Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ California Resources Corp informed local authorities this week that it will lay off 56 workers, including senior engineers & geologists, following its Berry acquisition. The oil producer said more details on the timing are pending. The Bakersfield Californian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Panorama Invitational opened on Feb. 12 at the Jones Art Gallery at Bakersfield College where high school artwork selected by Kern High School District teachers was displayed—community members joined the opening as the exhibition remains until March 3. Bakersfield College
- ➤ On February 18, local churches in Kern County held Ash Wednesday services — a time for hundreds to reflect on their faith and renew their hopes for the upcoming Easter season. 23ABC News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Employers' Training Resource is highlighting job opportunities at the Kern County Sheriff's Office, which is hiring Detentions Deputies and Trainee positions with starting salaries of $4,122 and $6,154. The resource also offers resume workshops, job search help and a career clothing closet for Bakersfield job seekers. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials approved asbestos removal at the former La Mirage Motel — a site troubled by nearly 18 fires — to clear the way for demolition along Union Avenue. The demolition bids will follow once the toxic material is safely removed. 23ABC News
- ➤ Kern County Public Works says utility work and an event will impact four roads. Driver Road in Delano is closed until Feb. 20 at 5 p.m.—Dean Avenue, Sierra Vista Drive, and Broadway Road face scheduled work and event impacts on Feb. 24, Mar. 10, and Apr. 18 respectively. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Local public health authorities detected diesel fuel in the water at Lerdo jail — officials are arranging a safe shower schedule for inmates to bathe once new protocols are in place. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ KVPR’s Kerry Klein shares updated data on Kern County’s maternal health nearly four years after a 2022 series showed high death rates for moms and babies — the report explains current trends and steps to improve care. KVPR
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Alta Sierra Ski Resort will reopen this weekend, Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, on the Kern River Ranger District (about 50 miles east of Bakersfield) after over two years without enough snowfall, made possible by more than 15 inches of fresh snow. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bridger, a six-year-old German Shepherd rescued from a Kern County shelter, is featured for adoption by OceanRay Rescue. The dog—who recovered from an ear injury and lives in foster care with daily walks—will make a great companion for families. 23ABC News
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
2026 CIF State Wrestling Championships: Session I
9 AM – 12 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — All Session Pass for parking — Witness the thrilling first session of the CIF State Wrestling Championships.
-
CIF State Wrestling Championships - Session II
9 AM – 12 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — All Session Parking Pass available — Watch the best high school wrestlers compete for glory in the CIF State Championships.
-
CIF State Wrestling Championships - Session IV
9 AM - 12 PM — Mechanics Bank Arena — Admission required — Witness the thrilling competition as top wrestlers vie for state titles.
-
Tortilla Making Workshop for Beginners
8-10 p.m. — 3601 Eton St, Bakersfield, CA — Free entry — Learn to make homemade tortillas from scratch with no fear or doubts.
-
12th Annual Honor Run
8-10 a.m. — Hart Memorial Park — $10-$50 — Participate in a charitable run supporting the families of fallen deputies with fun for all ages.
-
32nd Annual Christian Youth Film Festival
2-10:30 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Various costs available — Celebrate young filmmakers showcasing inspiring short films filled with faith, hope, and love.
-
College Baseball Game: CSU Bakersfield vs. Westcliff
11 AM – 1 PM — Hardt Field — Watch live sports — Catch the action as CSU Bakersfield takes on Westcliff in this 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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The hard part isn't making the decision. It's living with it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Bakersfield Today
Welcome to the Bakersfield Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bakersfield, California community. If you like the Bakersfield Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bakersfield.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bakersfield and across California. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Bakersfield Today
A free Bakersfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://bakersfieldtodaynews.com/sitemap