Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County officials inducted longtime water leader Thomas N. Clark onto the Oildale Wall of Fame, honoring his work at the Kern County Water Agency and his impact on local agriculture and water policy. Visitors can see the tribute along North Chester Avenue (a community landmark). 23ABC News
- ➤ Kern County Animal Services is hosting its 'Just 1 Dog' initiative on May 9, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue; adoption fees will be waived to help clear the shelter by encouraging residents to foster, adopt, or rescue a pet. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Meadows Field Airport will add United Airlines nonstop flights to Los Angeles starting August 11. The new route joins service to San Francisco and Denver while American Airlines continues connections to Dallas–Fort Worth and Phoenix. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Golden Ox is set to return to its Oildale home at North Chester Avenue — five years after it lost its Wilson Road lease — and will offer hard-to-find dishes in a takeout-focused format, continuing its 36-year legacy. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ A modest refinery southeast of Bakersfield has won a permit to retool its plant so it can reincorporate byproduct hydrogen into the process of making transportation fuels. The modification is expected to improve efficiency as plans progress. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Nothing Bundt Cakes is now open in East Bakersfield at 2660 Oswell St following Thursday's ribbon cutting. The bakery hosts today’s grand opening with giveaways for the first 50 visitors + community activities from noon to 2 p.m., and will donate 20% of Friday's sales to the Care Foundation. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sports stories and photography from the Californian and Tehachapi News earned honors Thursday night at the 38th annual George F. Gruner Journalism Awards in Fresno. The recognition spotlights local media’s commitment to quality journalism. The Bakersfield Californian
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Trucking owner Johnny Olaguez of Olaguez Inc. in Bakersfield reports that rising gas prices force him to cap fill-ups at $500 as costs climb from $5 to around $7 per gallon at local fueling stations. He warns that higher expenses may impact jobs and small trucking businesses. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kern County Fire Department has added a new medic squad at Station 72 in Lake Isabella today to boost emergency response in the Kern River Valley (the fourth such unit in the county, staffed by firefighters including a paramedic) and is equipped with specialized medical gear. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Drivers will face an overnight closure of eastbound Highway 58 from 10 p.m. Monday, May 4 to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 5 for roadway repairs; crews will also work on Elcia Drive and Real Road May 5-6 with paving set to finish Friday, May 8. Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Registered nurses and community members rallied Friday morning to oppose the plan to close the Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital. Dignity Health said the 7-bed unit, which provides specialized burn care, will close June 30. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Organizers at the Kern County Fairgrounds have prepared for today’s Relay for Life cancer fundraiser, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. and features survivor celebrations & walking teams to support cancer research & patient care. Bakersfield Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kern Premier Aquatics Club is raising funds through Give Big Kern to help young athletes access water polo training, equipment and tournament fees. Local volunteers run the club — ensuring every player gets a chance to compete. 23ABC News
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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.
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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.
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Goat Yoga Class at Cherry Acres
8:30-9:30 a.m. — Cherry Acres — Bring your yoga mat and enjoy a playful blend of yoga and adorable goats in a serene farm setting.
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Robert Jon and the Wreck Live
7-11 p.m. — World Records — Ticketed event — Enjoy an electrifying mix of Southern rock and West Coast soul with Robert Jon & The Wreck.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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