Looking to the future: Improving the SE community and Old Town Kern!
Release Date: 01/21/2025
Pup safety for the 4th of July
The Something Better Podcast
The Fourth of July is an exciting day for celebrating our nation's history and freedoms, but for our furry friends, it can be a frightening time, too. And it's the busiest time of the year for our staff at the . Matthew Buck, Executive Director of the BACC, stops by to talk about their free microchipping campaign ahead of Independence Day and shares some helpful tips for keeping your pets safe when the fireworks start!
info_outline
Community Vitality, Part 2
The Something Better Podcast
Lt. Nicole Anderberg and Jamie Achterberg are back for a second round with us, talking about the . We go into more depth this time into the programs and services the CVU is using to make the City of Bakersfield better for everyone who lives and visits here. Learn about how the it works when you let us know about an issue that CVU will respond to. We also talk about the Trespass Enforcement Authorization for property owners so that the can quickly respond to trespassing incidents. And if you missed it, go check out !
info_outline
Community Vitality, Part 1
The Something Better Podcast
Our 10th episode of The Something Better Podcast is here and it's a two-parter! We talk with two key members of the who helps address homelessness in Bakersfield and quality of life issues. Lt. Nicole Anderberg and Jamie Achterberg sit down with us to explain exactly what the Community Vitality Unit does and how they're making impacts on issues the public cares about. We can't get to everything in this episode, so be sure to check out episode 11 next week (May 27) where we go even more in-depth with the CVU and their work!
info_outline
E-Bikes and Volunteer Bike Patrol: The Park Rangers talk new programs
The Something Better Podcast
The City of Bakersfield launched its in 2022, helping make parks safer for visitors and preventing costly damage to our important amenities. Park Rangers Manager Billy Owens and Park Rangers Supervisor Mike Dobbs stop by the podcast to talk about the program and two new initiatives that have recently launched: An e-bike program to reduce response times and get help to those who need it quicker; and a volunteer bike patrol program for the Kern River Bike Trail. The four e-bikes were purchased thanks to a grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and the bike patrol...
info_outline
Water and weirs: Bakersfield Water Department talks backup weir project
The Something Better Podcast
The City of Bakersfield's ensures that when any of its thousands of customers turn on the tap, they have a safe, clean supply of water every day! But did you know they also keep the City safe using weir structures throughout the Kern River as it flows through Bakersfield? The Water Department's Assistant Director Daniel Maldonado stops by to talk about an exciting new project to reconstruct the Kern River Backup Weir near Coffee Road, a vital piece of infrastructure that helps the department control the flow of the river, especially in years with high outflow from the Isabella Dam. Learn why...
info_outline
Reducing gun violence in Bakersfield
The Something Better Podcast
The City of Bakersfield's Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention (OVIP) is helping reduce gun violence and homicides in our community through outreach and support services. This newly-created office is funded by a to help break the cycle of violence for at-risk individuals in Bakersfield. OVIP's work and the City's Gun Violence Reduction Strategy led to a 57% reduction in homicides (60 to 26) and a 60% reduction in shootings (109 to 44) in 2024 compared to 2021. Mercedes Mayers, OVIP Outreach Program Supervisor, and Lt. Matthew Gregory from the Bakersfield Police Department explain...
info_outline
Looking to the future: Improving the SE community and Old Town Kern!
The Something Better Podcast
Jason Cater from the drops in to talk about projects that are improving quality of life for southeast Bakersfield and soon, Old Town Kern! is making a big difference in a variety of ways, from adding tree canopy to improving safe routes to schools and even a new version of the Bakersfield Senior Center. Up next is the Old Town Kern Vision Plan to bring the area back to its glory while honoring its deep history and cultural feel. Jason tells us how YOU can get involved in shaping the area's future! Be sure to attend one of our upcoming OTK Vision Plan meetings at 9 a.m. on Jan. 23 (La...
info_outline
Talkin' trash with our Solid Waste Division!
The Something Better Podcast
Ready for some "trash talk"? We chat with acting Director James Leonard and Compliance Inspector Gustavo Medina about services you're already paying for but maybe not using. James talks about the different ways you can get rid of large items that don't fit in your trash bin or your car, including our popular pop-up trash drop-off events. Plus, what do you do with your Christmas tree after the holiday? We've got you covered. And Gustavo tells us the importance of separating your organic waste from your regular trash and how it can end up helping your garden!
info_outline
Economic & Community support in Bakersfield
The Something Better Podcast
Director Jenni Byers stops by to talk about all the programs her department offers, including the which helps local business owners and those looking to start their own business learn how to be successful. The ECD Department is also in the midst of reviewing feedback from more than 500 surveys on the Consolidated Plan. Learn what the plan is an why its important for our community. And its Thanksgiving week so we talk about shopping small and keeping dollars local with Shop Small Saturday (Nov. 30)!
info_outline
Addressing homelessness through the BLNC
The Something Better Podcast
Learn about how the City of Bakersfield's Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC) is helping us address the homlessness crisis. Theo Dues manages the BLNC, helping more than 400 previously homeless individuals get off the streets and find permanent housing solutions in just four years! We talk about how the facility works, what it takes to help those in need and the big anniversary the BLNC and staff celebrated over the weekend!
info_outlineJason Cater from the Economic & Community Development Department drops in to talk about projects that are improving quality of life for southeast Bakersfield and soon, Old Town Kern!
Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) is making a big difference in a variety of ways, from adding tree canopy to improving safe routes to schools and even a new version of the Bakersfield Senior Center.
Up next is the Old Town Kern Vision Plan to bring the area back to its glory while honoring its deep history and cultural feel. Jason tells us how YOU can get involved in shaping the area's future!
Be sure to attend one of our upcoming OTK Vision Plan meetings at 9 a.m. on Jan. 23 (La Mariposa Venue on Sumner Street) and Jan. 25 (RAM Gallery on Kentucky Street) to give us your visions for Old Town Kern!