BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
POST-MEETING AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
April 22, 2026, 3:30 p.m.
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
*1. Written materials submitted by Michael Turnipseed
b. Agenda Item Public Statements
3. APPOINTMENTS
a. Three appointments to the Planning Commission
Due to the term expirations of Daniel Cater (Ward 2) and Nicholas Strickland (Ward 4) on 04/30/2026, and the resignation of Candace Neal (Ward 1) to a term that expires on 04/30/2027.
Staff recommends City Council determination.
4. REPORTS
a. Resolution to Adopt Council Policy Establishing Procedures for Addressing Telephonic or
Internet Service Disruptions During Council Meetings.
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.
b. Public Safety Update
The Bakersfield Police Department will provide an update on reported crime, traffic conditions, and response times for 2025.
Staff recommends the Council receive and file the report. *1. PowerPoint Presentation
5. CLOSED SESSION
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
7. ADJOURNMENT
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 22, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Appointments TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Julie Drimakis, City Clerk
DATE: April 9, 2026
SUBJECT: Three appointments to the Planning Commission
Due to the term expirations of Daniel Cater (Ward 2) and Nicholas Strickland (Ward 4) on 04/30/2026, and the resignation of Candace Neal (Ward 1) to a term that expires on 04/30/2027.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council determination
BACKGROUND:
There are currently three vacancies on the Planning Commission (Commission) due to term expirations of Daniel Cater (Ward 2) and Nicholas Strickland (Ward 4) on 04/30/2026, and the resignation of Candace Neal (Ward 1) to a term that expires on 04/30/2027
Applications for appointment have been received from:
Navdeep Brar
Daniel Cater
Nicholas Strickland
The Commission is an advisory body and is composed of seven members nominated by each Councilmember and confirmed by the City Council. The Commission maintains and interprets the City’s General Plan and recommends methods of implementation, maintains the city’s zoning ordinance, makes recommendations for improvement, reviews the City’s Capital Improvement Plan for consistency with the General Plan, reviews and approves subdivisions and parcel maps, and conducts hearings on all of the above items, as well as appeals of site plan reviews.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Planning Commissioners receive $25 per regular meeting attended.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Recruitment Packet 04-09-2026
Recruitment Packet for Planning Commission
Agendas and Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes | View Previous Agendas and Minutes Planning Commission Agenda information
The final agenda is available three (3) days before the meeting from the Planning Department or you can print it from the City’s website. All background documents related to each agenda item, including those submitted at the meeting are available for public review at the Planning Department. All meetings are televised on KGOV-TV and may be accessed through the City’s website.
Planning Commission Overview
The Planning Commission is an advisory body to the City Council. It is composed of seven (7) members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Each Councilmember nominates a resident of the City, and nominations are confirmed by the full Council.
Legal Authority
Municipal Code Chapter 2.28.030.
Term
Four (4) years. Appointments are made in April.
Qualifications
Members must be residents of the City throughout their terms.
Duties
Maintain and interpret the City's General Plan and recommend methods of implementation. Maintain the City's zoning ordinance and make recommendations for improvement. Review the City's Capital Improvement Plan for consistency with the General Plan. Review and approve subdivisions and parcel maps. Conduct hearings on all of the above items and on appeals of site plan reviews.
Meetings
The Commission regularly meets the first and third Thursdays (5:30 p.m.) of each month, Council Chambers, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA, 93301.
Remuneration
Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per regular meeting attended.
Staff
Planning Division
1715 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 326-3733
Positions
Vacant, Commissioner 1, Ward 1 Councilmember
Cater, Daniel T, Commissioner 2, Ward 2 Councilmember
Bittle, Cassie, Commissioner 3, Ward 3 Councilmember
Strickland, Nicholas Adam, Commissioner 4, Ward 4 Councilmember Oliver, Allison, Commissioner 5, Ward 5 Councilmember
Martin, Matthew, Commissioner 6, Ward 6 Councilmember
Kaur, Gurtarpreet, Commissioner 7, Ward 7 Councilmember
Applicants Information
Brar, Navdeep S
Cater, Daniel T
Strickland, Nicholas
1/6
Planning Commission Application for Appointment
Prefix
First Name
Navdeep
Middle Name
Singh
Last Name
Brar
Residence Address
1105 Marlborough Way
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93312
Position(s) Sought (List in order of preference)
1. Planning Commission Ward 1
2. 3.
