Bakersfield Daily Brief: Monday, September 28, 2026

Good morning, Bakersfield. A quiet Monday is settling over Kern County after a busy night for first responders, with a house fire knocked down before dawn on Goodman Street and a shooting investigation underway on King Street. Temperatures are mild this morning at 55 degrees, air quality is good, and a Lake Wind Advisory is in effect through this evening — so if you're heading to the water, keep an eye on the chop.

The Kern Overnight

The night's most significant call came just after 5 a.m., when firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on Goodman Street. Arriving crews reported smoke showing, then fire coming from the front of a single-story, single-family home. The alarm was reinforced, and incoming units were held for assignments while crews went to work. Command reported the fire knocked down within a few minutes and started a primary search of the home, with a truck preparing for vertical ventilation. No injuries were immediately reported.

Earlier, at 3:08 a.m., units were sent to a shooting call on King Street. Fire crews already on a medical aid at the same location relayed that a shooting had occurred there and that a victim had an injury. Deputies were dispatched to take the scene. Around 1 a.m., officers responded to the area of a hospital and the juvenile justice center after a report of a transient man with no shirt waving a machete and yelling. The description was broadcast for officer safety, but officers checked the parking lot and surrounding blocks and did not find him.

At 4:37 a.m., a truck, two engines and a battalion were sent to a vehicle into a pole at Calloway Drive and Tuscarora Drive. Crews reported the scene and cleared the call. Just before 10 p.m. Sunday, dispatchers advised units that family at a command post were trying to find a 13-year-old girl whose phone last exchanged a text message with family about 9:08 p.m. and had not moved since, showing just east of one of the buildings at the fairgrounds. She was described as wearing a white long-sleeved shirt, dark blue jeans and white shoes, and was believed to be with two other teenagers and their families. At 2:36 a.m., officers were sent to a location on North Chester Avenue after a caller reported being assaulted by two females. The caller said the suspects were across the street from the address, and dispatchers noted the call was tied to an earlier call for service at the same location.

The overnight log also included a report of a man down on Union Avenue around 9:20 p.m., with units sent after a caller reported a man with no shirt and dark pants lying on the sidewalk. The hours between 3 and 5 a.m. were mostly welfare checks and medical calls.

Today's weather

Expect a high near 80 degrees today and a low around 59 tonight. It's currently 55 degrees at Meadows Field. The National Weather Service in Hanford has issued a Lake Wind Advisory in effect until 7 p.m., so boaters and anyone near local lakes should use caution. Air quality is good, with an AQI reading of 44. No active fires are being reported in the county.

Top stories

23ABC reports that the Tejon Indian Tribe brought its annual "Honoring Our Ancestors" Pow Wow back to Cal State Bakersfield for the first time since 2019, celebrating Native American culture, tradition, and community. A grand entry of dancers marked the return of the tradition to CSUB as tribal members and visitors came together for the two-day gathering. Tribal spokesperson Candi Asuncion said the pow wow is a celebration — a chance to honor ancestors, loved ones no longer here, and the tribe's traditions and cultures. Visitors from as far as Sacramento attended, and demonstrators showed traditional crafts like flintknapping, the process of shaping stone into tools.

According to 23ABC, friends and family gathered at the Legends Event Center in Northwest Bakersfield Saturday to celebrate the lives of Vanessa, Kylie, and Kloie Wetmore, a mother and her two daughters killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 99 in August. Family members described the three as loving, free-spirited, and always there for the people around them. Garrett Wilkinson, a cousin of Kylie and Kloie and nephew of Vanessa, said he grew up close to his cousins, especially Kylie, and misses hearing their voices. The crash remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol, and no arrests or charges have been filed against the wrong-way driver, identified as a 44-year-old Tulare man.

23ABC reports that Bakersfield Ward 1 councilman Eric Arias is making his case for re-election, pointing to public safety improvements and efforts to keep the city's budget from dipping into reserves. Arias, who has served six years in office, highlighted revitalized recreation centers, expanded city departments to strengthen crisis response services, and about 1,600 units of affordable housing coming online. He noted that homelessness in Bakersfield has decreased by 2.3% in the last year, though he acknowledged more work is needed. Arias faces one challenger for the Ward 1 seat.

KGET 17 reports on Week 6 scores from the high school football season across Bakersfield and Kern County. The Friday night action saw teams battling it out on the gridiron as the season moves deeper into league play. Full results and standings are available from the outlet.

Bakersfield Now reports that an argument at Valley Plaza mall ended with a woman spraying a substance, with video showing the chaotic scene. Details on the incident and any injuries or arrests were still developing at press time.

Something good

California has officially designated September 25 as Dolly Parton Day, with a Bakersfield senator leading the effort to honor the beloved entertainer. The recognition celebrates Parton's contributions to music and literacy, bringing a moment of statewide pride to Kern County. It's a nice reminder that even in a busy news week, there's room for a little joy and gratitude.

Coming up this week

The Bakersfield Planning Commission is scheduled to meet Thursday, October 1, at 5:30 p.m. The agenda will be posted ahead of the meeting and typically includes land-use decisions, development proposals, and zoning matters that shape the city's growth. Residents interested in local development should plan to attend or watch online.

Looking ahead on the entertainment calendar, the Fox Theater has a busy month ahead. The Cults & Classics series continues with "Young Frankenstein" on October 5. The NB RIDAZ tour rolls through on October 9, followed by "FANTASIAS" on October 10. "United We Dance: Festival Energy. All Night." takes over the Fox on October 16, and the Boobay & Tekla Comedy Tour arrives on October 17. Tickets and showtimes are available through the theater's website.

For high school football fans, Week 7 kicks off this Friday with teams across Kern County continuing their push toward the playoffs. Check local schedules for game times and locations.