Bakersfield
Today
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Blue Zones Project and Valley Children's Ice Center are hosting a free skate event on Saturday, November 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the ice center on Q Street—bring a non-perishable food item to skate free as donations go to Golden Empire Gleaners. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Houchin Community Blood Bank and CAPK launched a holiday food drive amid the government shutdown that asks Bakersfield residents to donate non-perishable foods at three local sites until the end of the year—donors who give blood alongside food receive a cozy blanket and a free large pizza voucher from Tony’s Pizza. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Danny and Kait Hill of Hill Broadcasting bought three Kern County radio stations (KLLY 95.3, KKBB 99.3, and KNZR AM/FM) and said they will keep a focus on serving local community groups; the deal will be completed once FCC approval comes early next year. 23ABC News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield College hosted two Native American discussion panels on its SouthWest and Panorama campuses yesterday to honor Native American Heritage Month — bringing together past and current students, tribal leaders, and scholars for discussions and networking. The events featured questions and answers sessions and ended with a lively debate — with keynote Bobby Martin set to speak on November 20th at the Delano campus. Bakersfield College
- ➤ Bakersfield College hosted the HBCU Caravan event on November 5 at its Renegade Event Center where nearly 300 students from local high schools and community colleges met with 27 representatives from 16 HBCUs to learn about transfer options. The event offered on-site applications and support for transferring (via the CCC to HBCU program) to make higher education more accessible. Bakersfield College
- ➤ Stockdale Christian School now operates under Bakersfield Christian High School leadership to align classes, programs, and student paths—school president Matthew Guinn said families will keep trusting the same experience. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Several CSUB students expressed discomfort after receiving an email about a DHS compliance audit on campus Tuesday. University officials stated the routine check focused on international student programs—there was no immigration enforcement and no unusual activity was observed. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Golden Empire Transit was awarded $11.79 million by the Department of Transportation to upgrade its low or no-emission bus fleet—an initiative announced by Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff that will improve transit sustainability statewide. The funds are part of nearly $300 million allocated to transit agencies for cleaner and more efficient transportation. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Philip Peters of the District One Board of Supervisors announced November as National Adoption Awareness Month with his Department of Human Services team yesterday—Cliff Taylor from the Kern County Adoption Agency said over two thousand children in foster care need stable homes and noted that foster parents Veronica and Modesto Ramos, who adopted seven children, are honored for their care. Bakersfield Now
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Santa's Christmas Shoppe at Patio Spaces, a cherished holiday destination for over 40 years, has opened its doors early to offer Kern County visitors festive decorations and displays — including a Ralph Lauren inspired tree with a raffle benefiting Garden Pathways — while remaining open until the second week of January. Bakersfield Now
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Stephen Pelz, executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern, celebrated the opening of new affordable housing developments in southeast Bakersfield that include eight affordable units and larger projects. The developments added needed housing options for local families. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ A new affordable housing project opened in Bakersfield, giving eight families a home at $799 monthly rent — chosen from 2,700 applicants — as part of efforts to address the housing shortage. Local officials said delays and rising construction costs — driving up expenses — mean more affordable housing projects are needed in the city. 23ABC News
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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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Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - Home for the Holidays
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Dignity Health Arena, Theater and Convention Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a festive musical celebration perfect for the holiday season.
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Sustainable Mushroom Growing Class
6-8 p.m. — 3601 Eton St, Bakersfield, CA — Cost to be determined — Learn to grow your own delicious mushrooms sustainably using the bucket technique.
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CSUB Holiday Concert
3-5 p.m. — Doré Theatre — $12 General Admission, $7 Seniors and Students, CSUB Students Free — Experience festive performances from local music groups in a theatric setting.
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Gryffindor House Celebration
5-11:30 p.m. — Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266 — Ticket entry — An enchanting evening filled with courage, trivia, and a themed feast honoring Gryffindor's legacy.
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Philip Labes and The Opener Screening
7-10 p.m. — Doré Theatre — Tickets available at the door — Catch the inspiring documentary followed by a live performance and autograph session with Philip Labes.
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Hanukkah 8 Krazy Kilometers Fun Run
8:30 AM – 6:00 PM — Panorama Vista Preserve — Registration required — Celebrate Hanukkah with a fun run for all ages through the beautiful landscape of Bakersfield.
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Nobel University Knights vs. CSU Bakersfield Roadrunners Men's Basketball
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Icardo Center — Ticket prices may apply — Cheer on the local Knights as they face off against the Roadrunners in an exciting basketball showdown.
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Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
11 AM – 2 PM — The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater — $63 per ticket — Experience a magical ballet with international dancers and whimsical puppetry this holiday season.
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