🎃 Mid-October festivities, a comet, and books.

Welcome to your weekly Bakersfield update! Today is Thursday, October 17, 2024.

In this week’s Bako Weekly:

• 📜 Laws

• 🏈 Local football game

• 🎃 Halloween themed events

• 🎥 Movie screening

• 🧹 Volunteering

Here’s what’s happening this week:

News

💉 The City of Shafter will be hosting a low-cost pet vaccination clinic. $15 per vaccine. Cash only. Saturday, October 19. 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

🪵 Kern County has offered some communities alternatives to comply with state law SB1383, which requires separating organic materials in trash hauling, without additional taxes or fees.

🚛 A large warehouse complex is breaking ground on the eastern side of Coffee Road between Brimhall Road and Rosedale Highway, just south of Lowe’s. Management company Rexco Development is calling the project Bakersfield Central Logistics Park.

🤒 A study ranks Bakersfield as the place where you're most likely to get sick in the US. This is likely due to poor air quality caused by vehicle traffic, dust from mega farms, and other sources.

📜 A bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom requires oil refineries to maintain a minimum inventory of fuel to prevent supply shortages that lead to spikes in gas prices.

🚣 The State Attorney General sides with the lawsuit to keep water flowing in the Kern River following an abrupt water shutoff and fish die-off in the river. (🎶 Row, row, row your boat, exhaustingly down the dry Kern riverbed...)

🌙 Golden Empire Transit District (GET) bus routes 21 and 22 have nighttime service now . Busses run every 30 minutes starting at 6:30 PM and ending after 10 PM. Route 21 runs from CSUB along Stockdale Highway, California Avenue, and Mount Vernon Avenue to Bakersfield College. Route 22 roughly runs from CSUB along Ming Avenue, Chester Avenue, to North Chester Avenue in Oildale. The GET board also appointed a new CEO, Chris James. 

Food and Drinks

🎉 Party in the Park Downtown: Brought to you by the Downtown Business Association, enjoy an evening filled with talented street performers, live bands, and a dedicated kids' area overflowing with games and activities. Support local downtown businesses as you explore a variety of craft and clothing vendors, all while savoring food from various stalls. Free. Thursday, October 17. 5 PM to 8 PM.

🥳 27th Annual CSUB Party in the Park: Get ready for an evening with the CSUB Alumni Association, benefiting scholarship and mentoring programs. Immerse yourself in 80s neon vibes. Enjoy a variety of food from local vendors, sip on beer and wine, and take part in a silent auction for a chance to win prizes. 21+ event. $65 admission. $60 CSUB faculty, staff, and alumni admission. Friday, October 18. 6 PM to 9:30 PM.

🧑‍🍳 Toast and Taste 2024: A unique culinary experience in a serene garden setting with Executive Chef Erik Dandee. Savor a menu inspired by his seed-to-table expertise, crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Proceeds benefit Edible Schoolyard Kern County, supporting hands-on learning through garden and kitchen classroom programs that teach children about healthy food habits. $175. Friday, October 18. 6 PM to 8:30 PM.

🇵🇭 Philippine Weekend: After a five-year hiatus, the 46th Annual Philippine Weekend is back in Delano! Celebrate a weekend of Filipino culture with delicious food, lively performances, cultural dances, and a parade. Enjoy an adobo cook-off, along with golf and basketball tournaments, a car show, and a singing contest. Local vendors will be present, and there will be kiddie rides for the little ones. Free. Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20. 11 AM to 7 PM. See event website for events schedule.

🏈 Bakersfield College Alumni BBQ: Presented by Harris BBQ, an event before the homecoming football game against Hancock college. Live performances, family-friendly activities, and a beer garden. Proceeds will benefit the Bakersfield College Alumni Association. Meals include general admission to the football game. $25 hot dog meal. $40 tri-tip meal. Saturday, October 19. Meals served between 3 PM to 5 PM only.

🎃 The Southwest Market Trick-or-Treat Halloween Extravaganza: At the Stockdale High School parking lot, experience a vibrant community event featuring a wide array of food, drinks, arts and crafts, toys, and more from local vendors. Face painting, balloon twisting, and a mini petting zoo. Free. Saturday, October 19. 6 PM to 10 PM.

👻 Halloween Boogie Night: DJ Myth and DJ.Adame will be in the mix at Off the Rails Tap Lounge and Bottle Shop! Get ready for a Halloween boogie with killer music and ice-cold beers. Don’t forget to tip your bartenders. 21+ event. Saturday, October 19. 7 PM to 11 PM.

Things to Do

👺 Jerry’s Pizza & Pub Kid’s Spooky Costume Party: Bring your little goblins to Jerry’s Pizza for a spooktacular family event! Enjoy a dance party with a live DJ, costume contests in various categories, and plenty of candy for the kids. Plus, check out local vendors and treat your kids to an evening full of Halloween fun. Free. Thursday, October 17. 5 PM to 8 PM. Costume contest sign up at 6:30 PM.

