Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 25th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the 8th annual Kern Catholic Prayer Breakfast begins at St. Francis of Assisi Parish and is followed by a Garces High School event welcoming Father Mike Schmitz. About 3,000 people, including 1,500 students, are expected to join in a Eucharistic procession, adoration, and confessions on the football field. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Employees at Bakersfield City School District showed disappointment Tuesday when they learned their raises were 1% while board members saw their monthly pay jump from $787 to $3,000 (a change linked to a new state bill). KUZZ
- ➤ On Monday, Feb. 23, the Vineland School Board appointed Roberto Euresti as superintendent amid fierce staff division; some educators cited past allegations (including claims of offensive language and mistreatment) while others expressed confidence in his leadership. 23ABC News
- ➤ A federal judge ruled on Tuesday, Feb. 24 that Bakersfield College must not discipline Daymon Johnson, a history professor who opposed DEI initiatives after an investigation found he had committed no wrongdoing. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Garces Memorial High School held Local Love Day Tuesday (part of National FFA Week) where students enjoyed photo opportunities, a pet blessing led by Father David Lopez, and remarks from FFA officers supporting Kern County agriculture. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County officials will form an ad hoc committee to address stray cat issues after local advocates blocked a proposed ordinance banning feeding in county parks and facilities. The committee will meet soon to plan next steps for managing the feral cat population. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Bakersfield is receiving nearly $5 million from the California Violence Intervention and Prevention program to reduce community violence. Funding will allow organizations like Garden Pathways (which provides mentoring to youth) to expand services in Arvin, Lamont, Oildale, Wasco, McFarland and Shafter. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern County’s Safe Surrender program lets mothers safely and anonymously give up newborns at hospitals or fire stations, providing matching ID bracelets and a reversal period of 14 days. After medical clearance, the babies move into pre-adoptive homes. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Animal Services will soon offer low-cost spay and neuter clinics for two- to seven-month-old cats and dogs in Ridgecrest and nearby areas with a $20 copay covering surgery, vaccines, and microchipping—clinic dates in February, March, and April will be confirmed pending funding. Bakersfield Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Sophia Alvarado was reunited with her dog Tipsi after police resolved an ownership dispute caused by the missing microchip; Kern County Animal Shelter now offers free microchipping to help prevent future mix-ups. 23ABC News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ BC’s Renegade Motorsports team competed at Sonoma Raceway after traveling from Bakersfield College last weekend. Student drivers overcame fuel contamination and mechanical issues—tackling both dry and wet conditions—to complete a long race and put their real-world skills on display. Bakersfield College
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Heartland Charter School Field Day
10 AM – 12 PM — Westdale Park — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day of athletic games and family bonding at this exciting Field Day event.
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CSUB Jazz Coffeehouse
7:30 p.m. — CSUB Music Building, Room 127 — $10 General Admission, $5 for Students & Seniors — Experience jazz standards and original compositions by local talents and guest artists.
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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~ Ryan Holiday
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