Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield is a city in Kern County, California, United States. It covers about 151 square miles near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, which is part of the Central Valley region.

According to the 2020 Census, Bakersfield had a population of 403,455. It is the 47th-most populous city in the United States and the 9th-most populous in California. The larger area around Bakersfield, called the Bakersfield–Delano Metropolitan Statistical Area, includes all of Kern County and had a population of 909,235. This makes it the 62nd largest metropolitan area in the country.

Bakersfield is important for agriculture and energy. Kern County is the most productive oil-producing county in California and one of the top agricultural counties in the United States. The city is also known for its energy industries, including natural gas, mining, and petroleum refining. Additionally, Bakersfield is famous for starting a special style of country music called the Bakersfield sound.

History

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of Bakersfield, California.

Native American people lived in the area for thousands of years. When Spanish explorers arrived, the Yowlumne, a group of the Yokuts people, lived there. They lived in small villages along the Kern River and hunted animals.

In 1776, Spanish explorer Francisco Garcés was the first European to visit the area. After the Mexican War of Independence, Mexican settlers began to move there. The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brought many new people to the region. In 1851, gold was found in the Kern River, and in 1865, oil was discovered in the valley. The area was often flooded by the Kern River and had sickness.

Bakersfield is one of the largest cities in the United States with many Hispanic residents.

Founding

In 1861, floods destroyed the first settlement. Thomas Baker, a lawyer from Ohio, moved to the area in 1863. By 1870, the town had grown to 600 people and became the main town in Kern County. Bakersfield was officially made a city in 1873 but later stopped being a city for 22 years before becoming one again in 1898.

Establishment of rail connection

In 1874, a railroad first came to the area but was placed far from town. Local people raised money to build a second railroad, which arrived in 1898. This new railroad helped the town grow and brought many new visitors.

1952 earthquake

Main article: 1952 Kern County earthquake

On July 21, 1952, a big earthquake struck near Bakersfield. It damaged buildings and caused problems in nearby towns. A later earthquake on August 22 caused some damage and led to a few deaths, but most of the city's historic buildings were damaged.

1970 to 2010

Between 1970 and 2010, Bakersfield grew very quickly, becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in California. Its location near mountain passes made it an important place for transportation.

Historic architecture and preservation

Main article: Bakersfield Register of Historic Places and Areas of Historic Interest

Bakersfield has several important historic buildings and places. Some are recognized nationally, statewide, and locally.

Geography

Bakersfield is near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. The Sierra Nevada mountains are to the east, and the Sequoia National Forest starts at the foot of the Greenhorn Mountains. To the south are the Tehachapi Mountains, which rise very high and include the historic Tejon Ranch. West of the city is the Temblor Range, and beyond that are the Carrizo Plain National Monument and the San Andreas Fault.

The Kern River once created a rich area with wetlands and lakes. Today, most of the river’s water is used for farms and drinking water, leaving parts of the riverbed dry.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Bakersfield covers 143.6 square miles (372 km²), with most of it being land and a small part covered by water.

Communities and neighborhoods

See also: List of neighborhoods in Bakersfield

Bakersfield has areas known by directions, such as North, Northeast, Southeast, South, Southwest, and Northwest. East Bakersfield was once a town called Sumner.

Climate

Bakersfield has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh), meaning very hot, dry summers and mild winters with cool nights. The city gets only about 6.36 inches (161.5 mm) of rain each year, mostly in winter, and has around 191 sunny days a year. The weather there is good for growing many types of crops.

Summers in Bakersfield can be very hot, often reaching temperatures above 90 °F (32.2 °C). Winters are mild during the day but can be quite cold at night. Frost and fog are common in winter, sometimes causing delays for schools. Spring and fall are usually mild but can vary in temperature and rain.

Snow is rare in the valley, but frost can happen.

Air quality

Further information: Air pollution in the United States

Air quality in Bakersfield can be poor, especially in fall and winter. Wildfires and cold temperatures can trap pollution in the valley for days. Farms, factories, trains, and cars all add to the air pollution. Oil and gas drilling also plays a part. Planting trees and returning water to the Kern River are ways people try to improve the air.

Demographics

2020

2010

In 2010, Bakersfield had a population of 347,483 people. Many people in Bakersfield come from different backgrounds. Most people identified as White, but there were also many African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic residents. The city had many families with children, and most people lived in homes with others.

Bakersfield has had some challenges with education and health. Not many adults in the area have finished college, and the city has higher rates of health issues compared to the rest of the country.

