Local Business Spotlight

Indian Crickets— Locally made for local fisherman

The creator of Indian Crickets has been fishing for most of his life and has spent nearly a decade fishing right here in Bakersfield. While out on the water, he realized a soft, plastic cricket could be a game-changing bait for catching fish.

He took the idea to a few fishing companies, but was quickly dismissed and told it couldn’t be done. Instead of giving up, he decided to take the initiative and make it himself. After buying the materials and spending time testing his design, the results spoke for themselves — fish after fish on the line. That’s when he knew he had something special.

Today, Indian Crickets are available exclusively at Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop, offering local anglers a durable, unscented bait made right here in Bakersfield. Local fishermen have been loving Indian Crickets so much that he’s having a hard time keeping them on the shelf because they’re good for multiple catches per each soft cricket!

If you like supporting local and you’re an angler yourself, give Indian Crickets a try. You can find them at Cope’s Tackle and Rod Shop on 1654 Calloway Dr. or at their new east-side location near Sonic at 3501 Mall View Rd. Follow Indian Crickets on Instagram! 

Remembering the past. Bakersfield History.

Kern County’s Forgotten Disaster: The 1932 Tehachapi Flood

This is another great piece of Kern History my friend CartographerLess3945 from reddit! He’s a real Kern County and Railroad enthusiast! Thank you my friend.

On September 30, 1932, the Tehachapi and Keene regions of Kern County, California, were struck by one of the most devastating natural disasters in local history. Beginning in the mid-morning hours, an intense and localized storm system commonly classified as a cloudburst released a deluge of rainfall over the Tehachapi Mountains. Over the course of just twelve hours, more than four inches of rain inundated the area, contributing to an already saturated landscape due to a particularly wet year. Annual precipitation for the region would ultimately approach 17 inches, far surpassing normal averages.

As the storm intensified, Tehachapi Creek and its tributaries swelled into violent torrents, carrying rocks, debris, and structures downstream. Orchard crates filled with pears were seen floating down Curry Street toward Main Street, now Tehachapi Boulevard before continuing on toward Keene and Caliente. Homes throughout Tehachapi were damaged or flooded, while infrastructure across the region began to fail under the weight and force of the floodwaters.

The situation grew dire in Keene (known to railroad personnel as Woodford), where two freight trains were halted on sidings due to the worsening weather. Santa Fe freight train #3834 was positioned on Siding No. 3, closest to Tehachapi Creek. Southern Pacific engine #5036, a massive 4-10-2 locomotive, rested on Track No. 1. Around 7:00 p.m., Auzie O. Hicks, Sr., a signal maintenance foreman, and his son Walter Hicks took shelter from the storm in the cab of the Santa Fe locomotive. Observing the rapid erosion beneath the tracks, the two men narrowly escaped death, leaping to safety just before the locomotive toppled onto its side in a deep ravine that was solid ground not long before. The debris-filled water quickly covered the locomotive.

Roughly three-quarters of a mile downstream, debris had clogged a large railroad culvert, forming a temporary dam. As pressure behind the blockage mounted, the water ultimately surged over the embankment, engulfing Southern Pacific #5036. Although the locomotive was derailed, it remarkably remained upright. The fireman, Enos Brown, was later discovered clinging to the smokestack, in a state of shock, and had to be physically removed by rescuers. He would go on to have a long and distinguished career with Southern Pacific. In a later photograph taken at Lang, Enos Brown is seen standing on the left among three railroaders an enduring symbol of survival.

However, the full story of the SP #5036 crew has often been lost in the folklore that has grown around the flood. Years of research and survivor interviews reveal a more complete and tragic narrative. Engineer A.H. “Pinky” Ross, who had left the train to seek shelter at Kaad’s Café, was swept away in the floodwaters and killed. Brakeman Harry Moore perished as he attempted to cross the top of boxcars toward the rear of the train during the deluge; his body was later recovered and he is buried in Forest Lawn in Glendale. Engineer Ross was laid to rest in Bakersfield. Of the SP crew on #5036, only Fireman Enos Brown survived, his escape nothing short of miraculous.

Nearby, the café operated by Peter and Louise Kaad, known as Kaad’s Camp, had become a temporary refuge for around 30 individuals, many of them transients seeking shelter. Despite repeated warnings from section foreman Nick Tom urging evacuation, the occupants remained, believing they were safer indoors. When the debris dam finally broke, Kaad’s Camp was obliterated. All three members of the Kaad family were killed, and in the weeks that followed, numerous unidentified bodies presumed to be those of transients were found downstream between Keene and Arvin.

By morning, the extent of the devastation was clear. A 40-foot cliff now stood where Santa Fe engine #3834 had been stationed, with no trace of the locomotive or tracks. An extensive search for engine #3834 began. After several weeks of unsuccessful probing, it was finally located just 15 feet from its original position, buried under less than 10 feet of mud and debris. Recovery crews utilized a 250-ton and a 200-ton derrick, among the largest cranes in the world at the time, to lift the engine. A temporary track was laid beneath the suspended locomotive, which was then moved to the Santa Fe yard in Bakersfield. Its light and bell were never recovered.

