ABOUT THE CITY
Bakersfield is 100 miles north of Los Angeles and known as America’s big city neighborhood. While maintaining its homespun hospitality Bakersfield is emerging as a leader of industry and a center for arts and entertainment. Bakersfield is also one of the sunniest cities in the U.S.
The downtown theatre district offers live performances while dining in intimate surrounding, vintage movies on the big screen and national touring theatrical presentations. For more than 70 years the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra has made beautiful music.
From the old west to dynamic new architecture…historic animal fossils to exotic dining…country music to hip hop…quaint antique shops to indoor mega-malls…Bakersfield has something for you!
About Bakersfield
Bakersfield is a thriving community nestled among three mountain ranges at the southern end of California’s vast and gorgeous San Joaquin Valley. Bakersfield is the county seat of Kern, and lies approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles (about a 1.5 hour drive). It is California’s third largest inland city. The area is known for its native beauty, with the Tehachapi’s, Temblor and Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges serving as background for rolling hills scattered with signature California chaparral and the beautiful Kern River flowing through the valley. The area’s climate is warm and dry.
History
The Yokut Indians were the first people to settle in the San Joaquin Valley, some 8000 years ago. 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 in 1865 the first discovery of oil was made in the valley. Overnight it changed from a placid farm town to a wild mining community, complete with gunfights and gambling halls. Settlements grew up, and the place soon became known as “Colonel Baker’s field”, after one of the local settlers.
Fast Facts
Population: 247,057
County: Kern
Time Zone: Pacific Time
Sales Tax: 7.28%
Median Home Value: $106,500
Total Housing Units: 88,262
Median Income: $51,582
Where To Stay
Best Value Inn
818 Real Rd.
(661) 324-6666
Best Western Crystal Palace
2620 Buck Owens Blvd.
(661) 327-9651
700 Truxtun Ave.
(661) 327-4064
California Inn
3400 Chester Lane
(661) 328-1100
Candlewood Suites
3600 Chester Lane
(661) 328-8181
| Month | Avg Hi | Avg Lo | Avg Precip | |
| Jan | 56°F | 39°F | 1.18 in. | |
| Feb | 64°F | 43°F | 1.21 in. | |
| Mar | 68°F | 46°F | 1.41 in. | |
| Apr | 76°F | 50°F | 0.45 in. | |
| May | 84°F | 57°F | 0.24 in. | |
| Jun | 92°F | 64°F | 0.12 in. | |
| Jul | 97°F | 69°F | 0.00 in. | |
| Aug | 95°F | 68°F | 0.08 in. | |
| Sep | 89°F | 64°F | 0.15 in. | |
| Oct | 80°F | 55°F | 0.30 in. | |
| Nov | 65°F | 44°F | 0.59 in. | |
| Dec | 56°F | 38°F | 0.76 in. | |
By Car
Highways
CA-99 bisects downtown Bakersfield, and runs north-south. It connects the city to Fresno in the north, and Los Angeles, via I-5, to the south. CA-58 runs east from Bakersfield to Barstow and Las Vegas.
Drive times and Distances:
Las Vegas 4 hr 15 min 285 mi
Los Angeles 1 hr 45 min 110 mi
Fresno 1 hr 45 min 110 mi
Public Transportation
Amtrak (800) 872-7245 (USA-RAIL)
www.amtrak.com
Bakersfield, CA (BFD)
601 Truxtun Ave
Off Truxtun Ave and S Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
The local rail service makes four round-trips daily to San Francisco Bay Area cities, as well as other nearby destinations.
Airport Bus Bakersfield
2530 F St
Bakersfield, CA
80-858-5000
www.coachamerica.com
The Airport Bus of Bakersfield offers an inexpensive and carefree trip to the Los Angeles International Airport several times a day.
Greyhound Bus (559) 268-1829
Air Transportation
Meadows Field Airport (661) 391-1800
3701 Wings Way
www.meadowsfield.com
Meadows Field Airport has many options for ground transportation on arriving to or departing from Kern County.
Located 7 miles from downtown Bakersfield.
Short-Term Parking
Short-term parking available for picking up or dropping off passengers. This parking is conveniently located near the terminal entrance. Short-term parking rates are $0.75 for each 20 minutes with a maximum of $8.50 per day.
Long-Term Parking
Long-term parking available within easy walking distance of terminal entrance. Long-term parking rates are $1.25 per hour with a maximum of $6.50 per day and a $39.00 maximum per week.
