Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Brighton Park – a gated 55-and-over neighborhood – submitted hundreds of letters opposing the temple's steeple design, asking city officials to enforce existing building codes. They hope the city will review the proposal and follow current guidelines. The Bakersfield Californian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Burlington opened a new store Friday morning on Ming Avenue in south Bakersfield, taking over the former Jo-Ann Fabrics location next to Marshalls. The retailer donated $5,000 to Rancho Santa Fe Elementary School teachers. 23ABC News
- ➤ Tejon Ranch shareholders ended two years of discord by approving every item on the agenda at their annual meeting this week—paving the way for smoother future strategies. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ 85 Degrees Celsius Bakery Cafe opens today at 9 a.m. at The Marketplace in Kern County. The chain is known for its Asian-style pastries and Guatemalan coffee and already runs six locations in Southern California. Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield families face tough choices as rising living costs force many to choose between food + clothing. A 2026 report shows 92% of workers cut back on spending, and local business owners say tight budgets are adding pressure on everyday expenses. 23ABC News
- ➤ California’s rising demand for AI infrastructure fuels growth in data centers that is worrying Inyokern residents (and others in Ridgecrest) as over 200 facilities operate and more are planned, including projects linked to NVIDIA, Google, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County officials declared a state of emergency Tuesday after experts confirmed golden mussels had infested key water infrastructure and requested help from Gov. Newsom. Meanwhile, drag boat racers will hit Lake Ming for the National Jet Boat Association’s May Madness sprint race, with dry boats avoiding mussel spread. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Rep. Vince Fong secured $5M in federal funding to expand a watercraft inspection program aimed at stopping invasive golden mussels from spreading in Kern County waterways. The proposal now heads to the House Appropriations Committee (with inspection stations planned at Lake Isabella among other sites). Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drivers on Stockdale Highway should plan extra travel time starting May 17 as construction removes asphalt and repaves the roadway. Overnight lane reductions and closures from 7 p.m. + 7 a.m. will run Sunday through Thursday until July 16, and work may be rescheduled due to weather. Bakersfield Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ WWE stars will return for the WWE Summer Tour on July 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Dignity Health Arena, featuring Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Trick Williams, Tiffany Stratton, Penta, Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch; tickets will go on sale May 20 at Axs.com. 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.
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
The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
~ Alfred Adler
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