City Council Recap

Testing another way of getting this out to you, for now. Here’s a few of the topics.

Wednesday was a bit of a lighter night. Three Council members were absent, so I’m sure that means heavier topics were pushed back.

MLK Park

This is the one I have been waiting to see move. The city already has a significant state grant secured to renovate Martin Luther King Jr. Community Park and staff is now recommending a $3 million match from the public safety tax fund to unlock it. We are still tracking down the exact grant figures from the official staff report because the numbers were a little unclear in the meeting. What is not unclear is the window they are working with. They have about two years to get to construction before that money is gone for good. Vote is in June.

On a side note, I was actually going to make a video on this trying to figure out what happened to this project. There were visions of a big community center with a lot of resources for the local community. Glad to see it come up. I might have to look into it some more myself.

70 City Positions Being Cut

The city gave an early look at next year's budget Tuesday and the number that stood out was 70. That is how many positions are being eliminated across the city, split between the general fund and the public safety tax fund. Leadership framed it as a restructuring move to get spending back in line with revenue. Personnel costs as a share of the public safety budget are dropping from nearly 60 percent last year down to 54 percent this year, which is a meaningful shift. Full budget adoption happens in June.

Historic Preservation Commission

Michael McCoy was reappointed to the Bakersfield Historic Preservation Commission with a new term running through March 2029. Two candidates applied and McCoy got the nod.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Mayor Karen Go recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the room was full for it. Representatives from the Kern County Network for Children, First Five Kern, Clinica Sierra Vista, CASA of Kern and the Open Door Network were all there. The stat shared Tuesday put things in perspective. Kern County's child abuse and neglect rates are 62 percent higher than the state average over the past five years. These organizations are doing the work every single day.

Sikh Heritage Month

The council recognized April as Sikh Heritage Month and the Jakara Movement came out to accept it with real energy. Student leaders from Ridgeview High School joined them at the podium which was a standout moment of the night. Bakersfield is home to an estimated 35,000 Sikh residents and their roots in this valley go deep.

A Resident Came to Be Heard

Charles Linenbrink walked up to the mic and kept it simple. Unlicensed mini bikes have been tearing down his street with no plates and no lights and his repeated calls to Bakersfield Police have gone nowhere. He was calm, he was clear, and he made his point. City Manager Christian Clegg committed to having someone follow up with him directly. That is what showing up to your city council meeting looks like.

If you have any ideas, feedback or suggestions regarding providing the city council recap, message me guys!

In The City

GTWSF is on a mission to put 30 complete skateboards in kids' hands by Go Skateboarding Day on June 21st and they need your help to get there.

GTWSF, the Give The World a Skateboard Foundation, is a Bakersfield-based nonprofit that uses skateboarding, art, and music to build confidence and community in local youth. They run free and low-cost programs, host events, and work to make sure kids in Bakersfield have access to the sport and the culture around it.

Right now Impact Skate Shop has a donation box going. You can drop off any new or used skate goods. Trucks, wheels, hardware, whatever you've got sitting around at Impact Skate Shop or Nanos Downtown. Every part gets them closer to that goal.

Thirty boards. June 21st. Let's help make it happen.

Check out the post here.

White Forest Nursery on Morning Drive is closing after over half a century of being open. Last day of operation is set to be June 30th, so closeout sales have begun. If you want to say a final goodbye to another longtime, local business, the time is now!

💡 Click the underlined event name for tickets or more info.

THURSDAY 4/9
• High Desert Falconry @ Rosamond Branch Library (4PM–5:30PM) Live birds of prey and an educational look into falconry. Great for families.
• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Casual meetup for all skill levels with food, drinks, and open play.
• A Taste for the Future @ Zama Latin Cuisine Patio (6PM) Fundraising dinner with curated food in a relaxed outdoor setting.
• Night in Tuscany @ Seven Oaks Country Club (6PM–8PM) Italian-themed evening with wine, food, and live ambiance.
• Big in Bako: Cory Cross & Devyn Brinsfield Live @ Woolworth’s (6PM doors) Local country showcase inside a historic downtown venue.
• Cruise Night @ Chuy’s Baja Grill (6PM) Weekly car meet with classics, music, and a steady crowd.
• Michael Peters, Seth Anderson and Sim Williams: Live Music @ Dagny’s Coffee (6:30PM) Intimate acoustic set featuring multiple local artists.
• Adult Sewing Workshop @ The Studio Bakersfield SOLD OUT (6:30PM–8:30PM) Beginner-friendly class covering sewing basics and small projects.
• BC Concert Band Spring Concert @ BC Simonsen Indoor Theater (7PM) Full concert featuring classical and contemporary pieces.• The • • • Police Tribute / The Police Academy @ Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame (7PM) Live tribute concert featuring hits from The Police performed by The Police Academy.
• OhGeesy Live @ Fox Theater (8PM) High-energy hip-hop show from Shoreline Mafia’s OhGeesy.

