Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
Good morning, Bakersfield.
🏘️ Community
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.
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.
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.
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.
💼 Business
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.
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.
🎭 Culture
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.
🎓 Education
The Kern County Board of Education will vote next month on a resolution to display historical documents (including the Ten Commandments) in all school buildings.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.
🏥 Health
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.
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.
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.
🎉 Bakersfield Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🏠 Bakersfield Real Estate
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💼 Bakersfield Job Board
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📣 Bakersfield Announcements
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