Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Nonprofits across Kern County are rallying support during Give Big Kern to fund local programs for families + youth. Organizers say the annual fundraiser is key to keeping community services running. 23ABC News
- ➤ On May 6, Renegade Pantry warned that federal cuts could drop CalFood funding from $80 million to $8 million and affect BC’s food pantry operations. Local leaders urged legislators to fully fund the program to support students facing food insecurity. Bakersfield College
- ➤ Rhoads, a gentle 4-year-old dog from Kern County Animal Services, is featured on Wag Wednesday as he seeks his forever home. He once saved another dog's life with a blood transfusion and is eligible for adoption with waived fees during Just One Dog day this Saturday, May 9 at 3951 Fruitvale Avenue. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield added nearly 1500 residents over the past year, reaching 422,853 — figures from the California Department of Finance show. The rising population reinforces the city’s role as a hub for agriculture, energy, and music history. KUZZ
- ➤ Local and statewide advocates for food banks are urging more support — Kern County pantries remain under strain after federal cuts to food assistance last year. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ A Shafter mother has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a wheelchair-accessible van for her 9-year-old son, who gained independence with a motorized wheelchair after a traumatic brain injury. The new van would ease transport issues and reduce lengthy school pickups, with costs estimated at ($60,000 to $90,000). Bakersfield Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters responded on May 6 to two fires east of Bakersfield — the Baker Fire burned 80 acres between Tejon Highway and Bena Road and the General Fire burned 25 acres near Murray Family Farms on Highway 58 — while officials continued to assess the situation. Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Fire Department and Bakersfield Red Cross say residents in mountain and rural areas should clear a 500ft brush zone and prepare a go-bag with essentials (per updated guidelines) as wildfire season now poses a year-round risk. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern County Public Works now offers free compost for residents at the Shafter Wasco landfill as green bin material is processed into a useful resource. The facility also provides extra compost to local farmers, landscapers, and gardeners for commercial use. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A team from Adventist Health returned home on Wednesday after a five-day mission in Guatemala where 61 staff treated 704 patients and performed 134 surgeries for people who had waited years for care. Organizers say planning for next year's trip will begin soon to help more patients in need. 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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Bakersfield Puerto Rican Salsa Festival
1-8 p.m. — Kern County Shrine Club — Donations accepted — Dance to salsa beats and enjoy Puerto Rican culture while raising funds for student scholarships.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
~ Carl Jung
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