Free Start Smart teen driving class set for Feb. 10 at CHP Bakersfield office
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — CHP Bakersfield will host a free Start Smart class for current and potential teenage drivers, along with their parents or guardians, on Tuesday, February 10, at their local office. A Start Smart class is a two-hour session that discusses safe driving habits, the consequences of poor...
Couple arrested after brandishing knife & pepper spraying McFarland public works employees
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Wasco couple was arrested after allegedly speeding through an active work zone in McFarland, brandishing a knife, and pepper-spraying two Public Works employees Monday morning. The McFarland Police Department said on February 3, 2026, at around 10:45 a.m., two City of McFarland...
Burlington to open new store in Oildale, another store spotted near Valley Plaza Mall
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Burlington Stores announced on Monday plans for a new store to open in Oildale in the spring, and all signs point to another location across from the Valley Plaza Mall. The Burlington Store in Oildale will be located at 1211 Olive Drive, the site of a...
Bakersfield police chief search narrows to two internal finalists
Bakersfield is moving closer to selecting its next police chief, with city leaders advancing two internal candidates to the final stage of the search.
Kern Water Agency Wants $14 Million or It Will Cut Off Water to 600...
Residents of the Diablo Grande housing development in Stanislaus County have four months to pony up $14 million or the Kern County Water Agency will cut off their water. This is the latest twist in a long-running saga over obtaining water for the development dating to the 1990s. Homeowners are...
Panama Buena Vista Union School District to hold Casting Call hiring event
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Panama Buena Vista Union School District is hosting their 8th Annual Casting Call on Wednesday February 4. The district will be hiring elementary, junior high and special education teaches as well as administrators, custodians and other classroom support positions. Some...
Governor’s visit for High Speed Rail update draws mixed reaction
Gov. Gavin Newsom touted economic benefits and job growth tied to California’s high-speed rail project during a visit to Kern County, as some local leaders raised concerns about community impacts.
Coroner identifies 32-year-old man killed in Rosalia Drive shooting
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The Kern County Coroner’s Office has identified a man who died after being shot on Rosalia Drive as 32-year-old Ismael Gardea. The Bakersfield Police Department said on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at around 10:51 p.m., officers were called to the 1300 block of Rosalia Drive for...
Bakersfield College placed on lockdown after threat
The Bakersfield College main campus was put on lockdown in northeast Bakersfield, according to the college's website.
Three arrested after stabbing at Hard Rock Casino on Sunday
Three people arrested after stabbing at Hard Rock Casino Tejon. Victim sustained moderate injuries. KCSO seeks information on Sunday incident.