👻 Scare Valley: Dare to face your darkest fears at Scare Valley’s haunted houses, where every step will keep you on edge. For a lighter, family-friendly experience, wander through the Pumpkin Patch or dive into the festive fun at Halloweenville. Pricing varies. Check website for hours and dates.

🎃 CALM Boo at the Zoo: Five days of 'fang-tastic' fun at the California Living Museum (CALM)! Enjoy a Halloween-themed zoo, festive pumpkin patch, and family activities. Watch as the animals receive special treats, and don't miss out on $5 pumpkins and $2 unlimited train rides. Wednesday, October 16 through Sunday, October 20. 9 AM to 4 PM.

🚓 KCSO National Night Out/Trick-or-Treat : The Kern County Sheriff's Office invites you to a fun-filled community-building event featuring a trick-or-treating experience. Enjoy exciting K-9 demonstrations and specialized unit showcases, along with games, food, and plenty of free candy. Free. Thursday, October 17. 5 PM to 8 PM.

🍁 Fall Home Show: Looking for inspiration to improve your home? This event will provide ideas to freshen up your space, inside and out. Enjoy wine tasting, food samples, and live music. First 500 attendees each day will receive free shade hats. $10 adult admission. $5 senior admission. Kids 12 and under free admission. $3 off admission with a non-perishable food item. Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20. 10 AM to 5 PM.

📚️ Kern County Library Used Book Sale: Calling all bookworms! Stock up on your fall reads with a variety of books at discounted prices, including rare and vintage finds, as well as children’s books. Proceeds support the library’s programs and services. Friday, October 18. 11 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturday, October 19. 10 AM to 3:30 PM.

😱 Bloody Wall Street Alley Scream Screening: A screening of the movie Scream in the Wall Street alley! Enjoy open seating—just bring your own chair or blanket. Tickets are available for purchase at Jerry's Pizza or Stagefright Clothing (cash only). This all-ages event features vendors offering food and drinks. Friday, October 18. Doors 7 PM. Show 8 PM.

🎤 03 Greedo: Known for his unique rap style and themes based on life experiences, Los Angeles rapper 03 Greedo is set to hit the stage at The Nile Theatre. Friday, October 18. Doors 7 PM. Show 8 PM.

🎨 Via Arté Festival: An art experience featuring more than 100 artists, including professionals and high school groups, showcasing their talent through a variety of creative works. Watch as they replicate masterworks and create original pieces, all while transforming the parking lot asphalt into a vibrant canvas using chalk. Free. Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20. 9 AM to 8 PM.

🐺 Wind Wolves Preserve Howl-O-Ween: Enjoy a day of fun, education, and adventure at the preserve during this family-friendly event! Costumes are encouraged as you visit educational booths to learn about and meet a variety of animals. Participate in costume contests across three different categories. Take advantage of the pleasant fall temperatures while hiking through the trails and taking in the beautiful scenery. Note that no candy will be offered to ensure the safety of the wildlife. Free. Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20. 1 PM to 5 PM.

🧹 Kroll Park Neighborhood Cleanup: Need volunteer hours or want to make a positive impact in your free time? Join the community at Kroll Park for a neighborhood cleanup along Gosford Road. Sunday, October 20. 10 AM to noon.

Kern by the Numbers

🧛 44 years—that's how long Fantasy Frocks has been in business. This isn't the typical seasonal shop that pops up every Halloween. They offer costumes, masks, and hats year-round for all kinds of events. Support local!

🧒 $40,000 is the amount of money the Arvin Police Department has been awarded to help prevent underage drinking. Of the 120 public intoxication and DUI calls this year, 15 involved minors.

Random

🚔️ Kern County Sheriff’s Office deputies will be featured in a new episode of COPS this Friday, streaming on FOX Nation.

🕵️ Looking for a sign? This is it. A $10K reward is being offered for information leading to the return of a local historic neon sign, property of the Kern County Museum. Or, a $5K reward for verifiable details on its location.

🎃 Google’s Frightgeist provides insights into the top-trending costumes for metro areas across the US, based on the biggest year-over-year increase in search interest. As of today, the Mad Hatter ranks #1 in the Bakersfield area.

GoFundMe: Support Locals in Need

As with last week, I’ll be sharing verified local GoFundMe campaigns to raise awareness and support for those in need. This week, I have one story to highlight and encourage you to help through donations or sharing.

🕊️ Krystal Reynaga leaves behind two children after being a passenger in the tragic car crash that occurred on Sunday, October 13. Consider supporting Krystal’s family by donating and/or sharing.

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