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Thursday, February 19th, 2026

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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

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Fri, 2/20/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/21/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 2/24/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 2/26/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 2/27/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/28/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 3/1/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/7/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 3/8/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 3/10/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

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.

~ Ryan Holiday

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