Housing and development

Bakersfield has grown a lot over the years, from about 105,000 people in 1980 to over 400,000 in 2020. But growing has become harder because of money problems and many people losing their homes. Rents have gone up a lot, making it hard for many local people to afford to live there. New homes are often built for people who come from far away to work.

There have also been disagreements between Bakersfield and nearby towns about growing and using land and water. The city has been trying to develop areas while also protecting important views and spaces.

Economy

Bakersfield's main industries come from Kern County's top areas: oil and farming. In 2013, Kern County was the most oil-producing county in the United States. It is also a great place for farming, growing crops like grapes, citrus, almonds, carrots, alfalfa, cotton, and roses. Many big companies in these fields have offices in Bakersfield.

The city is also growing in making and moving goods. Some companies choose Bakersfield because it has cheap land and is close to big ports in Los Angeles and Oakland. Others start businesses here because there are no extra taxes on utilities or supplies. Things made in Bakersfield include ice cream (the world's biggest ice cream factory), cleaning machines for homes, special paint for roads, and race cars.

Sales tax in Bakersfield is 8.25%.

Top employers

According to the Bakersfield Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, as of 2022, the top employers in the county based in Bakersfield were:

Arts and culture

Main article: Arts and culture of Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield has many old restaurants with special food. The Kern County Museum shows items from the area, including a special exhibit about oil and a children’s museum. The city is also known for a special kind of country music called the Bakersfield Sound, made famous by musicians like Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam, and Merle Haggard.

Bakersfield holds many events throughout the year. There are horse shows, Scottish games, festivals, and fairs. The city also has theaters for movies, concerts, and live performances.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Bakersfield

Bakersfield does not have teams in the big five sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, or MLS. The nearest big teams are in Los Angeles, but many people in Bakersfield support them. The city has three smaller professional teams: the Bakersfield Condors in hockey, the Bakersfield Train Robbers in baseball, and the Bakersfield Majestics in basketball.

The city also has two colleges with strong sports programs. Bakersfield College has many sports teams, including football, while California State University, Bakersfield has teams, with basketball being very popular.

Bakersfield is close to many places where motor racing happens, like drag racing at Famoso Raceway and dirt track racing at Bakersfield Speedway. The city has been home to famous racers like Rick Mears and Kevin Harvick.

The city has many places to watch and play sports, including the Dignity Health Arena, which can host many different events. There are also many fields for soccer and other sports, with more being built at the Bakersfield Sports Village.

Government and politics

For current elected officials and representative districts (all levels of government), see List of elected officials in Bakersfield.

Local government

Bakersfield uses the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council has seven members elected from seven wards. The Mayor is elected by all voters and leads the City Council. The City Council appoints the City Attorney and the City Manager.

The City Manager appoints the Finance Director, City Clerk, and Deputy City Clerk. Bakersfield has departments such as Department of Development Services, Department of Economic and Community Development, Fire Department, Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Recreation and Parks, and Department of Water Resources.

The rules for city government are in the City Charter, adopted in 1915. One big change happened in 1956, when voters began electing the mayor instead of having the council choose one.

The City Manager runs the city’s daily work. The city council can choose to keep or replace the City Manager.

For a list of past and present mayors, see List of mayors of Bakersfield.

State and federal

Federally, Bakersfield is split between California's 20th congressional district, represented by Republican Vince Fong, and California's 22nd congressional district, represented by Republican David Valadao.

Political makeup

In past elections, Bakersfield has voted mostly for Republican candidates.

Public safety

Law enforcement in the city is handled by the Bakersfield Police Department. Fire services are provided by the Bakersfield Fire Department and the Kern County Fire Department.

Bakersfield has areas linked to different gang groups.

Police

Main article: Bakersfield Police Department

The Bakersfield Police Department protects the city. It has many officers and staff, covering a large area. The current chief is Greg Terry. The department has offices in different parts of the city.

Fire

The Bakersfield Fire Department has many stations across the city.

The Bakersfield Fire Department’s communications center helps send help for emergencies. It works with other fire departments in the area.

The Kern County Fire Department helps protect many areas around Bakersfield and works with several local cities.

Because Bakersfield’s city limits are complicated, the nearest fire station responds to calls, even if it is outside the city.

Crime

Further information: Bakersfield Police Department

The Bakersfield Police Department keeps track of crime in the city.

Jails

The Bakersfield Police Department holds people briefly before they are sent to a larger facility. People charged with crimes are held at facilities outside the city, such as the Lerdo Detention Facility.

Education

Two of the first schools in Kern County opened in the 1800s. Bakersfield now has many schools and colleges. The Bakersfield City School District is the largest elementary school district in the state. The first high school opened in 1893 and was later named Bakersfield High School.

