Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Farm Workers said Tuesday it will skip the March 31 Cesar Chavez Day events amid troubling allegations about Chavez and will set up a confidential reporting line while urging supporters to join immigration justice and community service efforts. Bakersfield Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A gas leak on Garces Highway near Adventist Health-Delano triggered a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and the facility Tuesday morning — police and fire crews responded and advised everyone to stay indoors until further notice. Bakersfield Now
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A local shopper said she felt violated after noticing a worker above her dressing room at Abercrombie & Fitch in Valley Plaza Mall early this month and noted the store offered no help, prompting her vow never to return. 23ABC News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Stockdale Country Club (formerly the Tevis family estate) was renamed for Sir Edmund Stockdale, a relative who served as Lord Mayor of London. KVPR’s Central Valley Roots explores the legacy of Lloyd Tevis in shaping the community. KVPR
- ➤ George Lopez will perform a comedy show at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater on Saturday, May 16 (18+), with tickets going on sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ California lawmakers passed a law allowing the Energy Commission to regulate refinery profits and inventory, but it faced a five-year delay. Industry concerns and falling production have kept the rescission option unused and left Bakersfield drivers facing high gas prices. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ California State Parks said Sable Offshore ignored a March 16 deadline to confirm it would not restart its pipeline through Gaviota State Park, warning of legal action without a removal plan, and the Houston firm said oil sales will resume on April 1 to boost domestic supply + fuel market stability. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A new Kern County grand jury report raises concerns over food safety as inspector shortages challenge the oversight of street vendors. Local officials will review inspection protocols * aiming to protect public health. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ After concerns emerged in January, the Kern County Fair Board voted Monday to keep its livestock catalog while planning new drug testing safeguards — including independent testing and cameras — at its April meeting. 23ABC News
- ➤ Travelers at Meadows Field Airport had smooth check-ins today despite TSA staffing challenges from a partial DHS shutdown, and officials warn that if more agents call out, smaller airports could face temporary closures. Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A local nonprofit was provisionally awarded $27 million last week to build a 100-bed substance-use disorder treatment center near Arvin — the project will expand health services for residents. The Bakersfield Californian
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Jackyl Concert
7-10 p.m. — BarrelHouse Brewing Bakersfield — All Ages — Experience loud, gritty rock & roll with Jackyl's high-octane performance.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Date Night Comedy
6:00-8:00 p.m. — The Clover Entertainment Group — $130 per couple — Enjoy dinner, laughs, and a live auction supporting mental health awareness with comedian Mike Goodwin.
-
Cults & Classics: Sunset Boulevard
7-9 p.m. — Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — $5 tickets — Enjoy the classic film Sunset Boulevard at one of California's beautiful movie palaces.
-
Silverada Live at BarrelHouse Brewing
7:30-11:30 p.m. — BarrelHouse Brewing Bakersfield — Tickets available — Experience high-energy country rock by Silverada in a vibrant taproom atmosphere.
-
Bakersfield Condors vs. Tucson Roadrunners Hockey Match
6:30-9 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena — Affordable family-friendly fun — Experience the thrill of AHL hockey with speed, hits, and excitement.
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
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
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