Hal-LAW-een is back!

The City of Bakersfield is applying to the Department of Housing and Community Development for a Prohousing Designation. But what does that mean? Bakersfield Development Services Deputy Director Jenni Byers joins the podcast to talk about the impact the state designation could have for the City and housing development and how you can get involved. The application is open until for public feedback until Nov. 20, 2026, so get those comments in now!

The Bakersfield Police Department's popular Hal-LAW-een Spooktacular will be back at the end of October! We sit down with Carina Ortiz and Sgt. Eric Celedon from PD to talk about the event, what it's all about, what's new, when exactly it is (4 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29), and what you need to know if you're coming this year!

The California Department of Water Resources has dedicated Oct. 17 - 24 this year as Flood Preparedness Week and we're highlighting how the City of Bakersfield is prepping for the wet season and a possible Super El Niño this winter. Daniel Maldonado, fresh from being appointed the City's new Water Department Director, joins us to talk about what his department is doing to make sure you, your family and your property are kept safe even in the face of heavier storms than normal. Plus, learn a bit about out to make your home more water friendly and maybe save a couple bucks while you're at it!

Did you know? Less than 1/10th of 1% of the City's residential population is responsible for 60-70% of all gun violence in Bakersfield? That equates to between 150 and 200 people. That means using strategic targeting can address the majority of gun violence and stop it before it happens. That's the idea behind Bakersfield's Office of Violence Intervention & Prevention. City Manager Christian Clegg and Asst. to the City Manager Crystal Rubio join us to give an update on the the OVIP program. We last spoke with members of the City's OVIP back in 2025. Now we're taking a look at progress since then, how the program works and how it's breaking the cycle of violence for at-risk individuals in Bakersfield.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Thousands of lives were lost, including fire and police personnel in New York City. As the nation marks the anniversary, members of the Bakersfield Fire Department and the Bakersfield Firefighters Historical Society will host two ceremonies at Fire Station 15 on Buena Vista Road. On Episode 33 of The Something Better Podcast, A.J. Clark, Jason Johnson and Derek Rodriguez with Bakersfield Fire, discuss the events of 9/11, how it impacted them and how they were able to bring a piece of one of the World Trade Center buildings to Bakersfield to honor the lives lost. They also discuss other memorials at Fire Station 15 and what visitors can expect when attending the site.

Ever wonder what Code Enforcement does? What code are they enforcing, anyway? We sit down with Code Enforcement Supervisor Jose Gonzalez to answer those questions, as well as when should you call them and what's the best way to get a quick response to issues. Hear how they use the Bakersfield Mobile App to receive and respond to the public's concerns and learn about Code's Rapid Response Teams. And if you haven't already, like and subscribe to The Something Better Podcast so you never miss an episode!

It's a great time to celebrate the nation's independence, especially with the 250th anniversary coming up. But don't ruin your holiday with a trip to the E.R. or a costly fine! Bakersfield Fire Department Public Information Officer A.J. Clark joins the podcast to talk about fireworks safety, how to know what to buy and not buy, plus how to report illegal fireworks if you see or hear them around your neighborhood. Check it out, stay safe, have fun and have a great holiday!

We're up to 30 episodes and for the first time ever, we're going VIDEO on The Something Better Podcast! We're trying something new, so we hope you enjoy it! And our first video guests are Katherine Dye & Anthony Bishop who help run things at the McMurtrey Aquatics Center in Downtown Bakersfield. They have some great tips on how to stay safe in the pools - both the City's facilities and at home - as well as letting us know about the great programs and classes they offer for ALL AGES! Check it out, stay cool and, of course, stay safe!

After six years, the Bakersfield Police Department has a new leader at the top. Brent Stratton was appointed the new Chief of Police, taking over in April 2026. Chief Stratton joined the podcast to talk about his life growing up here in Bakersfield, his career in law enforcement, his goals for the department, and what it means to him to be part of the community.

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.