Hal-LAW-een is back!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!