4. Employment
Business Title or Occupation
Director
Company
Five Rivers Investment Group
Address
3510 Allen Road
Address Line 2
Suite 101
City
Bakersfield
County
CA
State
CA
Zip
93314
Phone
(661) 345-9810
Other Special Training or Experience
Licensed Real Estate Agent, Licensed General Contractor.
E-Filed
03/14/2026
12:40:57
Filing ID:
12931
2/6
Previous and present governmental and civic experience. Indicate when, position and duties NA
Please explain why you wish to serve on a Board/Commission for the City of Bakersfield I wish to serve on the Planning Commission because I am deeply invested in the strategic, responsible growth of Bakersfield. I want to actively participate in maintaining and interpreting our General Plan so that our city's long-term vision aligns with the everyday needs of our residents. By reviewing zoning ordinances, capital improvements, and subdivisions, I hope to ensure that our infrastructure and development projects are practical, cohesive, and beneficial to the community.
Through my professional experience in real estate development and working with land use, entitlements, and municipal processes, I have gained firsthand insight into how planning decisions affect both the long-term vision of the City and the everyday lives of its residents. This experience has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of maintaining clear zoning regulations, ensuring subdivisions and parcel maps align with planning objectives, and carefully reviewing projects for consistency with the General Plan and Capital Improvement planning.
Serving on a Board or Commission would allow me to contribute my experience while helping ensure that planning decisions are balanced, transparent, and beneficial to the broader community. I believe responsible development should support economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for Bakersfield residents.
I am committed to approaching decisions thoughtfully, listening to community input, and helping the City implement policies that promote orderly development and long-term sustainability. Finally, I am committed to facilitating a fair, transparent process during public hearings, ensuring that every resident and stakeholder has a voice in how our city evolves - including disclosing any event or scenario where a conflict may arise which I must recuse myself.
Do you have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest? If yes, please explain Five Rivers Investment Group, aware of the obligation and necessity to recuse myself with any conflicts that present during a meeting and/or project.
Information for City Roster and Internet
Name
Navdeep Singh Brar
3/6
Address
1105 Marlborough Way
Address Line 2
NA
City
Bakersfiedl
State
CA
Zip
93312
Home Phone Number
(661) 345-9810
Work Phone Number
6613459810
E-Mail Address
[email protected]
Planning Commission Supplemental Questionnaire
Describe what you believe would be your role as a member of the Planning Commission.
Response
I wish to serve on the Planning Commission because I am deeply invested in the strategic, responsible growth of Bakersfield. I want to actively participate in maintaining and interpreting our General Plan so that our city's long-term vision aligns with the everyday needs of our residents. By reviewing zoning ordinances, capital improvements, and subdivisions, I hope to ensure that our infrastructure and development projects are practical, cohesive, and beneficial to the community.
Serving on a Board or Commission would allow me to contribute my experience while helping ensure that planning decisions are balanced, transparent, and beneficial to the broader community. I believe responsible development should support economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for Bakersfield residents.
What professional or personal experiences have prepared you to serve as a Planning Commissioner? Response
Through my professional experience in real estate development and working with land use, entitlements, and municipal processes, I have gained firsthand insight into how planning decisions affect both the long-term vision of the City and the everyday lives of its residents. This experience has given me a strong appreciation for the importance of maintaining clear zoning regulations, ensuring subdivisions and parcel maps align with planning objectives, and carefully reviewing projects for consistency with the General Plan and Capital Improvement planning.
4/6
What major issue(s) do you see facing the Planning Commission in the upcoming year? Response
One of the primary issues facing the Bakersfield Planning Commission in the coming year will be managing continued growth in the City of Bakersfield while ensuring development remains consistent with the vision outlined in the Bakersfield General Plan.
As residential, commercial, and industrial investment continues, the Commission will play an important role in guiding orderly development that benefits the community.
Another key challenge will be ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth. Projects should be carefully reviewed for alignment with the City of Bakersfield Capital Improvement Plan so that transportation, utilities, and public services support new development and maintain quality of life for residents.
Housing supply and development feasibility will also remain important issues. Clear, practical zoning policies can help the City accommodate housing needs while maintaining strong planning standards.
Overall, the Commission’s responsibility is to balance thoughtful long-term planning with policies that support responsible investment, job creation, and continued economic strength in Bakersfield. My goal would be to approach these issues with a practical understanding of development, while always keeping the City’s long-term interests and community priorities in mind.
