Friday, August 8th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Former Wonderful Nurseries worker Maria Gutierrez testified that she borrowed $6,000 to pay employees $100 or $50 for gasoline costs to protest against the United Farm Workers union in Wasco — a secret video recording her cash transactions has added new complexity to the long-running union dispute. 23ABC News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 43-year-old Bakersfield man was indicted Thursday on charges of being a felon in possession of explosives and ammunition as well as manufacturing methamphetamine—action taken by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Bakersfield Police say a woman was seen drinking near the pool area at an apartment complex on Q Street on June 28 and then threw a glass bottle that struck the apartment manager in the face — the suspect, described as a heavy-built woman in her 20s to 30s, left in a white sedan. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ A downtown Bakersfield tattoo parlor was vandalized overnight after allegations that an artist has a swastika tattoo surfaced; Electric Wizard Tattoo Castle on 19th Street had its storefront glass shattered and a spray-painted message—Nazis F*** Off—above the doorway. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local musician Johnny Owens will host a two-day tribute to Buck Owens at the Crystal Palace with about a dozen local performers and more than 400 people expected each night — the historic venue is up for sale, which may make these the last celebrations there. Owens said few tickets remain available. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ California Highway Patrol offers a free two-hour Start Smart class that teaches teens and parents crash avoidance and safe driving skills using real-life examples and safety tips. The class is aimed at drivers ages 15 to 19 and is held on the second Tuesday of each month—spots fill quickly so early sign-up is advised. 23ABC News
- ➤ On August 7, county officials reported that two Planned Parenthood employees at the 16th Street clinic were laid off due to lost grants and expected cuts in federal funding (a central follow-up coordinator and a volunteer services coordinator). Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Randell Canaya from Kaiser Permanente advises Bakersfield families that students should have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years to catch potential vision issues—signs like squinting, trouble reading, or eye rubbing may need attention. He also explains that spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of nearsightedness. Bakersfield Now
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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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Aaron Watson Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Check the event page for ticket info — Experience the captivating country music of Aaron Watson live in Bakersfield.
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Live Tribute Night: Heroes del Silencio, Caifanes, and Soda Stereo
8:30 PM — Rock & Wings — $25 — Celebrate iconic Spanish rock legends with vibrant live tributes in Bakersfield.
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29th Annual VillageFest
6-10 p.m. — Kern County Museum — Ticket includes food and drink samples — Celebrate Bakersfield's longest-running food, beer, and music festival with live bands and local cuisine.
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 first draft of anything is garbage.
~ Ernest Hemingway
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