Bakersfield
Today
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Irma Carson, Bakersfield’s first black policewoman and only African American council member serving ward 1, broke barriers after arriving in 1953; her legacy continues to inspire residents on Martin Luther King Jr. birthday—reminding community members to follow their dreams. 23ABC News
- ➤ Les Schwab is hosting its annual toy drive today at Jamison Children's Center to help local children. Manager Maca Estrada said the event highlights the company’s long-term commitment (extending community support beyond car service). Bakersfield Now
- ➤ CALM invites Bakersfield residents to join its third annual Roses or Roaches fundraiser for Valentine’s Day; for $5, donors will dedicate a rose to someone they admire or send a roach for playful payback (supporting the Animal Enrichment Fund that benefits local animals). Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new World War II veterans memorial now stands at Jastro Park, honoring nearly 700 local heroes with six black granite slabs representing the armed forces and four smaller pillars that show Kern County's support for the homefront (including an etched timeline and sculpture). Bakersfield Now
- ➤ On Feb. 25, 1960, Martin Luther King Jr. led a march from Lowell Park to Bakersfield High School and spoke at Harvey Auditorium. The event, *which faced violent opposition*, is featured on KVPR’s Central Valley Roots series. KVPR
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices vary up to $1-2 per gallon on nearby pumps because local independent owners set different margins, explained oil expert Chad Hathaway of Hathaway LLC. Drivers in town may notice the pricing difference despite stable taxes and wholesale costs. 23ABC News
- ➤ CSUB began constructing a new three-story energy innovation center on Thursday as local dignitaries celebrated the kickoff, highlighting the project’s potential to boost Kern County’s economic future. The center is expected to drive growth and innovation in the community. The Bakersfield Californian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Several Kern County school districts experienced two-hour delays on Thursday, Jan. 15 due to heavy fog, affecting schools like Lamont, Shafter, and Delano (buses also had delays). Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Caltrans announced a $1.5M contract to build a smart grid rated at 250 kW for GET in Kern County. The solar-powered system will charge five new electric vehicles and is part of a $202M clear transportation initiative to boost clean energy and cut pollution. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After a long pandemic pause, the federal government has restarted wage garnishments on defaulted student loans and sent notices to about 1,000 borrowers, warning that up to 15% of take-home pay may be deducted if they do not contact their loan servicer within 30 days. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials warn Bakersfield residents to avoid wild mushrooms after Death Cap toxins led to three deaths + 35 hospitalizations. They advise buyers to purchase mushrooms only from trusted retailers since these fungi remain toxic even if cooked. Bakersfield Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College Athletics hosted Sports Media Day on Thursday, Jan. 15 to preview Spring 2026 sports. Athletes and coaches shared season goals and outlined upcoming construction projects, inviting local media, students, and fans to attend events. Bakersfield College
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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
Well done is better than well said.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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