Is Bakersfield Considered Southern California?

The city of Bakersfield, while often seen as the northern edge of the region, is indeed considered part of Southern California. This classification is based on a variety of factors including geographical, cultural, and economic ties, making Bakersfield a significant part of the broader Southern California region.

Geographical Relevance and Classification

The definition of Southern California typically includes the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. San Luis Obispo and Kern counties are also included in this definition because they are located south of or equal to the northernmost part of San Bernardino County. This broad definition encompasses many coastal areas where swimming can be enjoyed without a wetsuit, such as Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Diego.

While Bakersfield sits near the northernmost edge of this region, it is undoubtedly a part of Southern California due to its county seat status in Kern County. The inclusion of Bakersfield in this region is supported by various territorial standards, including the health care system by Kaiser Permanente, which categorizes Kern County as Southern California. However, from a local perspective, Bakersfield often feels like it straddles the line between the Central Valley and the southern parts of the state.

Cultural and Economic Ties

Bakersfield's cultural and economic ties to Southern California are substantial. Many residents and businesses in the area have strong connections to broader Southern California. For instance, the city hosts important institutions such as California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and the Kern County Museum, which help maintain these ties. Additionally, Bakersfield's agricultural contributions to the state further support its inclusion.

Perceptions and Cultural Distinctions

There are perceptions and cultural distinctions within the region. While Bakersfield is often seen as part of Southern California, it has its unique characteristics. For example, a notable cultural observation is the description of Bakersfield as a "shy lass" that "gravitates northerly to the wilds of Wasco and Visalia." This reflects a blend of Southern California culture with the more rural values of central California.

Another interesting cultural distinction is embodied in the experience of individuals who have moved from Bakersfield to North California. Despite the northward relocation, residents often find that they are more aligned with Southern California culture than with the northern part of the state, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of regional identities.

Border Defining the Region

The border between Southern and Northern California is often debated. For health care organizations like Kaiser Permanente, the line is drawn below the Tehachapi Mountains. However, geographically, Bakersfield is on the north side of the Transverse Range and in the Central Valley. Kern County also includes the northern portion of the Mojave Desert, which is part of Southern California. This geographic diversity contributes to the complex dynamics of regional classification.

Beyond the Tehachapi Mountains, to the south of the Transverse Range, is Santa Barbara County, clearly part of Southern California. North of the mountains and Point Conception, the cities of Santa Maria and Lompoc are considered Northern California but are part of Santa Barbara County. This further illustrates the nuanced boundaries of the region.

Conclusion

In essence, Bakersfield is considered Southern California due to its geographical, cultural, and economic ties to the region. While it shares characteristics with both the Central Valley and the southern parts of California, it remains a significant part of what defines Southern California. Whether viewed through a geographical or cultural lens, Bakersfield’s inclusion in Southern California is well-supported by various standards and local perspectives.