City officials and the Bakersfield Police Department say efforts to improve safety and revitalize downtown are showing results, though vandalism remains a concern for local businesses.
Breaking Bad Hair Salon has operated in downtown Bakersfield for nearly eight years. Owner Alicia Escobar said she has seen both the highs and lows of the area during that time.
“We were plagued by vandalism as well as a lot of break-ins back in 2023 and 2024, and definitely have seen a big turnaround,” Escobar said…