Bakersfield Council Member Apologizes for 'Homeless Degenerates' Remark

Bashirtash faces backlash after controversial comments at city council meeting

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Bakersfield City Council member Tanya Bashirtash has apologized for referring to homeless individuals as "homeless degenerates" during a recent city council meeting. The comment sparked outrage among residents, who condemned the remark as insensitive and dehumanizing towards the city's homeless population.

Why it matters

Bashirtash's comments highlight the ongoing tensions and challenges surrounding homelessness in Bakersfield, a issue that has been a major concern for the community. The incident also raises questions about the appropriate way for elected officials to discuss and address the complex issue of homelessness.

The details

During the city council meeting, Bashirtash was discussing the city's recent Point in Time count of the homeless population when she made the controversial remark. Her comments were met with immediate backlash from residents in attendance, who condemned the language as unacceptable and demanded an apology.

  • The incident occurred during a Bakersfield City Council meeting on February 11, 2026.

The players

Tanya Bashirtash

A Bakersfield City Council member who made the controversial 'homeless degenerates' comment during a recent city council meeting.

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What they’re saying

“We must not dehumanize our homeless neighbors. Her comments were unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our community.”

— Samantha Hernandez, Bakersfield resident (Bakersfield Now)

What’s next

Bashirtash has since apologized for her remarks during a follow-up city council meeting, acknowledging that her language was inappropriate and insensitive. The council is expected to further discuss strategies for addressing homelessness in the city in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for elected officials to be mindful of their language and approach when discussing sensitive community issues like homelessness. Compassion and understanding should guide the conversation, rather than dehumanizing rhetoric, in order to find effective solutions that support the most vulnerable members of the population.