Bakersfield, California
With its big city advantages, those moving to Bakersfield will discover an atmosphere of small town hospitality, friendship, compassion and optimism. In 1990, the citizens of Bakersfield received the National Civic League's stamp of approval through the designation of an "All-America City" for proactively dealing with the needs of its citizens. Today, characteristics of the Bakersfield community are a high quality of life, strong family orientation and progressive viewpoints.
History:
The Yokut Indians were the first to settle in the San Joaquin Valley. In 1776, the Spanish missionary Father Francisco Garcés was the first European to reach the area. In 1851, gold was discovered in the Kern River, and less than fifteen years later the oil was first found in the valley. Settlements grew up, and the place soon became known as "Colonel Baker's field," after a local settlers. When Colonel Tom Baker was given the task of surveying a township in 1869, the city was given the official name of Bakersfield. In 1898, the San Joaquin Valley Railroad arrived in Bakersfield, giving a large boost to the city’s population. Then, in the 1930s, the Dust Bowl brought an influx of migrant workers from the Great Plains, Arkansas and Oklahoma. In later years, farm work in the city would be mostly conducted by Mexican immigrants. And In the 1960s, César Chavez led the fight to improve working conditions for immigrant workers. The great earthquake of 1952 changed the appearance of the city, promoting the flat, sprawling style building seen throughout the city today. In 1965, a university in the California State University system moved to town. California State University, Bakersfield today has over 7,500 students, with programs focusing on business and administration.
Economy:
Bakersfield is advantageously located in the center of the world's fifth largest economy. As the state's 11th largest city, Bakersfield offers corporations one of the most affordable locations on the West Coast. Recently, Inc. Magazine rated the city fifth among the country's top medium-sized cities for business. Bakersfield’s primary industries have been in oil and agriculture. In fact, Kern County is the most oil productive county in America. The city serves as the home for both corporate and regional headquarters of companies engaged in several different industries. Bakersfield also has an increasing manufacturing and distribution sector. Several companies have moved to Bakersfield for its inexpensive land and access to international ports in both Los Angeles and Oakland. Other companies have chose Bakersfield because of the city’s business friendly policies, such as requiring no local utility or inventory taxes. Products manufactured in Bakersfield include, ice cream, highway paint and stock racing cars.
Tourism:
From museums to country music venues and outdoor recreation, Bakersfield is sure to have something for everyone. If food is your specialty, you’ve come to the right place. The city has a hearty local restaurant scene sure to please all different tastes. Head over to Bakersfield Museum of Art. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a wide assortment of painting, sculpture and other artwork in the beautiful indoor galleries and charming garden setting. Changing exhibits are housed in this tranquil downtown location. Then, check out the Symphony. For nearly 80 years, the Bakersfield Symphony has provided Bakersfield with the best in symphony performances. For a little family fun head down to Camelot Park Bakersfield Family Entertainment Center where you can enjoy Mini Golf, Go Karts, , Bumper Boats, Batting Cages and a huge Video Game Arcade. Next, the famous Drag Strip is located just north of Bakersfield and is home to the annual “March Meet.” The strip was originally built in World War II as a training base for the nearby Army Air Corps. In the 1950's the Bakersfield Smokers, an aspiring group of drag racing pioneers, purchased the strip and made the necessary adjustments to allow for drag racing.
Colleges/Universities:
• California State University, Bakersfield
• National University
• Bakersfield College
• San Joaquin Valley College
• Santa Barbara Business College
Interesting Facts:
• The city’s raceway hosted the first ever March Meet in 1959 and it helped establish the fledgling National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) legitimacy.
Helpful Links:
• Bakersfield Real Estate
• Bakersfield Storage Facility
• Bakersfield Insurance
• Bakersfield Dental Offices
• Bakersfield Moving Companies
• Bakersfield Official Website