5/6
As a member of the Planning Commission, what issues would you advocate addressing? Response
First, I believe it is important to ensure that development remains consistent with the City’s Bakersfield General Plan while remaining flexible enough to accommodate changing economic conditions and community needs. Thoughtful land-use planning helps maintain balance between residential growth, commercial development, and employment centers.
Second, I would support efforts to improve the efficiency and clarity of the City’s zoning and entitlement processes. Clear and predictable regulations help encourage investment and development while ensuring projects meet community standards. Streamlining processes where possible can benefit both the public and those working to bring quality projects to the City.
Another key issue is infrastructure coordination. As the City grows, it is critical that development aligns with the City’s long-term infrastructure planning and the City of Bakersfield Capital Improvement Plan. Roads, utilities, and public services must keep pace with development to maintain quality of life for residents.
Finally, community engagement is essential. Planning decisions often have lasting impacts, and it is important that residents have opportunities to participate in the process and feel that their concerns are heard and considered.
Overall, my goal would be to help guide development in a way that strengthens Bakersfield’s economy, preserves community character, and ensures the City continues to grow in a balanced and sustainable way.
1/4
Planning Commission Application for Appointment
Prefix
Mr.
First Name
Daniel
Middle Name
Timothy
Last Name
Cater
Residence Address
3015 21st Street
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93301
Position(s) Sought (List in order of preference)
1. Ward 2 Planning Commissioner
2. 3.
4. Employment
Business Title or Occupation
Architect
Company
Cater Design Group Inc
Address
1508 18th Street Suite 208
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93301
Phone
(661) 282-7280
Other Special Training or Experience
LEED Associated Professional, BD+C
E-Filed
03/29/2026
17:50:52
Filing ID:
12966
2/4
Previous and present governmental and civic experience. Indicate when, position and duties I currently serve as a board member for the BMOA. I also currently serve as the Planning Commissioner for Ward 2.
Please explain why you wish to serve on a Board/Commission for the City of Bakersfield City planning and policy have always been passions of mine. I see a tremendous opportunity to work with the other commissioners, council, and city staff to address latent barriers to infill development and promote the community benefit of a revitalized city center.
Do you have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest? If yes, please explain As an architect, many of my clients are developers and property owners. I am not currently invested in any developments that might constitute a conflict of interest.
Information for City Roster and Internet
Name
Daniel Timothy Cater
Address
3015 21st
Address Line 2
Street
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Zip
93301
Home Phone Number
(661) 282-7280
Work Phone Number
E-Mail Address
[email protected]
m
Planning Commission Supplemental Questionnaire
Describe what you believe would be your role as a member of the Planning Commission.
Response
I believe the role of a planning commissioner is to facilitate dialogue between the community, developers, and the city with regards to the growth of our community. I also see an opportunity to advocate for planning practices that enhance quality of life and ensure future growth advances the implementation of stated visions for our community.
3/4
What professional or personal experiences have prepared you to serve as a Planning Commissioner? Response
I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Architecture and a minor in City and Regional Planning. I worked for eight years at an Architecture firm, in San Francisco, working on housing and hospitality projects. Working in the Bay area gave me an appreciation for working with cities to adapt, grow, and plan for their future needs, and the opportunities and challenges that places on private enterprise. Currently, I have opened my own architecture firm, centered in downtown Bakersfield. Most of my clients are entrepreneurs looking to grow our economy and add life to our central core.
Downtown Bakersfield has been a passion of mine since my early college days, participating in early charettes and watching it's organic growth. Since my return to Bakersfield, I have enjoyed the ability to become more involved in the diverse communities of Ward 2.
What major issue(s) do you see facing the Planning Commission in the upcoming year? Response
A primary issue facing the planning commission is the implementation of the housing element and completion of the general plan update.
As a member of the Planning Commission, what issues would you advocate addressing? Response
As a representative of Ward 2, I plan to continue to advocate for policies and revisions to our planning process to promote infill development. Infill development involves unique challenges that need to be addressed in our policies.
I would also advocate for the central role planning plays in the life of our city. Well executed planning practices provide tangible benefits to the daily life of our community.
Describe how you would arrive at a decision when confronted with different points of view derived from the same set of facts.
Response
I believe it is important to hear a diversity of viewpoints and consider the varied needs of a community. With regards to decisions made on the commission, it is important that the goals stated in the city's general plan and visioning documents be considered to avoid decision making based on who has the loudest voice.
