Bakersfield
Today
Friday, March 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Bakersfield Marathon is set for Sunday, March 22 at 7 a.m. and the Bakersfield Police Department has put in place a comprehensive public safety plan to keep runners, spectators and volunteers safe along the route with support from sheriff and EMS teams. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ On March 19, Bakersfield police assisted the Easter Bunny in hosting an Easter egg hunt for blind and visually impaired children at the Police Activities League on East 4th Street, where they located beeping plastic eggs to redeem candy and prizes. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Magdalene Hope announced the grand opening of the Bakersfield Women's Center to offer healing and support services for survivors and community members. The new center provides walk-in assistance (including counseling resources) to help those in need. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Veteran's Last Patrol honored local World War II veterans last Veterans Day in Bakersfield with personal ceremonies before the parade. The program continues to search for remaining vets nationwide to ensure their service is recognized and remembered. Bakersfield Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ After an RV fire damaged their home on March 12 in Ridgecrest, the Macleay family returned but faces challenges replacing essential items for their children such as medical equipment+ comfort items for one with autism as they ask the community for help. Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern drivers are turning to electric vehicles as gas prices stay high due to the conflict in Iran, while local energy advocate (George Harmer) calls for boosting local oil production to lower fuel costs if state lawmakers support the change. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Following allegations reported by the New York Times against Cesar Chavez, the Bakersfield School District said it is reviewing options for renaming Cesar Chavez Elementary in northeast Bakersfield, with the decision expected to weigh the best interests of students, staff, and families. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State lawmakers are proposing to rename Cesar Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day after displays were removed from the national monument following abuse allegations. Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo said the change would better honor farmworkers (and their contributions) while prompting a broader debate. 23ABC News
- ➤ Valley drivers faced an overnight closure on Hwy 41 from the Cholame Y interchange to Hwy 33 from 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 a.m. Friday as Caltrans completed repairs after a rockslide in December (a detour via Hwy 46 and Hwy 33 added about 30 minutes to travel time). Bakersfield Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The 35th annual fishing derby at Lake Isabella will run from March 28 to 30 with $85,000 prize money available, and it is volunteer-run (proceeds support the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce). Families and anglers of all ages are invited. 23ABC News
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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.
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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.
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Jackyl Concert
7-10 p.m. — BarrelHouse Brewing Bakersfield — All Ages — Experience loud, gritty rock & roll with Jackyl's high-octane performance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Great Classics
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — $TBD — Experience timeless classical music performed by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra in an elegant setting.
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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Reveal the authorAbout Bakersfield Today
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