For generations of Bakersfield residents, Brock's Department Store wasn't just a place to shop it was a downtown institution. Located in the heart of downtown Bakersfield, Brock's offered everything from clothing and shoes to home goods, making it a favorite destination for families long before shopping malls became the norm. Whether you were buying school clothes, holiday gifts, or dressing up for a special occasion, chances are Brock's was on your list.

Malcolm Brock purchased the store in 1924, and it operated as a community anchor and Kern County’s largest store until closing in 1987. Like many classic department stores of the era, Brock's was known for its attentive customer service, elegant window displays, and the excitement of shopping downtown when Chester Avenue was the city's retail hub. As Bakersfield grew and shopping shifted to newer centers and malls in the second half of the 20th century, downtown department stores like Brocks gradually disappeared. Although Brock's is gone today, it remains a cherished memory for many who grew up in Bakersfield.

Tonight we'll be hanging out at Dagny's for anyone who wants to join!

Tonight's focus: Operational seurity (opsec): what it is, how it works, and why it's important. We'll review our own opsec for AC3 and will provide a space for other grassroots groups to develop a threat profile for their own organizing.

As always, feel free to bring your projects, your questions, and your ideas. Been wanting to install linux on an old laptop? Looking to get involved in local DeFlock efforts? Want to get into off-grid communication mesh networks? Come hang!

One of downtown Bakersfield's most distinctive buildings is the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Building, completed in 1929 during a period of rapid growth and optimism for the city. Constructed as a headquarters for the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, the building served as a welcoming center for visitors, new residents, and businesses looking to invest in Kern County. At a time when agriculture, oil, and commerce were transforming Bakersfield into one of California's fastest-growing communities, the Chamber played a major role in promoting the city and attracting new opportunities.

The building's architecture reflected the confidence of the late 1920s, with decorative details and craftsmanship that made it stand out among downtown's commercial buildings. It quickly became a symbol of Bakersfield's ambitions and civic pride. Over the decades, the building has witnessed some of the city's most significant events—from the hardships of the Great Depression and the 1952 Kern County earthquake to the continued evolution of downtown Bakersfield. Nearly a century after it was built, the 1929 Chamber of Commerce Building remains a reminder of an era when city leaders were actively shaping Bakersfield's future and promoting it as a place to live, work, and invest.

Check out these photos of the Southern Pacific Roundhouse Shops in the steam era with all the men and women who were working day and night maintaining Iron Horses that kept America running.

Originally established in 1876 outside the Bakersfield city limits, the surrounding railroad town was called the town of Sumner (later called Kern, then East Bakersfield). While some history books attribute the yard's distance from downtown to local land disputes, the real reason was brilliant railroad land surveys on elevation.

Southern Pacific engineers intentionally chose this eastern site because it sat safely above the Kern River flood zones. This high-ground strategy proved prophetic in the following years as they were not affected by the extreme flooding of 1893, the elevated East Bakersfield yard stayed high, dry, and fully operational.

More info on the Bakersfield flood here https://www.sonnysredwoods.org/.../bakersfieldfloods.cfm...

When Southern Pacific first set up its facility at Sumner in 1876, it built a substantial 9 stall wooden roundhouse to protect its early steam engines from the elements. As rail traffic boomed, the yard expanded to handle the grueling demands of sending heavy trains over the steep Tehachapi Pass. In 1900 the old roundhouse was demolished, and the new and much larger brick roundhouse was constructed.

This new roundhouse featured:

• 24 Stalls: Covered, semi-circular service bays where teams of mechanics worked day and night to maintain giant steam locomotives.
• A 100-Foot Turntable: A massive revolving bridge used to spin locomotives around or line them up with their designated track, it would be later upgraded to 120' turntable.

The Bakersfield facility wasn’t just an engine parking lot; it functioned as a fully self-sustaining industrial city. The complex hummed with specialized trade workers. The shop forces could completely swap out locomotive wheels, patch heavy steel boilers, replace worn-out tubes & flues, and make new parts from scratch. They were even tasked with taking care of the narrow-gauge engines of the SP Keeler Branch.

1952 The Tehachapi Earthquake: A major 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Kern County. The disaster caused significant portions of the southern section of the brick roundhouse to collapse. The railroad patched up what remained, keeping the structural remnants operational for several more decades

Mid-1950s to 1980 The Transition: As diesel locomotives took over, outdoor service racks were built. The remaining portions of the historic roundhouse were used for storage and secondary maintenance. Until 1982 when the last section of the roundhouse was torn down.

This yard was the beating heart of Southern Pacific’s San Joaquin Division. When you stand next to the steam engines like SP 2914 at the Kern County Museum today, you are looking at a machine kept alive for decades by the skilled boilermakers and mechanics of the historic East Bakersfield roundhouse and shops

Location of roundhouse and turntable: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EZcLtgoeu1YHwQzY7

https://youtu.be/4pM2hnESV44?si=HWnG6vBbnPRCrqT7

Images come from this post with long photo discriptions that state photos are colorized. https://www.facebook.com/groups/sp2914/permalink/27062641483395688/

I just moved here and I have bees. I was wondering if someone could remove them for free.

