• Bako Weekly
  • Posts
  • 🎅 Christmas, ugly sweaters, and coffee.

🎅 Christmas, ugly sweaters, and coffee.

December 19 in Bakersfield

Author

Bako T
December 19, 2024

Shafter Christmas Parade 12/6

Welcome to your weekly Bakersfield update! Today is Thursday, December 19, 2024.

In this week’s Bako Weekly:

  • ☕️ Local coffee shops

  • 🛍️ Mall evacuation

  • 🎅 Christmas parties

Do you like cafes? Cafés? Google says its café. I don’t know. I don’t care. All I know is that I have a newsletter to complete.

According to locals, these are some of the best cafes in Bakersfield (not in any specific order).

Here’s what’s happening this week:

News

💥 Reports of a false active shooter had shoppers at the Valley Plaza Mall evacuate temporarily on Sunday, December 15. Police responded to the scene after reports of an assault with a deadly weapon and additional claims of gunshots. However, no shooting occurred, and there were no victims, suspects, or arrests.

💰️ A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of escaped killer Cesar Hernandez. Hernandez, who was serving a prison sentence for a 2018 murder, escaped from custody on December 2 while being transported from Kern Valley State Prison to a court hearing in Delano.

🏗️ Construction of the Auburn Vista Apartments broke ground on December 12. The three-story complex will provide 60 low-income housing units for farmworkers, along with a community room, after-school programs, and adult education classes. The project aims to help local farmworker families. Funding includes contributions from a city measure designed to reduce homelessness, with construction expected to finish in just over a year.

🚨 A Frontier High student was arrested on December 16 after being allegedly found with an unloaded firearm in their backpack. The school notified parents via voicemail and email after a parent reported the handgun. Kern High School District Police took the student into custody, and additional officers will be on campus for further investigation.

🐾 Nearly two weeks after a video of a dog allegedly being sexually abused in Arvin went viral, the Kern County District Attorney’s office is reviewing the case. Arvin Police completed their investigation and submitted a formal complaint to the DA on December 12. Legal experts note that while sexual contact with an animal is a misdemeanor, the alleged suspect could face counseling or other educational programs, though jail time is unlikely.

🗳️ After passing with 68% of the vote, Prop 36 went into effect on Wednesday, December 18. The new law increases penalties for repeat shoplifters and those caught with fentanyl.

🏥 Kaiser Permanente has acquired a 13,000-square-foot facility in southwest Bakersfield to transform it into a new surgery center, expected to open in early 2027.

🚗 Heading out of town for the holidays? You’re not alone—over 8 million people will be on the roads in Southern California this weekend and into the new year. Stay alert and be a safe, courteous driver. At the very least, check your oil, battery, and tire pressure before hitting the road.

Bakersfield Weekend Weather

Date

High (°F)

Low (°F)

Thur. Dec. 19

⛅ 62

42

Fri. Dec. 20

⛅ 68

46

Sat. Dec. 21

⛅ 68

47

Sun. Dec. 22

☁️ 68

49

🎄 Tues. Dec. 24

🌧️ 64

47

🎅 Wed. Dec. 25

⛅ 57

41

Things to Do

🎅 Bakersfield’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl (Downtown): Holiday pub crawl. Dust off your ugly Christmas sweater for a night of festive fun. 21+ event. Tickets can only be purchased online. Saturday, December 21. Check in anytime from 4 PM to 9 PM.

🥳 Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (Northwest): An all ages ugly sweater party with live music at Chuy’s Baja Grill. Ugliest sweater wins a prize. Free. Saturday, December 21. 7 PM to 11 PM.

🎄 Christmas Pajama Takeover (Downtown): Bar hopping and shopping at various local downtown businesses, but in pajamas. Saturday, December 21. All day.

🥾 Backcountry Hike: Shake off your downtown festivities from the night before with a refreshing guided hike through Wind Wolves Preserve. Sunday, December 22. 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Arrive at 9:15 AM for check in.

🇯🇲 Reggae on the Patio (Downtown): Chill out with great tunes and vibes at Bottleshock Wine and Brew. Bring your own vinyl to spin or just enjoy the music. Sunday, December 22. 2 PM to 5 PM.

Local Markets

Random

💨 A local teen sustained a hand injury after his vape exploded. If you vape, ensure your device is from a reputable brand, meets safety standards, and is free from damage. This case could’ve ended much worse (NSFW link- gore).

Volunteer

🐺 Wind Wolves Preserve is seeking volunteers to assist in planting native shrubs and trees. Free transportation to and from the preserve will be provided, departing from 801 Niles Street. Saturday, December 21. 9 AM to 12 PM.

🐾 Kern County Animal Services is seeking playgroup volunteers to assist in assessing and gauging dog behavior. The more information gathered about each dog, the better their chances of finding a forever home.

GoFundMe Locals

🏠 Lily’s sister’s family lost their home in a devastating fire. Thankfully, no one was home, but everything was lost, including their beloved dog. Please consider helping Lily’s sister and her family recover from this unforeseen tragedy.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to those who celebrate, and to everyone else, enjoy the holiday break with loved ones or some well-deserved downtime. Let’s all be kind and patient with one another—at all times, but especially during this time of year. Enjoy the festive season and stay safe! Thanks for being a Bako Weekly reader. See you next week!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up to get it.

Do you have a suggestion of something I should feature? Email me.

Want to advertise?

Contact [email protected] about powerful ways to reach Bakersfield locals.

Reply

or to participate.