Authorization and Release
4/4
Signature or Applicant
Daniel Cater
Signature Date
03/29/2026
1/4
Planning Commission Application for Appointment
Prefix
First Name
Nicholas
Middle Name
Adam
Last Name
Strickland
Residence Address
10013 Marilee Ave
Address Line 2
City
Bakersfield
County
Kern
State
CA
Zip
93312
Position(s) Sought (List in order of preference)
1. Planning Commission, Ward 4
2. 3.
4. Employment
Business Title or Occupation
Automation Portfolio Discipline Lead
Company
Brown and Caldwell
Address
18500 Von Karman Ave
Address Line 2
Suite 800
City
Irvine
County
Orange
State
CA
Zip
92612
Phone
(714) 730-7600
Other Special Training or Experience
E-Filed
03/10/2026
14:53:57
Filing ID:
12907
2/4
I have significant professional experience in reviewing drawings, plans, and specifications for construction and development projects.
Previous and present governmental and civic experience. Indicate when, position and duties Bakersfield Planning Commission, Ward 4, 2024 - Present Please explain why you wish to serve on a Board/Commission for the City of Bakersfield I enjoy leveraging my professional career and experiences with automation and construction projects in providing civic review of projects and plans for the City of Bakersfield. I enjoy the process in reviewing documentation and drawings and my career is focused around ensuring that the plan sets submitted to municipalities match agreed contracts and design packages. I believe that this provides a unique perspective for the Planning Commission as it provides an outside perspective with familiarity for the review processes.
Do you have any interests or associations which might present a conflict of interest? If yes, please explain I have no conflicts with my personal or professional life which would create a conflict of interest for this position.
Information for City Roster and Internet
Name
Nicholas Adam Strickland
Address
10013 Marilee Ave
Address Line 2
N/A
City
Bakersfield
State
CA
Zip
93312
Home Phone Number
(803) 526-6129
Work Phone Number
E-Mail Address
commissionerstrickland@gma
il.com
Planning Commission Supplemental Questionnaire
3/4
Describe what you believe would be your role as a member of the Planning Commission.
Response
My role with the Planning Commission would be to review proposed development and zoning items as submitted to the agenda, review documentation as it relates to the codes and standards of Bakersfield, and ensure compliance with documentation and processes. My objective would be to engage members of the public that attend Commission meetings and ensure an appropriate venue is provided for public participation.
What professional or personal experiences have prepared you to serve as a Planning Commissioner? Response
My personal experience is with my current appointment as Planning Commissioner for Ward 4. My professional career has been in a leadership role within a design firm that's primary focus is development of electrical and automation designs for municipalities. I have multiple published abstracts and presentations at national conferences and interact with various municipalities throughout the US on a daily basis.
What major issue(s) do you see facing the Planning Commission in the upcoming year? Response
The largest issues the Planning Commission face this year will be similar to what we've seen the last two years, with the State streamlining approval processes for the Planning and Development Services. This has created new standards of housing provisions with our most recent RHNA allocations and continues to be our most discussed public items as the public is generally unaware of the required allocations for housing, which leads to designs and developments that may be "tighter" or "smaller" than the public is used to seeing. I foresee this continuing to be a large issue for the public as more developments are planned and constructed to meet our RHNA objectives.
As a member of the Planning Commission, what issues would you advocate addressing? Response
I have been consistent in my time with the Planning Commission that we should continue to advocate for development in Bakersfield but that we should maintain the feeling of community that makes Bakersfield a great city to live in. We should understand/acknowledge that development must continue in Bakersfield and we should prioritize making the development process as simple as possible but continue to receive and address feedback from the public as serious commentary. Bakersfield Planning Commissioners should look for a soft tone to address the public on topics and the Commission should push to ensure that our community understand the process as their interaction with the Commission is generally the first time any of them have attended a public meeting.
4/4
Describe how you would arrive at a decision when confronted with different points of view derived from the same set of facts.
Response
It is the responsibility of the Planning Commission as a whole and the Commissioners individually that individual opinions and emotions are secondary to the topic in front of the Commission. While we frequently hear feedback both in support and opposition of projects, the final decision of the Commission has to be based on the merits of the agenda item. If it is consistent with the general plan or comprehensive plan, if it is consistent with development standards, and it is compatible with the land uses, we should not allow emotion to influence decisions. However, we should also consider the implications of those impacted to ensure the voice of the public is heard. As a specific example, a few years back, we decided on an event center in Bakersfield that the surrounding neighbors had concerns about. While the event center itself was consistent with development standards, it did not violate planning requirements, and it was consistent with the area, we still accepted the public feedback and added conditions of approval related to operating times of the facility to ensure that both the business and the public were on the same page for concerns.
