Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Veterans Last Patrol is asking Kern County residents for help finding surviving World War II veterans so they can be honored in the upcoming Veterans Day Parade on Tuesday, November 11th. Led by Barney Diamos, the group is working with partners like American Legion Post 26—organizing honor ceremonies and shadow boxes to recognize roughly 7,700 living veterans in California. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Local Wreaths Across America volunteers said they need extra help this year to honor 7,600 veterans buried at Bakersfield National Cemetery — they are asking for donations and support during a tough giving season. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Boo at the Zoo begins today at CALM offering Halloween games, costume fun, and prizes as visitors enjoy themed decorations and animal displays until Oct. 19 — tickets cost $5 for kids and $12 for adults, with free entry for children 2 and under. Bakersfield Now
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday morning, a major storm hit Kern County and brought heavy rain, flooding, and power outages that led to multiple crashes on Highway 99 in Bakersfield (with a stalled car and box truck rollover reported) while PG&E restored power for many customers (Caltrans cleared flooding by 9:30 a.m.). Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ In-N-Out Burger plans to open a new restaurant in Bakersfield but did not reveal its location because it is still in the development application process—city officials confirmed that they are reviewing the application and permit approval will lead to construction taking about 8-9 months. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At a board meeting on Tuesday night, Kern County schools discussed if the Ten Commandments should be displayed — the debate has drawn strong views from Liberty Counsel and local community members. The board will vote on the matter on November 13, and any decision would only affect KCSOS Alternative Education schools. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield College was recognized as a Pathway Champion by the Campaign for College Opportunity for expanding student transfer paths (announced Tuesday, October 14). An awards ceremony will be held on Zoom on October 23 at 10:00 a.m. (featuring leaders such as Campaign President Jerry Ryan) to honor the achievement. Bakersfield College
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County leaders celebrated the opening of a $21-million compost facility—located in Shafter on October 14—that is expected to provide environmental and economic benefits to local government and businesses. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ A new compost facility on Scofield Avenue opened in Bakersfield after its ceremony was moved from Shafter because of rain. The plant, completed in September after construction started in April, will turn organic waste into quality compost to help local farms—diverting 100,000 tons from landfills and lowering methane and water use. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ California has required social media companies to add warning labels for users under 18 that show a 10-second skippable prompt at first login and a 30-second unskippable prompt after three hours of use— Gov. Newsom signed the law on Monday and the measure also forces AI developers to include safety disclosures for chatbots. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Kern County Public Works delivered sand at nine locations in Kern County to help residents prepare for heavy rainfall forecast—residents must bring their own shovels and sandbags while empty bags are available at local hardware stores. KUZZ
- ➤ California restaurants will have to list major food allergens on their menus starting in 2026—this new law, signed by the governor, makes the state the first to require such disclosures. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Thousands of healthcare workers have gone on strike at Kaiser Permanente facilities, including in Bakersfield, as unions demand a 25% wage increase to address staffing and patient care concerns. Kaiser stated that its facilities will remain open and patients should keep their appointments — contract talks are ongoing. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Nine-year-old Delilah Loya, a former Roosevelt Elementary student, died last year from stage four neuroblastoma after a five-year fight. Her family turned heartbreak into hope by starting the Hey There Delilah Foundation and publishing children’s books like Winter the Wonder Dog—proceeds now help local families during cancer treatment. 23ABC News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bakersfield Career Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield — Free entry — Connect with local and Fortune 500 employers to explore job opportunities in various fields.
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2025 CARS Tour West at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway
6:00 PM – 8:59 PM — Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway — Cost information not specified — Witness thrilling racing as the CARS Tour West ends its 2025 season with exciting late model action.
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