Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee hosted its 30th annual community breakfast in Bakersfield on MLK Day to honor Dr. King's legacy and recognize nine local leaders (the event theme was 'What's in Your Life's Blueprint'). Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A couple got married inside Kern Medical on Monday, Jan. 19. Hospital staff celebrated by delivering flowers, a café-made cake, and Martinelli’s (sparkling apple cider) that transformed their hospital room into a unique venue. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Better Business Bureau warns local residents that scam lenders charge upfront processing fees before promising guaranteed loan approval, leaving borrowers with unexpected debt. Consumers are advised to verify offers with trusted agencies (for clarity). 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Taft City School District is finalizing steps to hire a new superintendent after Lori Slaven resigned in July. The board met last week with the Kern County Superintendent Office — reviewing applications and setting a timeline to complete the search by July. KUZZ
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A Bakersfield resident won $1M on a Los Angeles Rams Scratchers ticket at Samco on Hughes Lane near Highway 99 Monday, Jan. 19. The California Lottery reported the win and noted other winners from San Diego, Antioch, Stockton, and Paso Robles. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield City Council will vote Wednesday on whether to continue a free lease with Union Pacific for Sumner Station — the 130-year-old landmark in Old Town Kern. Councilmember Gonzales calls for its renovation to spur local economic growth while residents support preserving its history. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ In Bakersfield, CHP Officer Eric Scott warns drivers that tule fog reduces visibility to 50 feet and advises using low-beam lights — not high beams or hazard lights — while leaving extra time for trips. 23ABC News
- ➤ Local health experts say cancer death rates are lower thanks to improved treatments and early detection. The report comes amid concerns about rising costs and unequal access to care, while clinical trials at the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center (an important local resource) may expand options for Kern County patients. 23ABC News
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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.
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Los Hermanos Mendoza Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of Los Hermanos Mendoza with their unique blend of traditional and modern music.
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Baseball Game: CSU Bakersfield vs. Utah Tech
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Hardt Field — Watch the teams battle it out in an exciting college baseball matchup.
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.
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