Authorization and Release
Signature or Applicant
Nicholas Adam Strickland
Signature Date
03/10/2026
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 22, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney
DATE: April 15, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution to Adopt Council Policy Establishing Procedures for Addressing Telephonic or
Internet Service Disruptions During Council Meetings
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.
BACKGROUND:
Senate Bill 707 was signed into law in late 2025 and makes significant changes to the Brown Act. The law requires, among other things, opportunity for remote participation by the public via two -way audio/audiovisual platforms on or before July 1, 2026.
On March 11, 2026, the City Council adopted Amendment No. 2 to Resolution No. 206 -2021, updating Council policy to incorporate the remote participation requirements into City Council meetings. The policy took effect April 1, and remote participation will become available upon implementation of a new two - way audio platform – expected on or before July 1, 2026.
One of the last remaining items for the City to ensure compliance with SB 707 is a requirement that the City Council, on or before July 1, 2026, adopt a policy addressing the procedures for recessing and reconvening meetings in the event of telephonic or internet service disruptions.
The proposed attached policy satisfies the legal requirements of SB 707 and ensures that once remote public participation is implemented, the associated policy for addressing service disruptions will already be in place. In short, the policy allows the Ci ty Council to recess the meeting in the event of a service disruption, requires City staff to undertake good faith efforts to restore service, and sets forth options for reconvening, continuing, or adjourning a meeting in the event of service disruptions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Currently, there is no fiscal impact to the development and implementation of the potential policy.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
1 RESOLUTION NO. __________
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A COUNCIL POLICY
ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING
TELEPHONIC OR INTERNET SERVICE DISRUPTIONS
DURING COUNCIL MEETINGS
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 707 (SB 707) made numerous changes to the Ralph M.
Brown Act and imposed new requirements on local public agencies, including a requirement that members of the public be allowed to participate and provide public statements at City Council meetings through two-way audio or audiovisual platforms; and
WHEREAS, SB 707 requires that the City Council approve a policy that addresses the procedures for recessing and reconvening a meeting in the event of disruption of telephonic or internet service (“service disruptions”) occurring during meetings; and
WHEREAS, the City Council therefore desires to adopt this policy setting forth the procedures for recessing and reconvening City Council meetings in the event of service disruptions, with the goal of granting maximum flexibility to the City Council to conduct City business while reaffirming the public’s right to participate in meetings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows:
1) The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference. 2) The City Council hereby adopts the policy entitled “Council Procedures for Addressing Telephonic/Internet Service Disruptions During Council Meetings” (“Policy”), as set forth in Exhibit A , attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
3) This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption; provided, however, that the Policy shall only take effect when telephonic/internet service is implemented to allow public participation in City Council meetings, which shall occur on or before July 1, 2026.
--------oo000oo--------
2 I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on ___________________, by the following vote:
YES: COUNCIL MEMBER ARIAS, GONZALES, WEIR, SMITH, KOMAN, BASHIRTASH, KAUR NOES: COUNCIL MEMBER ___________________________________________________________________ ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBER ___________________________________________________________________ ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBER ___________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
JULIE DRIMAKIS, CPMC, MMC
CITY CLERK and Ex Officio of the
Council of the City of Bakersfield
APPROVED __________________
By___________________________
KAREN GOH
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By___________________________
ASHLEY E. ZAMBRANO
Deputy City Attorney
Attachment: Exhibit A
S:\COUNCIL\Resos\25-26\Reso_Council Policy_ServiceDisruptions(SB707)_DRAFT.docx
3 EXHIBIT A
COUNCIL PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING TELEPHONIC/INTERNET SERVICE
DISRUPTIONS DURING COUNCIL MEETINGS
SECTION 1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for how the City Council will respond to disruptions in telephonic or internet service that prevent members of the public from attending, observing, or participating in a City Council meeting remotely (i.e., via two-way audio or audio-visual platforms). This policy is adopted to comply with the Brown Act, as amended by Senate Bill 707, and as may be further amended.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
“Service Disruption” means any fa ilure, outage, or other interrup tion of City’s telephonic or internet service that prevents members of the public from attending, observing, or participating in the City Council meeting via remote access services. “Remote access services” means the two-way telephonic service and/or two -way audiovisual platform implemented by the City to provide real-time opportunity for remote public participation and attendance . Nothing in this policy shall be construed to restrict the City’s ability to change serv ice providers or to require a particular type of remote access service.
