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Cut Bakersfield some slack
| Thursday, Sep 4 2008 6:38 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, Sep 4 2008 6:09 PM
Bakersfield is the best place that I have ever lived, by far. But it seems the media will not cut Bakersfield any slack. True, Bakersfield has gang and graffiti problems, some air quality issues, an occasional outdoor pungent odor or two.
But wait one moment. Let’s put this into perspective.
In my lifetime, I have lived all over the map, including Los Angeles, San Diego and Omaha, Neb. All of the other places share the very same problems and some of them are much worse.
For example, you will definitely not escape gangs and graffiti by moving to Los Angeles, for that fact, Nebraska. There is rumor of bad air in Los Angeles, as well. Having said that, let’s talk about what excellence I have seen in my three years living here.
I have encountered some of the friendliest and most down-to-earth people, even friendlier than in the Midwest. There is also diversity. All ethnicities are represented here in some form, not to mention the extensive variety of ethnic foods.
Now that we are on the subject of foods, isn’t most of it either grown or raised in the valley? It doesn’t get any fresher.
What about Bakersfield’s weather? Endless sunshine. Doesn’t it seem that the sun never rests? None of the other places can boast about this. No June gloom here. Sell the umbrella and buy some sunglasses, instead. Or how about Bakersfield’s low humidity, which is great for all of us with arthritis?
Bakersfield also has housing that is very affordable, compared to our neighbors to the north and south, and in some cases the Midwest. It’s actually gotten even more affordable, recently. For example your $295,000 can buy a very nice home here with all the trimmings. In San Francisco, you can purchase a one-bedroom closet-size condo. Renting is a bargain, as well.
Talk about bang for your buck. Here is another point that you might keep in mind. Try leaving work at 5 p.m. on Friday and getting home within 15 to 20 minutes in most other cities. It is common to do that here. Although this can be achieved in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, can you afford a helicopter?
And you have to love those wide Bakersfield streets, where you can open up the throttle a little (careful).
Overall, Bakersfield is a great place to live and work. The larger cities are within a moment’s notice if needed. And as Bakersfield continues to grow, more shopping and restaurants will be coming soon.
Bakersfield has something for everyone. I am happy to call Bakersfield home.
Hector Pena is a call center supervisor. Community Voices is an expanded commentary that may contain up to 500 words. The Californian reserves the right to reprint commentaries in all formats, including on its Web page.