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The Something Better Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by City of Bakersfield
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 weeks ago17 min
Hal-LAW-een is back!
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!
- Oct 6, 202618 min
El Niño, storm preps and the Water Department
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!
- Sep 15, 202624 min
Reducing Gun Violence in Bakersfield, Pt. 2
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.
- Sep 1, 202631 min
25 Years Remembering Patriot Day
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.
- Aug 18, 202620 min
Sitting down with Code Enforcement
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!
- Jun 24, 202613 min
Fireworks safety for Independence Day
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!
- Jun 16, 202613 min
Summer pool and swim tips from the City's Aquatics Division!
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!
- Jun 2, 202623 min
Meet the new BPD Chief, Brent Stratton!
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.
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About 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Something Better Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Something Better Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Something Better Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Something Better Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by City of Bakersfield.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
What topics does The Something Better Podcast cover?
The Something Better Podcast covers topics including Government. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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