Bakersfield
Today
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Supervisor Jeff Flores and Kern County celebrated the grand reopening of Stramler Park at the Metro Recreation Complex on Chester Avenue Friday morning. The park received over $2.3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to add retractable shade canopies, activity courts, upgraded accessible parking + enhanced BMX track lighting. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bakersfield secured a $7.3 million state grant to improve neglected Southeast neighborhoods where officials plan to add streetlights, safer sidewalks, and other projects using the Southeast Strong Initiative (including plans for affordable housing and community gardens). Residents are invited to share input on needed improvements. 23ABC News
- ➤ Raíces of Kern is hosting its 10th Annual Toy Drive and Co-Ed Soccer Tournament to support children in rural Kern County—organizer Javier Ba said the event will benefit local families. Bakersfield Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The CSU system approved a centralized NAGPRA policy to enhance repatriation efforts at CSUB—each campus will appoint a full-time coordinator. CSUB hired indigenous liaison David Silva to consult with tribal communities and help return ancestral remains and cultural items. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Bill Hatcher, the former Kern High School District Superintendent, died at 83 on Friday, Dec. 12. His career began in 1964 as a teacher and coach at Shafter High and later advanced to principals at East Bakersfield and Centennial High before retiring in 2004. Bakersfield Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Assemblyman Stan Ellis visited a local care center & discussed issues affecting older residents before his term ends. He remains hopeful that key initiatives can be accomplished in his final year. The Bakersfield Californian
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Bakersfield mother gave birth to baby Ryu at Cedars-Sinai days after discovering her pregnancy, with doctors describing his rare abdominal pregnancy (a one-in-a-million event) as miraculous; the family has since returned home. 23ABC News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Bakersfield Christian High School Eagles aim to win the state title in the CIF Division One championship game tonight. The undefeated team (13-0) will face St. Mary’s High School from Stockton at Saddleback College at 4 p.m., while community members host a watch party. Bakersfield Now
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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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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.
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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.
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Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra Live
Evening event — Every 1st & 3rd Monday — Crusader Brewing — Free entry — Enjoy live jazz with top musicians in a fun atmosphere.
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
~ Jim Rohn
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