Good morning, Bakersfield.

Recent data shows a 2.3% decrease in Kern County's homeless population, which now stands at 2,606 individuals.

Community leaders and groups like the Mission of Kern County continue hosting the Conversations on a Bench livestream—hoping to find new ways to reduce homelessness.

Helping One Woman is hosting a community dinner in Bakersfield to support 12-year-old Adriana Padilla who is battling leukemia—attendees bring meals and $10 gifts to show love and support.

The event helped former recipient Brenda Corona and will return on October 21 to aid another community member in need.

Organizers of the annual Kern County Veterans Stand Down event in Bakersfield said over 115 vendors provided resources, donations and services to support local veterans, breaking previous records.

Army veteran Freddie Poplin and Marine veteran Johnny Contreras expressed gratitude for the community help—showing strong local support for veterans.

Two former Cal State Bakersfield softball players filed a lawsuit on Oct.

7 against the university’s Board of Trustees and former assistant coach James Davenport—alleging negligent hiring practices created a toxic environment with racial slurs and unwanted touching. The suit seeks general and punitive damages.

Bakersfield College hosted its annual High School Counselor Conference on October 3 where over 100 local counselors met for breakfast, a resource fair, breakout sessions on legislative updates and transfer pathways, and presentations by Vice Presidents Dr. Jimenez and Dr. Wojtysiak—participants left the event energized and ready to continue improving student support.

More than 800 customers in central and downtown Bakersfield lost power Thursday due to an outage from Yokuts Park to Chester Avenue — PG&E said a team was evaluating the system to safely restore service.

Houchin Community Blood Bank is urging Kern County residents to donate blood this fall as local supplies dwindle and is running two promotions from Oct.

13–18 where donors receive two seats to a Bakersfield College Renegades home game and a chance to win Scare Valley tickets via a digital QR code entry—appointments are available online or by phone.

Health insurance premiums are expected to increase by 10 to 20% in 2026 as federal tax credits expire and healthcare costs rise due to inflation and high-priced medications — those buying individual plans, including independent contractors and agricultural workers, will face higher bills.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law that will ban ultra-processed foods from Kern County schools and require schools to begin removing them by July 2029—vendors will not be allowed to supply these items by 2032 and school meals will be free of them by July 2035.

Delano will host the second annual North Kern Cancer Run tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Heritage Park Museum—more than 120 participants have registered to raise funds for local cancer patients, including resident Brandi Demery who is battling uterine carcinosarcoma.

Links for Life, which has served Kern County for 33 years, offers two free custom wigs to women losing their hair from cancer treatment — helping them feel normal and confident.

Last year the program provided over 700 wigs and it continues to support survivors in need.

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.

A-Z Foundation Group Golf Tournament

8 AM – 3 PM — Rio Bravo Country Club — Fundraising Scramble — Tee off for a good cause at this charity golf tournament.

Trick or Trot 5K

8-10 a.m. — Cherry Acres — $25 Early Registration — A spirited 5K with costume contests and a kid-friendly run at the pumpkin patch.

Halloween Pub Crawl in Bakersfield

4:30-9 p.m. — Jerry's Pizza & Pub — Tickets required — Embrace the spooky season with contests, prizes, and a night of haunted fun.

Black Jacket Symphony Fundraiser

4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Benefitting the St. Paul Civic Symphony — Enjoy an evening of music supporting a great cause.

Whittier Poets vs. Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners Basketball Game

7:00 PM — Icardo Center — Check ESPN+ for broadcasting — Don’t miss the showdown as the Whittier Poets take on the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners in an exciting basketball matchup.

Women's Basketball Game vs. Fresno State

12 AM – 9 PM — Icardo Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer for the home team in an exciting matchup against Fresno State.

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - An American Salute

4:30-6 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a patriotic musical tribute with festive marches and stirring classics honoring those who serve.

Hyde Sundayz: Week 2

9:00 PM – 1:30 AM — Ay Mi Pa Mexican Grill & Cantina — $10 — House music enthusiasts will enjoy a night of continuous beats.