☕️ Coffee, Hawaiian BBQ, and pies.

November 21 in Bakersfield

Author

Bako T
November 21, 2024

Welcome to your weekly Bakersfield update! Today is Thursday, November 21, 2024.

In this week’s Bako Weekly:

  •  🌳 Trees

  • 🥧 Pies

  • 🐕️ Corgis

Here’s what’s happening this week:

News

🔥 An arson fire last Wednesday night (11/13) temporarily closed the Target at Valley Plaza. The store has reopened and is operating under regular business hours.

🧑‍⚖️ The Kern County District Attorney’s Office has secured an $863,400 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support a specialized team focused on prosecuting alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases.

🦠 An E. coli outbreak linked to organic carrots sold by Bakersfield’s Grimmway Farms has sickened at least 38 people across 18 states, with one death reported. The affected carrots were sold at major retailers including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target, with the recall covering organic baby and whole carrots purchased between August and November 2024.

🦢 The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is investigating after several dead birds were discovered at Truxtun Lake. Testing is being conducted at the state Wildlife Health Lab to determine the cause.

🌳 Bakersfield’s Tree Master Plan is back on the City Council agenda, with over 120 advocates urging improvements. Led by CSUB professor Antje Lauer, the group criticized excessive tree trimming and called for additional recommendations. The city’s contractor, General Trees, defends the practices as necessary for safety. The council will review the plan and proposals at its next meeting.

🚧 Changes are underway on Union Avenue, one of Bakersfield's busiest and deadliest streets. The road is being reduced from three lanes to two, with the addition of a painted bike lane. City officials believe these updates will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by slowing traffic and encouraging driver attentiveness. Construction is expected to be completed by December 6.

👟 WSS, a popular retail shoe chain, is set to open at the former CVS Pharmacy location on the corner of Rosedale Highway and Calloway Drive. An opening date has not yet been announced.

Bakersfield Weekend Weather

Date

High (°F)

Low (°F)

Thur. Nov. 21

☀️ 73

46

Fri. Nov. 22

⛅ 77

52

Sat. Nov. 23

☁️ 67

50

Sun. Nov. 2

⛅ 63

48

Food and Drinks

🌺 Luau Grill (Southwest): A new Hawaiian barbecue spot has opened its doors and celebrated its grand opening last week. Be sure to check it out at The Shops at Riverwalk!

☕️ Self Brewed Coffee House (Taft): Taft’s newest coffee spot celebrated its grand opening last week. Stop by for a welcoming atmosphere and the perfect brew to fuel your day! Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Closed Saturdays. Sunday 9 AM to 2 PM.

🥧 Radio Sandwich (Downtown): Order your Thanksgiving pies from Radio Sandwich, online or in-store! Choose from delicious options like Pumpkin Pie, Cardamom-Apple Pie, and Salt Honey Pie.

Things to Do

🐕️ Corgi Trot Meet Up (Southwest): Join the Kern Corgi Club for their first meet-up, featuring a fun day at the park and a 'corgi trot' parade! Weather permitting. Saturday, November 23. 12 PM.

👕 Tillys Grand Opening (Southwest): Tillys opened on Tuesday, November 19, at Gosford Village and will celebrate its grand opening this weekend. The first 100 customers will receive an exclusive T-shirt. Saturday, November 23. 1 PM to 4 PM.

🎤 Fuerza Regida (Downtown): Performing at the Mechanics Bank Arena. Saturday, November 23. Doors 7 PM. Show 8 PM.

🎸 Kali Sol (Northwest): Local band Kali Sol will be performing at The Pour House Bar & Grill. Enjoy good vibes and good times! $10 admission. Saturday, November 23. 9 PM to midnight.

🦃 Thanksgiving Community Dinner (East): Stay Focused Ministries and Calvary Bakersfield invite everyone to come together for food and fellowship. Monday, November 25. 3 PM to 5 PM.

🎸 Night B4 Thanksgiving Jam (East): Enjoy live music at Rock & Wings with a DJ, plus performances by Mento Buru delivering Latin Reggae vibes and Velorio rocking out with Latin Rock. Wednesday, November 27. 7 PM to 11 PM.

Local Markets

Random

🦃 Carniceria Gonzales is giving back to the community with its 5th Annual Community Turkey Giveaway! One turkey per family, while supplies last. Last year, 350 turkeys were handed out. Saturday, November 23. 10 AM.

📚️ Book donations are being accepted by West High’s Little Librarians Club. The club is working on creating a network of little free libraries in the West High community. All book donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at the West High School front office.

Volunteer

🐺 Wind Wolves Preserve needs volunteers for various projects throughout November
– 🥾 Trail work: Thursday, November 21. 8:30 AM.
– 🌵 Bakersfield cactus planting: Saturday, November 23. 9 AM.

🎄 California Living Museum (CALM) is looking for volunteers for this year’s HolidayLights. Volunteers will receive a free ticket to enjoy the event.

GoFundMe Locals

🕊️ 13-year-old Jeremiah Villalobos was tragically struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle home from school near the intersection of Columbus and Loyola streets. He sadly succumbed to his injuries. Consider helping Jeremiah’s family during this difficult time by donating and/or sharing.

🕊️ Irma Pacheco Matias tragically lost her life after being struck by a hit-and-run driver on the 99 in the early hours of November 17. Consider helping Irma’s family during this difficult time by donating and/or sharing.

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See you next week!

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