Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
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Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hope on Hart tiny homes community (a joint effort by Hope the Mission and Kern County) has sheltered over 230 people since last April and helped 60 move into permanent housing. Supervisor Jeff Flores said that Bakersfield received $20 million from the state (for mental health and drug treatment) as Kern County plans to keep the site operating amid tighter budgets. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield businesses urge local shoppers to visit local stores to beat the heat and find affordable deals as tariffs push online prices higher. Store managers advise shopping in cooler hours—saying that unique items and flexible pricing help support the local economy. Bakersfield Now
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A two-day undercover sting by the California Contractors State License Board led to the arrest of ten alleged unlicensed contractors in Bakersfield between April 24 and 25, who submitted bids from $1,600 to $4,800 for work that required a license and faced five stop orders for failing to provide workers-compensation. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A multi-agency task force seized over $123.5M worth of illegal cannabis from more than 105,000 plants and 22,000 pounds of processed product during the week of May 5—an operation involving 200 officers from 15 agencies that also uncovered banned pesticides at eight locations. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The Kern County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help finding missing 36-year-old Steven David Litchard — he was last seen by his family on April 3 — as he is 5'10" tall, weighs 170 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair with a feather tattoo on his neck and 'RILEY LITCHARD' on his right forearm while wearing a white shirt and black jeans, and he may have had a black backpack. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ On May 9 at 8:53 p.m., police responded to a crash on East California Avenue that killed pedestrian Anthony Gregory Martinez, 34, after he crossed outside a crosswalk—authorities arrested the driver reported to be under the influence. Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Facing water shortages, local farmers are planning to turn fallow land into solar farms in Buttonwillow—15,000 acres of the Button Bush Project, with similar plans covering 80,000 more acres across the Central Valley. The project will start installing solar panels within the next 12 months following the passage of AB 1156. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A local resident raised concerns about a vandalized Caltrans utility box on Highway 178 exposing wires near a school (the issue has persisted for five months despite repeated calls). Caltrans said they are aware of the hazard and will complete repairs once parts arrive. 23ABC News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
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Mocedades Concert
8:30-11 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Ticket availability varies — Experience the enchanting harmonies of the legendary Spanish vocal group Mocedades.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
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Reveal the authorAbout Bakersfield Today
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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