Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ From September 17 to 28, 2025, the Kern County Fair drew over 300,000 visitors despite intermittent rain—livestock auction sales reached $1.45M and several concerts sold out. The event also donated thousands of pounds of food, collected 8,000 pints of blood, and employed over 500 temporary workers as plans for next year are underway. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ On a narrow street just off Weedpatch Highway near Lamont, a vacant lot filled with dumped vehicles has been turned into a new pocket park in Fuller Acres—designed to give local residents a green space to enjoy. The community welcomed the park as a needed change in an area that lacked sidewalks. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ North of the River Recreation and Park District is celebrating 70 years with the NOR 70th Anniversary Festival—set for October 11 at Polo Community Park—marking decades of community service. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The St. Jude Dream Home built by John Balfanz Homes is now move in ready in the Golden Heights Community near Del Oro High School and Crescent Elementary School in Bakersfield — the single-story home with four bedrooms and two baths is valued at around $450,000. Community members can reserve giveaway tickets for $100 through Valley Strong Credit Union, with sales having begun on August 21. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Hard Rock Tejon Casino is set to open on Nov. 13 about 15 miles south of Bakersfield as construction near finish— it will have 3,000 slot machines, 48 table games, Hard Rock Cafe meals and provide over 1,000 permanent jobs. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 564 — which fixes the cannabis excise tax at 15% until 2028 — giving Off the Charts Dispensary in McFarland relief after a tax hike hurt sales last July. Managers said sales were rising on Friday and expect prices to remain steady until the tax law changes after June. 23ABC News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield Community Theatre, California’s oldest continuing theatre group, is returning downtown in a new venue at the historic Toucan Building after selling its South Chester property and plans to begin performances by September. In November, they will host the Magical Night Under the Stars Gala—an event to unveil the new interior design and celebrate nearly 100 seasons. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Get Faded Barber and Beauty College in southwest Bakersfield offers a six-month full-time cosmetology program—extendable to two years for part-time learners—for future barbers, estheticians, and manicurists. The school, led by Alma Casas with 25 years of industry experience, welcomes new enrollments during Hispanic Heritage Month with easy admission and flexible payment options. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bakersfield College held its first graduation for the mechatronics and robotics program for Amazon employees — 18 people finished 12 weeks of paid training at a career center in Shafter. The college will offer the program again next year to help fill tech jobs. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, about two dozen protesters gathered outside Congressman David Valadao’s office in Bakersfield—voicing concern that cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare will harm Kern County residents as the federal government entered its third shutdown day. 23ABC News
- ➤ Kern County farmers expressed concerns over Proposition 50 that will redraw congressional districts and may weaken their voice ahead of the November 4 special election; ballots are set to be mailed out on Monday and officials worry the 22nd District—currently led by Rep. David Valadao—could become more competitive. The measure raises fears that agricultural priorities will be at risk in Washington. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hall Ambulance graduated 12 new EMTs on Wednesday in Bakersfield and one recruit, Aubrielle Lucia, said her family’s care for medically fragile foster siblings inspired her career—her father expressed confidence in her skills. 23ABC News
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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