Remembering Dolores Huerta
1930–2026
Bakersfield lost a woman whose work changed lives across the country. Dolores Huerta, the labor organizer and civil rights leader, died October 28 at her home here, surrounded by family. She was 96.
Huerta dedicated her life to helping farmworkers win better pay, safer working conditions and a voice in decisions affecting their families. She co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962, which later became part of the United Farm Workers. During the Delano grape strike, begun by Filipino farmworkers in 1965, she helped organize the nationwide boycott and negotiate contracts that brought workers meaningful protections. Her advocacy also helped secure California’s landmark 1975 law recognizing farmworkers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
She gave generations a rallying cry: “Sí, se puede!” Her work extended to women’s equality, immigrant rights and voting rights, and she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
Here in Kern County, her story is part of our own. The fields, workers and families at the heart of her organizing are part of the communities we call home. Through the Dolores Huerta Foundation, she continued helping residents organize and advocate for themselves.
We remember a neighbor whose lifetime of work showed what people can accomplish together.
Rest in peace, Dolores.
Public Service Announcement
Hey guys! so I literally logged in to send out an email explaining why I was postponing this newsletter. Then I was like how can I not talk about Dolores Huerta? Plus I had a bit of news already lined up, I might as well throw that in. Oh and to make up for no issue this week I’ll preview a couple houses from the Halloween House Competition. I already have a few events ready to go, let me throw it in.
LMAO
Albeit far from a full issue, which I’m sorry for, here’s a short one.
My family has been sick for what feels like about 3 weeks, and this Monday I woke up with a nasty double ear infection. Yesterday I felt like I had just gotten out of a pool all day.
Thanks for understanding the short issue my friends! I love you guys.
Preview
The Halloween House Competition
Here’s a small preview of one of tomorrow's contestants! Here’s my social links for the current live post as well! Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok!
Here’s another good one as well!
In the City
Fuerza Regida Makes Bakersfield History
Bakersfield showed up for Fuerza Regida! Following their October 24 and 25 shows at Dignity Health Arena, the venue announced on Instagram that the band is now the all-time ticket sales leader in Bakersfield history. The two-night stop was part of their This Is Our Dream Tour. The arena thanked the band, crew and fans for making it a historic weekend for the city.
Déjà Vu Closes Its Doors
Déjà Vu announced on Instagram that October 26 was its final day of business. The Golden State Avenue club’s closure comes with a possible high-speed rail connection: in January, the State Public Works Board approved eminent-domain authorization to acquire property belonging to its parent company, Grapevine Entertainment, for the future Bakersfield station. A completed buyout and whether it directly caused the closure haven’t been confirmed.
Where Would High-Speed Rail Stop in Bakersfield?
The permanent station is planned along Golden State Avenue around F Street, H Street and Chester Avenue, near Garces Circle. There’s also an interim stop proposed north of 7th Standard Road. The rail authority’s 2026 business plan describes that temporary station serving the region until the line extends into central Bakersfield and eventually toward Palmdale.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BAKERSFIELD
October 30–November 1
Friday, October 30
FREE VOB Fall Fest @ Victory Outreach (5PM–9PM) Trunk-or-treating, jumpers, face painting, games, a costume contest and a petting zoo. Admission is FREE; food sold separately.
Fast Friday Drags & Burnouts @ Famoso Dragstrip (Gates 5PM; racing 6PM–10PM) Watch drag racing under the lights and the Burnout Box. Spectator admission advertised at $20, plus online fees. Kids 12 and under FREE.
Safe Halloween @ Kern County Museum (5PM–9PM) Trick-or-treat through Pioneer Village with bounce houses, an obstacle course and a jumbo movie. Adults $5, children 4+ $10, ages 3 and under FREE. Online fees apply; tickets valid for either event day.
CSUB Women’s Basketball Tip-Off Dinner @ Legends Lounge & Event Center (6PM) Meet the team and celebrate the upcoming season. Each ticket includes dinner, a drink voucher and two general-admission tickets to the February 20 women’s basketball game.
Halloween Paranormal Investigations @ Randsburg (Tours at 6PM, 7PM, 8:30PM & 10PM) Join Marie Mason and her team for guided paranormal investigations around the historic town. Limited VIP dinner options available. A regional road-trip option.
Pumpulent Spice or Everything Nice Workshop @ The Padre Hotel (6:30PM–8:30PM) Create a live succulent pumpkin arrangement with step-by-step instruction and materials included. The advertised ticket deadline was October 23; contact the organizer to check remaining availability.
