Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
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Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Organizers are hosting the 12th annual MADD Dash on September 13 at Riverwalk — an event that honors victims of a drunk driving accident. Community members are invited to burn calories and support families affected by impaired driving. 23ABC News
- ➤ Today, the Mission at Kern County began construction on a new 13,000-square-foot facility—featuring a computer lab, larger kitchen and dining room that seats 180—that will also provide housing for addiction recovery graduates. Construction will finish by the end of 2026 without affecting current residents. Bakersfield Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 15-year-old bicyclist was struck by a car Wednesday morning at Olive Drive and Old Farm Road in Bakersfield and walked away with minor injuries—police cited him for not wearing a helmet. 23ABC News
- ➤ A 3.6 magnitude earthquake hit southwest of Bakersfield today at 5:03 a.m. near Millux—most shaking was felt in the city’s southwest, south and northwest areas and there are no reports of damage or injury. KUZZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Portrait of a Warrior Gallery celebrates its seventh anniversary today by honoring 27 fallen heroes from Kern County with the ringing of the Freedom Bell and a reading of their names. Board president Jeff Salters said the gallery’s expanded rooms support Gold Star families and veterans. Bakersfield Now
DRINK NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Bakersfield Today.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County unemployment neared 10% yesterday as Richard Gearhart from Cal State Bakersfield explained the rise during an interview with ARC Bakersfield—he noted this rate is among the highest in the state and shows how local job losses are affecting the area. The discussion highlighted ongoing economic challenges that may continue to stress local workers. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ PG&E and Southern California Edison say Kern residents can expect lower energy bills as the cooler weather helps reduce air conditioner use—PG&E reported a 2.1% rate drop that saves about $5 monthly and will offer a $58.23 credit in October, while customers are urged to conserve energy by turning off lights and using fans. 23ABC News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A 3.6 earthquake shook the area 12.4 miles northeast of Maricopa at 8:53 p.m. Wednesday night and was felt in Southwest Bakersfield—no damage was reported. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The federal EV tax credit—worth up to $7,500—will end on September 30, which may cause car buyers’ monthly payments to rise as local dealers adjust prices and inventory. Bob Leikam from Three-Way Chevrolet-Cadillac said the credit had boosted lot traffic and its expiration will change available discounts. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield City Council approved two housing developments Wednesday—despite objections from local environmental groups. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at boosting Kern oil production by protecting the county's oil permitting system from environmental legal challenges — the legislation emerged from closed-door negotiations and will debut at the state Capitol. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, National Suicide Prevention Day was observed as local survivor Belinda Lopez Rickett shared her story after losing her husband in August 2019. She joined SALT (Save A Life Today) to turn her grief into advocacy and help Kern County learn key warning signs. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield residents face high weed pollen exposure as the city ranks second nationwide according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America — Kern County’s hot and dry weather makes allergy season start earlier and last longer. Residents are advised to use air filters, check the AQI, and get a flu shot for added protection. Bakersfield Now
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The Rayford Bros. Concert
12:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. — California Rock Art Foundation — $ — Dance the night away with The Rayford Bros, delivering vintage rock n' roll and surf classics.
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Phora Live in Bakersfield
7-10 p.m. — Memento Mori Event Center — Tickets available — Catch Phora performing live on tour in Bakersfield this fall.
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Faculty Concert
2:30-3:30 p.m. — Doré Theatre — $12 General Admission, $7 Seniors, Free for CSUB Students — Enjoy a variety of performances by CSUB Music faculty featuring works by Prokofiev and more.
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Welcome to the Bakersfield Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bakersfield, California community. If you like the Bakersfield Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bakersfield.
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