Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy-winning singer LeAnn Rimes will headline a private acoustic show at Hard Rock Tejon on May 21. Fans can win two tickets by entering a contest on Hard Rock Tejon’s Instagram from May 11 to May 14. 23ABC News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rising jet fuel prices are pushing up airfares and extra fees at smaller airports (Meadows Field) and adding to travel costs for passengers as airlines adjust ticket prices. Travelers face extra charges for itinerary changes and checked baggage amid global fuel supply pressures. 23ABC News
- ➤ Gas prices have dipped slightly as the national average is now $4.09 per gallon—down from $4.16 a week ago—while Bakersfield's regular gas is $5.84 today. KUZZ
- ➤ Local farmers are turning to locally sourced compost as an affordable alternative because imported fertilizer prices are rising due to the conflict with Iran. The Bakersfield Californian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield native Glen Scully led Michigan State to its first Front Royal Cup debate win today after honing his skills at Stockdale High. He credits debate with teaching clear communication, quick thinking, and research. 23ABC News
- ➤ Sixteen seniors from Arvin High School were awarded full-ride scholarships to UC Merced covering tuition, housing, and meals. The record-setting group, many of whom are first-generation students (easing family financial concerns), will begin classes in late August. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A California Legislature proposal introduced Feb. 20 aims to raise the minimum wage for select agricultural workers to $19.75, which could lift workers out of poverty - but economists and farm groups warn the change may drive up grocery prices in Kern County. If approved, the new wage will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Following the hospitalization of a 75-year-old man reported to be left outside in the heat, Emerald Medical Transportation in Bakersfield explained that non-emergency transport services follow state rules that require bringing patients safely inside + drop-off assistance may vary by company policy. 23ABC News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Koda is a gentle 5-year-old Australian Kelpie from OceanRay Rescue who was saved by Tara Nelson and is now ready for adoption. He will be at the Kern County Power Sports demo event on Saturday, Apr. 18 at 3917 Buck Owens Blvd (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). 23ABC News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Officials held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday for the Auburn Vista Apartments in northeast Bakersfield, marking the project’s completion. Families will soon move into the affordable housing units, some reserved for farmworkers, as the development signals a new start in local real estate. The Bakersfield Californian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ CSU-B announced on April 21 that head coach Ari Wideman will resign from the women’s basketball team after two seasons ending with a 9-51 overall record, and Associate Head Coach Ray Alvarado will serve as interim coach. 23ABC News
- ➤ CSU Bakersfield announced today that its women’s basketball head coach resigned, marking the latest challenge for its athletics department + 23ABC’s Mike Hart explained the ongoing turmoil in CSU sports. KVPR
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2026 Earth Day 661 Festival
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Beach Park — Free entry — Celebrate Mother Earth with live music, eco-friendly vendors, and family fun activities.
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Baseball Game: CSU Bakersfield vs. Cal State LA
6:30-8 p.m. — Hardt Field — Check for ticket prices — Catch the action as CSU Bakersfield takes on Cal State LA in an exciting baseball matchup.
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Chito Ranas Live in Concert
8-11 p.m. — Paradise Palace Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of authentic Latin rap with Chito Ranas and special guests.
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UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball
6:30–8:00 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Witness an exciting college baseball matchup under the lights.
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UC Santa Barbara Gauchos vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball Game
6:30 – 8:00 PM — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch the action as the Gauchos clash with the Roadrunners in a thrilling baseball matchup.
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Fresno State Bulldogs vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball
6:30-8 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch the excitement as the Bulldogs take on the Roadrunners in a thrilling baseball matchup.
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UC San Diego Tritons vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Baseball
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Hardt Field — Tickets from $11.20 — Watch a thrilling college baseball matchup at Hardt Field.
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The Mac and Cheese Fest
2-6 p.m. — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Ticket required — Indulge in unlimited cheesy bites and tasty beverages while enjoying live music and games.
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
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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