Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Kern County Fair is offering viral treats like Dubai-covered strawberries and chocolate cinnamon rolls along with fun attractions and a rescued dog named Zelda performing daily. Organizers say Zelda, rescued from Bakersfield’s streets, is making her hometown debut (she was fostered locally) and will add extra charm to the fair this season. 23ABC News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On September 12 at about 7:30 a.m., a FFA student at Frazier Mountain High School found his pig Pancho—raised for the Kern County Fair—stabbed multiple times in the barn, and despite a 12-hour effort to save him, the 223-pound animal was euthanized while security footage later revealed an unknown suspect entering the barn. 23ABC News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County is facing a high unemployment rate among African Americans—14 percent compared to the state average of 5 percent. Barrington Lewis, owner of Barrington's Jamaican Kitchen, reopened his restaurant on Brundage Lane Swap Meet after a four-month closure and now faces steep loan challenges that highlight broader economic struggles. 23ABC News
- ➤ Highway 178 has been closed at the mouth of the canyon on Borel Road every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. since last Friday because repairs are needed for power lines downed by a helicopter. Local business owners and the Kernville Chamber of Commerce reported that the closure is hurting Kern River Valley tourism and travel—officials continue to investigate the incident. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday, giving Bakersfield homebuyers hope for lower mortgage payments as more houses hit the market — experts said further cuts might follow. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Alekha Goldberg, a seventh-grader at Peak to Peak Mountain Charter in Pine Mountain Club, ranked among the top 300 Junior Innovators in the national STEM challenge—her project on planarian regeneration was inspired by her mother’s back pain—highlighting strong local talent. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Delano leaders held an event at the Jefferson Center to remind immigrant families of their rights and to show that all residents are valued—city council members, police, and local groups spoke up against claims linking the police to ICE raids. Delano police stated that they do not assist ICE under state law and urged the community to know their rights when faced with enforcement actions. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern County Library said the Arvin Branch Library at 201 Campus Drive will remain closed until November 18th because safety and maintenance upgrades are taking longer due to construction delays and material procurement issues + it urges patrons to use digital resources or visit the Lamont Branch Library. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Before Watergate, the Teapot Dome scandal was the biggest case of government corruption and is tied to Kern County by the Elk Hills oil field. After President Harding took office in 1920, his Secretary Albert Fall shifted control of oil reserves and gave secret leases to Sinclair and Doheny (bribery claims later led to Fall’s conviction). KVPR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, September 12, Kern Medical held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Bakersfield College’s Panorama Campus to launch two mobile medical clinics which will serve Kern County schools and organizations—offering hearing tests, vision screenings, and immunizations. Community partners and administrators stressed that the expansion meets growing healthcare needs as patient numbers have increased over the last decade. Bakersfield College
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ SOS Dog Rescue in the Kern River Valley introduced Vito the pug for adoption. He had trouble breathing and his caretaker advised using mental exercises to help tire him out. 23ABC News
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Katchafire Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Tickets via Ticketmaster — Experience the vibrant sounds of Katchafire and Ka'ikena in a lively atmosphere.
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Militarie Gun, Death Lens, and Milly Concert
7-10 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — Cost Info N/A — Experience an evening with powerful performances from Militarie Gun, Death Lens, and Milly.
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Los Bélicos De Culiacán Live Concert
8 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of electrifying regional music with Los Bélicos De Culiacán and special guests.
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Northlane Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience Northlane's new music with their fresh lineup.
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Benise: Spanish Guitar and Dance Spectacular
7:30-9 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience Emmy Award-winning Benise in a fiery celebration of Spanish guitar and dance.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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