Bakersfield, California

Founded in 1869 and located near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield lies directly between Los Angeles to the south, and Fresno to the north in the heart of Kern County.  With an approximate population of 335,000, the city ranks among the largest in California. Since 1980, the city?s population has grown over 300 percent.  The region?s main areas of trade are agriculture, petroleum, and manufacturing professions. With mild winters and warm summers, Kern County is well known for its temperate climate.

Bakersfield is part of the Kern High School District, one of the largest in California. The district has a total of 28 schools, with 15 actually located within the city. Bakersfield is home to two higher learning institutions: two-year college Bakersfield College, and four-year California State University Bakersfield. CSUB is home to a Division I NCAA Basketball team, the Roadrunners. The county has several other learning intuitions in outlying communities.

Because of the city?s unique location, many different kinds of activities are within a short driving distance. Whether you want to take a trip to the beach, to the mountains, or even Los Angeles ? all are less than a two hour drive away. The city itself is very family oriented, with many lush parks, extracurricular sports leagues for kids and adults, an aquatic center and an ice rink in the downtown area.

Bakersfield and Kern County have a history of diverse artistic and musical culture. The city was home to country music legend Buck Owens. Owens, along with fellow country legend Merle Haggard and others, developed what is now known as the "Bakersfield sound" in country music. Members of the popular alternative rock band Korn also hail from the Bakersfield area.

The city has several entertainment venues that serve many different demographics. Bakersfield has a large performance venue - Rabobank Arena - that is used for concerts, sporting events, and other large functions. The city also hosts a large convention center, several local stage play theatres, four multiplex first-run movie theaters, two large shopping malls, several new upscale shopping centers, a beautifully restored downtown area, and an active nightlife. The city is also home to semi-professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams. Nearby communities in the county have skydiving, motorcycle racing, BMX tracks, and a NASCAR track is under construction.