Bakersfield
Today
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Bakersfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kaiser Permanente Southern California awarded Community Action Partnership of Kern a $60,000 grant on Thursday, Dec. 18 to buy 81,000 pounds of food that nets 67,500 meals for Kern residents — over 20 volunteers packed boxes at the food bank. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ Dustin's Diner opens during the Christmas season in Haggin Oaks to raise funds for homelessness outreach through the Open Door Network (over $20,000 donated annually) while serving hot chocolate and cookies. The event began in 1993 by brothers Dustin and Daniel Kilpatrick and remains a cherished community tradition. Bakersfield Now
- ➤ The Kern County Probation Office hosted a Christmas party for APC participants and their families — featuring raffle gifts and over 200 presents donated by Santa and Amazon. The event celebrated progress and helped rebuild strong family ties. 23ABC News
- ➤ The Kern County and Bakersfield fire departments held a demonstration on Thursday, Dec. 18 to show how quickly dry Christmas trees can ignite. Fire officials advised watering trees daily and using battery-operated candles (safety measures to reduce the risk of devastating fires). Bakersfield Now
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kern County Public Works Department is preparing to recycle Christmas trees after the holiday by setting up 22 drop-off spots across the county. Residents can use these designated locations once festivities end. The Bakersfield Californian
- ➤ Starting in 2026, California retailers will stop providing single-use plastic bags and require shoppers to use paper or reusable options to cut plastic pollution; the change follows a 2016 voter-approved ban and aims to protect the environment. 23ABC News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Reps. Fong and Valadao joined over 100 Congress members on Thursday to urge Senate and House leaders to offer more support for specialty crop growers — a move aimed at securing a better deal for local agriculture. The Bakersfield Californian
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new housing development is proposed at an almond orchard near Independence High School in southwest Bakersfield. The plan would add more housing units as community needs grow. The Bakersfield Californian
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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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Comedy Night with David Koechner
6:30-10:00 p.m. — Temblor Brewing Company — $35 General Admission ($50 Preferred Seating) — Enjoy a night filled with laughs from actor and comedian David Koechner.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louisa May Alcott
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