BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — 11 people were arrested, four dogs were seized, and 12 tons of trash were removed after an encampment cleanup near the Kern River embankments.
The Bakersfield Police Department’s Community Vitality Unit received several complaints about homeless encampments along the north and south Kern River embankments in the area west of Chester Avenue, towards the uplands of the Kern River Park.
Police said on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, a clean-up operation, in coordination with multiple agencies, cleared the area’s encampments.
11 people were arrested, four dogs were seized and taken to the City of Bakersfield Animal Shelter, five encampments and 12 tons of trash were removed.
11 people were arrested, four dogs were seized, and 12 tons of trash were removed after an encampment cleanup near the Kern River embankments. PHOTO: BPD
The several agencies included were BPD’s Impact Unit, City of Bakersfield Code Enforcement, Rapid Response Team, Park Rangers, Kern County Behavior Health and Rehabilitation Services, Bakersfield Fire Department Arson, Animal Control Unit, County Code Enforcement, Kern County Sheriff Department and Bakersfield CHP.
“The Bakersfield Police Department recognizes the impact these quality-of-life issues have on our community and are committed to collaborative efforts to solve them,” said in the release.
11 people were arrested, four dogs were seized, and 12 tons of trash were removed after an encampment cleanup near the Kern River embankments. PHOTO: BPD
Community Vitality is a city-led initiative that responds to homelessness-related concerns across Bakersfield. Community Vitality can be contacted at communityvitality@bakersfieldcity.us or (661) 326-3737.
For more information on Community Vitality, visit their website here.
Encampments can also be reported to the City of Bakersfield through its free Bakersfield Mobile App or through the online Service Request portal.