Bakersfield
Today
Friday, May 15th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 15th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Elizabeth Ruiz overcame homelessness by joining Amazon’s BFL1 during the pandemic + now she leads operations at BFL2 in Bakersfield, providing stability for her family. 23ABC News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A vegetation fire burned over 100 acres north of Bakersfield along Garces Highway and Thorton Road on Thursday, May 14 as crews responded and closed a mile near Thorton Road to protect the public — the cause remains under investigation. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Kern County Fair started on Aug. 5, 1916 with tents along Chester Avenue and has grown into a 12-day celebration spanning 160 acres. The fair will run from Sept. 23 to Oct. 4 and will feature rides, livestock, concerts, and a rodeo for families. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Buck Owens and Merle Haggard portraits, once missing after Trout's Oildale honky-tonk closed in 2017 — will now be permanently housed at the Beale Memorial Library, preserving a key part of our musical legacy. The Bakersfield Californian
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Arvin High senior Ashlyn Montelongo made history as she was accepted into the competitive San Joaquin Valley PRIME+ BS/MD program — a partnership with UC Merced, UCSF Fresno, and UC San Francisco that skips the MCAT. She plans to serve the valley to help ease the doctor shortage. 23ABC News
- ➤ Parents of nonverbal students have started a petition to install cameras in special education classrooms to boost transparency after reports of unsupervised moments and unexplained injuries. The Bakersfield City School District said it takes student safety seriously and will review the concerns as more details emerge. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bakersfield College will host open forums on May 18 and 19 to let community members give feedback on finalists for Athletic Director and Dean of Kinesiology roles. Forums are at Panorama Campus (Renegade Event Center on May 18 and Forum 102 on May 19) from 9:40 to 10:20 a.m. Bakersfield College
- ➤ California State University, Bakersfield celebrated its top undergraduate and graduate students today as President Vernon B. Harper Jr. championed girls and women in STEM and recognized their achievements on campus. The Bakersfield Californian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Bakersfield residents are voicing concerns over California Water Service’s plan to install large filtration tanks near Mill Creek Linear Park to remove pollutants. The proposal is under review as locals question its impact on the park's environment. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ A state program will provide a minimum of $2.5M for each carbon direct air capture project as up to $11M in cap-and-invest funds boosts Kern County's carbon management plans. Awarded funds are expected to support demonstration projects moving forward. The Bakersfield Californian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new speed radar sign was installed yesterday near the intersection of Harris Road and Summer Springs Drive after a fatal crash spurred long-standing safety concerns from locals, though many say it may not fully address the road’s planned improvements. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern County Public Works is seeking public input on a proposed bike and pedestrian safety project near Hart Memorial Park along Alfred Harrell Highway. The plan includes a separated bike path and traffic lane changes introduced at last Thursday's community meeting and will continue to evolve as feedback is gathered. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Tulare County Sheriff's Office has restricted motorized watercraft on part of the Kings River north of Kern County due to dangerous hazards (sand bars, logs, and wood debris) in the water. The river remains open for swimming while personal flotation devices are advised until further notice. 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.
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The Lovers Rock - Sade Tribute
8-11 p.m. — BottleShock Wine and Brew — Fundraising event — Enjoy a night of Sade's legendary sounds while supporting Kern County students in music and STEM education.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
~ Carl Jung
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