The Something Better Podcast

City of Bakersfield
The Something Better Podcast

The City of Bakersfield's official podcast, explaining the services and programs the City provides to its residents and introducing them to the staff who make them happen! The Something Better Podcast is designed to make local government more accessible and engaging than ever before! Each episode will feature insightful conversations with City leaders and staff who play a crucial role in delivering these programs. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how their tax dollars are being used to make our residents' lives better.

Episodes

  1. Water and weirs: Bakersfield Water Department talks backup weir project

    MAR 25

    Water and weirs: Bakersfield Water Department talks backup weir project

    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!

    13 min
  2. Reducing gun violence in Bakersfield

    FEB 18

    Reducing gun violence in Bakersfield

    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.

    22 min
  3. Looking to the future: Improving the SE community and Old Town Kern!

    JAN 21

    Looking to the future: Improving the SE community and Old Town Kern!

    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!

    15 min
  4. Talkin' trash with our Solid Waste Division!

    12/17/2024

    Talkin' trash with our Solid Waste Division!

    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!

    13 min
  5. Economic & Community support in Bakersfield

    11/26/2024

    Economic & Community support in Bakersfield

    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)!

    18 min

  6. 10/29/2024

    Addressing homelessness through the BLNC

    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!

    20 min

  7. 10/14/2024

    Digging deeper with City Manager Christian Clegg

    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.

    23 min
  8. Meet Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg

    10/04/2024

    Meet Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg

    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...

    19 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The City of Bakersfield's official podcast, explaining the services and programs the City provides to its residents and introducing them to the staff who make them happen! The Something Better Podcast is designed to make local government more accessible and engaging than ever before! Each episode will feature insightful conversations with City leaders and staff who play a crucial role in delivering these programs. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how their tax dollars are being used to make our residents' lives better.

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