FRIDAY 4/10
• Spring Fling @ Haberfelde Building (4:30PM–6:30PM) Family-friendly event with vendors and activities to kick off the evening.
• Chester Ave Downtown Cruise @ Chester Ave (6PM–10PM) Packed downtown cruise with classic cars, music, and heavy foot traffic.
• Fright Night Market @ Wall Street Alley (6PM–10PM) Alley night market with vendors, food, and a darker late-night vibe.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly card tournament with a strong, welcoming community.
• Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls for $3 beer night!@ Dignity Health Arena (7PM) Fast-paced hockey matchup with a big local crowd.
• Mike E. Winfield Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Stand-up from a nationally touring comedian in an intimate venue.
• Coco Montoya Live @ World Records (7:30PM) Blues guitar legend Coco Montoya performs live with an opening set by Jason Badgley.
• La Noche Más Bélica @ La Movida Nightclub (8PM doors) Regional Mexican concert night with a packed club atmosphere.

SATURDAY 4/11
• Forest Bathing: Sunrise Meditation @ Wind Wolves Preserve (6:30AM–8:30AM) Free guided sunrise meditation experience in nature. Slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the outdoors. Reservations required; space is limited.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly market with fresh produce and local vendors.
• Free Bulky Item Drop-Off @ 15050 Stockdale Hwy (8AM–12PM) City cleanup event for disposing large household items.
• Autism on the Run @ The Park at River Walk (8:15AM–11AM) Community run/walk event supporting autism awareness with multiple race options including 2K, 5K, 10K, and a family walk.
• Second Saturday Makers Market @ Arts Council of Kern (9AM–1PM) Monthly outdoor market featuring local artists, handmade goods, and community vendors.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ Centennial HS (9AM–1PM) Larger market with food, produce, and local businesses.
• Dog Vaccination Clinic @ 201 S Mt Vernon Ave (9AM–12PM) Drive-through pet clinic offering affordable vaccinations.
• Second Saturday @ In Your Wildest Dreams (9AM–5PM) Full-day vendor event with shopping and live music.
• Bako Market @ Dignity Health Arena (10AM–3PM) Community market featuring local vendors, food, handmade goods, and small businesses. Great spot to shop local and hang out downtown.
• Summer Camp & School Expo @ Westside Church Gymnasium (10AM–2PM) Free family event to explore local camps, programs, and summer opportunities for kids.
• Madness Market Pop-Up @ 2720 Calloway Dr (10AM–3PM) Local vendor pop-up featuring small businesses and handmade goods.
• Bee-utiful Bees Exhibit @ Buena Vista Museum (11AM) Interactive exhibit exploring the world of bees up close. Educational and family-friendly with a focus on pollinators and nature.
• Woolworth’s Open House @ Woolworth’s Building (11AM–5PM) Explore the restored landmark with live music, vintage vendors, and the Luncheonette open.
• Family Day @ Bakersfield Museum of Art (11AM–5PM) Free family event featuring art activities, live music, and interactive experiences. Includes “Jazz in the Garden” from 12PM–2PM and local vendors.
• Monster Truck Wars (Matinee) @ Kern County Fairgrounds (12PM) Family-friendly monster truck show with racing and stunts.
• Sue & Jordan Live @ Prime Time BBQ (11:30AM–2PM) Live music paired with a casual lunch crowd.
• Tim Elam: Stories of Early Gold Mining @ Buena Vista Museum (1PM) Local geologist presents a deep dive into Kern County’s gold mining history through photos and storytelling.
• Storytime at the Park @ David Nelson Pocket Park (1PM–3PM) Outdoor reading event for kids and families. 20 free books, art activity, parent workshop tamales, snacks and refreshments are limited
• Miche & Chile Verde Madness @ Stramler Park (1PM–6PM) Food event featuring micheladas, vendors, and a social crowd.
• Boots in the Park @ Bakersfield Sports Village (2PM–10PM) Major country festival with Jon Pardi, Scotty McCreery, and more.
• California Deer Association Fundraising Banquet @ Kern County Fairgrounds (4:30PM doors) Dinner event with raffles and community support focus raising money to protect habitat.
• Bakersfield Gala Night Dinner Fundraiser @ Bakersfield Masonic Center (5PM–10PM) Formal fundraiser benefiting RiteCare Childhood Language Center with dinner, auctions, and live program.
• The View Night Market @ Ridgeview High School (5:30PM–9:30PM) Evening market with food, shopping, and entertainment.
• Mesmerica 360 Experience @ The Bakersfield College Planetarium (5:30PM | 6:45PM | 8PM) Immersive 360° visual and music experience by James Hood designed to relax and captivate. Multi-sensory journey blending art, sound, and projection.
• Monster Truck Wars (Evening) @ Kern County Fairgrounds (6PM) Louder nighttime show with bigger energy.
• The Great Classics by the Bakersfield Orchestra @ Dignity Health Theater (6:30PM) Bakersfield Symphony performance of classical favorites.
• Bakersfield Condors vs San Diego Gulls @ Dignity Health Arena (7PM) Second night of hockey with another strong turnout. Youth Jersey Giveaway
• Mike E. Winfield Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Additional showing for Saturday night.
• Drive-In Movie Night: Blended @ Cherry Acres RESCHEDULED (7:30PM) Outdoor movie experience with food and parking early.
• Girls Night Out: Legends @ 7900 Downing Ave (8PM) High-energy stage show with music and dancing.
• Boots in the Park Afterparty @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (9PM–close) Late-night country party extending the festival vibe.
• It’s a 2000s Party: Bakersfield @ The Nile Theater (9PM) Throwback party featuring early 2000s hits and club vibes. Doors and show start at 9PM.

