Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Families in Bakersfield will soon enjoy two local pumpkin patches as the Banducci family and Murray Family Farms host fall events in October. The Banducci patch started from an excess of pumpkins given away by Raymond Banducci and now offers corn mazes, petting zoos, pony rides, and a hay bale maze for children—while Murray’s, in business for 33 years, features a sunflower and corn maze with free pumpkins included with each ticket. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Marley's Mutts has launched its Mutt Mover program to transport shelter dogs from Kern County to rescue partners—four-month-old Delilah is ready to go to Colorado. The program has moved over 700 dogs in nine months—temporary foster homes for a week are needed before the dogs are moved. 23ABC News
- ➤ Families in Kern County can join safe Halloween events this month—Bakersfield's CALM Boo at the Zoo will run on October 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with games and prizes, and trunk-or-treat events in Greenlawn, Shafter, McFarland, Wasco and Tehachapi will offer trick-or-treating, live music and costume contests. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ In Frazier Park, Mike the Can Man has been collecting cans, bottles, and glass to help his family rebuild after a fire destroyed his niece's home. He has raised over $800 so far and plans to stop collecting on October 31—aiming to reach $1,000 one can at a time. 23ABC News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Kern County will unveil its inaugural Victims of Violent Crime Memorial today during the Crime Victims’ Rights March and Candlelight Vigil—featuring an ossuary with names and photos of homicide victims from 1873 and allowing families to submit a 4x7 photo by Oct. 22 for review. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College recognized student parents and the programs that help them balance school and family, including CARE, CalWORKs — and the Child Development Center. More than 250 student parents received support last year and the college remains committed to their success. Bakersfield College
- ➤ Kern County welcomed 12 new emergency responders when Hall EMT Academy’s 50th class graduated Wednesday afternoon at The Collective downtown—these recruits completed 10 weeks of rigorous training and passed the national exam before beginning five weeks of field training. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Today, the nonprofit Charmed & Chosen Inc. opened its STEM computer lab to help local youth learn science, technology, engineering, math and art using tools like laptops & microscopes. The lab is supported by Leadership Bakersfield Team 3 and a Kern Health Systems Community Grant to build confidence and real-world skills. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Construction crews are working on a $4.6M project that repaves 2.5 miles of University Avenue with lane closures, new bike lanes, and ADA ramps. The work started on September 19 and will continue until December 22—after which crews will begin work on the north side. 23ABC News
- ➤ The federal shutdown is slowly affecting local agencies as Rep. Valadao warned that delays might soon hit services from the VA or USDA while food bank and nutrition programs remain funded for now — Kern County officials say they are monitoring the situation and preparing contingency plans if the shutdown continues. 23ABC News
- ➤ The U.S. Senate failed to get enough votes with 47 in favor and 53 against to fund the government through Nov. 21, so a federal government shutdown begins today as lawmakers trade blame. Economists warn that Kern County defense contractors may face unpaid furloughs — a concern that could worsen local job losses. Bakersfield Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield artist Chris Rodriguez, who battled kidney failure, dialysis, and cancer for eight years, received a life-saving kidney transplant on September 22 at USC Keck Medical Center. He credits his art for keeping him strong—he now starts recovery while facing challenges like not being able to lift over 10 pounds and having missed his daughter’s first birthday. 23ABC News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Banducci’s Family Pumpkin Patch reopened on October 1 at 10747 Taft Highway for the fall season with hours of Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.—Halloween hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—and the admission rate is $5 per person with kids under 5 free. Pony rides and the petting zoo will cost extra starting October 4. Bakersfield Now
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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.
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