Bakersfield
Today
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Former mayor Harvey Hall (founder of Hall Ambulance in 1971) set a tradition of compassionate care that still serves Kern County today. His wife, Lavonne, now leads the organization and honors his legacy through nearly 300 scholarships for local students. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Paranormal tours will guide guests through Fort Tejon’s haunted past on Saturday, Apr. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. (Tickets can be purchased online.) Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Despite a two-week ceasefire easing global tensions, analysts warn that drivers may not see lower gas prices today in Bakersfield as a 20% import shortfall and delayed Kern drilling keep supplies tight (Heisler noted uncertainty in the market). Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College announced the College Corps career development program on Thursday, Apr. 16, after receiving a $3.2 million grant from California Volunteers. The new paid training initiative offers students up to $10,000 to support college expenses and will link them with local businesses — non-profits. Bakersfield College
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, energy and state officials gathered south of Bakersfield at the foot of the Tehachapi Mountains as the Pastoria Solar Project completed its trifecta of solar, battery and efficient natural gas generation. The project marks a milestone in the region’s sustainable progress. The Bakersfield Californian
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Aztec Image Car Show Featuring Lil Rob
12-3 p.m. — Kern County Fair And Event Center — Free entry — Experience the vibrant culture of custom cars and live performances at this beloved annual gathering.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
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