KernLife.com

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Why is the Kern River dry?

Just because a river bed runs through town doesn't mean there is always a river. The Isabella Dam controls the river, which flows southwestward from Isabella Lake past Hart Park, after which it is diverted to agricultural canals. In years when the snowpack is big enough, water is allowed to flow through town to a recharge basin in the southwest.

How do I survive the weather?

Umbrellas are optional, but air conditioning in your car isn't. With an annual rainfall of 5 to 6 inches, and summertime highs over 100 degrees, you’re far less likely to experience a downpour than a sweat-pour. Make sure you get a shade for your car window to avoid burned hands and rear ends.

How far is it to get out of town?

Desert: 1 hour; mountains: 45 minutes; ocean: 21⁄2 hours; Los Angeles: 11⁄2 hours; San Francisco: 4 hours.*
* These times are approximations. It really depends on how fast you want to get out of town.

How do I get across town?

If you’re new, don’t drive without a map or GPS. It can be quite confusing since major roads and highways tend to change names often. Consider these:
• Highway 58, also known as Rosedale Highway, comes into town from the west, changes to 24th and 23rd streets downtown, then becomes Highway 178 through the east part of town.
• Highway 58 coming into town from the east dead-ends at a shopping center.
• Brundage Lane becomes Stockdale Highway west of Highway 99.
• Coffee Road becomes Gosford Road south of Stockdale Highway.
• Wible Road becomes Oak Street at Stockdale/Brundage, then, after a short jog to the west at Rosedale Highway/24th Street, it turns into Buck Owens Boulevard.

Where can I get a good ...?

Every year, readers of The Bakersfield Californian vote for the “Best of Kern County.” Here are some top picks:
• Burger: John’s Burgers
• Pizza: Rusty’s
• Beer: Lengthwise Brewing Company
• Mexican food: Mexicali

Where can I take the kids?

Two fun seasonal choices for children are the Kern County Fair in September and the McMurtrey Aquatic Center. For year-round fun, check out the Kern County Museum and the California Living Museum, also known as CALM. Don’t miss their special events, such as CALM’s Holiday Lights in December.

What’s Basque food?

In the late 1800s, many people from the Basque region of Spain and France came to Kern County to be sheep farmers. Their legacy continues through several Basque restaurants, the Kern County Basque Club, and the family sheep farms are still in existence today. Basque food is served “family style,” in the tradition of sheepherder boardinghouses, and can include lamb, French fries, beef tongue, soup, beans, salsa, spaghetti, bread and wine.

What’s the story behind the ‘Streets of Bakersfield’ song?

Buck Owens and the Buckaroos recorded this song by Homer Joy in 1972. Joy says he wrote the song out of anger after promised studio time with the Buckaroos didn’t work out. The song became a smash in 1988 when Dwight Yoakam recorded the duet with Buck Owens.

Where are the best views?

On days with good air quality, you can get some pretty nice, clear views. Check out the oil fields from the bluffs along Panorama Drive, and the southern Sierra mountains from northeast Bakersfield.