Bakersfield Today Logo Bakersfield Today

Thursday, October 16th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • A new study by the UC Merced Community and Labor Center and the Dolores Huerta Foundation surveyed nearly 4,000 residents in Fresno, Kern, Kings, and Tulare and found that many South Central Valley families struggle with high housing costs, food shortages, and limited healthcare (survey done from August 2023 to May 2024). The results will be shared with local policymakers to help address these ongoing challenges.  23ABC News
  • Miss Patty (a two-year-old pitbull) is available for adoption through SOS Dog Rescue; she was rescued from the city shelter in June 2024 and is friendly with people and dogs. The rescue will host its annual Music & Beer Fest fundraiser on Oct. 18 to support its work.  23ABC News
  • One hundred and one military veterans were honored in Bakersfield today as local residents cheered their return from diverse conflicts — a tribute to their service.  The Bakersfield Californian
  • Today, the UC Merced Community and Labor Center and the Dolores Huerta Foundation unveiled a study at the Bakersfield Museum of Art that found severe labor, environmental, and resource challenges in South Central Valley communities. The report surveyed over 3,000 households in Kern, Tulare, Kings, and Fresno and revealed high utility costs, unsafe public spaces, and limited access to clean water, healthcare, and affordable housing — prompting calls for targeted public investments.  Bakersfield Now

BUSINESS NEWS

  • A new In‑N‑Out Burger is planned for Bakersfield with social media reports pointing to a southwest site at Panama Lane and Gosford Road — a spokesman said the process normally takes nine months from pulling permits to grand opening. There are three existing locations, and the final site remains unconfirmed.  KUZZ
  • After clients received a 30-day notice, the long-time Kern Ice and Cold Storage Company — a fixture on 30th Street off Union Avenue for 80 years — will close its doors soon. Rankin Ranch Beef Company announced it will move its stored frozen beef from the facility in the coming days.  Bakersfield Now

CULTURE NEWS

  • The 27th Annual Via Arté Italian Street Painting Festival will take place this weekend at The Marketplace at 9000 Ming Ave where over 75 artists and high school teams create pavement art from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday—attendees will vote for the People’s Choice award on Sunday at 4 p.m.  Bakersfield Now

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The Kern County Board of Education will vote next month on a resolution to display historical documents (including the Ten Commandments) in all school buildings. The board (which will consider community input and educational guidelines) is set to discuss the proposal at its upcoming meeting.  The Bakersfield Californian

HEALTH NEWS

  • A new health clinic project is planned for Weedpatch Highway in east Bakersfield that brings together a local hospital, a manufacturer, and a Pennsylvania partner to serve underserved Medi-Cal patients. The project is developing inside a local factory and is expected to expand health care access in the community.  The Bakersfield Californian
  • Bakersfield leaders are hosting the Kingdom Men of Action Conference at Bakersfield College on October 18 to encourage men to share their feelings and care for their mental health—this event is part of World Mental Health Awareness Month and seeks to break the stigma around men's emotions.  23ABC News
  • Thousands of Kaiser Permanente nurses and health care workers in Bakersfield began a five-day strike on Tuesday — they are demanding better pay and more staff to ensure patient safety. Kaiser said it already pays 16% above market rates and offered a 21.5% raise over four years while promising to keep hospitals open.  23ABC News

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 10/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 10/25/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 10/26/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 11/6/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 11/7/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 11/8/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 11/9/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 11/11/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 11/14/25

    View event
  • Los Admirables De La Sierra Concert

    8 PM — La Movida Night Club — Ticket prices available — Experience the vibrant rhythms and heartfelt melodies of traditional Mexican music.

    Sat, 11/15/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The greatest teacher is your last mistake.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Bakersfield Today

Welcome to the Bakersfield Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bakersfield, California community. If you like the Bakersfield Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bakersfield.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bakersfield and across California. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Bakersfield Today

A free Bakersfield community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here