Bakersfield
Today
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ NaTesha Johnson received the Community Impact Award last Thursday at the Dignity Health Arena as the Kern Hispanic Chamber of Commerce honored her contributions to local business and community programs. She has advanced small business support and workforce development through her roles at Bakersfield College — uniting community partners. Bakersfield College
- ➤ For 17 years, the Bakersfield Burrito Project (a vital community resource) has distributed 105 meals every Sunday near Garces Memorial Circle using donations and volunteer help. Founder Belinda Rickett, who experienced homelessness as a teen, said local partners like Bakersfield Pizza Co. bolster the effort. 23ABC News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ California Resources Corporation announced layoffs of 56 workers (including senior engineers and geologists) at offices on Ming Avenue and River Run Boulevard; affected employees will be notified between now and Oct. 31. KUZZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A former Buddhist church in downtown Bakersfield (built in 1911 to serve Kern County’s Japanese community) is slated for demolition, but part of the structure may be preserved to honor its heritage. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Bakersfield tattoo artist Bobby Holland treats his craft as a sacred tradition connecting veterans with American heritage (he has tattooed hundreds of veterans to aid healing). His work honors a 250-year legacy of tattooing that brings local history to life. Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Farmers in Kern County are taking measures to protect their almond, blueberry, and citrus crops from freezing temperatures and persistent rain — conditions that could harm pollination and reduce yields while delaying planting for vegetables. Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Meteorologists in Bakersfield are using live updates from local weather observers plus data from rain gauges as winter storms bring heavy snowfall, hazardous driving, and school delays. Tammy Wimmer and others provide real-time reports that help forecasters capture conditions radar cannot show. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Caltrans will use salt brine on Kern River Valley roads, including near Lake Isabella, next winter to help melt ice and snow faster before storms. The agency says the method is applied with a non-corrosive ratio & poses no environmental risks. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield dispatchers ask rapid-fire questions to send emergency responders during crises. They ask about details (e.g., dogs at home) to direct help efficiently as they handle up to 100 calls a day; a viral video alleged rude behavior, though officials stress the questions are crucial for safety. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Public Health recommends Lerdo jail inmates avoid showering due to diesel-range organics found in the water as clean water is being trucked in while officials work to resolve the issue. 23ABC News
-
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.
-
Concert by Dueto Voces del Rancho & Chaque Peña Junior
8 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant night of regional music with top artists in a legendary venue.
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
If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
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