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Speaker urges enforcement of banned '70' products; resident presses city on hit‑and‑run and street‑racing complaints
Summary
Two non‑agenda public commenters told the Bakersfield City Council that dangerous '70' products remain on sale despite state warnings and that police have not resolved a hit‑and‑run; staff said they would follow up with both speakers. The council did not take formal action beyond promising staff follow‑up.
At the start of Tuesday’s meeting, two residents used the public‑comment period to raise public‑health and public‑safety concerns.
"My name is Christina Rollins and I am here to address a serious public health concern involving and its potent compound 7 hydroxide tragine also known as 70," Rollins told the council, saying the California Department of Public Health issued a statewide warning in October 2025 and that the state had notified retailers and seized products. She urged the city to follow up on prior notices, enforce state law (she cited California Health and Safety Code 111055 in her remarks), and remove those products from local businesses. Rollins said she could provide additional details privately.
Another speaker, Charles Linenbrink, described a personal family case: he said his wife was struck in an alleged felony hit‑and‑run while crossing the street and that the police investigation closed quickly without further action. Linenbrink also reported ongoing illegal street racing by riders on small, unlicensed motorcycles in his neighborhood that he said reach 40–45 mph without lights or plates. "If I'm going to pay my property tax, I expect some service," he said, urging a follow‑up investigation.
City staff told both speakers the city had their contact information and would follow up. The council did not take formal action during the meeting beyond directing staff to follow up with the speakers; Rollins’ remarks referenced state enforcement actions and a state statute.
