In The City

Bakersfield is currently in a Proposition 218 process that could raise the average single-family sewer bill from about $247 per year to roughly $875 by 2030.

The City says the increase is needed to replace aging infrastructure, including a nearly 70-year-old wastewater treatment plant on Planz Road. A full rebuild is estimated to cost between $500 million and $600 million.

The proposed increases would roll out in phases starting July 1, 2026, with rates rising each year.

This comes after a previous, steeper proposal was withdrawn in 2025 following public backlash.

Two public hearings are scheduled:
• April 22
• May 13 (final decision expected)

Under Proposition 218 rules, the increase will only be blocked if more than 50% of affected property owners submit written protests. Property owners can also respond using the official notice mailed to them.

This is a major local decision that could impact most residents, so if you want your voice heard, submitting a protest or attending a hearing are the main ways to participate.

If you caught the April 12 show at Jastro Park, you already know the vibe. The Springtime in Downtown Concert Series has two Sundays left, and both are free.

• April 19 — Jay Smith Group (4PM–7PM)
• April 26 — Mento Buru (4PM–7PM)

2900 Truxtun Ave. Bring a chair, bring the family, and enjoy a relaxed Sunday afternoon with live music in downtown Bakersfield. Let’s show out and support so we can keep getting more events like this in the community.

A Legend Spotted in Bakersfield

Country legend, Jon Pardi was spotted at Rancho Grande Mexican grill! The Rancho Grande posted, what I think is, a video of him recording himself there. So cool.

Jon, if you’re reading this, my heartache medication is also Mexican food!

Jon Pardi was in town for the Boots in the Park country festival that happened last week. Looked like a big-time turnout and great time.

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

• Dream It (ASL Interpreted Performance) @ O’Neill Hall, North High School (6PM) ASL interpreted musical performance with affordable tickets and free entry for students.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly card tournament with a strong local community and competitive play.
• Bakersfield Condors vs San Jose Barracuda @ Mechanics Bank Arena (7PM) Home AHL matchup with a lively crowd and fast-paced action.
• Steve Byrne Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM & 9:30PM) Stand-up comedy from a nationally touring comedian in an intimate venue.
• Conjunto Primavera, Los Rieleros, Tierra Cali @ Dignity Health Theater (8PM) Regional Mexican concert featuring multiple well-known groups.
• 420 Music Fest @ Bottleshock Wine & Brew (8PM–11PM) Tribute performances to hip-hop legends with DJs and a late-night vibe.

• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market with fresh produce and local vendors.
• Great American Cleanup @ Yokuts Park (8AM–1PM) Volunteer cleanup event with group efforts to improve local spaces.
• Goat Yoga @ Cherry Acres (8:30AM–9:30AM) Beginner-friendly yoga session with goat interaction and photo opportunities.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Popular weekend market with food, produce, and small businesses.
• Kern County Scottish Games & Gathering @ Kern County Fairgrounds (9AM–5PM) Cultural festival with traditional games, vendors, and performances.
• The Light Market @ BFC Church (10AM–2PM) Faith based Community market featuring food, crafts, baked goods, and local vendors.
• Stockdale Comic Book & Collectible Show @ Stockdale High School (10AM–4PM) Comic vendors, collectibles, cosplay contest, and raffle prizes.
• Bako Market @ Centennial Plaza (10AM–3PM) Vendor market with shopping, food, and a steady downtown crowd.
• Earth Day 661 Festival @ Beach Park (10AM–3PM) Earth Day celebration with vendors, activities, music, and workshops.
• Girls Girl Street Fair @ Wall St Alley (11AM–4PM) Vendor market highlighting women-owned brands and local creatives.
• 4th Annual Black Healing Summit @ Kern County Fairgrounds (11AM–4PM) Wellness-focused event with speakers, vendors, and community resources.
• WrestleMania Watch Party @ Dionysus Brewing (3PM) Watch party featuring live WrestleMania matches in a bar environment.
• Kern County Rugby Poker Tournament @ 1715 Elzworth St (5PM / 6:30PM) Fundraiser tournament with dinner, chips, and cash prizes.
• Sandlot Drive-In Movie @ Cherry Acres (Gates 6PM. Movie 7:30PM) Outdoor drive-in showing of The Sandlot in a casual setting.
• Greg Fitzsimmons Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM & 9:30PM) Stand-up comedy performance from a nationally known comedian.
• Rooster’s Honkytonk Trailer Park Party @ Rooster’s Honkytonk (8PM–close) High-energy country party with contests, DJs, and themed fun.
• 420 Music Fest @ Bottleshock Wine & Brew (8PM–11PM) Second night of tribute performances and DJs.
• Greg Fitzsimmons Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM & 9:30PM) Stand-up comedy performance from a nationally known comedian.
• COPE’S 1st Anniversary Sale @ 3501 Mall View Rd (All weekend) Ongoing sale with giveaways and promotions.

• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Weekly Sunday market with local vendors and fresh goods.
• Skate Park Basics @ Heritage Park (9AM–11AM) Beginner skateboarding class covering fundamentals like pumping and carving.
• Really Really Free Market @ Heritage Park (9AM–11AM) Community swap event where everything is free and open to all.
• BakoLandia Y2K Sunday Market @ Tractor Supply 6710 Colony St.(9AM–2PM) Y2K-themed vendor market with family-friendly activities.
• Kern County Scottish Games & Gathering @ Kern County Fairgrounds (9AM–3PM) Final day of cultural festival with events and vendors.
• Sound of Bakersfield @ In Your Wildest Dreams (1PM–7PM) Large community event with live music, vendors, and a car show.
• Springtime in Downtown Concert Series @ Jastro Park (4PM–7PM) Live local band performance as part of a Sunday concert series.
• It’s a Wonderful Career Concert: John Gerhold & Friends @ Bakersfield College (4PM) Scholarship benefit concert featuring local musicians.
• Biodanza International Day @ Hart Park (5PM) Group movement experience focused on connection and expression.
• Masood Boomgaard Comedy Show @ The Well Comedy Club (6PM) Stand-up comedy performance in an intimate setting.
• Adventurers Wanted (Dungeons & Dragons Night) @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–9PM) Beginner-friendly D&D campaign with themed atmosphere.

• Motown Mondays @ Jerry’s Pizza (6PM–10PM) Live music night featuring Motown hits and a social atmosphere.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night with prizes, food, and drinks.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Casual weekly campaign open to players of all experience levels.

• Strawberry Coffee Cup Sip & Paint @ Bottleshock Wine & Brew (6:30PM–8:30PM) Guided paint workshop with supplies and complimentary wine.
• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night with teams, prizes, and a lively crowd.

• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Casual board games and social hangout.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly cornhole competition with a fun, competitive crowd.
• Punjabi Community Lecture @ Kern County Museum (6PM) Educational event introducing the Punjabi community and culture.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Free-to-play bingo night with prizes.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (6PM) Dance lesson focused on two-step and country basics.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry’s Pizza (7PM–Midnight) Karaoke night focused on emo and pop-punk music.
• Journey @ Mechanics Bank Arena (7:30PM) Major arena concert from the classic rock band.
• Bingo Night + Live Music @ Rooster’s Honkytonk (8PM) Weekly bingo paired with live music.
• Sandrini’s Mario Kart Tournament @ Sandrini’s Public House (9:15PM) Free-entry Mario Kart tournament for 21+ players.

Sorry it’s late again guys. Been working 50-60 hours a week, and my daughter has been sick this week.

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The Bakersfield Guy

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