions of views after a U.S. Coast Guard crew surprised her with a rendition of “Happy Birthday” during her 32nd birthday at sea.

Her record-breaking voyage capped a more than 2,400-mile crossing, marking a historic milestone in solo ocean rowing. 

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➤ Corning: A 7-year-old girl is recovering after a pack of dogs severely mauled her, prompting emergency surgery and an investigation that led authorities to seize six dogs. (More)

➤ Shafter: Former ballet instructor and dance studio owner, Barbara Crettol, reflects on the dance studio that shaped generations of local students, inspired by a family legacy of military service, and community. (More)

➤ Central Coast: The California Highway Patrol is recruiting new officers for Central Coast assignments, offering starting salaries above $122,000, with higher pay available for applicants with college degrees. (More)

➤ Pismo Beach: Thousands celebrated Independence Day with one of the Central Coast’s largest Fourth of July gatherings, filling the beach for fireworks and a weekend of holiday festivities. (More)

➤ San Marcos: Two homeowners are challenging their HOA after being ordered to remove American flags they’ve displayed for decades, arguing federal and California law protect their right to fly them. (More)

➤ Palm Springs: The Palm Springs Air Museum celebrated Independence Day with a historic flyover, family activities, and a tribute marking 250 years of friendship between the United States and France. (More)

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