One Full Year of TBG

Can you guys believe it? One Full year, to this very date since I published my first ever newsletter. just look how far we have come together between the newsletter and socials.

I just want to say thank you guys. Without your support, I would have stopped a long time ago.

If you want to check out the very first newsletter, click here LMAO

Much more to come!

In The City

We told you last issue the Bakersfield City Council approved a five-year sewer rate increase that takes your annual bill from $247 to $875 by 2030. Now there's a new development.

Kern County has filed a 53-page lawsuit against the city alleging the rate increase violates the California Constitution. The county's claim: the city illegally bundled stormwater costs into the sewer rate calculation, charging residents for things they shouldn't be paying for under this mechanism. The county also alleges the city breached an existing service agreement covering county residents connected to the city's sewer system.

If a judge sides with the county, residents charged under the new rates would be entitled to a full refund.

The new rates are still set to kick in July 1st unless a court intervenes. We'll keep you posted.

Since May 2025, the Bakersfield Police Department has been running a 133-camera surveillance network built by a company called Flock Safety. The cameras read license plates, but that's just the start of what they do. There were no public hearings before they went up. No community vote. No announcement. The city quietly signed a contract worth up to $3 million, funded through a state retail theft prevention grant. Most residents still don't know it exists.

A local group called the Anti-Capitalist Computer Club found out and spent months filing California Public Records Act requests to drag the details into daylight. What they got back: 30 documents and 1.4 million rows of raw license plate search data. The Flock platform doesn't just read plates. It tracks groups of cars moving together, and lets any officer click on any building to pull up the names, ages, and phone numbers of every resident inside. That's not a retail theft tool. That's a surveillance infrastructure nobody asked us about.

The city also denied requests to disclose camera locations and confirmed in writing that no annual audit reports exist.

Here's what you can do about it: this Wednesday, June 24th at 5:15PM, the Bakersfield City Council holds its budget hearing at City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Ave. This is the meeting that decides what gets funded. The Anti-Capitalist Computer Club is asking residents to show up for public comment. Two minutes, on the record. Never done it before? Get there early and find them. They'll walk you through it.

They're asking the city to cancel the Flock contract, publish camera locations, and require public hearings before approving any future surveillance tech. They’re just asking for a city that respects the people living in it.

If you’d like to help the cause, head to City Hall Wednesday at 5:15PM.

To learn more about the group or the mission click here
https://gtfo.makersfield.co/

A Word From Our Partner

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They offer full-service junk removal w/ free estimates or a convenient 10x6x4 dumpster rental that can be dropped off at your home or job site and picked up later when you’re done for a $250 flat rate.

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Support local businesses that support Bakersfield.

Featured Event

Sunday, June 21

Originally planned for Beach Park, organizers have adjusted this year's Go Skate Day celebration due to the heat and transformed it into a moving downtown skateboarding experience.

The day begins at Nano's Barbershop from 10AM–1PM with a launch ramp best trick contest, music, giveaways, and the GTWSF (Give Them Wheels Skate Foundation) skateboard giveaway, where selected youth participants will receive free skateboards.

At 1PM, skaters will take part in a Downtown Skate Through, rolling through Bakersfield together and stopping at street spots and challenges along the route.

The event wraps up at 2PM at Impact Skate Shop with a skate jam, best trick contest, free pizza, giveaways, and more.

Whether you're a lifelong skater, someone who grew up during the Tony Hawk era, or just want to experience one of Bakersfield's most passionate communities, this is shaping up to be one of the most unique events of the weekend.

Schedule:

• 10AM–1PM — Nano's Barbershop (Best Trick Contest, Music, Giveaways & GTWSF Skateboard Giveaway)

• 1PM — Downtown Skate Through

• 2PM — Impact Skate Shop (Skate Jam, Best Trick Contest, Free Pizza & Giveaways)

A crazy events list. I’m getting way too good at finding these.

