Community Corner
🌱 Thinking healthcare? See how BC’s new program could change your options
Also check out @Little Harvey American Dance Christmas Recital on the Bakersfield Patch calendar
Hi there, Bakersfield! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Thinking healthcare? See how BC’s new program could change your options
- How a $15,000 grant could speed up vital mobility help locally
- Why the Bakersfield Christmas Parade crash trial just got delayed again
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Bakersfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Hazy sunshine, with a high of 55 and low of 42 degrees.
- Friday: Fog, then some sun, temps: high: 56, low: 46.
- Saturday: Fog in the a.m.; partly sunny, with a high of 65 and low of 43 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. New milestone at BC (therip.com) — Bakersfield College will launch a new Registered Respiratory Therapy Program in Summer 2026, with applications open Feb. 1–15 for the first cohort. College leaders say the program will help address severe respiratory-care staffing shortages in the San Joaquin Valley, especially in local hospitals and intensive care units that Bakersfield families rely on. 
Find out what's happening in Bakersfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Independent Living Center of Kern County receives grant to aid mobility program (bakersfieldnow.com) — A Bakersfield-based nonprofit just received a $15,000 grant to expand its Assistive Technology Repair and Reuse Program, which provides free mobility devices to residents with disabilities. The Independent Living Center of Kern County will use the funds to repair and replace equipment, but is still urgently asking locals to donate wheelchairs and walkers to meet high demand.
3. Trial for Bakersfield Christmas Parade crash suspect delayed as defense seeks more time (bakersfieldnow.com) — A high-profile DUI case tied to the 2023 Bakersfield Christmas Parade has been delayed again, with 74-year-old Alan Booth now set to return to Kern County Superior Court on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Prosecutors say three men were seriously injured when a pickup struck and dragged them along the parade route, and Booth remains jailed without bail while facing assault and DUI charges.
4. Kern County Board of Education drops Ten Commandments proposal (turnto23.com) — Kern County’s Board of Education, meeting in Bakersfield, has dropped its year-long effort to place Ten Commandments displays at public school sites, citing a recent federal court ruling in Texas. Local schools will not see the proposed displays move forward, even as similar debates continue in other districts nationwide over religious symbols and church-state separation in classrooms.
5. Kern County prepares for oil drilling expansion as new permits become available in 2026 (turnto23.com) — Kern County officials in Bakersfield are preparing to accept applications for thousands of new oil well permits starting January 2, potentially bringing back jobs lost during recent drilling restrictions. A new state law allows up to 2,000 wells a year for a decade, with local leaders stressing both economic benefits and updated safety standards for nearby communities.
📸 Around Bakersfield
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Bakersfield
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- @Little Harvey American Dance Christmas Recital
Little Harvey Auditorium , 1241 G St , Bakersfield
5:00 pm - @Harvey American Dance Christmas Recital
Harvey Auditorium , 1241 G St , Bakersfield
5:00 pm - @Harvey ALT ED GRADUATION
Harvey Auditorium , 1241 G St , Bakersfield - @Little Harvey American Dance Christmas Recital
Little Harvey Auditorium , 1241 G St , Bakersfield
5:00 pm - @Harvey American Dance Christmas Recital
Harvey Auditorium , 1241 G St , Bakersfield
5:00 pm - @Harvey Steps KHSD Police Dept. Photo
Harvey Auditorium , 1241 G St , Bakersfield
2:00 pm
Monday December 15
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
📣 Bakersfield Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Shale Oak Winery Wine Tasting
Wine Me Up , 3900 Coffee Rd #2 , Bakersfield
6:00 pm - Christmas Lighting Ceremony
The Point at Belcourt Village , 3333 Buena Vista Rd , Bakersfield
6:00 pm - Tablas Creek Wine Dinner
The Padre Hotel , 1702 18th St , Bakersfield
6:00 pm - Welcome to Ravenclaw Table
Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266 , 1616 30th St , Bakersfield
5:00 pm - Welcome to Slytherin Table
Bakersfield Elks Lodge #266 , 1616 30th St , Bakersfield
5:00 pm - Christmas Drive-In Movies at Cherry Acres
Cherry Acres , 4011 Wegis Ave , Bakersfield
6:00 pm
Thursday December 11
Friday December 12
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Bakersfield PatchAM possible:
- Living Trust Express — (661) 588-4660
Local, Experienced, Affordable Living Trust. Family-Owned - PINK Legal — (661) 748-1112
$50 Off Estate Planning for New Clients Now BBB Accredited
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- I have these 2 little ones fixed already.
They’re brothers that camped out in my front porch. They’re ready for adoption. I could not trap the mother. They’re inside the house to recover… (Nextdoor Greystone) - I have seen this little skinny starving dog running around on the loose, lost with nowhere to go and distrustful of people trying to help.
Today he accepted some food but still is cautious of people getting close. I don’t know who lost him & maybe looking for him. Share this post far and… (Nextdoor Hillcrest)
- Bakersfield City School District posted a job opening for Activity Leader, Science 3.5 - 4 Hr. in Bakersfield. Apply here.
- Richard K Newman & Associates posted a job opening for Team Member- Today Cleaners/Waterfall in Bakersfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bakersfield here.
Ok Bakersfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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