The Something Better Podcast

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 yo...

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 - a...

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.

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,...

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...

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 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...

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 Billingsle...

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....

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 d...

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...

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 c...

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...

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 a...

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 e...

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...

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 tip...

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 Tres...

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 ca...

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 wh...

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 r...

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...