Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The St. Jude Dream Home was unveiled in Golden Heights as built by John Balfanz Homes and features 1,850 square feet, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms—visitors may tour the home and enter a raffle with an early bird prize for tickets reserved by Oct. 3. Angela Northrup and Zach Balfanz stressed that the home symbolizes hope and ongoing support for St. Jude's mission. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ After four years of planning and delays, the historic Woolworth's building in downtown Bakersfield will host a grand opening block party to celebrate its reopening—bringing new energy to the downtown area. The Bakersfield Californian
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 85°C Bakery will soon open its first Bakersfield store at The Marketplace on Ming Avenue — the Taiwanese chain is known for its breads, pastries and sea salt coffee as it expands into the Central Valley; signs at the site show the project is underway while no opening date has been set. 23ABC News
- ➤ Starbucks closed two Bakersfield locations yesterday at 3300 White Lane and 9000 Ming Avenue as part of a nationwide restructuring plan to revive its struggling business—two more stores at 1643 South Comanche Drive and 30107 Paradise Way will close soon while the company continues its layoffs. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Starbucks is closing four stores in Bakersfield as part of nationwide restructuring. Two locations at 3300 White Lane and 9000 Ming Avenue closed on Sept. 30 while the stores at 1643 South Comanche Drive and 30107 Paradise Way will close soon. Bakersfield Now
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Chaos erupted at IBEW Local 428 job fair when witnesses reported gunshots Tuesday morning — police later found no evidence of a shooting and said the lack of security raised concerns about crowd control. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College hosted a Kick-Off event on September 15th where students enjoyed traditional games, food, and art at the Panorama Campus, and more Hispanic Heritage Month activities—such as Noche de Familia, tile painting at Delano, and a community mural—will run until October 15th. Bakersfield College
- ➤ 14-year-old Lily Garrett from Bakersfield won top honors at the Kern County Fair but her artwork was returned damaged—staples, taped ribbons, and a broken sculpture were found—and the promised cash prize was not provided due to the donor backing out. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, concerns over the federal shutdown are growing in Kern County as programs like WIC, CalFresh and key oil permits may face delays that could lead to furloughs and missed paychecks. Political science professor Ian Anderson warned that a prolonged shutdown—if it continues—may erode public trust and further impact essential services and local economic stability. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ La Colonia Mexicana community broke ground on a $2 million concrete sidewalk project using Assembly Bill 617 funds to improve air quality and pedestrian safety. Construction will begin on October 6 — promising long-needed infrastructure for the farming neighborhood. 23ABC News
- ➤ Kern County supervisors are optimistic about fixing the local jail bed shortage—different groups are joining efforts to find a solution soon. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Shafter broke ground on its first concrete sidewalks in the Mexican Colony neighborhood and will start laying concrete next Monday — Oct. 6. Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Healthcare professionals note that last year's high flu hospitalizations show the need for a flu shot to ready the community for this season. They say the vaccine, available in different doses for all ages, will be offered at local clinics—helping to protect everyone from severe illness. 23ABC News
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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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Goat Yoga Classes
8:30-9:30 a.m. — Cherry Acres — Bring your yoga mat — Enjoy a unique yoga experience complemented by friendly goats.
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Bely y Beto
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Cost info not available — Enjoy a vibrant family-friendly show featuring beloved characters Bely and Beto.
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Saliva Concert
11:30 AM – 8:00 PM — The Nile Theater — Ticketed event — Rock out with Saliva, the band that brought fresh energy and spirit since 2011.
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Doormat Crafting Event at Cherry Acres
6-8 p.m. — Cherry Acres — $45 — Create a personalized doormat with festive designs to enhance your fall decor.
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Paint Night at Cherry Acres
6 PM – 8 PM — Cherry Acres — $40 — Enjoy a guided painting session under the stars with snacks and drinks available.
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La Buena Y La Mala & Que Chulada Live
8 p.m. — La Movida Night Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant regional music vibes of celebrated artist Alexis Garcilazo.
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NOR's 70th Anniversary Festival
3-9 p.m. — Polo Park — Free entry — Celebrate seven decades of community spirit with games, live music, and a spectacular drone light show.
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
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Reveal the authorAbout Bakersfield Today
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