Condors Spooky Night @ Dignity Health Arena (7PM; doors 6PM) Hockey meets Halloween with trick-or-treating in the suites. The first 2,000 kids ages 12 and under receive a pillowcase treat bag. Costumes encouraged; $3 beers through the start of the second period.
Dear Evan Hansen @ The Empty Space (7:30PM) Catch the award-winning musical performed locally. General admission $25; students and seniors $20. A $70 VIP table for two includes sparkling cider, mini apple pies and popcorn.
Scare Valley: Final Weekend @ Kern County Fairgrounds (7:30PM–11:30PM) Your last weekend this season to brave Blackridge Asylum and Wicked Dark, two haunted attractions featuring live actors and Halloween scares.
03 Greedo Live @ Paradise Palace (8PM–2AM) Live concert and Halloween costume party, with DJs playing hip-hop, Top 40 and R&B. Costumes encouraged. Ages 18+ with valid ID.
La Re-Vuelta 80s & 90s Retro Party @ The Grand Venue (9PM–1AM; doors 8PM) Dance to Spanish and English throwbacks with a light show, interactive activities and a prize for the best ’80s-inspired outfit. Ages 21+.
Saturday, October 31
Human Tracking Level 1 @ Non-Pareil Ranch (8AM–5PM) First day of a two-day course with Freddy Osuna covering how to identify and follow human tracks. Open to the public, first responders and law enforcement. $800; enrollment closes October 30.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s @ The Park at River Walk (Registration 9AM; ceremony and walk 10AM) Join individuals, families and teams supporting Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Halloween Doggy Day Out & Sleepovers @ Kern County Animal Services (Pickup 10AM–Noon) Take a shelter dog on an adventure or weekend sleepover. Day-out dogs return by 3:30PM Saturday; sleepover dogs return Monday by 4PM. Participants must be 18+ and complete a foster application, available at pickup.
FREE RiverLakes Harvest Fest @ RiverLakes Community Church (10AM–2PM) Enjoy FREE food, fall activities and community resources. The RiverLakes Store, in partnership with CityServe, will also offer donated goods at no cost.
FREE CSUB Basketball vs. Redlands @ Icardo Center (3PM) Catch the Roadrunners taking on Redlands in an exhibition game. Admission is FREE.
Halloween Night of Destruction @ Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway (Gates 4PM; racing 7PM) Trick-or-treat in the pits, meet the drivers and watch the ARCA West Championship, figure-8 racing, drag-a-boat and more. Adults $22, kids 3–12 $12; online family four-pack $50.
Safe Halloween @ Kern County Museum (5PM–9PM) Halloween-night trick-or-treating through Pioneer Village with inflatables and a movie. Adults $5, children 4+ $10, ages 3 and under FREE. Online fees apply.
Halloween Paranormal Investigations @ Randsburg (Tours at 6PM, 7PM, 8:30PM & 10PM) Spend Halloween exploring the historic town on guided paranormal investigations with Marie Mason and her team. Advance tickets required.
Scare Valley: Final Weekend @ Kern County Fairgrounds (7:30PM–11:30PM) Spend Halloween night exploring Blackridge Asylum and Wicked Dark. Two haunted attractions with live actors; the season ends Sunday.
Monster Bash @ The Padre Hotel (9PM–1AM) Dance with DJ Manny G, enjoy drink specials and compete for costume prizes. Ages 21+; $20 cover at the door.
FREE Halloween Party @ Taps & Tapas by Chef Lino (Party 9PM; DJ 10PM) Celebrate Halloween with dancing and a costume contest. No cover charge.
Sunday, November 1
Human Tracking Level 1 @ Non-Pareil Ranch (8AM–5PM) Second day of the two-day tracking course for registered participants.
FREE Día de los Muertos Celebration @ Haggin Oaks Farmers Market (9AM–2PM) Celebrate with cultural performances, music, art, food and shopping at the market.
Día de los Muertos @ Los Patroncitos, South Union (9AM–1PM) Mariachi, folklórico and face painting run 10AM–Noon. FREE coloring books for the first 200 kids, plus a community ofrenda. South Union location only.
Dear Evan Hansen @ The Empty Space (2PM) Sunday matinee of the award-winning musical. General admission $25; students and seniors $20. VIP table-for-two option available.
FREE Made in Kern Concert @ Beale Park (4PM–8PM) Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Mento Buru, Arvin Mariachi Band, The Crystal Tears and folklórico performances. Presented by Andrae Gonzales for Assembly.
Scare Valley: Final Night @ Kern County Fairgrounds (7:30PM–10PM) Last chance this season to experience Blackridge Asylum and Wicked Dark.
That’s it for this week.
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The Bakersfield Guy
