About this 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
The newest 20 of 36 episodes
- Hal-LAW-een is back! · 17 min · Season 2 Episode 36The 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…
- El Niño, storm preps and the Water Department · 19 min · Season 1 Episode 35The 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…
- Reducing Gun Violence in Bakersfield, Pt. 2 · 25 min · Season 1 Episode 34Did 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…
- 25 Years Remembering Patriot Day · 32 min · Season 1 Episode 33This 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…
- Sitting down with Code Enforcement · 21 min · Season 1 Episode 32Ever 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…
- Fireworks safety for Independence Day · 13 min · Season 1 Episode 31It'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!…
- Summer pool and swim tips from the City's Aquatics Division! · 13 min · Season 1 Episode 33We'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…
- Meet the new BPD Chief, Brent Stratton! · 24 min · Season 1 Episode 29After 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…
- Rec. & Parks staying busy for the community · 19 minOn 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…
- Multi-modal projects · 15 min · Season 1 Episode 27Public 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…
- Emergency Preparedness · 25 min · Season 1 Episode 26We 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…
- Enhancing your Arena experience · 9 min · Season 1 Episode 25Adam 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…
- H Street Improvements Project: Making safer for all · 19 min · Season 1 Episode 24A 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…
- Breaking down Boards & Commissions · 19 min · Season 1 Episode 23The 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…
- Wastewater 2.0: Sewer Rates and more · 19 min · Season 1 Episode 22Asst. 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…
- Journey Through Time on the Bakersfield Trail! · 14 min · Season 1 Episode 21Looking 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…
- It's Condorstown! · 10 min · Season 1 Episode 20We 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…
- Holiday Safety Tips from the Bakersfield Fire Department · 22 min · Season 1 Episode 19The 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…
- Bakersfield's entertainment center! · 11 min · Season 1 Episode 18The 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…
- Hal-LAW-een Spooktacular! · 21 min · Season 1 Episode 17Things 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…