Los Angeles International Airport (310) 646-4265
1 World Way
Los Angeles, CA 90045
The closest international airport is LAX, in Los Angeles, California (101.5 miles away).
Local Phone Numbers
| City Area Code | 661 |
| Emergency | |
| All Emergencies | 911 |
| Kern County Sheriff’s Department1350 Norris Road | (661) 391-7500 |
| California Highway Patrol4040 Buck Owens Blvd | (661) 864-4444 |
| City of Bakersfield Police Department1601 Truxtun Avenue | (661) 327-7111 |
| City Fire Department2101 H Street | (661) 326-3911 |
| Crisis Pregnancy Center | (800) 395-4357 |
| Poison Control | (800) 764-7661 |
| Runaway Hotline | (800) 392-3352 |
| Utilities | |
| Phone/Cable | |
| Time Warner Cable3600 Sillect Ave | (800) 734-4615 |
| Cox Communications820 22nd Street | (661) 327-0821 |
| SBC Residential Phonewww.att.sbc.com | (800) 310-2355 |
| Gas & Electricity | |
| Pacific Gas & Electric Co4101 Wible Rd | (661) 398-5894 |
| Water | |
| California Water Services3725 South H StreetinfoBK@calwater.com | (661) 837-7200 |
| Visitor Information | |
| Greater Bakersfield Convention & Visitors Bureau 515 Truxtun Ave |
(866) 425-7353 |
| Financial Services | |
| Automatic Teller Information | |
| ATM Locator | (800) 248-4286 |
| MasterCrd ATM | (800) 424-7787 |
| VISA Plus System | (800) 843-7587 |
| Lost or Stolen Credit Cards | |
| American Express | (800) 233-5432 |
| AT&T Universal Card | (800) 423-4343 |
| Diners Club | (800) 234-6377 |
| Discover Card | (800) 347-2683 |
| JCB | (800) 736-8111 |
| MasterCard | (800) 826-2181 |
| VISA | (800) 336-8472 |
| Lost or Stolen Travelers Checks | |
| American Express | (800) 221-7282 |
| Thomas Cook MasterCard | (800) 223-7373 |
| Travelers Check Customer Service | (800) 645-6556 |
| VISA | (800) 227-6811 |
| Government Numbers | |
| Internal Revenue Service | (800) 829-1040 |
| Social Security Administration | (800) 772-1213 |
| Support Networks | |
| Teen Link (Various Topics) | (800) 235-9678 |
| Crisis Pregnancy Center | (800) 395-4357 |
| Services | |
| Directory Assistance | 411 |
| Shipping & Postal Service | |
| Airborne Express | (800) 247-2676 |
| Federal Express | (800) 463-3339 |
| UPS | (800) 742-5877 |
| 4 | Telefutura | ||
| 11 | Telemundo | ||
| 17 | NBC | ||
| 18 | Multimedios | ||
| 21 | TBN | ||
| 23 | ABC | ||
| 25 | NBC | ||
| 29 | CBS | ||
| 33 | DT CBS | ||
| 34 | ACN | ||
| 36 | HSN | ||
| 39 | UNI | ||
| 42 | Azteca America | ||
| 45 | MyTv | ||
| 52 | Telefutura | ||
| 55 | CW | ||
| 58 | FOX | ||
| 65 | PBS | ||
| 67 | PBS/CAS |
| AM Radio | |||
| 550 | KUZZ | country | |
| 800 | KDFO | regional Mexican | |
| 970 | KGET | oldies | |
| 1010 | KCHJ | ranchera/norteno (oldies) | |
| 1050 | KJPG | religious | |
| 1100 | KAFY | regional Mexican | |
| 1140 | KQAB | news/talk | |
| 1180 | KERI | religious | |
| 1230 | KGEO | news/talk | |
| 1350 | KLHC | religious-español | |
| 1410 | KERN | news/talk | |
| 1490 | KWAC | sports-español | |
| 1560 | KNZR | news/talk | |
| FM Radio | |||
| 88.3 | KAXL | contemporary Christian | |
| 89.1 | KPRX | public/classical | |
| 89.5 | KGLV | contemporary Christian | |
| 90.1 | KTQX | public-español | |
| 90.9 | KGZO | religious-español | |
| 91.3 | KFRB | religious | |
| 92.1 | KPSL | CHR-español | |
| 92.5 | KMYX | ac-español | |
| 93.1 | KKXX | adult hits | |
| 94.1 | KISV | CHR-rhythmic | |
| 95.3 | KLLY | modern ac | |
| 96.5 | KBKO | country | |
| 96.9 | KEBT | urban | |
| 97.7 | KSMJ | soft ac | |
| 98.5 | KDFO | classic rock | |
| 99.3 | KKBB | rhythmic oldies | |
| 101.5 | KGFM | soft ac | |
| 102.1 | KZPE | standards | |
| 102.5 | KCNQ | country | |
| 102.9 | KIWI | regional Mexican | |
| 103.5 | KRHM | community | |
| 103.9 | KBDS | CHR-rhythmic | |
| 104.5 | KVLI | oldies | |
| 105.3 | KKDJ | oldies-español | |
| 106.1 | KRAB | active rock | |
| 106.5 | KEAL | new | |
| 107.1 | KCWR | country | |
| 107.9 | KUZZ | country |
Newspapers
The Bakersfield Californian
(661) 395-7500
1707 Eye Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
www.bakersfield.com
The Bakersfield Californian is an independent, family-owned newspaper.
