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Thursday, March 19th, 2026

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Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Cookie, a 5-month-old Queensland Heeler mix with Oreo-colored paws, is the featured pet available for adoption at Bakersfield Animal Care Center. The shelter has updated her vaccines, microchip, and fix status, so she is ready for same-day adoption at 201 S Mt Vernon Avenue.  23ABC News

BUSINESS NEWS

  • MI Studios celebrated its grand opening today on 21st Street. The photography space offers family sessions and classes along with unique sets and backdrops (like a basketball court and graffiti wall) to serve local customers of all ages.  23ABC News

CULTURE NEWS

  • Chavez’s legacy endures across Kern County — expressed through landmarks, schools, and murals. The Forty Acres in Delano, the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument in Keene, and a terminated Bakersfield street renaming plan on March 18 highlight his impact on labor rights and education.  Bakersfield Now
  • Cesar Chavez, born in Yuma on March 31, 1927, helped change farm labor conditions when his family moved to California during the Great Depression. He later served in the Navy and organized local farmworkers into a union that led a nationwide boycott to secure better wages and rights.  Bakersfield Now

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • On March 16, the Kern County Fair Board elected Natesha T. Johnson as chair, making her the first African American woman to lead the board in 110 years. Lucas Espericueta was elected vice-chair, and Johnson looks forward to a fair that reflects the county's diversity.  23ABC News
  • Bakersfield's Golden Empire Transit pilot for the Toucan Trolley saw ridership jump 55% from January to February yet still averages about 12 daily rides (far below the 100 needed to keep service running past June 30) as officials seek more downtown business support.  23ABC News

SPORTS NEWS

  • Bakersfield College's women's basketball team capped a record 20-win season when coach Grant Bingham earned Co-Coach of the Year and freshman point guard Danika Tolentino received Co-Player of the Year honors in the Western State Conference South Division (awards announced Wednesday, Mar. 18).  Bakersfield College

EVENTS

SUBMIT 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

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  • 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

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  • 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.

    Sat, 3/28/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Mon, 4/6/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 4/7/26

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  • 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.

    Wed, 4/8/26

    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

It's not about the goal. It's about growing to become the person that can accomplish the goal.

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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.

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