SECTION 3. PROCEDURES IN THE EVENT OF REMOTE ACCESS SERVICE DISRUPTION.
A. Initial Response to Service Disruption.
If the Presiding Officer or City Clerk becomes aware of a disruption to the City’s remote access service that prevents members of the public from at tending, observing, or participating in the meeting remotely:
1. The Presiding Officer or Clerk shall immediately announce the disruption to the City Council and the public.
2. The Presiding Officer may call for a recess of the open session or adjourn to closed session, consistent with the Brown Act.
B. Good Faith Efforts to Restore Service
1. In the event of disruption to remote access services, City s taff shall immediately begin efforts t o diagnose and restore the disrupted service.
Efforts to restore service may include any or all of the following:
i. Troubleshooting service software
4 ii. Resetting or restarting remote access services
iii. Attempting alternative connection methods
iv. Utilizing alternative means of remote access service v. Contacting necessary support staff
2. The Presiding Officer should consult with City staff to determine the likelihood of timely restoration of service.
3. The Presiding Officer, in consultation with the City Attorney, may determine the appropriate steps for conducting the meeting, which may include the following:
i. Remaining recessed pending good faith efforts to restore service ii. Reconvening the meeting in accordance with this Policy and the Brown Act
iii. Adjourning the meeting
SECTION 4. RECONVENING THE OPEN SESSION.
A. Reconvening When Service Is Restored. As soon as remote access service is restored, the City Council may reconvene the meeting without further notice.
B. Reconvening When Service Is Not Restored. If remote access ser vices are not restored, the City Council may take any appropriate action, which includes but is not limited to the following:
1. The City Council may reconvene the open session of the meeting to proceed with conducting City business if, after one (1) hour, service is not restored and the City Council, by roll call vote adopted by a majority of members present, makes a finding that the City has made good faith efforts to restore telephonic or internet service in accordance with this Policy, and the public interest in continuing the meeting outweighs the public interest in remote public access.
2. The City Council may reconvene the meeting without waiting for service to be restored for the purpose of continuing all pending items of business to a specified publicly noticed meeting time and date, prior to adjourning the meeting.
SECTION 5. RECORDKEEPING.
5 The City Clerk shall ensure the meeting minutes reflect the nature and time of any disruption to remote access services and any actions taken to reconvene or adjourn the meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: April 22, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Reports TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Greg Terry, Chief of Police
DATE: April 16, 2026
SUBJECT: Public Safety Update
The Bakersfield Police Department will provide an update on reported crime, traffic conditions, and response times for 2025.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Council receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND:
FISCAL IMPACT:
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
DEPARTMENT
City Council Public Safety
Update
April 2026
POLICE DEPARTMENT KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)
Emergency Response and Crime Reports
Traffic and DUI Enforcement
Community Engagement and Public Trust
Staffing
2025 PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATE
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)
Year over Year Comparison
Key Performance Indicator
& Description
2024 2025 Trending
Improve response times to Priority 1 calls
Median response time for Priority 1 calls
0:06:58 0:06:59
Improve response times to Priority 2 calls
Median response time for Priority 2 calls
0:32:51 0:26:40
Improve response times to Priority 3 calls
Median response time for Priority 3 calls
1:11:38 51:54
Improve 9-1-1 Call Answer Times
Average 9-1-1 call answer times
95.2% 96.0%
9-1-1 Calls were
down 16%
compared to 2024
Dispatched
incidents decreased
7% compared to
2024
Overall Crime Citywide
Reported Crime - 2025
- 7.4%
- 7.8%
- 40.6%
+26.9%
Violent Crime
- 29.4%
+6.7%
- 13.7%
Property Crime
Citywide reported
crime has
decreased 7.5%
from 2024.
Over the past three years, firearms
have been the most commonly used
weapon in homicides, followed by
bladed weapon.
Weapon
Homicides - 2025
Significant Decline in Gun Violence
Since launching a gun violence reduction
strategy in 2022, the city and community
partners have achieved a 45% reduction in
homicides and a 68% reduction in
shootings from the record high in 2021.
