The Something Better Podcast

On Episode 28 of The Something Better Podcast Recreation & Parks Director Darin Budak discusses new changes at The Park at River Walk, programs being offered through the department and gets into the benefits of the Park Ranger Program. Darin even discusses an upcoming major project that should be complete by summer 2026.

Public Works Director Zac Meyer and Assistant City Manager Gary Hallen return to talk multi-modal projects the City is bringing to our local roads. But, what exactly is multi-modal and what does it mean for road users? Zac and Gary explain and tell us about projects you may soon see when you're moving around town, how they're funded, and how they'll make a difference in your life.

We welcome Bakersfield Fire Chief Kevin Albertson and BFD PIO AJ Clark back to the podcast this episode to talk about something that is on a lot of people's minds after the devastating fires in L.A. in 2024: How can you keep your home and family safe ahead of fire season? They explain how to come up with a plan for your family in an emergency, whether something like the L.A. fires can happen here, and how the Bakersfield Fire Department would respond if it did. As always, thanks for listening, don't forget to like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite service so you never miss an episode!

Adam Miller returns to the podcast to talk about the improvements that have been made at the Dignity Health Arena. Miller is the General Manager of the Arena and in this episode he tells us what you can expect when you come to a game or event at the City's premiere venue. From seat and scoreboard upgrades to saving on energy costs with new solar collection panels. And don't forget the new name on the outside! Remember to like and subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

A major improvement project is coming to H Street in Downtown Bakersfield, so Public Works Director Zac Meyer and Assistant City Manager Gary Hallen stopped by to talk about what you can expect as things get underway. New roundabouts, pedestrian crossing bulb-outs, lane reductions and more are on the way to the road. Learn why we're making these improvements and how they'll help everyone who uses the road, from vehicle drivers to walkers and joggers as well as bicyclists.

The City Clerk's Office is always looking to fill seats on our boards and commissions. And on this episode of The Something Better Podcast, City Clerk Julie Drimakis and Assistant City Clerk Cari Cowling breakdown the importance of each, their roles within the City, recruitment and how you can apply. Anyone interested in learning more and applying for a board or commission can visit the City Clerk's online portal.

Asst. Water Director Evette Roldan returns to talk more about the City's Wastewater Division, the proposed sewer rate changes and Prop 218 notices and more about the system we all use but never really think about. And if you missed Evette's first visit, check it out here.

Looking for something fun to do around town... and maybe learn something while you're at it? Visit Bakersfield has just what you're looking for with their new Bakersfield Historical Trail! The trail takes you on a journey through time in Bakersfield, checking out spots you might never have known about and telling you the history of our City along the way. Visit Bakersfield manager Matt Billingsley joins the podcast to talk about what their office does plus how you can earn cool prizes and up your Bakersfield trivia game at the same time!

We hope you had a great holiday break and are ready for more of The Something Better Podcast! Adam Miller, General Manager for the Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center is back to talk about the Bakersfield Condors, back for season 27! We talk about the team's connection with the community, why it's so important, and ways the community embraces the team like the annual Teddy Bear Toss. Not only do we discuss the club's history, but its future, too, touching on the youth program, the Mini Condors!

The Bakersfield Fire Department keeps us safe every day, responding to fires and medical emergencies and even car crashes. But the holidays can bring their own safety concerns, too. Fire Chief Kevin Albertson and Battalion Chief A.J. Clark join the podcast to talk about how to keep your family safe in the kitchen, decorating and in case of an emergency. Learn what you should have prepared before disaster strikes.

The man who runs the City of Bakersfield's entertainment center - the Dignity Health Arena, Theater & Convention Center and the Amphitheater at the Park at River Walk - stopped by to talk about all the big shows to check out this season! Adam Miller is the General Manager of the City's venues and he talked to us about what you should be looking forward to, from the Harlem Globetrotters return, to the Offspring and Trans Siberian Orchestra and more!

