Good morning, Bakersfield.

Bakersfield is hosting Giving Machines for families in need; two machines will be available for donations from Dec.

13 through Jan. 3 following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Shops at River Walk — all profits go to local nonprofits.

Kern Medical and OneLegacy honored local organ donor James Reeve when his floragraph was unveiled today; it will appear on the Donate Life float at the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena (a tribute to his life-saving legacy).

Bear Valley Springs residents are urged by the Community Services District to pick up mail promptly this holiday season because parcel lockers are becoming full and increasing the risk of theft.

The advisory was posted on social media as holiday package deliveries rise.

Santa and his elves delivered gifts including a toy, shoes and a sweater to about 280 students at Di Giorgio Elementary School in Arvin today, as part of a holiday event organized by the Jingle Bell Club.

The Independent Living Center of Kern County got a $15,000 grant on Wednesday, Dec.

10 to bolster its Assistive Technology Repair and Reuse Program that provides free mobility devices for individuals with disabilities. Executive director Jimmie Soto asks the community to donate wheelchairs and walkers to meet high demand.

The 8th annual '8 Krazy Kilometers' Hanukkah run is scheduled for Sunday, Dec.

14 at Panorama Vista Preserve. Race organizer Stacy Davis said the event features an 8K race, a kids 2K, custom medals, swag, refreshments, and a raffle that supports Temple Beth El and the Kern River Parkway Foundation.

Frazier Park High School FFA students hosted a breakfast on Wednesday morning to honor local veterans who missed an official Veterans Day celebration, offering a chance for veterans to share their life stories and feel recognized by the community (organized by FFA).

Kern County is set to expand oil drilling activity starting 2026 as a new law permits up to 2,000 wells yearly over the next decade.

The planning department will begin accepting permit applications January 2 (next year) and job returns are expected gradually.

Dr. John Gerhold (a Music professor at Bakersfield College) received the MACCC Honors Award on Wednesday, Dec.

10 for 26 years of board service at the Fall Conference in Berkeley. He plans to retire after the Spring semester in 2026 and will host a final recital in April.

Kern County Board of Education dropped its plan to display the Ten Commandments at schools after a Texas federal court ruling influenced the decision Tuesday in Bakersfield.

Board President Mary Little said the ruling made the proposal a battle not worth fighting.

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 0.25% to a range between 3.5 and 3.75 (the third reduction since September), which may affect rates on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages for local borrowers.

Clinica Sierra Vista opened its new Lexington Community Health Center in Delano at 325 South Lexington Street on Wednesday afternoon, featuring 13 exam rooms with modern equipment.

The facility will support over 20,000 annual patient visits once fully staffed.

Kern County Animal Services features Winter, a 3-year-old husky mix available for adoption in Bakersfield.

The shelter says she is gentle (dog friendly) and ready to brighten someone’s home.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mechanics Bank Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch as the Bakersfield Condors take on the San Diego Gulls in an exciting hockey matchup.

NYE 90's Party

9:00 – 11:30 PM — The Padre Hotel — $20 presale — Dance the night away at a 90's themed NYE celebration with Social Vibe and special features.

Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra Live

Evening event — Every 1st & 3rd Monday — Crusader Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy live jazz with top musicians in a fun atmosphere.

Fog Run

4-8 p.m. — Lake Ming, Bakersfield, CA — Registration required — Participate in the 36th Annual 5K-10K Fog Run to support at-risk individuals in Kern County.