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Friday, May 16th, 2025

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Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • On Saturday, April 26 at about 3:43 a.m., a suspected DUI crash on Highway 58 near Bena Road killed 18-year-old Abram Raymond Perez of Delano when a 2002 Mazda pickup struck the back of a Freightliner semi-truck; the Mazda driver sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Kern Medical.  Bakersfield Now

CRIME NEWS

  • Bakersfield police say that only 9% of ShotSpotter alerts lead to a 911 call—helping them respond and support a gun violence reduction plan that cut homicides 57% and non-injury shootings 60%.  23ABC News

CULTURE NEWS

  • Tonight, Marlon Wayans performs at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield as part of his Wild Child Tour, where he will deliver new material and film the show for a future streaming release + he is also working on upcoming film projects with his brothers. Wayans uses his honest humor to address personal struggles during his performance.  Bakersfield Now
  • Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour concert is set for 160 acres near Shafter as ticket holders have had trouble finding the venue at 19239 Poplar Ave—one local sees the event as a boost to the community while another warns of noise and parking issues. More than 100 security guards, 28 deputies, and CHP will manage traffic and safety for the expected crowd.  KGET

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Bakersfield mother Daniela Esparza is fighting to have her late 13-year-old daughter Jasid Garcia’s name included in Ollivier Middle’s graduation ceremony on May 28—she said the exclusion adds to her grief—and school officials said district policy will honor her at a separate time to protect privacy.  KGET
  • Bakersfield College will hold its 111th commencement ceremony today at 7:00 p.m. at historic Memorial Stadium with over 2,000 graduates expected from more than 3,000 eligible students (marking the graduation of the 50,000th student in college history); the event will conclude with a traditional fireworks display and live streaming for those who cannot attend.  Bakersfield College
  • California State University, Bakersfield holds three commencement ceremonies this weekend at the Main Soccer Field, awarding doctoral and master’s degrees this morning and bachelor's degrees on Saturday. Bakersfield College holds its 111th ceremony at Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. today, and CSUB guests must have tickets or may watch the events on a livestream.  Bakersfield Now

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Police and loved ones gathered today at the Kern County Courthouse and other venues to honor fallen officers during National Police Week. Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry and other officials remembered officers like David Nelson and Deputy Phillip Campas — highlighting the legacies they left behind.  Bakersfield Now

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Mocedades Concert

    8:30-11 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Ticket availability varies — Experience the enchanting harmonies of the legendary Spanish vocal group Mocedades.

    Fri, 5/23/25

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  • Bravo Oilmen and Azabache Ensemble Live Show

    9 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Ticket purchase required — Experience a vibrant night with live regional music that promises to keep you dancing all night long.

    Sat, 5/24/25

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  • Bakersfield Train Robbers vs. Vallejo Seaweed

    6:30 PM – 10:30 PM — Sam Lynn Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch exciting baseball action as the Bakersfield Train Robbers face off against the Vallejo Seaweed.

    Sun, 5/25/25

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  • Bakersfield Hiring Event

    9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hyatt Place Bakersfield — Free entry — Connect live with HR teams from local and Fortune 500 companies for full and part-time opportunities.

    Wed, 5/28/25

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  • Bakersfield Hot Fudge Sundae Run

    8 AM – 12 PM — The Park at River Walk — Entry fee applies — Enjoy a fun 5k run or 1 mile walk and earn a delicious hot fudge sundae.

    Sat, 5/31/25

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  • On-Site Senior Living Tour

    9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Able Care Home — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living communities dedicated to exceptional care and engaging activities.

    Tue, 6/3/25

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  • Shoreline Mafia Concert in Bakersfield

    8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience the unique West Coast flow of Shoreline Mafia live in concert.

    Fri, 6/6/25

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  • You Should Be Dancing - A Tribute To The Bee Gees

    8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Prices may vary — Groove to the iconic sounds of the Bee Gees in this lively tribute performance.

    Sat, 6/7/25

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  • USPA Tested and Open We Are Strong Powerlifting Championships

    8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — National Academy of Strength and Power — Registration fee required — Compete in various powerlifting divisions in a well-organized championship event.

    Sun, 6/8/25

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  • Alfred Robles Stand-Up Comedy Show

    7-9:30 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Catch a rising star in comedy with Alfred Robles, who turned setbacks into laughs.

    Sat, 6/14/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Welcome to the Bakersfield Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bakersfield, California community. If you like the Bakersfield Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bakersfield.

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