Bakersfield
Today
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families can cool off as Bakersfield spray parks open tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.+closed Mondays except holidays until Sept. 7. City pools open on June 4 and swim registration starts today at 9 a.m. as fees vary by residency. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The Kern County Nurses Honor Guard calls for extra nurse volunteers to expand its Nightingale Tribute service honoring nurses and supporting veterans. Members will plant flags today and host a dignitary presentation at Union Cemetery Monday + plan a Sept. 11 tribute at a local fire station. 23ABC News
- ➤ A Kern County Fire Department trainee from Station 42 on Fairfax Road rescued seven ducklings from a storm drain on Thursday, May 21, according to a social media post — no call was too small. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local veterans will lead a Memorial Day tribute on Monday, May 25 to honor fallen service members, and all residents are welcome to attend (details on local gatherings will be shared soon). The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Lightning in a Bottle festival draws thousands to Kern County for five days of music, art, and immersive entertainment. Festivalgoers will camp on site while organizers coordinate law enforcement & health officials to ensure safety as temperatures run high. 23ABC News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern Job Fest helped over 500 Kern County residents find work and offered more than 100 on-the-spot job offers at its 4th Bakersfield event; organizers say more career fairs are planned this summer to connect job seekers with local employers. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Thursday, May 21, the Kern Community College District board unanimously approved Stacy Pfluger as Bakersfield College's 12th president; board members held no discussion during the vote. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Lamont Auto Repair, a family-run shop in Lamont, has secured a grant from California Jobs First & the Kern County Coalition for Jobs to train 4-6 technicians and launch EV repair services in rural Kern County, with plans to extend training to Arvin High School students. 23ABC News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 21, the City of Bakersfield joined local water agencies to help stop invasive golden mussels from spreading in local waterways; the Water Resources Department urges boat owners to follow its Clean, Drain, Dry campaign (clean vessels, drain bilges, and dry equipment) ahead of summer boating. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CHP urges drivers to buckle up and check vehicles before Memorial Day weekend as AAA projects nearly 40 million travelers; officials warn that extra cars may lead to more breakdowns and crashes, so drivers should verify tire pressure and routes *for safe travel*. 23ABC News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Kern County cities recorded impressive housing gains in recent developments. Residential improvements in Bakersfield, Shafter (and McFarland) may offer more options for homebuyers as California’s housing shortage continues to influence market costs. The Bakersfield Californian
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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
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
~ Buddha
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