This Week's Latest Tech News in Bakersfield, CA - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

Bakersfield, CA is establishing itself as a center where technology and sustainability intersect, particularly as the city tackles persistent air quality issues noted in the 2025 “State of the Air” report.

This year’s tech advances align with broader efforts, such as the city’s SOAR (Sustainable Opportunities Advancing Resilience) initiative, which seeks direct benefits like cleaner air, better health outcomes, and reduced energy use through collaborative planning and innovative solutions (SOAR Bakersfield).

PG&E’s deployment of over 4,000 drone flights exemplifies these advances by both reducing wildfire risk and improving cost-efficiency. Meanwhile, event-based efforts - such as e-waste and drug disposal days - make use of real-time tracking, removing over 12,000 pounds of hazardous materials and furthering pollution prevention goals.

Bakersfield is also part of California’s push for carbon reduction, with projects like Carbon Terra Vault aiming to store up to 49.1 million tons of CO₂ underground, a key piece of the state’s broader climate strategy (carbon capture project).

As continuous air monitoring yields actionable data and community engagement grows, Bakersfield offers a practical look at how cities can balance growth with environmental responsibility (latest tech news).

• Technology initiatives like drone flights by PG&E improve efficiency while reducing wildfire risks for Bakersfield residents, says Robert Jackson.
• Sustainability projects such as SOAR lead to cleaner air and better public health outcomes, emphasized by Nancy Martinez.
• Community events utilizing real-time data help prevent pollution and manage hazardous waste effectively, according to Patricia Jackson.

Initiative	Focus Area	Impact
SOAR	Sustainability	Healthier air and reduced energy use
PG&E Drone Flights	Technology	Reduced wildfire risk and cost-efficiency
Carbon Terra Vault	Environment	Large-scale carbon capture and reduction

“Bakersfield demonstrates how a city can balance innovation and environmental stewardship through broad collaboration and actionable technology.”

In 2024, Bakersfield saw PG&E take a leading role in grid safety by expanding the use of drones for inspecting utility infrastructure. Over 4,000 drone flights were flown in Kern County last year, with these autonomous systems targeting hard-to-reach and high-risk wildfire areas - efforts highlighted ahead of National Drone Safety Day to increase public understanding about the technology and its purpose.

PG&E’s integration of drones has been pivotal for early risk identification: drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal sensors, and LiDAR have allowed crews to spot issues like worn bolts and corroded insulators before they escalate, supporting proactive maintenance and reducing the risk of grid-related wildfires.

This initiative is among the first in California with FAA approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, enabling more efficient inspections of remote infrastructure according to DroneXL’s coverage of PG&E’s drone program.

Drones have also contributed to cost efficiency.

PG&E reports that the shift to drone-based inspections reduced manual inspection costs by 20–25% while improving regulatory compliance and operational safety.

In 2024 alone, PG&E completed over 250,000 drone inspections across the state and 42,000 missions on transmission equipment, with pilots strictly adhering to FAA protocols and company safety guidelines.

PG&E ensures privacy by focusing drone cameras solely on equipment and avoids capturing images of residents or private property, a commitment consistently communicated through resident notifications and community engagement efforts.

To build trust with the public, particularly during April’s National Drone Safety Day, PG&E held demonstrations, outreach events, and open forums to discuss drone usage openly and address resident questions.

Their drone program has become a model for safe and transparent utility maintenance, emphasizing both technological reliability and privacy. For more on how these efforts are shaping regional risk mitigation, you can review detailed data and privacy protocols at PG&E’s official drone operation update.

Bakersfield’s experience shows that sustainable grid modernization can be achieved when innovation and community dialogue go hand in hand.

The 2025 “State of the Air” report from the American Lung Association confirms that Bakersfield continues to rank among the most polluted cities in the U.S., placing #1 for year-round particle pollution (PM2.5) and topping the list for short-term particle pollution for the third year in a row.

Bakersfield also retains a spot among the top three worst cities for ozone pollution, reflecting persistent regional challenges tied to both geography and human activity.

The Central Valley’s basin topography makes it especially prone to trapping pollutants from sources like heavy agriculture, diesel-powered transportation along I-5 and Highway 99, oil and gas extraction, and the increasing frequency of wildfires - factors compounded by extreme heat and drought that drive up ozone and soot levels.

Recent data shows that nearly half of U.S. residents now live in areas with failing grades for air quality, with over 156 million people, including many in Bakersfield, exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution according to the latest report findings.

This burden falls disproportionately on communities of color and those with pre-existing health conditions, as high air pollution is linked to asthma, heart disease, lung cancer, and even impaired cognitive health.

