Bakersfield
Today
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today is the last day to be eligible for the Bonus Prize in the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, where each $100 ticket offers a chance to win a Liberty Presidential 40 Gloss Home Safe with Electric Lock & free in-home installation courtesy of T&T Liberty Safes, Inc. The home in the Golden Heights Community will be given away live on KBAK-CBS on November 21, and ticket sales at Valley Strong Credit Union branches support children fighting cancer & help families avoid treatment bills. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The Community Action Partnership of Kern — urging help amid rising food insecurity from the federal shutdown — has called on Bakersfield residents to donate shelf-stable foods, volunteer, or give monetary donations since CalFresh benefits will be unavailable in November. Starting Monday, CAPK will distribute food at the Kern County Fairgrounds — federal workers and CalFresh recipients must show proper ID — while others facing food insecurity can call 2-1-1 to find help nearby. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Smith's Bakery in Bakersfield celebrated 80 years of service after being founded in 1945 by Roy Balmain and Howard Smith. Owner Jim Balmain and his team start baking at 5:30 a.m.—preparing treats like the signature smiley face cookie—to keep the bakery a cherished community landmark. 23ABC News
- ➤ Community leaders in Bakersfield say parents should add reflective tape to costumes and stay with their children this Halloween weekend—police urge drivers to slow down and be alert for small pedestrians. Local safety experts also advise adults who drink to use ride-sharing options to ensure everyone gets home safely. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield police officers swapped their badges for bags of candy as they hosted the annual HalLAWeen celebration at their headquarters on Truxtun Ave — offering local families a safe place to trick-or-treat amid Halloween festivities. Hundreds of costumed children attended the free event. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ 101-year-old WWII veteran Bill Galaspie will return to Europe for the first time since 1945 to visit Battle of the Bulge sites and honor his fallen comrades. He will travel with local historian Arnold Martinez from December 9th through 17th. 23ABC News
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A hazardous materials team responded on Thursday morning to an ammonia leak at Titan Cold Storage on Browning Road in Delano—firefighters in fully encapsulated suits worked to mitigate the risk until the leak was contained. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Sing Lum Elementary, Principal Dion Lovio announced via Canvas that the school will cancel Halloween celebrations next month and require students to wear regular clothes—stating that the day will focus on testing. Some parents in Bakersfield expressed frustration—arguing that late and unclear updates disrupt long-held traditions. 23ABC News
- ➤ April Raguindin, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary, was named one of five 2026 California Teachers of the Year after state education officials announced the honor yesterday—she was also nominated as California’s representative for the National Teacher of the Year competition. Raguindin is recognized for her work as a reading interventionist and for expanding after-school programs in literacy, gardening, and cooking for her students. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Two lanes on southbound I-5 at Grapevine Road were closed for construction Thursday night, and drivers encountered heavy traffic as advised by CHP (Grapevine Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility). Bakersfield Now
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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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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.
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Cinderella by World Ballet Company
7-8:30 p.m. — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting tale of Cinderella come to life with a stunning ballet performance.
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Jefferson Starship Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Tickets required — Experience the psychedelic rock sounds of Jefferson Starship live in Bakersfield.
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Mississippi Valley Delta Devils vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners Men's Basketball
1:00 – 2:30 PM — Icardo Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting college basketball showdown as the Delta Devils take on the Roadrunners.
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