Throughout the region, the destruction was vast. Thirty-one miles of track were destroyed or heavily damaged, and several major bridges including two large steel spans were left twisted and useless. Over 1,000 workers from various railroad, highway, and utility crews were mobilized to restore vital infrastructure. after considerable around-the-clock efforts the Tehachapi line was reopened for service on Oct 14, 1932. Work continued for many months with the total cost of repairs to the railroad approximating $581,000, that is roughly 14.1 million dollars in today's money.

The recovered Santa Fe engine #3834 was eventually sent to Illinois for repairs, which took more than two years. Its triumphant return through Tehachapi was widely advertised by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, and the townspeople gathered to cheer as the locomotive passed by, ringing a new bell its old one lost to the flood.

Eyewitness accounts from local residents offer deeply personal insight into the disaster. Laura Ramos, age 12 at the time, remembered sitting on her porch in pitch-black darkness, watching floodwaters churn past. Bob Freeman, 14, lost a flock of pigeons to the flood, though his home remained untouched thanks to its elevated construction. Mary Watts (Farrell) recalled her father's calm readiness to evacuate the family from their home near the tracks if waters rose any further. Bud Cummings, preparing to build an adobe house, found that the rains had turned his materials into a pile of useless mud.

The 1932 Tehachapi Flood, fueled by the remnants of a Pacific tropical cyclone, stands as one of the worst natural disasters in Kern County history. It claimed lives, disrupted vital transport routes, and left a trail of destruction from Tehachapi to Arvin. Yet amid the chaos, it also revealed acts of heroism, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of the communities and railroaders who rose to meet the challenge.

Opportunities

· Volunteer Seed Collection @ Wind Wolves Preserve (Saturday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM) 16019 Maricopa Hwy — Help with native plant restoration through seed collection in the preserve’s scenic backcountry. Ages 10+ and reservations required.
· Kern County Career Expo @ Mechanics Bank Convention Center (Saturday, 9AM-1PM) 1001 Truxtun Ave — Connect with local government departments offering career opportunities, including animal services, libraries, and law enforcement.
· Sonder Bartender Hiring @ Sonder (Ongoing) 9500 Brimhall Rd #306 — Sonder is hiring bartenders with style and skill. Apply by sending your resume to [email protected].

Thursday, September 25

· The Marshall Tucker Band @ The Kern County Fair – Budweiser Pavilion (8:00 PM) 1142 S P St — Free with fair admission; gates open 6:30 PM and seating is first-come, first-served.
· 90’s Music Bingo Night @ Monopoly Cantina (6:00–8:30 PM) 955 Oak St — Play bingo with a nostalgic twist as you sing along to 90’s hits. Food, drinks, and prizes make this a lively evening.
· Whiskey Dinner @ Eureka! Bakersfield (6:30–8:30 PM) 10520 Stockdale Hwy — An evening of fine bourbon paired with comfort food. Reservation recommended for this 21+ event.
· Paris on Fire, Fear, Artifice @ Jerry’s Pizza (7:00 PM) 1817 Chester Ave — A night of alternative rock with local and touring bands. $7 cover, all ages welcome.
· Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5:00 PM–Close) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd — Weekly chess meetups in a casual brewery setting. Boards are provided, all skill levels welcome.

Friday, September 26

· Neon Trees @ The Kern County Fair – Budweiser Pavilion (8:00 PM) 1142 S P St — Free with fair admission; gates open 6:30 PM. Expect a high-energy pop rock show.
· Rock en Español @ Jerry’s Pizza (9:00 PM) 1817 Chester Ave — A free night of high-energy Spanish rock. Doors open at 9:00 PM.
· One More Time Daft Punk Tribute @ The Nile Theater (8:00 PM) 1721 19th St — A Daft Punk tribute experience with Blade Trip. Expect house beats and dance vibes.
· Dueling Pianos @ Rio Bravo Country Club (7:00–9:30 PM) 15200 Casa Club Dr — Two pianists battle it out with music and comedy in a crowd-driven show. Reservations required; admission $40 members/$50 non-members.
· Chuys Live Music @ Chuys Rosedale (7:00–11:00 PM) 8660 Rosedale Hwy — Performance by Rearview Mirror. Food, drinks, and giveaways keep the night lively.
· Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield eSports Center (6:30 PM) 7501 Brimhall Rd — Magic: The Gathering weekly tournaments. All skill levels welcome.
· The Toxic Avenger @ Ovation Theatre (7:30 PM) 1622 19th St — A hilarious, campy musical comedy based on the cult classic film. Runs Friday–Sunday.
· The Mousetrap @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30 PM)
2400 S Chester Ave — Agatha Christie’s world-famous murder mystery play, running Friday–Sunday evenings with a Sunday matinee.
· Game Show Bingo @ Bottleshock Wine & Brew (Friday, September 26, 8:00–10:00 PM) 1002 19th St — A new twist on bingo where winners get to play Wheel of Fortune, Let’s Make a Deal, or Plinko. Prizes, interactive fun, and plenty of laughs. 21+ only, $8 in advance / $10 at the door.

