Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Last Touch Collision is waiving deductibles for teachers & first responders to ease collision costs. The new service, launched in June 2025, is available across Kern County to anyone who shows proper ID. 23ABC News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Jim Burke Ford will open a Hispanic-focused used car lot soon (with ‘avanza’ meaning to move forward) to serve local buyers with quality pre-owned vehicles and a welcoming community environment. The Bakersfield Californian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ADAPTIdance “UNSTOPPABLE” brings Kern County’s only adaptive dance program to the historic Fox Theater this Sunday at 3 p.m., featuring ballet, hip hop, and jazz—offering a stage for dancers of all abilities to shine. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Church of God choir is preparing for its 8th Annual Gospel Fest with rehearsals for gospel songs such as 'He's Able' + classics by Fred Hammond; the event will kick off Black History Month celebrations in Bakersfield. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield Museum of Art is adding Sunday hours (a change based on community feedback) on Feb. 2 and will now be open Wed-Sun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 23ABC News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County resumed issuing oil drilling permits earlier this month with over 300 permits granted in Bakersfield, Lost Hills, and McKittrick; major operators like Chevron (with 138 permit applications) and California Resources Corporation are moving forward as officials note the pace may slow. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Public Works will open a temporary Tehachapi Transfer Station on Feb. 9 at the current landfill site (12001 East Tehachapi Boulevard) to handle waste as the Tehachapi Sanitary Landfill nears capacity; some materials will be redirected to other landfills while a new permanent facility is planned for 2028. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ CalFresh benefits in Kern County will change starting Feb. 1 as new work and volunteer rules take effect (local residents may see reduced support) and food banks prepare for increased demand. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield City School District Board of Education approved a pay raise of over 280% on Tuesday (all but one member voted for the maximum increase allowed). The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Starting Feb. 2, Houchin Community Blood Bank partners with Kern Family Health Care to offer donors a limited-edition shaker cup and mini-health screens (for blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin) as part of its Resolve to Get Fit campaign running through Feb. 7. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern Medical and UCLA are expanding their long-standing collaboration with joint clinical trials and enhanced training aimed at improving patient care in the region. The initiative will boost local physician education and offer advanced treatments for better outcomes. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Wildlife officials in Tehachapi say four gray foxes have tested positive for canine distemper since mid October after a veterinarian's Facebook post about a fox death; they urge pet owners to ensure pets are fully vaccinated (proper immunization can prevent the disease). 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
The price of greatness is responsibility.
~ Winston Churchill
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