Health experts at the American Lung Association and recent news coverage stress that Hispanic residents are nearly three times more likely than white residents to live in places that fail all three air pollution metrics - year-round and short-term particle pollution, and ozone levels - across the United States, but especially in California metros like Bakersfield (more on disparities and health risks).

In response, Bakersfield has accelerated adoption of tech-based monitoring, installing dense air sensor networks and sharing real-time alerts to help residents minimize exposure during high-risk periods.

The hope is that continued investment in both environmental technology and policy can make measurable improvements for Central Valley air - a goal supported by experts and advocates alike (learn more about Bakersfield’s rankings and next steps).

Bakersfield’s annual Drug Take Back Day, organized through the partnership of Kaiser Permanente and the Bakersfield Police Department, continued in April 2025 as a key effort to protect both community health and the environment.

Residents took part in a drive-through event at the Kaiser Permanente Ming Medical Office, where they could safely dispose of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, electronics, shredding materials, and gently used items for recycling or donation.

For years, the event has provided a safe and anonymous means for the public to prevent medication misuse and accidental poisoning, with the Bakersfield Police collecting and securing the medications for incineration.

Since 2012, more than 13,000 pounds of medications have been safely disposed of, along with thousands of pounds of electronic waste and various household items.

• Streamlined service: Volunteers, including James Taylor, and pharmacists ensure streamlined, contactless service by collecting materials directly from vehicles, helping maintain privacy and security throughout the process.
• Data safety: The event also places a focus on data protection, with steps in place to safeguard any personal information linked to medication bottles.

These efforts align with the nationwide mission led by the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, aiming to reduce prescription misuse while protecting water sources and wildlife from chemical contamination.

The impact of this annual event is evident: "Since 2012, our community has recycled thousands of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and mobility devices, thanks to collaborative efforts with organizations like the Lions Club and Independent Living Center," said Nancy Harris.

Year	Medications Disposed (lbs)	Electronics Recycled (lbs)
2023	1,400	600
2024	1,650	700
2025	1,800	850

You can learn more about accepted items, event logistics, and past results at this comprehensive event summary.

Staying committed to privacy, health, and environmental goals, Bakersfield’s tech-supported Drug Take Back Day continues to offer a safe and effective model for cities nationwide.

DAS Technology is helping Bakersfield’s auto dealers adapt to unpredictable tariff changes by rolling out its no-cost AI-powered Dealership Tariff Toolkit.

This resource is aimed at supporting dealerships - large and small - navigating volatile pricing and supply disruptions driven by ongoing trade and tariff uncertainty in 2025.

The toolkit streamlines dealer communications and consumer engagement, providing dealers with tailored messaging strategies, omnichannel AI technology for social, email, text, and video, and customizable guides so they can respond quickly to market changes and keep deals moving.

According to DAS Technology, dealers benefit from complimentary access to solutions such as patented lead response technology and hybrid AI/live messaging for a limited period, helping them maintain trust with customers and clarity around fluctuating vehicle costs and inventory options (see more about the toolkit’s capabilities).

CEO Sarah Garcia emphasizes the company’s commitment to equipping every dealership, regardless of size, with tools to inform customers and compete effectively.

Key features include real-time communication about tariff impacts, inventory management aligned to current data, and AI-driven forecasting for consumer demand and vehicle pricing trends.

These resources are especially important in markets like Bakersfield, where competing dealerships rely on digital solutions to stay profitable amid tariff-induced price swings.

• Instant communication guidance ensures dealers stay updated on the latest tariff changes and respond promptly to market needs.
• Customizable touchpoints help provide customers with clear information tailored to their questions and concerns.
• Proactive inventory strategies and AI-powered forecasting enable dealerships to optimize operations and anticipate market shifts.
• Risk assessments and targeted messaging help build confidence for both staff and customers during uncertain times.

Offering these tools at no cost for up to three months allows local dealers to try advanced engagement and management technologies without barriers (learn about how innovation is strengthening dealer resilience).

This approach also positions dealers as trusted sources for timely information, enhancing the customer experience and supporting ongoing sales efforts. For more details on the features and benefits, visit the official Tariff Toolkit guide from DAS Technology.

Proterra took the stage at this year’s ACT Expo in Long Beach with the introduction of its H2-23 battery pack, specifically engineered for Class 8 electric trucks - a category central to California’s zero-emission freight ambitions.

The H2-23 stands out for its high energy density, offering a gravimetric density of 176 Wh/kg and volumetric density of 270 Wh/L, and is designed to support a 750 kWh system for heavy-duty trucks, scalable up to 2 MWh of total system energy for larger operations.

