Bakersfield Today Logo Bakersfield Today

Thursday, March 5th, 2026

SHARE

Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • A Bakersfield native working as a crane inspector in Qatar is stranded amid escalating U.S.-Iran conflict, sheltering at an industrial camp as flights remain closed due to safety concerns. He and two other Americans may soon try a risky journey to Saudi Arabia — leaving behind food, shelter and safety if help arrives.  23ABC News

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Grocery prices in Bakersfield are rising today as local store owner Kahlid Mansour reports that produce imported from Mexico, including tomatoes and cucumbers, now costs more following supply chain disruptions. Shoppers are comparing prices to stretch their budgets.  23ABC News
  • Independent local oil producers are facing increased challenges as the only crude pipeline — used for shipments to a Bay Area refinery — remains idled, limiting their options.  The Bakersfield Californian
  • An AARP survey finds 7% of retirees have returned to work as rising costs stretch their savings — local economist Aaron Hegde said higher healthcare and housing expenses drive the trend. His findings show that many older adults face ongoing financial challenges.  23ABC News

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Bakersfield College will celebrate Women’s History Month with WHAM 2026 under the theme Rooted in Resilience: Seeds of Change, Voices of Power; the kick-off event is Tuesday, March 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Levan Center Courtyard, with trivia, art, and leadership seminars planned.  Bakersfield College

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Kern County Public Works announced that Hall Road from Main Street to Velma Avenue in Lamont was closed Wednesday due to a broken water line (repair crews started work around 12:30 p.m near Highway 184).  Bakersfield Now
  • Kern County Public Health said it contacted over 30 vendors and issued 11 citations at the Casa Loma Swap Meet to protect community health. The agency impounded equipment from one vendor as it enforced safety permits.  23ABC News
  • City leaders in Arvin announced plans to upgrade Comanche Drive with sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks and signage near schools. Construction will take about 40 days starting after Haven Drive work is complete using a $6.8 million grant, and residents will receive notifications in English and Spanish.  Bakersfield Now

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Valkyrie, a mixed-breed dog who loves people, is featured by Lucky's Crew Animal Rescue after being found abandoned as a puppy. The rescue will host Paws and Prosecco — a designer handbag bingo fundraiser — on Saturday, Mar. 7 to help care for more animals.  23ABC News

EVENTS

SUBMIT 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
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/14/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 3/20/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/21/26

    View event
  • Bakersfield Marathon

    7 AM - 1 PM — Kern County Museum — Registration required — Experience a scenic race featuring full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 6K options through Bakersfield.

    Sun, 3/22/26

    View event
  • Jackyl Concert

    7-10 p.m. — BarrelHouse Brewing Bakersfield — All Ages — Experience loud, gritty rock & roll with Jackyl's high-octane performance.

    Mon, 3/23/26

    View event
  • CSUB CalFresh Carnival

    11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Student Union — Free entry — Discover the new Mobile SNAP Vehicle and learn about accessible benefits for rural communities.

    Tue, 3/24/26

    View event
  • Viejones Mañosos Tour

    9 PM – 1 AM — La Movida Night Club — Tickets selling fast — Experience a vibrant night of live regional music with renowned artists in an electrifying atmosphere.

    Fri, 3/27/26

    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 only real test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.

~ Naval Ravikant

About 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.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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