Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Calm Zoo is reviving its popular Roses or Roaches Valentine's fundraiser — donors can dedicate a rose or cockroach for $5 until Feb. 11 to support animal enrichment. 23ABC News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The federal government stopped printing pennies, which may soon force Kern County cash businesses to round change up or down as new legislation is considered by state officials. Customers paying with cards will still see prices to the penny. 23ABC News
- ➤ Local business owners at the recycling center say delays in new gate fees, expected to raise disposal charges from $59.23 to $61.21 per ton, have complicated job planning. City officials note that equipment issues (and business feedback) have postponed the fee change from January to April. 23ABC News
- ➤ Reverb Coffee opened in October in the Woolworth’s building downtown and quickly became a favorite for local coffee drinkers — the owners also serve drinks from mobile carts at community events. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Sherod Waite, owner of Moneywise and the Woolworth’s building, says the downtown space offers multi-purpose services such as podcasting & recording music in basement studios. The building hosts four tenants including The Basement, a live music venue set to have its grand opening on Saturday. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra extended its contract with conductor Stilian Kirov, who will lead the orchestra into its 100th season in 2032. Today, Kirov explains his craft and which music resonates with local fans — a welcome update for the community. KVPR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College Student Government Association hosted Pizza with the Presidents yesterday, where college leaders (Dr. Pfluger and Khalfani Mackey) answered student questions over free pizza. More than 100 students and staff joined the engaging discussion. Bakersfield College
- ➤ The Bakersfield City School District board voted this week to make the interim superintendent, who started in July, the permanent leader for schools. The change is expected to provide steady guidance for upcoming school operations. The Bakersfield Californian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative is counting individuals in shelters and on the streets to help reduce youth homelessness with new local programs — volunteers are also providing essential supplies to ensure every person is treated with dignity. Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Adventist Health Bakersfield is offering free child immunization clinics this February to protect kids from a severe flu season. The next clinic is Monday, Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Food Maxx (4400 Ming Avenue) for children who are uninsured, on Medi-Cal, or American-Indian/Alaska Native. Bakersfield Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ SOS Dog Rescue features Finn, a six-month-old puppy available for adoption this Wag Wednesday. Rescued from a Kern County shelter in November, Finn is thriving with new training at the 23ABC studios and is ready to join a loving family. 23ABC News
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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.
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Yannis Pappas Comedy Show
9:30-10:30 p.m. — The Well Comedy Club — General admission available — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian and podcaster Yannis Pappas.
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Yannis Pappas Comedy Show
5:30-10:30 p.m. — The Well Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with renowned comedian Yannis Pappas, known for his relatable humor and engaging storytelling.
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Baseball Game: CSUB vs. Saint Mary's
6:30-8 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets start at $11.20 — Come out and enjoy an exciting college baseball matchup under the lights.
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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