E-Bikes and Volunteer Bike Patrol: The Park Rangers talk new programs
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.
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18:19
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!
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13:11
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.
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21:47
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!
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15:26
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!
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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