Bakersfield
Today
Tuesday, August 12th, 2025
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Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ An adult died after an ATV crashed and ignited dry grass as crews fought the blaze just south of the 11000 block of Highway 178 in northeast Bakersfield (after 8 p.m. on August 10th) (with two others sustaining minor injuries and taken to Kern Medical). Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Two people died and two others were injured when a 20-year-old driver in a Chevrolet sped on State Route 99 near South Union Avenue just after 11 p.m. on August 8—his vehicle hit a guardrail and went out of control, officials said. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Buck Owens Crystal Palace in Bakersfield is set to close after 28 years due to a challenging business climate — the Owens family said all scheduled events will be honored. 23ABC News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield Fire Department asked for help identifying a man in his late 40s to mid-50s accused of setting fires to water dispensing machines between July and August — he was often seen wearing a Green Bay Packers hat and around Haley and Lake Streets — and anyone with information is urged to call the BFD Arson Division. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Officers responded on Sunday, August 10 just after 6 p.m. to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Union Avenue and Panorama Drive in Bakersfield where a 16-year-old female passenger in a Hyundai died — speed and drug intoxication are suspected factors — while other passengers and the Jeep driver were taken to a hospital. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Golden Empire Transit District has extended its free rides for students program for the 2025-2026 school year so students can ride fixed-route buses and on-demand paratransit when they show a valid school ID—bus passes are available at the school’s main office or GET’s Downtown Transit Center on Chester Avenue and 20th Street. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Teacher Megan Murphy at West High founded the Little Librarians Club to fight a literacy crisis after noting that students' reading levels hovered around fifth grade; the student-led effort installed eight free libraries in West Bakersfield—plans call for expanding the program to East Bakersfield schools next school year. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Caltrans broke ground Monday on the $167.6 million Highway 99 Delano to Pixley Mainline Improvement Project — the project will expand highway lanes from four to six with completion slated for fall. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kern Medical has declared August as Valley Fever Awareness Month — doctor Rasha Kuran warns that the fungus in local soil can cause flu-like symptoms. She advises wearing a mask in dusty weather and said the Valley Fever Institute will host a symposium for primary care providers on August 28 at the Iron Lily. 23ABC News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Eyewitness News visited Headquarters Bar and Eatery on Monday, August 11th to review menu highlights for Foodie Fridays — the Kern County spot at 3015 Calloway Drive showcased its top picks. Bakersfield Now
SHOP NEWS
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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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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.
~ Stephen McCranie
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