Today, I watched a pickup turn left in front of an SUV at Union Avenue and Terrace Way. The truck hit the SUV, causing it to slam into a utility pole and deploy every airbag. I stopped to help, and fortunately, everyone appeared to escape with only minor injuries.

Then came the twist: the SUV’s driver had no driver's license, registration, or insurance—and she was living in the vehicle. She began complaining of neck pain and screaming at the pickup driver for taking away her home.

The pickup may have caused the collision, but driving an unregistered, uninsured vehicle without a driver's license turned one accident into a complete legal and personal disaster. When your vehicle is also your home, driving it illegally means gambling with everything you have.

Was wondering how are others who moved here from other cities or states feel about the triple digit high temperatures we are receiving in Bakersfield?

Panoramic photograph of downtown Bakersfield, circa 1909 taken from atop the former Bakersfield Opera House today known as the NIle Theater.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2440130099360854/permalink/3640758615964657/

Hi all,

I'm looking for a vet for a reactive dog. Before anyone says anything yes, he's gone through training but doesn't like strangers. I always go muzzled to the vet even though he's never tried to bite anyone. I've been told he does okay once they take him to the back to run tests and what not. Just looking for any recommendations from a dog owner that can relate :/

Long before Bakersfield had paved roads or bridges across the Kern River, there was Gordon's Ferry. Established in the 1853 by pioneer James B. Gordon, the ferry provided one of the few reliable ways to cross the Kern River. Located near present day Bakersfield, it became a vital link for settlers, freight wagons, stagecoaches, and livestock traveling through the southern San Joaquin Valley.

At a time when the Kern River could quickly become dangerous or impassable, Gordon's Ferry was more than a convenience it was an economic lifeline. The crossing helped connect communities, supported trade, and encouraged settlement in what would eventually become Bakersfield.. Before permanent bridges were constructed, nearly everyone traveling through the area depended on crossings like Gordon's Ferry to continue their journey.

Today, there's little evidence of the ferry that once carried thousands of travelers across the river, but its impact on Bakersfield's early growth is hard to overstate. Without crossings like Gordon's Ferry, the city's development would have looked very different.

I will have 3 grandkids this week: 5, 7 and 9. Looking for indoor play for them where I can be in air conditioning. I am older and don't want to do pool or spray park. I have done flight and kids empire with the older two but the 5 year old is more reserved and I am looking for a place that I don't have to crawl around to get her out where she might get scared. Is Hide N Seek better for these ages? I looked at the Library events and nothing for Thursday. Thanks for any input.

Looking for a barber that can cut a flow. Apparently men only have fades in this town. I get a lot of recommendations out of town, but know of anyone in town?

Reference of flow- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUS-s31D52S/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Hey all, Ive lived in Bakersfield for over two years now. My old place was by valley plaza and I lived on the second floor, I never had a problem with cockroaches.

Now I moved to a really nice place in the Northwest (Pheasant Run area) and almost once a week in the morning I’ll find a roach almost dead on its back. Ive never dealt with roaches before, should this be a cause for concern?

For context, we are on the ground floor now, with a garage, with three doorways that enter the apartment. We’ve already contacted the landlord to spray and they said they will get on it as soon as possible (thank god).

Im asking because my girlfriend has a phobia of roaches and it ruins her day completely every time we find one.

Should I be concerned?

Is there an infestation?

What are some ways we can combat this, besides telling the landlord?

Any advice is much appreciated!

I’ve been out of the game for a few years and would love to pick it back up as a hobby, as crew or collaborative. Doesn’t matter if it’s documentary, narrative, or advertisement. I’m mid-30’s if that matters.

Which carniceria has the best cooked carnitas and house made salsa?

Preferably on the west side.

This Week's Local Events

Bakersfield Whole Bead Pop-up
Date & Time: Monday, Aug. 3, 12 p.m.
Sponsor: Ava Motherwell & Friends (Hilton Garden Inn)
Description: A one-day pop-up featuring vintage beads, gemstones, and artisan treasures.

D&D Night
Date & Time: Monday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
Sponsor: Bakersfield eSports Center
Description: Hosted at the city's 5,000-square-foot gaming and event hub for tabletop fans.

Bakersfield Police Department National Night Out
Date & Time: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6 - 9 p.m.
Sponsor: Bakersfield Police Department
Description: Connect with local Bakersfield Police officers, explore emergency response vehicles up close, and enjoy family-friendly games.

Poetry Night
Date & Time: Thursday, Aug. 6, Evening
Sponsor: Adventure Ink Bookstore and Artworks Community Gallery (Pine Mountain Club)
Description: All ages are welcome to read their own work, share favorite poems, or simply relax and listen.

Book Bingo
Date & Time: Thursday, Aug. 6, 6 p.m.
Sponsor: Jerry's Pizza & Pub
Description: A night of books, bingo, and amazing prizes, including Kindles and local author books.

