Bakersfield
Today
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A nine-year-old boy (Jace Swader) helped a woman who had a medical emergency during his walk to school on November 3 and flagged a driver to call 911 before staying with her until help arrived. Ridgecrest officials later honored him at a city council meeting where emergency personnel praised his quick action and kindness. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bakersfield resident Noe Torres won the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway on November 20 when he received the keys to a new three-bedroom house in Golden Heights—built by John Balfanz Homes. The event raised over $828,000 to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and featured a community signing event earlier in the year. Bakersfield Now
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ KVPR's Central Valley Roots featured the history of Bakersfield's Oleander-Sunset neighborhood—one of the city's oldest areas that blends grand mansions and modest bungalows around the iconic Beale Park and its Greek Theatre built in 1908. Development began in the late 1880s and the area has grown into a diverse community over time. KVPR
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new report showed Cal State Bakersfield generated nearly $500 million in activity by creating more than 5,000 jobs, earning $200 million in wages and collecting $40 million in taxes. President Vernon B. Harper Jr. said every dollar spent returned up to $16 in activity — including alumni spending that raised the return to $60 — as the school continued to grow. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield Christian High School is guiding Stockdale Christian School— which opened in 1977 with 63 students and three staff members. The Bakersfield Californian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Heavy rain has moved nearly 90% of Kern County out of drought warnings, giving farmers more water for their crops (experts advise keeping water use low as the change may be temporary). 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ All Kern County Library locations and the Bookmobile will close on Dec. 5 for their annual Staff In-Service Day — the closure is for scheduled staff training. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Fire officials in Bakersfield and Kern County held a demonstration on Wednesday at the Olive Drive Fire Training facility to show how dropping a frozen turkey into hot oil can cause a dangerous kitchen fire. They urged residents to use a hose and extinguisher—instead of water—to put out a fire before it spreads. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Bureau of Land Management announced Thursday that it will conduct prescribed burns in Keysville Recreation Area + Walker Pass Campgrounds when conditions allow this fall and winter to reduce wildfire risks+. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic launches its annual Family Holiday Experience to help families with Thanksgiving food baskets and Christmas gifts—such as a tree, ornaments and dinner—as rising costs increase the need for support. The nearly 20-year program aims to keep low-income families engaged in treatment and enjoying a full holiday season. 23ABC News
- ➤ Clinica Sierra Vista opened a new Pulmonology Center at 3801 San Dimas Street in Bakersfield—built to meet the rising demand for respiratory care driven by high rates of asthma and Valley fever. The 2,560-square-foot facility offers specialized treatment for chronic respiratory diseases and aims to shorten long wait times for patients. 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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