Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield Animal Care Center currently highlights its weekly adoption pick, Cranberry (ID A164161), a one-year-old dog ready to find her forever home. She has been housed since October after her previous owner was hospitalized and shows a friendly, playful nature. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Blue Angels will perform at NAS Lemoore on March 21 and 22, with gates opening at 9 a.m. each day. The air show will offer flight demonstrations, military aircraft displays and ground exhibits for public viewing. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Today, Hall EMT Academy honored Kern County's 16 newest first responders in Bakersfield during a ceremony that highlighted Kennedy Cruz, who shifted from studying biology and working at Starbucks to serving the community. The event celebrated these individuals as they begin their new roles. The Bakersfield Californian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Comedian Rene Vaca will perform at Dignity Health Theater on Saturday, May 16. Tickets can be purchased today at 11 a.m. (code COMEDY) while general sale starts Friday, January 16 at 11 a.m. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Arvin Branch Library in Arvin will reopen Feb. 19 with modern renovations that include new seating areas for teens and adults (the library closed in April 2025) thanks to over $1.2 million from California’s Building Forward initiative. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Fair & Event Center CEO Michael Olcott is set to retire in July after more than 14 years, and officials have begun searching for his successor to ensure smooth leadership transition. The change follows years of dedicated service guiding fair operations and community events. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Wasco held its first community meeting on Wednesday evening to get input on how to use potential state grant funds for housing, a new water system, and roadway improvements near Highway 46; a second meeting is scheduled for today at the Old Courthouse building from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 23ABC News
- ➤ Sixteen of Kern County's newest first responders (Class 51) graduated from the Harvey L. Hall EMS Academy after a 10-week program of classroom and field training, and they are now ready to handle local emergencies. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Motorists driving through Kern River Canyon may face delays (up to ten minutes) on Friday, Jan. 16 as Caltrans shifts to one-way traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for routine maintenance on Highway 178. KUZZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Osteopathic Medical Board suspended Dr. Hans Chunghan Yu's license on Jan. 2 after he failed a required competency exam & amid longstanding maternal care concerns in Kern County. His suspension follows allegations linked to a 2019 case involving the death of patient Demi Dominguez. 23ABC News
- ➤ Kern Medical announced Wednesday it opened a state-funded pediatric emergency department that offers specialized care for children (they make up over 10 percent of all emergency visits). The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services is inviting public feedback on its MHSA programs to reduce homelessness + incarceration over the next 30 days. Community members can share input at the Behavioral Health Board meeting on Monday, Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at 2001 28th Street. Bakersfield Now
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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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San Diego Gulls vs. Bakersfield Condors
7-9 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — $3 Beers — Enjoy a spirited hockey matchup on Country Night with drink specials.
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Kern County Fairgrounds Event
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Ticket allows entrance for both days — Enjoy a family-friendly weekend with free entry for kids under 12.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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