Bakersfield Today Logo Bakersfield Today

Friday, December 12th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • California Living Museum warns visitors against fake tickets for its Holiday Lights display after the code CR2025 was mistakenly shared online — valid tickets are available only on the official CALM website.  KUZZ
  • Bakersfield is among 128 cities hosting Giving Machines at Shops at River Walk. A ribbon-cutting is set for Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m., and donations will benefit local groups including CAPK Food Bank and Open Door Network (among others) from Dec. 13 to Jan. 3.  23ABC News

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Dearly Beloved Floral and Gifts offers holiday centerpieces, plants, and custom ornaments with arrangements starting at $50. The shop at 10530 Rosedale Highway accepts walk-ins and pre-orders and provides same-day delivery until Christmas Eve — free delivery on Dec. 24 for dinner pieces.  Bakersfield Now

CULTURE NEWS

  • The Brewster family is hosting its annual winter wonderland light show featuring comedy skits, four songs + 5 talking segments and a countdown to a free display that begins at 6 p.m. nightly at 11512 Tagus Drive and runs through New Year's with extra showtimes on weekends.  Bakersfield Now
  • A local studio in Downtown Bakersfield is hosting an ornament-making workshop for adults (a hands-on holiday activity) this season, giving participants a chance to create unique keepsakes for the holidays.  Bakersfield Now
  • The Soda Crackers will celebrate their first album release on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Fairfax Grange on Fairfax Road; the event features a vinyl DJ at 2 p.m., dance lessons at 8 p.m., a performance by Emily Rose and the Rounders, and $20 tickets at the door.  Bakersfield Now

EDUCATION NEWS

  • On Thursday, the Kiwanis Club of Delano delivered 2,220 books to students at Delano Union Elementary and nearby Tulare and Pond districts to boost literacy skills, especially among third graders (a project five years in the making).  23ABC News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Kern County will resume issuing oil and gas permits in North Bakersfield on Jan. 2, 2026 after a decade-long legal battle — District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores said the move could boost local production and create jobs while industry leader Rock Zierman warned of potential drilling headwinds.  Bakersfield Now

HEALTH NEWS

  • Today the Kern County Veterans Chambers of Commerce hosts its quarterly Veteran Thrive meeting to provide support and resources for veterans facing holiday stress. Leaders encourage sharing and community connection (a safe space for mental health) to help veterans overcome challenges.  23ABC News
  • Suze Lopez of Bakersfield gave birth to a full-term baby days after learning she was pregnant—doctors said the baby developed in her abdomen behind an ovarian tumor that was later removed, and the family is now home and well.  23ABC News
  • Bakersfield Recovery Services reports a 30 to 50 percent increase in help calls during the holiday season — prompting local experts to advise residents to use available treatment and counseling resources to manage holiday stress.  23ABC News
  • Starting in February, Kern County will deploy new portable AI-powered ECG machines to speed heart attack detection in the field, helping first responders deliver timely care. The county is the first in California to adopt this advanced technology.  The Bakersfield Californian

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 12/13/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sun, 12/14/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 12/16/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 12/19/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 12/20/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 12/27/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 12/31/25

    View event
  • Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra Live

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

    Mon, 1/5/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Bakersfield Today

Welcome to the Bakersfield Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bakersfield, California community. If you like the Bakersfield Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bakersfield.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bakersfield and across California. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Bakersfield Today

A free Bakersfield community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here