Market Overview 2012

22 2 0 1 2 K E R N E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O R P O R AT I O N | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • V I S I T K E D C . C O M

All photos and photo captions courtesy of TheBakersfield Californian, unless otherwise indicated.

Business Overview

Community Overview

Friends of Kern EDC

Government Servicesand Regulatory Process

Incentives

Kern County’s IndustryCluster

Market Access

Quality of Life

If you are looking for a place to start, relocate orexpand a business, then Kern County is callingyour name. While it was oil and agriculturewhich laid the foundation of Kern’s economy, avariety of other industries are flourishing. They’recontributing to a welcoming and rewardingbusiness climate, one which any company wouldbe proud to call home.Residents and business owners alike reside inKern County for a variety of reasons. Someappreciate the area's proximity to California'smost prized natural wonders, including theimpressive Sequoias, the rugged Sierra Nevadamountains and the Mojave Desert, as well as thestate's stunning central and southern coastlines.Others enjoy the easy access to metropolitancenters like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and SanFrancisco. All seem to appreciate Kern County'scost of living, featuring one of the most affordablehome markets in the state (the median housingprice is $126,500). Looking for empirical evidence of Kern’s draw?Here are just a few of the accolades the countyreceived last year:

• Top large metro for Real GDP growth in the nation • Top 2 county on its way to economic recovery in the state• Top 3 large metro for job growth in the state • Top 3 major county for growth of average compensation per job in the state• Top 20 strongest metro for recovery from recession in the nation

This Market Overview is designed to give you a glimpse of Kern County's many benefits, andto offer some of the specifics that executives need when making important businessdecisions. If you have any questions, please contact anyone on our staff. We'll be happy tohelp!

President’s Message

The Kern Economic Development Corporation (Kern EDC) is a public privatepartnership formed in 1988 with the mission of stimulating a diversified andstrong economic climate in Kern County. This is accomplished through newbusiness recruitment and assistance with retention and expansion of existing

businesses. In 2007, Kern Economic Development Foundation (KEDF) was created to support

Kern County businesses and communities in reaching their full economic potential.KEDF is a research-based and educational organization which includes programs such asthe Alliance of Women in Energy (AWE) Mentoring Initiative and the East Kern EconomicAlliance (EKEA).

Richard ChapmanPresident and CEO

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Content

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

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BusinessOverview

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • B U S I N E S S OV E R V I E W

Along with thephenomenalsuccess of theenergy and

agriculture industries,Kern County has begun toachieve economicsuccess in the aerospace,logistics, and healthcaresectors. Abundant andaffordable localworkforce, reasonably-priced real estateopportunities andbusiness-friendlygovernment has been thecatalyst to growth in thecounty. The buddingpopulation, numerousinteresting and profitablebusiness opportunities,and high quality of lifewill surely help that trendcontinue.

Local Industry Projections (2008-2018)Industry Employment

2008Projected Employment

2018Growth

Percentage

Professional Services

Healthcare Services

Transportation/Warehousing

Energy and Natural Resources

Manufacturing

Agriculture

25,00023,6009,600

10,70013,70049,600

31,30033,30010,70011,40015,50048,800

25.2%41.1%11.5%6.5%

13.1%-1.6%

Aerospace and Defense industry unavailable at time of print.Source: State of California Employment Development Department, January 2012

Kern County's Top Private Employers

Kern EDC-assisted Relocations and Expansions

Company Business Type Number of Employees

Grimmway EnterprisesGiumarra VineyardsMercy & Memorial HospitalsWm. Bolthouse FarmsSan Joaquin Community HospitalChevronState Farm InsuranceParamount CitrusAera Energy LLCKaiser PermanenteRio Tinto Minerals-BoraxSun WorldTarget Distribution CenterFrito Lay

Company Location Business Type New Jobs

Dollar General Corporation

Califia Farms

Caterpillar, Inc.

enXco (Three projects/sites)