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

• Stepping Stones Free Guided Art Summer Session @ nX Annex (3PM–5PM) Free guided art session open to artists of all ages focused on marker techniques.
• Children First Food Distribution @ David Nelson Pocket Park (4PM) Community food distribution in partnership with CAPK Food Bank. One box per family while supplies last.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• Chess Club @ Temblor Brewing (5PM) Weekly community chess meetup open to casual and competitive players.
• Neighborhood Cafe Volunteer Opportunity @ First Congregational Church (5PM–7:30PM) Monthly volunteer opportunity focused on community connection and service.
• Cruise Night @ Chuy's Baja Grill (6PM) Weekly car show and community cruise night featuring classic cars, vendors, and music.
• Mexico vs South Korea World Cup Watch Party @ King Leo's Pizza (6PM) Watch party featuring food and drink specials.
• Squishy Swap Social @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub Basement Bar (Doors 6:30PM) Squishmallow-themed social and swap event with paint supplies included.
• Chingo Bling @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Live stand-up comedy performance.
• Vince Galindo and Country Deluxe Live @ The Marketplace FREE (7PM–9PM) Free outdoor concert featuring Vince Galindo and Country Deluxe.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• $5 Thursday Night Skate @ Rollerama on 34th st (8PM–10PM) Family-friendly skating session with music and games.
• Philthy Rich, Big Sad 1900 & Friends @ Nova at Aura Lounge (9PM) Live hip-hop performance featuring multiple artists.

• Stepping Stones Free Guided Art Summer Session @ nX Annex (10AM–12PM) Free guided art session open to artists of all ages focused on oil pastel techniques.
• USA vs Australia FIFA World Cup Watch Party @ Legends Event Center (12PM) World Cup watch party featuring food and drink specials.
• Bakersfield Party Characters: Spider-Man Visit @ Rathbun Branch Library (12PM–1PM) Special superhero appearance featuring photos and interactive activities.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• Bako Market @ Centennial Plaza (5PM–9PM) Community night market featuring local vendors, shopping, and food.
• GOAT Movie in the Park @ Gossamer Grove Night Market (Fun Zone 5:30PM–8:30PM / Movie at Dusk) Outdoor movie night featuring GOAT with family activities beforehand.
• Jon Ranger Live @ Tlo Wines (6PM–8PM) Live acoustic music performance.
• Sip & Bedazzle Night @ Wine Me Up (6PM–8:30PM) Crafting event where guests can bedazzle personal items while enjoying drinks.
• Father's Day Workshop @ Meraki Creative Works (6PM–9PM) Beginner-friendly metalworking workshop designed for parents and children to build a project together.
• Friday Night Magic @ Bakersfield Esports Center (6:30PM) Weekly Magic: The Gathering meetup for casual and competitive players.
• Fairfax Grange Friday Night Social Dance @ Fairfax Grange (Practice 6:30PM / Dance 7PM–9PM) Community dance night open to all skill levels.
• Backyard Boogie @ BottleShock Wine & Brew (7PM) Old school, freestyle, and throwback dance night featuring multiple DJs.
• Luz Pazos @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Live comedy performance by Luz at our local Comedy Club.
• Live Music with Tracy Peoples @ Wine Me Up (7PM–9PM) Live music performance.
• Andy Markus, Spiltree & SALT @ Woolworths (Doors 7PM / Music 8PM) Live music showcase featuring local and regional artists.
• Trish Toledo @ The Nile Theater (Doors 7PM / Show 8PM) Live concert performance.
• American Beauty Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (7PM–9PM) Guided paint-and-sip workshop.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• TOPDOG/UNDERDOG @ The Empty Space (7:30PM–10PM) Stage production exploring brotherhood, identity, and ambition.
• The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM) Musical written by Stephen King with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp.
• Paranormal Cirque @ Kern County Fairgrounds (7:30PM) Horror-inspired circus production featuring acrobatics, illusion, and special effects.
• Finding Nemo Movie in the Park @ Mesa Marin Sports Complex FREE (Dusk) Free outdoor movie night. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.
• Full Steam Fridays featuring The Groovies @ Rustic Rail Saloon (8PM–11PM) Live music performance. No cover.
• Night Hike @ Wind Wolves Preserve (Evening) Guided nighttime hiking experience. Reservations required. Contact them for availability and time

