Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 9th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield's population reached 422,853 according to the California Department of Finance — nearly 20,000 more than in 2020 and only 7,000 fewer than Oakland's count. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Kern County homelessness count shows 2,690 individuals — a 3.2% rise — with over half unsheltered and more than 1,000 in Bakersfield. The report also notes gains in moving people from the streets to temporary and permanent housing. Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rising gas prices have squeezed earnings for rideshare and delivery drivers in Bakersfield, and some drivers report gas costs cutting into their profits. Economics professor Aaron Hegde (CSUB) explained that a 50% rise in fuel expenses forces many to reconsider work options, which may reduce available services. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Stockdale High teacher Kate Adamson was selected for the prestigious Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship to join National Geographic on a research trip to Antarctica in December. She will share her experiences +inspiring lessons+ and +real-world science+ with her students upon return. 23ABC News
- ➤ Three Kern County teachers (Angel Rose Gabion, Edmund 'Ned' Maino, and Amanda Meszaros) were named finalists for Teacher of the Year during Thursday’s Champions of the Year celebration at Bell Tower Plaza in downtown Bakersfield, and they now qualify to apply for the California Teacher of the Year program. 23ABC News
- ➤ Kern County school districts will transition to electric buses by 2035 to cut pollution and lower long-term costs; state grants and upgrades like new air conditioning support the change + enhance student transportation. The move builds on pilot programs that began in 2022 with initial electric buses. 23ABC News
- ➤ Students at Pioneer Drive Elementary School participated in its annual Career Day on Friday with professionals from varied fields such as firefighting and journalism. The event in southeast Bakersfield sparked excitement as teachers and students discussed future career paths and explored early goals. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Board of Supervisors will consider declaring a local emergency on Tuesday, May 12 after a rapid golden mussel infestation affected local water facilities. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health officials in Bakersfield report that a hantavirus outbreak aboard the M-V Hondius (near the Canary Islands) resulted in three passenger deaths and is under close monitoring while local authorities say no cases have been confirmed among returning travelers and advise proper rodent cleanup measures. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ For 35 years, Bakersfield’s Relay for Life has drawn thousands to a 24-hour walk that raises funds and honors cancer survivors. The event blends celebration with remembrance as community members unite in the fight against cancer. Bakersfield Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield Little League umpire Sawyer Sparks went viral Friday after an Instagram video captured his energetic game-calling style, drawing over 126,000 likes. He said his movement on the field—essential for making accurate calls as the sole umpire—helps boost his performance. Bakersfield Now
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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.
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
Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.
~ Salvador Dali
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