Bakersfield
Today
Friday, August 1st, 2025
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Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield’s long-standing Mint Saloon, built in 1895 at 19th and M streets, quietly marks 125 years amid downtown changes and renewed city investments. Owner Walter Walston said the dive bar preserves its Old West charm with modern updates—like an ATM and digital jukebox—even as 19th Street is reimagined into a vibrant district. KGET
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A man was hit by a vehicle near Main Street and 12th Avenue in Delano at about 9:05 a.m. Thursday morning and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment — the female driver stayed at the scene and cooperated — while police continue to investigate the cause. KGET
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Boston-based Onyx Partners Ltd entered an all-cash deal to buy 119 JCPenney properties including the Valley Plaza Mall store in Bakersfield, which remains open as a new landlord takes over. The $947 million sale is expected to close before September 8 — around $930 million will be distributed to creditors. KGET
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ In May, William Pederson pleaded no contest to charges including murder from his alleged DUI crash on Highway 65, but his sentencing was postponed twice and his new attorney, David Faulkner, said he needs time to decide whether to file a motion to withdraw the plea (a hearing is scheduled for Aug. 28). KGET
- ➤ A judge declared a mistrial on Thursday after the Kern County jury deadlocked on a first-degree murder charge in the fatal shooting of Jamari Deshawn Darde on June 3 — Eliot Moore was convicted on a gun possession charge and may face a retrial. KGET
- ➤ Joe Paul M. Gongora Jr., a 47-year-old motorcyclist, died after his Harley was hit by a white Chevrolet Silverado in a hit-and-run crash on Kern Street in Taft on —July 27th at 10:43 a.m.—, and Alejandro Padilla Jr., 48, surrendered Tuesday and was arrested on charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. KGET
- ➤ Opening statements began today in Bakersfield in the murder trial of Rodrigo Lara, 32, who is charged with the shooting death of Javier Sanchez—an alleged former East Side Bakers gang member who owed tax money to the gang—during a party on Lloyd Street last August; he faces a life term if convicted. KGET
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ After suffering a stroke days before the planned Ogden wedding, Robert Shupe married his partner Marino Callahan at Adventist Health in Bakersfield (740 miles away) with their children and grandchildren in attendance (the hospital quickly accommodated their change of plans). KGET
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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Sensory Friendly Family Swim Day for Autism Families
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — McMurtrey Aquatic Center — Registration required — Enjoy a sensory-friendly swim experience for families with autistic children.
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Concert Featuring LIL KAYLA & LOU DEEZI
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets from $36.01 — Enjoy an evening of Hip-Hop/Rap with emerging artists Lil Kayla and Lou Deezi.
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In The End - The Linkin Park Experience
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience the energy of Linkin Park's tribute band performing fan favorites live.
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Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 50 years of ‘Physical Graffiti’ with the son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer.
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Boots on the Ground Soul Festival
7-8:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Refunds available — Experience the ultimate soulful celebration at Bakersfield's 2nd Annual Soul Festival.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Bakersfield Today
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