Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Three mothers who lost their children on Kern County streets spoke at a Bakersfield City School District meeting tonight to call for better traffic safety near schools. Trustee Brooke Ault said the group will take their petition—gathering more than 1,400 signatures—to city council for review. KGET
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A small brush fire near the Grapevine east ramp on I-5 at 11 a.m. on Wednesday slowed both northbound and southbound traffic as authorities worked to determine the cause. KGET
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The California Board of Parole Hearings granted parole to convicted gang member Ricky Black—who served nearly 25 years for ordering a fatal stabbing and assault with a deadly weapon—as he is now classified as a nonviolent offender, despite strong opposition from the district attorney. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A Kern County jury convicted Jonathan Goodrich of three counts of robbery and two counts of using tear gas during thefts at a downtown Rite Aid between July 15 and 25—he faces multiple life sentences and will be sentenced on May 28. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bakersfield Police Department is asking locals for help finding a missing 12-year-old girl who is at risk because of her age. The Bakersfield Californian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Open Door Network held a jean block party in downtown Bakersfield to share survivor stories and community help during Denim Day and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event had a panel and self-defense classes— showing that clothing does not give consent— and asked people to support survivors. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Attorney General Rob Bonta held a press conference on April 29 to explain troubling findings on the conditions at six immigration detention centers in our state. He said two Kern County facilities, Mesa Verde in Bakersfield and Golden State Annex in McFarland, showed poor mental health care, over-discipline, and weak safety measures, and his office will continue reviewing improvements. 23ABC News
- ➤ Today the DMV warned Bakersfield drivers not to fall for a fake toll text message scam that claims unpaid tolls are due — officials say the message sends users to a fake payment page designed to steal personal and financial details. Residents should verify texts by visiting the DMV website or calling 800-777-0133. KGET
- ➤ Vietnam veteran Dan Contreras said the VA Clinic in Bakersfield—a facility approved in 2009 to offer primary and mental health care—is still delayed, forcing many veterans to travel far for needed treatment. 23ABC News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
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F.Y.A.H. Reggae Event
7-11 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience a night of vibrant reggae music in the heart of Bakersfield.
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Creed Fisher Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Buy Tickets — Enjoy an evening of live country music with Creed Fisher and Buckshot.
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Cinco de Mile Half Marathon & Ole 5K
1:45-6 p.m. — 4200 Empire Dr, Bakersfield, CA — Check website for entry fee — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a festive run and a post-run fiesta filled with fun.
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Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
5-10 p.m. — Buck Owens' Crystal Palace — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant festivities of Cinco de Mayo with music, dance, and cultural celebration.
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Kultura Night Celebration
5-8 p.m. — Student Union — Free for CSUB students, $10 for non-students — Celebrate Filipino culture with food, music, and art.
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Mopars of Bakersfield Car Show
All day — Bakersfield KOA Journey — Donation-based — Experience classic cars and community spirit while supporting the Ronald McDonald House of Bakersfield.
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Bakersfield Mother's Day Run
8 a.m. — The Park at River Walk — Registration fee required — Celebrate the incredible moms in our lives with a fun run honoring their superpowers.
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Sleeping Beauty Ballet
6-9 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Get enchanted by a mesmerizing ballet performance of Sleeping Beauty.
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State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: The Sleeping Beauty
2 AM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Ticket prices starting at $88 — Experience a stunning ballet performance from the renowned State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
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Mocedades Concert
8:30-11 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Ticket availability varies — Experience the enchanting harmonies of the legendary Spanish vocal group Mocedades.
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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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