• Bakersfield Father's Day Run @ The Park at River Walk (7AM) Family-friendly 5K and 2K run honoring dads and father figures.
• F Street Farmers Market @ In Your Wildest Dreams Parking Lot (7:45AM–12PM) Weekly farmers market featuring produce, baked goods, and local vendors.
• Hart Park Adopt-A-Park Clean-Up @ Peacock House (8AM–10AM) Community cleanup event with supplies provided.
• PASALA Pick-Up Soccer @ Mondavi Park (8:30AM–10:45AM) Free community pickup soccer games.
• Riverlakes Farmers Market @ CHS Parking Lot (9AM–1PM) Weekly farmers market featuring local produce, food, and artisan vendors.
• Bako Card Fest @ Eagles (10AM–5PM) Trading card convention featuring vendors, artists, collectibles, raffles, and giveaways.
• Mat Pilates Moai @ nX Annex (10AM–11AM) Community mat pilates class focused on strength, flexibility, and mindful movement.
• Twilight Night Junk Journal & Watch Party @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub SOLD OUT(11:30AM–2:30PM) Twilight-themed journaling and movie watch party.
• Vincent Van Goat Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (1PM–2:30PM) Guided painting workshop inspired by everyone's favorite farm animal.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (1:30, 4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• Print Exchange @ House of Skye Studio (5PM–9PM) Community print exchange for photographers with music, drinks, and networking opportunities.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (1:30, 4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• Summerween: Hocus Pocus Movie Night @ Legends Event Center (Doors 5PM / Movie 6PM) Family-friendly movie night featuring Hocus Pocus, contests, and activities.
• Live Music on the Patio w/ Jon Ranger @ Kan Pai (6PM–9PM) Live patio performance with food and drinks available.
• Paranormal Cirque @ Kern County Fairgrounds (6:30PM & 9:30PM) Horror-inspired circus production featuring acrobatics, illusion, and special effects.
• Love Out Loud Music: Soundscape Journey with Live Jazz & Sonic Massage @ World Records (6:30PM–8:30PM) Wellness-focused soundscape experience combining live jazz and sound healing.
• Steve Furey @ The Well Comedy Club (7PM) Live comedy performance.
• TOPDOG/UNDERDOG @ The Empty Space (7:30PM–10PM) Stage production exploring brotherhood, identity, and ambition.
• Mean Girls @ Ovation Theatre (7:30PM) Live theatrical production of the hit musical comedy.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (1:30, 4:30PM & 7:30PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (7:30PM) Musical written by Stephen King with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp.
• Andruss Presents: Caliente @ Paradise Palace Event Center (8PM–3AM) Latin house and tech house event featuring Andruss and special guest DJs.
• Anime Rave @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (Doors 8PM) Anime-themed dance party featuring DJ King Keon. 18+ event.
• Paranormal Cirque @ Kern County Fairgrounds (9:30PM) Horror-inspired circus production featuring acrobatics, illusion, and special effects.

• Breakfast With the Bears @ CALM Zoo (Admission 7:30AM / Bear Presentation 8:30AM) Father's Day event featuring breakfast, crafts for dads, and a special bear presentation.
• Kern County Vintage Flea @ 1601 21st St (8AM–2PM) Outdoor vintage market featuring collectibles, handmade goods, physical media, décor, and more.
• Haggin Oaks Farmers Market @ 8800 Ming Ave (9AM–2PM) Weekly farmers market featuring produce, artisan vendors, and food options.
• Really Really Free Market @ Heritage Park (9AM–11AM) Community sharing event encouraging people to bring what they can and take what they need.
• Summer Soulstice 70s Party & Coffee Rave @ Haggin Oaks Farmers Market (9AM–1PM) Coffee vendors, music, and a 70s-themed community gathering featuring DJ Polito and Devyn Brinsfield.
• Brazilian Style Father's Day Buffet @ Chef Lino's Prime (10AM–3PM) Father's Day dining experience featuring Brazilian-style meats, seafood, sides, and desserts.

