“A Garden In The Sun”
Established 1910 and incorporated on December 21, 1960, Arvin was named as tribute to Arvin Richardson, an early Kern Pioneer.
Uniform temperatures and miles of rich soil make Arvin one of the most cultivated areas in the region. Products include a bounty of grapes, deciduous fruits, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets and various orchards; all available to buyers across the nation during a long and vigorous growing season.
“More to Explore”
The city that gave its name to the famous Bakersfield Sound is the hub of California’s largest agricultural-producing county and one of the nation’s largest oil-producing areas. Located at the crossroads of several transportation networks, Bakersfield’s central location supports a well-developed economic sector plus numerous festivals and sports events. It also is the seat of Kern County government.
In the mid-19th century, Col. Thomas Baker let the word out that his property was a place where weary travelers could stop and rest themselves and their animals. Word soon spread that everyone was welcome in Baker’s field. From the town he plotted in 1869 to today’s ninth largest city in California, that welcoming spirit of Col. Baker lives on.
“Room To Grow” 
California City was founded in May 1958 and incorporated on December 10, 1965. A planned community, California City is the third largest incorporated city in land area in California and the eleventh largest in the United States.
With easy access to the Mojave Desert and Edwards Air Force Base, California City is an ideal area for military personnel and lovers of the wide, open desert.
“International Community Working Together”
Established in 1870 as a Southern Pacific railhead, developed as a farming town, and incorporated in 1915, Delano is an agricultural market center for south Kern and Tulare County farming interests. With easy access to markets, including overnight truck delivery to all California markets, Southern Pacific Railroad and Santa Fe rail facilities, Delano benefits from its location in the center of a two-county agribusiness area.
Delano is the second largest incorporated community in the county.
“Gateway to the Sea”
Incorporated July 25, 1911, this “mother city” of the prolific Midway-Sunset Oil Fields is the gateway to the Cerro Noreste/Mt. Pinos recreation area.
Maricopa is the name applied by a Pima Indian Tribe to a neighboring tribe of Uymas inhabiting the Gila River Valley in southern Arizona. How the name reached California is unknown, but it was given to the oil-booming community when a station on the Sunset Western Railroad was established there in 1903.
The real growth in Maricopa began with the opening of the first Lakeview gusher in 1910. The famed gusher helped make Kern County “First in Oil” in the state and nation.
“Heartbeat of Agriculture”
Located on Highway 99, McFarland is a thriving community deeply rooted in agriculture. Cotton, sugar beets, potatoes, and roses are some of the leading enterprises. A citrus processing plant, an almond hulling facility, and a winery further serve the area’s agriculture and economic interests.
Incorporated July 15, 1957, the town was named for J. B. McFarland, who with W. F. Laird, established the townsite in 1908.
“Key to New Horizons”
Ridgecrest’s beginnings and continued rapid expansion was sparked by the establishment of the China Lake Naval Ordnance Test Station in 1943. Attaining in a decade what most communities take half a century to accomplish, Ridgecrest serves a population exceeding 40,000 and includes the communities of China Lake, Inyokern, Johannesburg, Randsburg, and Trona.
Situated in the Indian Wells Valley, Ridgecrest basks in the clear blue skies and clean air of the high desert. The city was incorporated in 1963.
“Pursuing Our Vision Preserving Our Values”
Named for General William (Pecos Bill) Shafter, the city was incorporated in 1938, and became a Charter City in 1995. Shafter is located approximately 18 miles northwest of Bakersfield in Kern County. Shafter, which traces its roots to the completion of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1898, evolved as a prosperous farming community that today is home to many local businesses and farming operations.
Shafter is host to numerous community events and festivals, and is located within a short drive of various boating, fishing, camping and golfing facilities. Shafter boasts a strong sense of community spirit and pride that coupled with an exceptional “small town” quality of life, makes our city one of the San Joaquin Valley’s best kept secrets.
“Center of Midway, Largest Oilfield in the World”
The city of Taft is on the western side of Kern County. Incorporated in 1910 and named for President William H. Taft, the city has served as home to those dependent upon oil production for their livelihoods.
Taft features an airfield where sky diving and sail plan enthusiasts can be easily accommodated. Taft is also home to Buena Vista Lake and Golf Course, providing recreation for the fun-loving residents of Kern County.
“Land of Four Seasons”
Located 45 miles east of Bakersfield, “the Land of Four Seasons” is a winter playground for residents of the valley below. The original community was founded in 1876 when the Southern Pacific Railroad finally succeeded in running rail over the mountain grades.
Prior to that time, “Old Town” as it was called was a small community, drawing its sustenance from miners who washed gold from the sands of China Hill. Though Tehachapi has a varied and rich history, it is a thriving modern town drawing inhabitants from Los Angeles and the high desert areas. These residents find commuting easy as Highway 58 traverses the area connecting with major routes CA 99 and CA 14.
“Grow With Us”
First known as Dewey, then Deweyville, Wasco was established as a loading station on the Santa Fe Railroad in 1897. In 1907, a colony was established by the Fourth Home Extension colony on nine sections of land purchased from the Kern County Land Company. The new settlement was named Wasco by William N. Bonham, a former resident of Wasco County, Oregon which took its name from a tribe of Oregon Indians.
Wasco is primarily a agricultural community, boasting crops such as cotton, onions, potatoes, almonds, and is famous for its roses. Each September, Wasco hosts a Rose Festival with activities such as the Rose Queen Pageant, concerts, arts and crafts shows, rose field tours, and chili cook- offs.
“California’s Golden Empire”
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Meets each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Election: March/November, even years
Kathleen Krause, Clerk of the Board 868-3585
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets 2nd & 4th Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Board Chambers