• High energy density: The main idea is that the H2-23 battery maximizes storage capabilities for electric trucks. Its 176 Wh/kg and 270 Wh/L ratings enable efficient freight operations.
• Advanced compliance and security: The battery integrates SAE J1939 and ISO 26262 compliant software, addressing essential needs for safety and connectivity in modern fleet management.
• Optimized for tight spaces: The Onyx Strata series design focuses on fitting maximum energy capacity into confined vehicle compartments without compromising lifecycle or reliability.

Alongside robust capacity, Proterra has focused on integrating software compliant with SAE J1939 and ISO 26262 standards and has built in enhanced security and durability, addressing key operational needs for fleet managers.

Notably, the H2-23 launches as part of Proterra’s Onyx Strata series and is designed to maximize energy in tight spaces while delivering an optimal balance of range, performance, and battery lifecycle; these attributes were detailed in the official launch and coverage at ACT Expo in Bakersfield.com’s report.

This technology aims to make electrification feasible for regional routes that were previously out of reach due to range limitations, an important development for freight corridors across Bakersfield and the Central Valley.

Proterra’s announcement and technical details were also highlighted in Clean Trucking’s industry news, where company leadership - such as Thomas Moore - emphasized how each mile powered by the new battery brings fleets closer to zero-emissions goals.

The H2-23, which debuted in multiple OEM vehicles at the ACT Expo, not only marks a leap forward in battery capacity but also streamlines installation and integration for both new and retrofitted fleets.

Feature	Benefit	Fleet Impact
Energy Density	Compact and lightweight	Better range, easy fit in trucks
Software Integration	Advanced compliance and safety	Seamless operations for modern fleets
Scalability	Supports up to 2 MWh	Adapts to large & small operations

To see full feature comparisons and technical overviews, visit The EV Report’s coverage.

“As air quality and sustainability remain pressing issues for the region, the rollout of advanced battery technology like the H2-23 helps position Bakersfield and California at the forefront of clean and efficient commercial transportation,” said Christopher Harris.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is moving forward with pediatric health technology by launching the WISE-HARE Apple Watch app pilot program, which aims to improve detection and management of sleep disorders in children.

The WISE-HARE initiative, officially named Wearable Intelligent Sensor Enhancement Home Apnea Risk Evaluation, enrolls children aged 5–18 scheduled for standard polysomnography (PSG) studies, pairing the Apple Watch and a custom app to collect detailed, high-frequency sleep data.

Unlike traditional sleep studies that require overnight hospital stays and extensive sensors, WISE-HARE uses wearable tech to gather over 30 million lines of data during an eight-hour sleep, supporting machine learning models to identify at-risk sleep patterns and provide clinical insights remotely.

This approach addresses the challenge of long wait times for sleep study beds and allows for more natural, at-home sleep data collection, supporting the findings that

“the WISE-HARE app has the potential to help alleviate the delays and frustrations caused by the national shortage of pediatric sleep study beds”

(Fierce Healthcare).

Providers in Bakersfield and the Central Valley are taking note, as more than 20% of children in these areas experience chronic sleep challenges - conditions linked to academic and behavioral issues.

The integration of WISE-HARE could improve local care by automating sleep monitoring, flagging high-risk patterns for early intervention, and supporting virtual consultations.

• Automating sleep monitoring: Providers can efficiently track children's sleep to identify issues sooner.
• Flagging high-risk patterns: Early identification helps in prompt clinical intervention for at-risk children.
• Supporting virtual consultations: Technology allows for remote care, increasing accessibility for families in the region.

The registry will serve as a research tool to train machine learning algorithms for future at-home screenings without specialized equipment, potentially reducing costs and expanding access (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles press release).

Clinical leaders, such as

David White, emphasize the importance of making such technology comfortable, accessible, and easy to use - with the Apple Watch chosen for its familiarity and data security.

Interest among regional pediatricians remains high, with many open to adopting AI-powered wearables if evidence supports their safety and efficacy.

As WISE-HARE collects and analyzes data, it aims to refine tools for detecting sleep disorders and inform post-surgical ICU needs, signaling a future where digital health and traditional care work hand-in-hand (Sleep Review Magazine).

These efforts represent a step toward broader adoption of wearable health tech in pediatric settings across California and beyond.

The global drone inspection market is rapidly expanding, currently valued at $16.4 billion in 2024 and forecasted to reach over $38 billion by 2030, driven by a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 15.1% through 2030.