Things are getting spooky at the Bakersfield Police Department this month: It's almost time for Hal-LAW-een! Carina Ortiz and Sgt. Eric Celedon from BPD's Community Outreach team stop by the podcast to talk about their signature annual event, how it came about and its growth over the years to become a huge gathering the community has embraced. Plus, find out what you need to know if you plan on coming! Just about every City department will be involved in the fun on Thursday, Oct. 30 at BPD HQ on Truxtun Avenue, and we hope you and your kids can make it out and we can make this year's the biggest yet!

Flush... OK, now what? Ever wonder what happens after you flush? Or how water is treated after it goes down your sink or shower drains? Wonder no more! Assistant Water Director Evette Roldan stops by to talk all things wastewater, from what it is to how it's treated and what happens to it after it's treated. Learn about the City of Bakersfield's two Wastewater Treatment Plants, plants 2 and 3 and why there is no plant 1. Plus, what the future of wastewater looks like!

The City of Bakersfield's Economic & Community Development Department offers a variety of support for local businesses and entrepreneurs, from grants to programs. ECD Director Jenni Byers stops by to talk about some of those programs. We discuss what ECD does, why it exists, what type of support it offers, and we even talk about specific opportunities such as the Economic Opportunity Area grants available to local businesses to help them operate more efficiently and effectively, improving the City's economy overall. So, if you've got a business in one of those seven EOA locations in Bakersfield, you could have some extra help available to make your business even more successful!

City Manager Christian Clegg joins the podcast once again to talk about the State of the City address and what's happening in Bakersfield. What is the "State of the City" you ask? Well, we cover that! But in general, it's an annual event hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce for the City Manager to share important accomplishments from the past year, as well as what the public can expect moving forward. This year's state of the City was held on Wednesday, July 16. So, it's a great catchall if you want to know what's going on in your city. Take a listen and catch up on what Bakersfield has been up to and what to look forward to in the near future! And don't forget to like and subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

It's something just about everyone who gets behind the wheel deals with at some point: Distracted Driving. Sure, we all know we're not supposed to do it, but it can still happen. And it's not just texting while driving. It can be anything from fiddling with the radio, looking up an address on GPS, or even just talking with your friends in the back seat. Distracted Driving is anything that takes your attention off the task at hand: Driving safely. It can also be deadly, leading to nearly 3,300 deaths on the road each year. This episode - as part of the City of Bakersfield's awareness campaign - we chat with Bakersfield Police Sgt. Caleb Kiser about the dangers of Distracted Driving, what it is, how to prevent it, and how quickly something can go wrong and change your life and the lives of others forever.

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 Bakersfield Animal Care Center. 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!

Lt. Nicole Anderberg and Jamie Achterberg are back for a second round with us, talking about the Community Vitality Unit. 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 Bakersfield Police Department can quickly respond to trespassing incidents. And if you missed it, go check out Part 1 here!

Our 10th episode of The Something Better Podcast is here and it's a two-parter! We talk with two key members of the Community Vitality Unit 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!

The City of Bakersfield launched its Park Rangers program 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 features 10 volunteers.

The City of Bakersfield's Water Department 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 it is being reconstructed and the new features and amenities it will boast when completed!

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 grant from the California Violence Intervention and Prevention program 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 how OVIP connects potential victims and perpetrators with community-based organizations to find solutions to community violence and make a difference for all residents.

Jason 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!

Ready for some "trash talk"? We chat with acting Solid Waste Division Director James Leonard and SB1383 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!

Economic & Community Development Director Jenni Byers stops by to talk about all the programs her department offers, including the Entrepreneurship Grant Program 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)!

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!

Part 2 of our conversation with Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg delves deeper into how the City, its departments and partnerships are addressing some of the most pressing issues facing Bakersfield. Christian discusses our work to address homelessness, including placing 400 previously homeless individuals into permanent housing solutions; how the Bakersfield CalVIP program is helping reduce gun violence in our community; and the importance of economic development and opportunity for our residents.

The Something Better Podcast kicks off with Part 1 of a conversation with City Manager Christian Clegg. We take an overview look at the City Manager's Office and some of the services that the City of Bakersfield provides to its residents and many annual visitors. Learn what a City Manager is and does and why Bakersfield has one, as well as a little more about the man leading the City. Part 2 of our conversation will cover more details about some of the City's most pressing issues and how we're addressing them everyday. Expect that to drop in the coming weeks...