Bakersfield College was founded in 1913 and moved to its current location in 1956. It serves many students. The Kern High School District is the largest high school district in California.

In 1965, California State University, Bakersfield was founded, and it now serves many students. The university offers many degree programs.

Bakersfield has many high schools, including Arvin High School, Bakersfield High School, Centennial High School, and others. There are also private high schools such as Garces Memorial High School and Bakersfield Christian High School.

Other colleges and universities with campuses in Bakersfield include National University, University of Phoenix, University of LaVerne, Fresno Pacific University, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Joaquin Valley College, and Santa Barbara Business College.

Accredited colleges and universities

California State University, Bakersfield

Main article: California State University, Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield is a public university founded in 1965. The university offers many bachelor's and master's degree programs. Many students attend CSUB at the main campus in Bakersfield or at a smaller campus in Lancaster, California.

Bakersfield College

Main article: Bakersfield College

Bakersfield College is a public community college in Bakersfield, California. It has a large main campus and two smaller campuses in Bakersfield and Delano, California. BC serves many students each semester and offers many Associate's degree and certificate programs. BC is part of the California Community Colleges system.

Other colleges and universities

National University and University of Phoenix have a campus in Bakersfield, while the University of LaVerne, Fresno Pacific University, and Point Loma Nazarene University all have smaller campuses in Bakersfield. San Joaquin Valley College and Santa Barbara Business College also have campuses in Bakersfield.

Media

Bakersfield has many media outlets. The main newspaper is The Bakersfield Californian. It began as The Weekly Courier in 1866.

The city has several TV stations and network affiliates, including KERO-TV (ABC), KBAK-TV (CBS), KGET-TV (NBC), KBFX-CD (Fox), KABE-CD (Univision), KKEY-LP (Telemundo), KNXT-LD (MyNetworkTV), KGET-DT2 (CW+), and PBS from KVPT in Fresno.

Bakersfield also has many radio stations, such as KNZR (AM), KKXX-FM, KUZZ, KERN, KLLY, and many more.

Transportation

See also: Transportation in Kern County

Highways

Bakersfield has many highways to help people travel. Three big freeways are important. State Route 99 goes north to south through the city. State Route 58 is east of SR 99 and goes over the Tehachapi mountains to places like Tehachapi, Mojave, and Barstow. State Route 178 is a short freeway that starts near downtown and goes to the northeast. Interstate 5 passes west of the city.

There is also a shorter freeway called Alfred Harrell Highway. It goes from China Grade Loop to Hart Park, a big park in the northeast part of Bakersfield.

Bus

Main article: Golden Empire Transit

Bakersfield has many bus services. Golden Empire Transit runs 18 routes in the city. Kern Transit connects Bakersfield to other places in Kern County. There are also buses to other cities, like Amtrak Thruway, Greyhound, Flixbus, Orange Belt Stages, National Charter Bus, Intercalifornias, TUFESA, and Fronteras del Norte.

Rail

Bakersfield has trains for moving goods and people. Two big railroad companies, Union Pacific and BNSF, run trains through the area. Passengers can ride the Gold Runner train, which stops at the Bakersfield Amtrak station in downtown. There are also bus services to other places. A new train station is planned as part of the California High-Speed Rail system.

Airport

Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield was rebuilt and dedicated as the William M. Thomas Terminal in 2012. The airport has many aviation schools and services.

Sites of interest

Bakersfield has many interesting places to visit. Some popular spots include the Bakersfield Sign, Beale Memorial Clock Tower, and Buck Owens Crystal Palace. These are all in the central part of the city. Downtown areas have the Fox Theater, Kern Veterans Memorial, Padre Hotel, and Mill Creek. You can also visit the Kern County Museum and relax at The Park at River Walk in the southwest.

Notable people

Main article: List of people from Bakersfield, California

Bakersfield, California, has been home to many famous people. These people have become well-known actors, musicians, and athletes. They have brought attention to the city and inspired others.

In popular culture

Bakersfield has been featured in some fun shows and games. In the 1997 role-playing video game Fallout, the city appears under the name Necropolis. It was also the main setting for a short-lived sitcom from the early 1990s called Bakersfield P.D., and later for the 2010s sitcom Baskets.

Sister cities

Bakersfield has six sister cities around the world. These cities work together to build friendly relationships and share ideas. The sister cities of Bakersfield are:

• Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Minsk, Belarus (inactive since June 1999)
• Wakayama, Japan (since July 14, 1961)
• Cixi, Zhejiang, China
• Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
• Amritsar, Punjab, India
• Ciudad De Salta, Salta, Argentina