Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Greenlawn Cemetery Southwest removed grave decorations on Jan. 5 to improve safety and maintain standards + many families expressed discontent online about not receiving notice. The cemetery will set aside non-compliant items for collection before direct calls cease on Feb. 16. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Volunteers served about 200 local veterans during the first Honor Flight Breakfast of 2026 on Thursday morning in Bakersfield (this monthly event offers meals and plans free trips to Washington, D.C. to honor service). 23ABC News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ GET debuts its Toucan Trolley as a cost-effective, stylish alternative to limousines for local riders. The service will soon offer budget-friendly transportation (featuring comfortable rides) for residents. The Bakersfield Californian
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in Bakersfield are paying less for gas as prices drop to around $4 per gallon amid higher oil production — some stations offer fuel for as low as $3.45, saving up to 40 cents compared to last year. 23ABC News
- ➤ American Airlines has suspended direct flights from Bakersfield to Dallas until spring, forcing travelers to connect through Phoenix. Travelers with booked flights will receive a full refund if they decline the rebooking options. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Library will reopen two branches after construction improvements; the Wasco Branch welcomes visitors on Monday, Jan. 12 while the Delano Branch reopens on Wednesday, Jan. 21. The Wasco hours are Monday and Tuesday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the Delano hours are Wednesday through Friday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Bakersfield Now
- ➤ This fall, Kern Community College professors will use virtual reality headsets to boost engagement and simplify lessons at campuses (including rural sites) in the district. Educators expect immersive experiences to enhance learning and bring subjects to life. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield College professor Alexandria Rockey began teaching academic technology during the pandemic in August 2020 and now leads courses in Microsoft Word and AI. She mentors fellow faculty and will launch a noncredit AI for Teachers certificate next semester to help everyone learn new tech skills. Bakersfield College
- ➤ Bakersfield College spotlighted psychology professor Jessica Black who began teaching in Fall 2022 and now leads classes in psychology, statistics, and research. She emphasizes practical learning for students (and competes in endurance riding) to boost critical thinking in everyday life. Bakersfield College
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Golden Empire Transit launched the Toucan Trolley to connect downtown and Old Town Kern for the Second Saturday event on Jan. 10. The service will run every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and costs $1.65 per ride or $3.55 for a day pass. Bakersfield Now
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Fog Run
4-8 p.m. — Lake Ming, Bakersfield, CA — Registration required — Participate in the 36th Annual 5K-10K Fog Run to support at-risk individuals in Kern County.
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Comedy Night with David Koechner
6:30-10:00 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — $35 General Admission ($50 Preferred Seating) — Enjoy a night filled with laughs from actor and comedian David Koechner.
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A Time to Laugh
7-9 p.m. — Doré Theatre — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the healing power of laughter with clean comedy from Marcus D. Wiley.
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ADAKC Annual Cinnamon Roll Drive
6-11 AM — KGET — $20 — Support a good cause while enjoying delicious Hodel's cinnamon rolls.
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Colorado Eagles vs. Bakersfield Condors
7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Adult Jersey Giveaway — Catch an exciting AHL matchup featuring local hockey talent.
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Catbox, Do You Compute, Jump From The Bluffs Concert
7-10 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Tickets from $13.83 — Enjoy a night of live music featuring three exciting acts.
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Private Eyes: A Tribute to Hall & Oates
7-9 PM — Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an authentic tribute to the iconic sounds of Daryl Hall & John Oates.
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Ontario Reign at Bakersfield Condors
7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — $3 Beers Night — Enjoy affordable brews while cheering on the Condors in this exciting hockey matchup.
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La Lomita Wine Dinner
6-9 p.m. — The Padre Hotel — $120 per person — Experience a curated four-course dinner with exquisite wine pairings from La Lomita.
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