SUNDAY 4/12
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Large Sunday market with a wide mix of vendors.
• Coffee & Cars Market @ Tractor Supply (9AM–2PM) Car meet mixed with vendors and coffee.
• Rods & Rigs Car Show @ Purpose Built (9AM–1PM) Showcase of custom cars and trucks for enthusiasts.
• Community Market @ Rio Bravo Ranch (10AM–2PM) Relaxed outdoor market with food and vendors.
• Coffee + Connection by Fatherhood Collective @ Bakersfield Roasting Company (10AM) Casual meetup for dads and kids to connect over coffee and conversation. Relaxed, welcoming environment focused on community.
• Dale Watson & His Lone Stars @ Fairfax Grange (1PM) Classic country show in a historic venue.
• Nature Journaling @ Wind Wolves Preserve (2PM–3:30PM) Relaxed outdoor journaling session focused on observing and connecting with nature. Meet at the Crossing Kiosk; supplies available while they last.
• Dale Watson & His Lone Stars @ Fairfax Grange (7PM) Evening performance with a more traditional concert feel.
• Springtime in Downtown Concert @ Jastro Park (4PM–7PM) Outdoor concert in a relaxed park setting. Morning Drive!
• Roast Battle @ The Well Comedy Club (6PM) Fast-paced comedy competition between local comedians.

MONDAY 4/13
• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–10PM) Weekly Motown music night with a steady crowd.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Social bingo night with drinks and prizes.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop session open to all players.

TUESDAY 4/14
• Trivia Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6:30PM–8:30PM) Team trivia with a fun, competitive vibe.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Lively trivia night with prizes and a strong turnout.
• Chickens & Eggs Workshop @ Kern County Fairgrounds Possibly sold out(1PM-2:30PM) Learn backyard chicken care and egg production basics.

WEDNESDAY 4/15
• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Early evening board games in a family-friendly setting.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly competition with casual and competitive players.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (6PM lesson) Country dance lessons followed by open dancing.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Free bingo with prizes and a social crowd.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance workout class.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza & Pub (7PM–Midnight) Popular karaoke night featuring emo and pop-punk hits.
• Bingo + Live Music @ Rooster’s Honky Tonk (8PM) Bingo followed by live country music.

I was fighting for my life trying to get this issue done to release today LMAO

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