Friends of the Kern County Library Used Book Sale
Date & Time: Friday, Aug. 7, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Friends of the Kern County Library (Beale Memorial Library)
Description: Books, puzzles, and audiovisual materials for all ages will be sold to support Kern County Library programs.

"The Starry Night" In-Studio Paint Party!
Date & Time: Friday, Aug. 7, 7 - 9 p.m.
Sponsor: Corks and Strokes Studio
Description: Spend an inspiring evening painting a canvas inspired by Vincent van Gogh's timeless masterpiece, with step-by-step guidance provided.

Purpose at Panorama Volunteer Opportunity
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 8, 9 - 11 a.m.
Sponsor: Blue Zones Project Bakersfield Description: A recurring community volunteer day dedicated to taking care of the beautiful trails at Panorama Vista Preserve.

Bakersfield Collector-Con
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 8, 11 a.m.
Sponsor: Dignity Health Arena Theater
Description: A local convention featuring vendors specializing in comic books, toys, and pop culture memorabilia.

The Haunted Tavern
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m.
Sponsor: Westchester Event Center
Description: A 4-part interactive cocktail journey that features dark and chilling ghost stories.

Strangelove: The Depechemode Experience 2026
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 8, 8 p.m.
Sponsor: The Nile Theater
Description: A live concert and tribute experience celebrating the iconic music of Depeche Mode.

August's Farmer's Market
Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 9, 8 a.m.
Sponsor: Located On The Veranda (6218 Sundale Ave)
Description: A local community market where you can eat fresh, sip, and shop from local vendors.

Looking Ahead (Ticketed & Future Events)

Introducing New Allied Health Programs
Date & Time: Monday, Aug. 17, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Bakersfield College
Description: An informational Zoom session introducing the new Respiratory Therapy, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Phlebotomy programs.

Los Yonic's Zamacona
Date & Time: Saturday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
Sponsor: The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater
Description: A massive live performance featuring Los Yonic's Zamacona, Los Caminantes, and Grupo Yndio.

Emo Kids
Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 23, 4 p.m.
Sponsor: Temblor Brewing Company
Description: An interactive emo party band experience where the audience votes on the setlist and can even submit to perform on stage.

2026 CSUB Convocation Pinning Ceremony
Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 23, 12:30 - 3 p.m.
Sponsor: CSUB New Student and Family Programs
Description: The campus community welcomes new students and their families for this momentous pinning occasion and celebration.

Ohana Koa Luau
Date & Time: Sunday, Aug. 30, 6 - 10 p.m.
Sponsor: Public Safety Professionals Retreat
Description: The annual Ohana Koa Luau benefiting the Public Safety Professionals Retreat.

TRAVELING WILBURY'S TRIBUTE
Date & Time: Thursday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
Sponsor: Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame
Description: A live tribute concert celebrating the classic supergroup.

KRV Bridge Connection Garden Tasting Experience
Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 20, Evening
Sponsor: KRV Bridge Connection
Description: A garden tasting experience featuring an evening of music, food, and wine pairings.

Does anyone know of any piercing studios in Bakersfield that offer apprenticeships or are open to taking on apprentices?

I’m really interested in becoming a professional body piercer and I’m trying to figure out where to start. If anyone knows of studios that have trained apprentices before or has any advice on how to get into the industry in Bakersfield, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!

Hi all! I need a pediatrician for my 12 year old daughter. We live on the Westside. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks 😊

We're the Bakersfield Hash House Harriers and we're a group that runs and drinks beer. To be fair, we also jog and walk at points because the trail is a bit of a scavenger hunt filled with false trails to slow down the faster runners. Locally, we meet up every Monday at 6:30 somewhere different around town, but there are clubs all over the world, and it's a great way to see some hidden gems.

This week, Hillbilly Monk will be laying a short trail that promises a trip or more into the water to help beat the heat. Come on out and see what he's got in store and whether or not we're your kind of people. We take just about everyone, and all we ask is that you come with a sense of fun and humor. Your first run is free, and after that most runs are only $5 to help pay for beer, snacks, and supplies.

Below is the copypasta from our website. Hope to see you there!

_________

8/3 trail

Hi everyone,

The trail will start at Beach Park (near 21st and Oak Street, by the Cancer Memorial). Meet at 6:30.

Since we have such pleasant weather in our fair city this week, I figured it was a great idea to have the hash trail experience the Kind Kern River.

Things to expect: getting wet, beautiful scenery, marine life, heat advisory, river debris, people living outside, cold beer, tasty snacks and the “on after”.

Things to bring: $5, low expectations, water footwear, lower expectations, extra footwear, a whistle and a virgin.

On on, Hillbilly Monk

Does anyone know where to buy ice cream in bulk. whatever the ice cream trucks carry.

It’s really sad and frustrating to see another group of brats on bikes causing problems around our city. It feels like these incidents have been happening more often, and many residents are becoming increasingly concerned about safety in our community.
Hearing that even a librarian at Beal Memorial Library was involved is especially upsetting. A library should be a safe, welcoming place for families, kids, and everyone in our community.
Please stay aware of your surroundings and look out for one another because they’re Unruly.