27 26
33 0
10 20
30 40
50 2023 2024 2025
HOMICIDE - YEAR OVER YEAR
87.8 88.5
74.1 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
2025
2024
2023
HOMICIDE CLEARANCE RATE
Crime Rate per 1,000
Reported Crime - 2025
- 29%
- 13.6%
Violent Crime
Rate
- 34.7%
- 9.3%
Property Crime
Rate
6.2 5 4.4
33.7 24.2
22 0
10 20
30 40
50 2023 2024 2025
PROPERTY CRIME VIOLENT CRIME
Comparison Cities - Crime Rate per 1,000
Reported Crime - 2025
Note: Preliminary Numbers
6.2 7.3
6.5 6.1
8.1 11. 9
5 7.5
6.7 6.1
7.6 11. 7
4 .4
7.1 5 .1 5 .5
7.2 7.1
0 2
4 6
8 10
12 14
Bakersfield Fresno Modesto Oxnard Sacramento Stockton
Vio le n t Crim e Ra te
2023 2024 2025
Comparison Cities - Crime Rate per 1,000
Reported Crime - 2025
Note: Preliminary Numbers
33.7 30.8
22.4 17 . 4
29.3 3 1. 8
24 .2 23.6 24 .3
19 . 7
25.4 27.2
22 18 . 7 18 . 7
16 . 7
22.9 23
0 5
10 15
20 25
30 35
40 Bakersfield Fresno Modesto Oxnard Sacramento Stockton Property Crim e Ra te
2023 2024 2025
Fatal Collisions
Traffic Safety - 2025
DUI-related fatal
collisions:
• 2023 – 12
• 2024 – 6
• 2025 - 8
40% of fatal collisions
happen between 9 PM
and 3 AM — the highest-
risk hours.
3 19
31 6
19 22
2 19
22 0
10 20
30 40
Bicycle Pedestrian Vehicle
Fatal Traffic Collisions
2023 2024 2025
53 46 44
0 10
20 30
40 50
60 70
2023 2024 2025
Y ea r over Y ea r Tota l
Organized Retail Crime (ORT)
2024 - 2025 Year over Year Comparison
Data shows an 4.8%
increase in retail
theft offenses from
year 2024 to year
2025
Felony offenses increased 16% over 2024. This
doesn’t mean more crime. It reflects:
• Stronger partnerships and reporting
• Improved investigations
• Focused efforts on repeat offenders
Organized Retail Theft
Strategy
• Dedicated detectives
• Engaged retail partners
• Use of technology
• Training
• Targeted enforcement
• Regional/Statewide
collaboration
2365 2319 2430
0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
2023 2024 2025
ORT OFFENSES
Differential Response - 2025
2023 2024 2025
Calls Handled* 1835 3507 4503
Officer Response 259 652 1145
771
1835
3507
259
652
1145
0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
5000
Calls Handled vs Officer Response
Over the past three years,
the clinicians have
managed approximately
81% of all calls routed to
them.
There are currently three
(3) clinicians working
across the five patrol shifts.
Services are available 19
hours per day Monday
through Friday, and 12
hours per day on Saturday
and Sunday.
* Annual calls handled was impacted by varying staffing levels of clinicians
Department Updates
Real Time Information
Center (RTIC)
• 18 month project –
Funded in FY24-25
• $1.2 million
• Staffed 5 days a week /
8-15 hours a day
Department Updates
Department Policy
Protect public safety and
individual privacy
• No mass surveillance
• Data used for legitimate public
safety purpose
• Access requires legal authority
• All activity is logged, tracked,
and audited
• Ongoing privacy training for
staff
• Established retention
schedules
Department Updates
HQ Flooding Mitigation -
$60,000 - COMPLETED
• Funded in FY24/25
• Prevent water
intrusion/damage
at emergency exit
stairwells.
EMERGENCY VEHICLE OPERATIONS
(EVOC) TRAINING FACILITY -
COMPLETED
• Funded in FY23/24
• Utilized by the Police Department,
Fire Department, and Code
Enforcement.
Department Updates
FY2024-25 City Council awarded Bakersfield PAL a $1m
grant to modernize the facility to enhance safety and
technology for youth programs. - Completed
Department Updates
Communi ty
E ngagement
Divis io n ’s
“I ce Cream
Tru c k ”
Department Updates
Questi ons ?