Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 6th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bike Bakersfield hosted a Cinco de Mayo full moon ride Tuesday to kick off National Bike Month. Events include Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 15 at Beach Park — snacks along Kern River Parkway — and the Annual Ride of Silence on May 20 at Café Smitten. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A section of Truxtun Avenue between Chester Avenue and L Street will be closed on Thursday, May 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the National Day of Prayer event downtown; drivers should use alternate routes. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Give Big Kern collected donations for local nonprofits throughout Bakersfield and Kern County on May 5. The event offered volunteer registration and was featured on 23ABC News at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. 23ABC News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Golden Ox returns to Oildale with a new drive-thru on North Chester Avenue and will open by early June. Located in the former Del Taco building, the drive-thru will serve comfort food (including chicken fried steak and spaghetti) while owners seek a larger Bakersfield venue for a full menu. 23ABC News
- ➤ A senior SBA official will lead an hourlong webinar at noon today to explain available resources for local entrepreneurs, helping business owners learn how to access essential support. The Bakersfield Californian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ CALM Zoo in Bakersfield will celebrate its 43rd birthday on Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games, cake, and $2 unlimited railroad rides; children aged 3 to 12 will be admitted for $5 when accompanied by an adult. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College has named three finalists for its presidential search — public forums are held today and tomorrow at the Renegade Event Center, and the new president will begin on July 1. 23ABC News
- ➤ Stockdale High School Advanced Placement science teacher Kate Adamson was chosen by National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions as one of 36 educators to join an Antarctica expedition, set to showcase local talent on a global adventure. The Bakersfield Californian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Wildfire experts and firefighters report that recent seasons have brought more intense fires because decades of suppression have caused extra vegetation — creating extra fuel. Local analysis shows drought is less to blame than expanding development into wildland areas, a trend that heightens fire risks. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Golden Empire Transit District is asking riders to share feedback on bus reliability, cleanliness, and safety via a survey available on buses through May 14 (and online until May 31), with participants having a chance to win a $50 gift card. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Shafter City Council denied the Lions Club’s request for funding for its Independence Day fireworks display due to rising costs but approved permits and overtime support so the event will proceed at Sequoia Elementary and the fields north of the Recreation and Parks District Office (no vendors allowed). 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ May marks Mental Health Awareness Month as local expert Jason Giffard of Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services explains that financial burdens, social media, and family pressures are raising stress (affecting children as well) while urging residents to adopt healthy routines and call 988 if needed. 23ABC News
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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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Reveal the authorAbout Bakersfield Today
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