Bakersfield Daily Brief: Saturday, September 26, 2026

Good morning, Bakersfield. As we head into a warm Saturday with a high near 92, moderate air quality at an AQI of 60, and no active weather alerts, the top story today is that Maya Cinemas in Delano is staying open despite owing nearly $150,000 in unpaid property taxes, according to a 23ABC investigation. Also making news: Bakersfield police are asking the public to help identify two forgery suspects, and a verbal altercation at Valley Plaza Mall escalated into a spray incident that left shoppers unsettled.

The Kern Overnight

Overnight, Kern County emergency crews handled a heavy fire shift and a moderate police load, with most calls concentrated before midnight and thinning out after 3 a.m. The most significant incident was a structure fire in an alley behind the 1000 block of Flower Street, dispatched just before 1 a.m. when arriving companies reported flames in an alley off Owens Street. Crews checked the building for extension and held the address through the initial attack. Shortly after 4 a.m., multiple callers reported a grass fire south of the 48th station area along East Bear Mountain Boulevard, with concern that it could reach an electrical pole; an engine, two patrols and a battalion were assigned, and crews approaching on Interstate 5 reported being just south of the fire. Two vehicle fires burned at opposite ends of the county in the pre-dawn hours, though no major injuries were reported. On the law enforcement side, officers responded around 12:58 a.m. to a motel on Union Avenue for a person reportedly armed with a firearm; the subject was described as moving on foot, and units coordinated on arrival. Earlier, at 10:26 p.m., a disturbance involving five or six females against one person drew a large response after a caller reported one woman holding a firearm near a black pickup parked in front of a residence. A victim also told dispatchers around 2:47 a.m. that he had been struck with a crowbar by a man in his 20s wearing all black clothing; the report was taken for follow-up. Additional calls included a disturbance at the 100 block of 20th Street West around 10:10 p.m., where a manager relayed a report of employees trying to separate two parties outside a business, and a loud music complaint on the 2700 block of Holland Street at 10:17 p.m.

Today's weather

Expect a dry, warm Saturday with a high near 92 degrees and a low around 65 tonight. As of early morning, Meadows Field (KBFL) reported a current temperature of 64 degrees under mostly clear skies. Air quality is moderate at an AQI of 60, which is typical for this time of year and shouldn’t pose a significant concern for most residents, though those sensitive to particulate matter may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. No active weather alerts are in effect for Kern County, and no major fires are burning locally.

Top stories

According to 23ABC, Maya Cinemas in Delano is staying open despite owing nearly $150,000 in unpaid property taxes dating back to 2021. County records obtained by the station show the theater owes $148,494.08 in back taxes, and Oct. 16 is listed as a potential seizure date if the debt is not paid. But Delano Mayor Salvador Solorio Ruiz shared a Facebook statement saying he spoke directly with Maya Cinemas CEO Francisco Schlotterbeck, who reaffirmed the theater’s commitment to remain open. The mayor encouraged community support for the local business, while Schlotterbeck provided a brief email statement to 23ABC without elaborating on how the taxes would be resolved.

Bakersfield Now reports that police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in a forgery investigation. The department released images of the individuals but did not specify where the forgery occurred or the nature of the documents involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact BPD, though no callback number or specifics about the case were provided in the report.

Also from Bakersfield Now, a verbal altercation at Valley Plaza Mall escalated into a spray incident, according to video obtained by the station. The confrontation involved at least two individuals, and a substance was discharged, though authorities have not said whether the spray was pepper spray or another irritant. No injuries were reported, and mall security responded to the scene. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about public disturbances at one of Bakersfield’s largest shopping centers.

KGET 17 reports that the search continues for a 16-year-old girl last seen being dropped off at Bakersfield High School. The teen was reported missing earlier this week, and Bakersfield police have asked anyone with information to come forward. The case has drawn attention from the community, with social media posts circulating widely in hopes of finding her safe.

In other KGET 17 coverage, Week 6 of the high school football season brought scores from across Kern County, with several local teams posting competitive results. The station ran a full roundup of Friday night games, highlighting matchups that could shape playoff prospects later this fall. Football remains a central part of the community’s weekend rhythm, and the results are a talking point for fans and families.

23ABC also covered Bakersfield Ward 1 councilman Eric Arias’s re-election campaign, with Arias pointing to expanded crisis response services and affordable housing as key achievements. Arias, who has served six years, noted that about 1,600 new affordable housing units are coming online, though he acknowledged the progress has been slow. He also cited a 2.3% decrease in homelessness in Bakersfield over the past year, saying, “We have to do better. We have to do more.” His challenger is competing for the seat in the upcoming election.

Something good

There’s a bright note for fans of country music and literacy alike: California has officially designated September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, an honor championed by a Bakersfield state senator. The recognition celebrates the beloved entertainer’s legacy — including her Imagination Library program that has given millions of free books to children — and brings a little extra pride to Kern County, where the senator’s efforts helped make it happen. It’s a reminder that even in a busy news cycle, our community can rally around something joyful.

Coming up this week

The public calendar has a few key items to watch. The Bakersfield Planning Commission will meet Thursday, Oct. 1, at 5:30 p.m., and the agenda typically includes land-use decisions and development proposals that shape neighborhoods across the city. Residents who want to weigh in on zoning changes or new projects should note that meeting. On the entertainment front, the Fox Theater has a busy stretch ahead. Tonight, Sep. 26, Mike Sherm takes the stage for a live performance. Next Monday, Oct. 5, the Fox launches its “Cults & Classics” season pass series with a screening of *Young Frankenstein*, promising a blend of cult films and classic cinema. On Friday, Oct. 9, the “NB Ridaz: Ride Till the Wheels Fall Off Tour” rolls into town, followed by “Fantasia” on Saturday, Oct. 10. And on Friday, Oct. 16, “United We Dance: Festival Energy. All Night.” will keep the Fox Theater lively into the late hours. For families and sports fans, high school football continues this week, with many teams heading into league play. Keep an ear out for schedule changes or cancellations due to weather, though the forecast looks clear into the start of October.