Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield nonprofit Golf Therapy Fore Veterans, started by Army veteran Harry Franco, offers weekly golf clinics & outings to support veterans managing mental health challenges. The organization will also showcase its program at Monday’s Thousand Flags event at Riverlakes Park as it builds local support. 23ABC News
- ➤ North of the River Recreation and Parks District will host a volleyball tournament on June 6 at Riverlakes Park where adult teams (men and women) pay $175 per team, and the district will open spray parks (noon to 7 p.m.) at several locations for summer fun. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ CAPK is helping homeowners in Kern County save on energy bills by offering weatherization programs (including repairs and installations) that boost home efficiency; CAPK Advocacy and Public Relations Manager Savannah Oates shared details with ARC Bakersfield yesterday. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Taft residents are still waiting for the Ford City Park splash pad to open after crews faced delays due to an electrical panel back order + valve replacements. Officials expect the facility to open mid- to late June. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Volunteers placed American flags on veterans’ graves on Friday to honor local heroes before Memorial Day, with community groups including schools helping out. The Kern County Veterans Service Department will host its annual ceremony — free to attend — at 9 a.m. Monday at Historic Union Cemetery. Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Amtrack is helping travelers avoid high gas prices this summer — Ahdel Ahmed from the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission said riding rail can save money for busy commuters. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Taft College awarded over $208,000 in scholarships to 141 students during its annual Scholarship and Awards Luncheon — also honoring its first Vic Killingsworth recipient. Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials urge holiday weekend boaters to clean, drain, and dry vessels to prevent the spread of invasive golden mussel in local waterways. Kern River Watermaster Art Chianello and marine suppliers warn that thorough maintenance is critical + any lapse could allow mussels into the Kern River + Lake Isabella. 23ABC News
- ➤ A federal report from the BLM says oil and gas projects in Kern County can go forward under current rules but each project still needs further environmental review. The review found that drilling has only a small impact on local water and air quality. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A cleanup is underway in Bakersfield today after 1,000 barrels of produced water spilled at a treatment center (near Zerker Road and Seventh Standard). Officials are working to secure the area. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County officials are renewing warnings on the Kern River ahead of Memorial Day weekend—updated signs now show 348 recorded deaths, and experts urge visitors to use certified flotation devices. 23ABC News
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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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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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