The Blackboard Free Press
(661) 328-1775
P.O. Box 1197
Bakersfield, CA 93302-1197
www.theblackboardfreepress.com
Bakersfield and Kern County’s free press newspaper, your local guide to news, arts and culture
Arts
Bakersfield Music Theatre
(661) 325-6100
1931 Chester Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Love the thrill of live theatre? Come visit Bakersfield’s Music Theatre at the Harvey Auditorium, and enjoy many of your all time favorites. The music theatre is also the venue of solo performers. Also, the recently renovated Stars Theater shines in downtown Bakersfield. Come by for a live performance, dinner and a cocktail in the intimate surroundings.
Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
(661) 323-7928
Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
1001 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Celebrating its seventieth year, the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra presents a six concert series beginning each November that is the core of its performance schedule. Other musical delights are the Young People’s Concerts, and musical affiliations with the Bakersfield Masterworks Chorale, Bakersfield Youth Symphony, Civic Dance Center and the Symphony Singers.
Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace
(661) 869-2825
2800 Buck Owens Blvd
Bakersfield, CA 93308
The Crystal Palace Steakhouse Take a stroll down the board walkways and look in the storefront “windows” at country music star Buck Owens’ memorabilia garnered from a lifetime of performing. You’ll be able to “Catch a Tiger by the Tail,” eat Buck’s famous biscuits and gravy with your dinner, enjoy live country music by country’s hottest performers or see Buck Owens and his Buckaroos! The Crystal Palace is the place for great family entertainment and dancing!
Golden West Casino
(661) 324-6936
1001 S. Union Avenue
Bakersfield CA 93307
Golden West Casino is the only casino in Bakersfield, but that’s not why they are the best! You’ll find excellent prices on scrumptious meals and a full bar with live music. Enjoy no-bust Blackjack and a variety of Poker games 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fox Theater
(661)324-1369
2001 H Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Enjoy musical performances, vintage movies, dance performances and more at the restored Fox Theater. This historic landmark was built in 1930 and shines brightly since being brought back to life by a dedicated group of theatre lovers. Visit to see what a grand show house the Fox Theater is.
Sports
Blaze Baseball (661) 322-1363
Sam Lynn Ballpark
North Chester Avenue
See the major league stars of tomorrow while enjoying a friendly, family atmosphere.
Bakersfield Blitz ArenaFOOTBALL (661) 716-BLITZ
Rabobank Arena
1001 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
www.bakersfieldblitz.com
Bakersfield Blitz Football Arena football at it’s best in Bakersfield! The season runs April thru August. The team was the 2002 conference champs.
Condors Hockey (661) 324-7825
Rabobank Arena
1001 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
www.bakersfieldcondors.com
Check out the Condors as they challenge the rest of the ECHL for the Kelly Cup. The season runs from October through April.
CSUB Roadruners Athletics (661)654-3865
www.gorunners.com
NCAA Division II athletics program competing in the California Collegiate Athletics Association. The Roadrunners compete at the Division I level for wrestling in the Pac-10 Conference and Women’s Water Polo in the Western Women’s Water Polo Association.
