Good morning, Bakersfield.

Golden Empire Gleaners distributed Christmas food baskets for the first time in 40 years in Kern County on Monday thanks to a partnership with California Resources Corporation & will serve another 100 to 150 families today.

Les Schwab locations in Bakersfield finished their annual holiday toy drive with a donation to the Jamison Children's Center, Kern County's only 24-hour emergency shelter for abused, neglected & exploited children.

Customers received coupons and Condors tickets while this tradition, now in its tenth year, celebrated giving.

Bakersfield's Mission at Kern County received a $300K housing assistance grant to extend services and its 40-bed expansion through 2026.

The shelter — housing 300 people nightly and serving 252,000 meals yearly — shows strong local support in addressing homelessness.

Drivers at Taft Hwy and Old River Rd remain worried after 10 crashes were reported since January 2021, and Caltrans installed new stop signs, flashing beacons and streetlights to improve safety - while city officials explore changes like a roundabout to slow speeding drivers.

Better Business Bureau advisor Joe Ducey warns that before buying an extended warranty you should review the manufacturer’s coverage + check your credit card benefits to avoid duplicate protection, and he advises shoppers to read the fine print + weigh repair costs carefully.

Adan Garay, a Lamont native and Arvin High grad (2011), produced the Netflix film Border Hunters which trended in the top 10 this past weekend.

He credits his early education and family inspiration for fueling his filmmaking career and is working on new projects for broader audiences.

Poso Creek has played a vital role in Kern County from its origins in the Greenhorn Mountains near Delano to its transformation into Famoso, a town known for its dragstrip.

A historical marker at the intersection of Granite Road and Round Mountain Road honors the former stagecoach stop once called Posey Station.

Shoppers at Rosedale Promenade face long lines and rising prices as they rush to finish holiday gifts today — some report waiting nearly 50 minutes and noting higher costs compared to last year.

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.

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.

A Time to Laugh

7-9 p.m. — Doré Theatre — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the healing power of laughter with clean comedy from Marcus D. Wiley.

ADAKC Annual Cinnamon Roll Drive

6-11 AM — KGET — $20 — Support a good cause while enjoying delicious Hodel's cinnamon rolls.