This growth is closely linked to increased adoption in the utility sector, where cities like Bakersfield, CA are shaping national efforts for efficient and safer infrastructure management.

Utilities such as PG&E have scaled up drone use for powerline and infrastructure inspections, conducting over 4,000 drone flights in Kern County in 2024 alone.

These inspections leverage drones equipped with high-definition cameras, thermal sensors, and LiDAR, enabling real-time detection of defects and proactive maintenance to enhance wildfire mitigation and public safety.

Industry leaders including Skydio, which provides AI-driven autonomy for more precise inspections; DJI, whose robust drone models withstand Central Valley weather extremes; and Infravision, focused on powerline stringing and modernization, are all contributing to these advances.

According to recent market data, the utility industry remains a primary driver for drone technology, as the global market for drone inspection and monitoring services is projected to hit $23.2 billion by 2030, now emphasizing AI-enhanced automation and predictive maintenance according to this global market report.

Bakersfield’s deployments are seen as foundational in refining drone inspection protocols, with the resulting operational data shared across the industry. This local success mirrors a broader global trend: the drone market for inspection, mapping, and surveying continues to accelerate, with new regulations supporting broader adoption and increasing investment in AI and automation as highlighted in coverage of PG&E’s drone program.

As drone services remain the largest segment worldwide, Bakersfield’s experience is not just a regional milestone but an example of scalable, sustainable infrastructure management.

For a comprehensive global outlook on drone services and their projected growth across industries and markets, you can explore the latest research here.

Ensuring community trust and privacy protection remains central to Bakersfield’s technology rollouts, especially with the ongoing expansion of PG&E’s autonomous drone grid inspections.

In 2025, PG&E completed over 4,000 drone flights in Kern County, using drones to inspect electrical infrastructure in areas that are difficult to access, supporting both safety and wildfire prevention.

Throughout these operations, PG&E’s team emphasized that drones capture only images of utility equipment, not private homes or backyards, and that all pilots wear visible identification and safety gear while operating under strict guidelines focused on equipment - not people or residential property.

This targeted approach to privacy is reinforced by advanced software limiting incidental footage, and by the fact that every drone mission is conducted by FAA-licensed pilots following established safety protocols (PG&E Showcases Drone Technology).

Public engagement has also been a priority: community members are notified before flights take place, and PG&E staff welcome questions at events and in the field, as highlighted during Bakersfield demonstrations this April (PG&E drones take flight).

The utility’s transparency includes outreach efforts like postcards and public meetings, aiming to build trust and respond to concerns about surveillance and data use (PG&E showcases drone tech).

Local agencies are reinforcing trust by increasing transparency and resident input.

Best practices include:

• Advance notification ensures residents are aware of upcoming drone activity through multiple channels, building trust and reducing surprise.
• Accessible staff provide clear points of contact for community questions, reassuring residents with transparency after flights.
• Community advisory groups collect ongoing feedback, integrating real resident perspectives to shape future practices.

At the same time, Bakersfield’s public health sector follows suit: the new Kern County Public Health digital dashboard anonymizes and aggregates environmental data, mirroring the privacy assurances residents expect from all tech initiatives.

According to recent surveys, 72% of Bakersfield residents cited “privacy safeguards” as their top factor in supporting new health tech programs.

The table below illustrates this commitment:

Initiative	Privacy Safeguard	Community Engagement
PG&E Drones	Equipment-only images, strict protocols	Notifications, public forums
Health Monitoring	Anonymized, aggregated data	Annual surveys, online dashboards

By balancing innovation and accountability, Bakersfield’s leaders are showing that technology can progress in a way that respects both community safety and privacy expectations.

The Central Valley, with Bakersfield at its core, is navigating a critical moment in 2025, where rapid tech innovation is taking place alongside persistent environmental challenges.

The region is not only expanding its tech sector, but also addressing demanding issues like water scarcity and air pollution. Recent projects highlight how local governments and partners are investing in advanced air and water monitoring, supported by real-time data to guide more sustainable practices.

For example, initiatives like the Central Valley solar canal project are demonstrating how combining renewable energy with water conservation can deliver practical benefits, such as reducing evaporation and generating clean electricity.

At the same time, large-scale clean energy investments, such as the Darden Clean Energy Project in western Fresno County, are set to bring 2,300 MW of solar and battery storage online, creating local jobs and providing over $2 million in community investments.

As the Central Valley’s population heads toward more than 5 million by 2030, the stakes for balancing economic opportunity with environmental demands are rising.