Button Willow Raceway Park (661) 764-5333
24551 Lerdo Highway
Buttonwillow, CA 93206
www.buttonwillowraceway.com
Kern County’s newest motor sports complex features road racing with open-wheel formula cars, sports cars, motorcycles, vintage cars, movie and television production and a full concession service. Learn safe driving and car control on Buttonwillow’s Challenging Race Track. Our instructors will take you through a short ground school session focusing on safety & performance driving techniques, including car control, braking skills and skid recovery.
Auto Club Famoso Raceway (661) 399-2210
33559 Famosa Rd
McFarland, CA 93250
www.famosoraceway.com
Famoso Raceway is an NHRA sanctioned 1/4 mile drag strip. This raceway is home to the March Meet, known as the largest nostalgia event in the world, the NHRA California Hot Rod Reunion and AHDRA- All Harley Drags and the NHRA Pacific Division Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series event.
Shopping
Easy Hills Mall
(661) 872-7993
3000 Mall View Road
Bakersfield, CA 93304
You’ll find everything you need for the entire family in a variety of specialty stores to choose from. This shopping complex and area is home to Gottschalks/Harris, Mervyns, Target, Wal-Mart to name a few. There is also a large United Artist Theater.
The Marketplace
9000 Ming Avenue
Bakersfield, CA
The Marketplace offers quaint eating establishments in the midst of a diverse shopping experience. Movie goers will appreciate Edwards Cinema Multiplex Theater. Music lovers can enjoy “Concerts By The Fountain” every Thursday evening throughout the summer.
Stockdale Fashion Plaza (661) 832-3124
4713 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93309
The outdoor mall includes 24 stores for your shopping experience. If you’re looking for jewelry, clothing, or gourmet dining, you’ll find it here.
Valley Plaza (661) 832-2436
2701 Ming Avenue
Bakersfield CA 93304
Bakersfield’s original indoor shopping mall provides a vast array of local and national retail and department stores and food court restaurants.
Education
Community Colleges
Community colleges exist for two major purposes. The first is to serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a bachelor’s degree. Four out of 10 collegebound high-school graduates start their college education this way.
The second function of community colleges is to prepare students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as well as courses for adult students who want to upgrade their skills for the workplace. They often offer programs that are not available at four-year schools, like fashion design.
Bakersfield Community College (661) 395-4011
1801 Panorama Dr.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
www.bakersfieldcollege.org
Bakersfield College was founded in 1913 and is one of the nation’s oldest continually-operating community colleges. The college serves 15,000 students on the 153-acre main campus and satellite campuses.
Liberal Arts Colleges
Liberal arts colleges offer a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small and personal attention is available.
Online Learning
Recent years have witnessed the rise of online degree programs, to allow the busy professional a chance to work at their own pace from the comfort of their home on the path to getting a degree. The costs to students are typically the same as for traditional classes- and financial aid is equally available-while the cost to the institution can be much less.
There are online universities ranging from legitimate distance learning systems to fly-by-night degree-mills. It’s important to research a particular institution before deciding to enroll in their system. Generally, brick-and-mortar schools that also offer online classes are the safest, though there are plenty of fully accredited online universities out there.
Nearly 3 million students are believed to be taking online classes at institutions of higher education in the United States this year. That number has been growing about 25% a year recently. Now, virtually all public higher education institutions, as well as a vast majority of private, for-profit institutions, now offer online classes. By contrast, only about half of private, nonprofit schools offer them. Online schools offer everything from Associate’s degrees to Doctoral programs with available emphases in everything from Business Administration to Criminal Justice to Nursing. Some programs require students to attend some campus classes or orientations, but many are delivered completely online. Online courses generally require a computer with a broadband connection, but are now a serious option for the busy professional.
Public vs. Private
Public colleges are usually less expensive, particularly for in-state residents. They get most of their money from the state or local government. Private colleges rely on tuition, fees, endowments, and other private sources. Private colleges are usually smaller and can offer more personalized attention and often more prestige.
Universities
Generally, a university is bigger than a college and offers more majors and research facilities. Class size often reflects institutional size and some classes may taught by graduate students.
California State University-Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
www.csub.edu
California State University Bakersfield opened in 1970 as the 19th member of the 23-campus California State University system. Located on a 375-acre site in metropolitan Bakersfield, the university is comprised of 30 buildings, with an enrollment of over 8,000 students.
Upper Division
Upper-division schools offer the last two years of undergraduate study, usually in specialized programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. Students then generally transfer to an upper-division college after completing an associate degree or after finishing a second year of study at a four-year college.
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