Saturday, September 27

· CeCe Winans @ The Kern County Fair – Budweiser Pavilion (8:00 PM) 1142 S P St — Free with fair admission; gates 6:30 PM, first-come seating. A powerful gospel performance in the heart of the fair.
· Family Nature Day @ Panorama Vista Preserve (Saturday, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM) 801 E Roberts Ln — A free, family-friendly event where children and adults can enjoy guided nature walks and hands-on activities at the preserve.
· Riverlakes Farmers Market @ Centennial High School (9:00 AM–1:00 PM) 8601 Hageman Rd — A weekly farmers market with fresh produce, local vendors, and food stalls.
· F Street Farmers Market @ 2819 F St (7:45 AM–12:00 PM) — A long-running downtown market with fresh produce, flowers, and baked goods.
· XS Muscle Free Workout @ The Park at Riverwalk (7:00 AM) 11298 Stockdale Hwy — Join local trainers for a free, high-energy community workout. All levels welcome.
· LA Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks @ Mechanics Bank Arena (3:00 PM) 1001 Truxtun Ave — NHL preseason hockey returns to Bakersfield. A rare chance to catch two Southern California teams face off locally.
· Belly and Bloom Belly Dance Class @ 1002 Wible Rd (6:00–8:00 PM) — A ladies-only pop-up dance class to learn belly dance and celebrate movement in community.
· Birthday Bash Run @ Girls Run Bakersfield (Women’s Run Club) (6:20 AM meet, 6:40 AM takeoff) Hart Park — A special community run celebrating Luz’s birthday. Expect an early morning workout in a group setting.
· Golden Age Gala @ The Fox Theater (6:00–9:30 PM) 2001 H St — Celebrate 95 years of the Historic Fox Theater with a formal gala event featuring performances and presentations.
· 2000’s Party @ The Nile Theater (9:00 PM) 1721 19th St — A themed dance party taking you back to the hits of the 2000s. 18+ only.
· Chuys Live Music @ Chuys Rosedale (7:00–11:00 PM) 8660 Rosedale Hwy — Live set by Teddy Spanke and the Tex Pistols. Outdoor and indoor seating available.
· The Toxic Avenger @ Ovation Theatre (7:30 PM) 1622 19th St — A hilarious, campy musical comedy based on the cult classic film. Runs Friday–Sunday.
· The Mousetrap @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30 PM) 2400 S Chester Ave — Agatha Christie’s world-famous murder mystery play, running Friday–Sunday evenings with a Sunday matinee.
· The Wall St. Market @ Wall St. Alley (7:00–11:00 PM) Downtown Bakersfield — A vibrant local vendor market with DJs, food, and handmade goods in the heart of downtown.

Sunday, September 28

· Banda el Mexicano @ The Kern County Fair – Budweiser Pavilion (8:00 PM) 1142 S P St — Free with fair admission; gates 6:30 PM. Expect lively norteño hits to close out the fair’s concert series.
· Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ Haggin Oaks (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) 8800 Ming Ave — Bakersfield’s popular Sunday market featuring farm-fresh goods and local artisans.
· Happy Hour Sundays @ Jerry’s Pizza (3:00–6:00 PM) 1817 Chester Ave — DJ Dos Mucho spins R&B throwbacks and classics during happy hour specials.
· Dross with Hurthawks @ Jerry’s Pizza (6:00 PM) 1817 Chester Ave — Long Beach emo grind meets LA drunkwave. All ages, $6 cover.
· CC Amore @ Chuys Rosedale (4:00–8:00 PM) 8660 Rosedale Hwy — A relaxed Sunday evening of live music, drinks, and Mexican food.
· The Toxic Avenger @ Ovation Theatre (2:00 PM) 1622 19th St — Closing matinee performance of this outrageous and fun stage musical.
· The Mousetrap @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2:00 PM) 2400 S Chester Ave — Classic Agatha Christie murder mystery in its Sunday matinee run.

Monday, September 29

· Unbound – Kern Capital Summit @ The Padre Hotel (11:30 AM–6:30 PM) 1702 18th St — This business summit connects investors, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore Kern County’s economic potential.

Tuesday, September 30

· Turn Up Tuesdays Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza (7:00 PM – 10:00 PM) Hosted by DJ Countdown. All ages welcome. $10 gets you 3 tacos & a margarita.

Wednesday, October 1

· Cheetah Girls Karaoke Night @ Jerry’s Pizza (7:00–10:00 PM) 1817 Chester Ave — Throwback karaoke night featuring Hannah Montana and the Cheetah Girls. 21+, $10 cover.
· Tastings & Teachings Moai @ The Phoenix at Sundale (5:30–7:00 PM) 6218 Sundale Ave — Weekly lecture and discussion series led by local experts and professors. Each week brings a new engaging topic.
· Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (Evening) 3200 Buck Owens Blvd — A casual weekly cornhole competition open to all levels.

That’s it for this week.

📲 Follow The Bakersfield Guy on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube to stay connected between issues.

➡️ Know someone who’d love this? Forward it to a friend or tag them on one of my latest posts.

📩 Got an event, business, or rumor I should feature? Hit reply or email me at [email protected].

The Bakersfield Guy

[email protected].