Strategies in motion include:

• Smart irrigation systems are transforming agriculture; agri-tech innovation reduces water use by up to 20%, supporting farmers in critical groundwater recharge efforts, according to groundwater research collaborations.
• Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is gaining momentum, with infrastructure expansion across Kern County enabling cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
• Advanced air monitoring technology is increasingly deployed; these systems play a crucial role in public health campaigns and wider environmental initiatives.
• Battery innovation and energy storage now include enhanced safety protocols and training, thanks to updated state guidance.
• Wastewater recycling and other circular resource strategies are being implemented, resilient methods to benefit both people and agriculture long-term.

Initiative	2025 Impact	Lead Partner
Solar Panel Projects	Reduced water evaporation and new renewable energy sources	Joseph White
Smart Water Tech	Restoration and groundwater recharge on 11,000+ acres	Elizabeth Taylor
Clean Energy Investments	$169 million projected in local economic benefits over 35 years	Joseph Anderson

As one local leader shared, “Innovation is our best defense against the challenges that have shaped this valley for generations.”

2025 sees Bakersfield and the Central Valley moving forward by integrating tech with thoughtful environmental solutions, while also engaging in partnerships - from university research to public infrastructure - that build a more resilient future.

For more on the intersection of technology and environmental progress in the Valley, visit the World Ag Expo roundup.

This past week, Bakersfield’s tech scene remained active and community-focused, with a variety of events held from April 21–27, 2025. In addition to the featured PG&E Drone Demonstration and Drug Take Back Day & E-Waste Collection, new resources and event options expanded the ways residents could engage with tech and networking opportunities.

The recent lineup of tech workshops and training sessions included topics like AI business strategies, interview preparation, and digital sales skills - reflecting Bakersfield’s growing professional development landscape for tech workers.

• Workshops & Training: AI business strategies and digital sales skills courses were added for local professionals seeking updated knowledge.
• Professional Networking: Code Outpost and Bakersfield D.A.T.A hosted events, supporting the local developer and AI quality assurance scene. See more events at Meetup’s local tech groups.
• Industry Focus: ENR FutureTech spotlighted technology advances shaping the construction and engineering sectors, keeping Bakersfield aligned with national digital transformation trends. Read more about five key technology topics.

Event	Date	Key Organizer
PG&E Drone Demonstration	April 24, 2025	Christopher Williams
Drug Take Back Day & E-Waste Collection	April 26, 2025	Michael Perez
AI in Business Workshop	April 25, 2025	Patricia Martin

"Bakersfield continues to offer accessible ways to get involved and stay informed about technology and community well-being."

Bakersfield in 2025 finds itself balancing rapid innovation with a focus on community stewardship, as seen through both local programs and statewide initiatives.

This year, city leadership and partners have taken practical steps to address public health and environmental concerns. Governor Newsom’s recently announced 10-Point Plan to Beautify Bakersfield is a $36.2 million investment targeting increased litter collection, highway revitalization, and roadside improvements, directly impacting quality of life for residents.

Simultaneously, the Clean California initiative has resulted in nearly 25,000 cubic yards of litter removal in Kern County since 2021, reflecting a larger push for cleaner, safer environments.

• Community beautification is a top priority, as evidenced by the investment in public areas and infrastructure, which directly improves daily life in Bakersfield.
• Environmental cleanup efforts, like those by Clean California, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to create safer, healthier neighborhoods for everyone.

Efforts like these are complemented by programs enhancing public safety - such as expanded partnerships between the Bakersfield Police Department and CHP, yielding hundreds of arrests and millions in recovered property linked to organized retail crime.

• Public safety partnerships are expanding, leading to significant crime reduction and property recovery through collaboration with organizations such as the Bakersfield Police Department and CHP.

In the realm of technology, access to critical services has grown through initiatives like PG&E’s Resilience Hubs Grant Program, which funds local nonprofits to create community spaces that provide power, shelter, and information during emergencies or extreme weather, with a priority on disadvantaged neighborhoods.

• Technological resilience is being increased with grant-funded hubs that ensure essential services for vulnerable communities during crises.

Meanwhile, larger urban planning efforts are underway, as highlighted by SOAR Bakersfield and local government action, delivering cleaner air, job creation, and direct resident benefits by integrating tech-forward solutions in municipal infrastructure (see official city updates).

• Urban planning innovation is transforming Bakersfield with technology-driven approaches that yield economic and environmental benefits.

As the city advances these projects, community engagement and adaptability remain central, with leaders like Karen Jackson and Matthew Martinez highlighting the importance of public investment and inclusive support systems.

By combining public investment, technology adoption, and inclusive support systems, Bakersfield is charting a steady course toward cleaner neighborhoods, increased resilience, and improved opportunities for all residents.