• Downtown Skate Shop Showdown & Go Skate Day 2026 @ Downtown Bakersfield (10AM–Afternoon) Community skateboarding celebration featuring a launch ramp best trick contest and GTWSF skateboard giveaway at Nano’s Barbershop (10AM–1PM), a downtown skate-through (1PM), and a skate jam with best trick contest, free pizza, and giveaways at Impact Skate Shop (2PM).

• Sunnyside Drag Brunch @ The Basement at Woolworth's (11AM) Pride-themed drag brunch featuring live performances, food, and drinks.
• Father's Day Sunday Spread @ Centro Cali Brewing (11AM–3PM) Buffet-style Father's Day spread featuring carving stations, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and more.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (1PM, 4PM & 7PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• TOPDOG/UNDERDOG @ The Empty Space (2PM–4:30PM) Stage production exploring brotherhood, identity, and ambition.
• Mean Girls @ Ovation Theatre (2PM) Live theatrical production of the hit musical comedy.
• The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County @ Bakersfield Community Theatre (2PM) Musical written by Stephen King with music and lyrics by John Mellencamp.
• Hawaiian Highlander Paint Night @ Corks & Strokes (3PM–4:30PM) Guided painting workshop.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (4PM & 7PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• Paranormal Cirque @ Kern County Fairgrounds (5:30PM & 8:30PM) Horror-inspired circus production featuring acrobatics, illusion, and special effects.
• Garden Bros Circus @ across the empty lot of Maya Cinema (7PM) Traveling circus production featuring family-friendly circus acts and attractions.
• Beale Park Band Concert @ Beale Park Amphitheater (8PM–9PM) Free community concert featuring members of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
• Paranormal Cirque @ Kern County Fairgrounds (5:30PM & 8:30PM) Horror-inspired circus production featuring acrobatics, illusion, and special effects.

• Motown Mondays w/ Kev King @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (6PM–10PM) Weekly Motown night featuring classic hits and downtown vibes.
• Bingo & Beer @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly bingo night.
• Dungeons & Dragons Meetup @ Bakersfield Esports Center (7PM) Weekly tabletop meetup welcoming new and experienced players.
• Paranormal Cirque @ Kern County Fairgrounds (7:30PM) Horror-inspired circus production featuring acrobatics, illusion, and special effects.

• Pub Trivia @ Temblor Brewing (7PM) Weekly trivia night testing knowledge across multiple categories.

• KERN OIL Documentary Screening @ Studio Movie Grill (1:30PM) Documentary examining Kern County's oil industry, workforce, policies, and economic impact.
• Shelf Help Volunteer Event @ Apple Core Inc. (3PM–5PM) Volunteer opportunity assisting with grocery distribution and community support.
• Stepping Stones Free Guided Art Summer Session @ nX Annex (3PM–5PM) Free guided art session focused on landscape construction using construction paper.
• Family Game Night @ Temblor Brewing (4PM) Weekly family-friendly board game meetup.
• Cornhole Tournament @ Temblor Brewing (5:30PM) Weekly community cornhole tournament.
• Western Wednesdays @ Fairfax Grange (Doors 5:40PM / Lessons 6PM) Weekly western dance night featuring two-step instruction and dance fundamentals.
• Bingo Night @ BarrelHouse Bakersfield (6PM) Weekly free-to-play bingo night.
• KERN OIL Documentary Screening @ Studio Movie Grill (7:10PM) Evening showing of the documentary exploring Kern County's oil industry.
• MixxedFit Dance Fitness Class @ My Dance & Fitness Studio (7PM–8PM) High-energy dance fitness class led by Frank.
• Emo Karaoke @ Jerry's Pizza & Pub (7PM–Midnight) Weekly emo and pop-punk karaoke night.
• Bingo Night + Live Music w/ Vince Galindo @ Rooster's Honky Tonk (8PM) Weekly bingo night paired with live country music.

Thanks again guys!

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The Bakersfield Guy