Bakersfield
Today
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ JJO Charities is partnering with Greg Mack for the Food and Ton of Toys Holiday Drive to benefit CAPK and Toys for Tots. Donations of non-perishable food—new unwrapped toys and essential goods—are accepted today through November 25 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Walmart parking lot on Gosford Road. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ AKC Reunite donated its 120th pet disaster relief trailer to Kern County to aid in emergencies, and the equipment was delivered on November 16 to help Kern County Animal Services shelter at least 65 pets — local clubs provided the support — and it will be used at future disaster scenes. Bakersfield Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Cornerstone Bakery in downtown Bakersfield offers creative Thanksgiving treats including a 'Thanksgiving dinner' cupcake set—where a carrot cupcake looks like peas and carrots and a mashed potato and gravy cupcake is topped with caramel. Customers can pre-order or buy in-store at the bakery located at 19th and D Street, which is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with special hours before Thanksgiving and closed on Thanksgiving Day. Bakersfield Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Employers' Training Resource provides programs that help displaced oil and gas workers find new career paths. Danette Williams said the service offers support for workers to match their skills with opportunities in other industries. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield City School District is planning a new cell phone policy to limit student use on campus and support safety and learning. The board — following AB3216 — will involve students, parents, and staff in making rules, with the policy set to start next school year. 23ABC News
- ➤ Bakersfield Christian High School took over Stockdale Christian School operations with a new agreement that formed Bakersfield Christian Schools — a governing body set to offer stability and new education options to local families. The schools will soon work on aligning their curriculum and creating student pathway programs. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Central Valley birthed the finger plan school design when Bakersfield-born Ernest Kump Jr. created the first example at Fowler Grammar School in Fowler, south of Fresno. The design features single-story classrooms connected with outdoor corridors and north-facing windows—promoting natural light and airflow and influencing schools across the state. KVPR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Firefighters from the Bakersfield Fire Department and the Kern County Fire Department held a live demonstration that showed dipping a cold or frozen turkey into hot oil can quickly start a fire—officials stressed that a thawed turkey and controlled oil temperature are needed for safe cooking. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The new HR 1 rules have put nearly 19,000 Kern County residents at risk of losing CalFresh benefits when state waivers expire—work requirements now tighten who qualifies for help. The policy also restricts benefits to legal permanent residents—about 2,000 non-citizens could lose access as exemptions for veterans, homeless individuals, and caretakers of children are removed. 23ABC News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Adventist Health expanded primary care services in Delano by launching a new facility at 1201 Jefferson Street — the event featured live mariachi music and facility tours, and Dr. Eric Zamora is now offering care in both English and Spanish. The new services improve local healthcare access for children and adults. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Health officials in Tulare County warned of a rise in tuberculosis cases this week while Kern County Public Health said local risk remains low. Health experts will continue monitoring the situation—updating guidance if needed—so residents stay informed. The Bakersfield Californian
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Mila is a nearly two-year-old German Shepherd at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center—she is calm, dog friendly and mellow and could be a great pet for a family. Found tied to a fence downtown in early November—she is now available for adoption and ready for her forever home. 23ABC News
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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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Women's Basketball Match: CSUB vs. Eastern Washington
2-5 p.m. — Icardo Center — Tickets from $11.20 — Catch an exciting women's basketball game as CSUB faces off against Eastern Washington.
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