Maricopa Partners

NextEra Energy (Two projects/sites)

Paramount Citrus

Recurrent Energy (Five projects/sites)

The Spaceship Company (FAITH Project)

AgricultureAgricultureHealth CareAgriculture

HospitalOil Production

InsuranceAgriculture

EnergyHealth CareChemicalsAgriculture

Retail DistributionFood Processing

4,6003,5003,0532,3502,1001,5001,2691,000

950850813800661632

Partial List. This is the most current information available at time of print.Information compiled by Kern EDC, January 2012

Year

*Totals include construction jobs.Source: Information compiled by Kern EDC, January 2012

Lebec

Unincorporated Kern

Lebec

West Kern

Maricopa

Kelso Valley

Delano

East Kern

Mojave

Distribution

Agriculture

Distribution

Solar

Solar

Wind

Agriculture

Solar

Aerospace

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150

175*

500+*

270*

500

380*

100+

2012

2011

2011

2011

2011

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2011

2011

2011


CommunityOverview

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • C O M M U N I T Y OV E R V I E W

Kern County’suniquecombination ofmetropolitan

offerings and small-townfeel is a trait that residentslove. Located within aneasy drive of some ofCalifornia’s most populardestinations, visiting LosAngeles, Sacramento, SanFrancisco, or the PacificOcean is a breeze. Addto these benefits the factthat Kern County boastsone of the lowest costs ofliving in California, and itis clear why Kern is anever-growing area.

Population Trends

Total Kern County Population: 815,693Source: State of California, Department of Finance, December 2011

Total Bakersfield Population: 331,868Source: State of California, Department of Finance, December 2011

Kern County Projected Population

2015 2020 2025 2030 2035Source: California Department of Finance, January 2012

Bakersfield Projected Population

Source: City of Bakersfield and Kern COG, January 2012

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Felix Adamo / The CalifornianLocal dignitaries, developers, and others attend theribbon cutting of the new City Place apartments nearMill Creek. The 70-unit complex is aimed at low tomoderate income families.

: Felix Adamo / The CalifornianThe crowd starts to settle in for the evening performancesat the Bakersfield Jazz Festival.

Photo courtesy of City of ArvinArvin City Hall.


Kern County Population by EthnicityEthnicity Population Estimate

Total PopulationHispanic or Latino

White

Black or African American

Asian

American Indian and Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander

Some other race

Two or more races

839,631413,033

323,794

45,377

33,100

5,893

995

1,472

15,967

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey

Cities of Kern County

Arvin The city of Arvin is best known for its strong agricultural industries, especially the

Grimmway carrot packaging plant. Positioned with Highway 223 running through thecity, easy access to Interstate 5 and Highway 99, a State Enterprise Zone (1,000+ acres)for commercial and industrial development, low land prices, availability of skilled andnon-skilled labor, and a fast-growing population (currently over 16,500), Arvin is anideal business locale. The Tejon Ranch Commerce Center alone, southwest of the city,is expected to create 6,000 jobs when filled to capacity. The city of Arvin presents anexcellent opportunity for business growth in the next decade and beyond

www.arvin.org

BakersfieldStrategically located in one of the world's largest economies, and within four hours

of 90% of California’s population, Bakersfield is a place where cutting-edgetechnological development is blended with a rich history of agriculture and oilproduction. Bakersfield is a regional hub that boasts a number of highly-recognizedemployers like Nestlé, State Farm Insurance, Aera Energy LLC, Chevron, and OccidentalOil and Gas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bakersfield Metro is one of thetop three major metros for job growth in the state.

Although Bakersfield’s population increased more than 37% between 2000 and2010, the area offers an oasis of friendly people that feels like coming home. Within thecity limits alone are 54 city parks, including the Park at Riverwalk, a 32-acre oasisadjacent to the Kern River. The newest green space is Mill Creek Linear Park, a 1.5 milewaterfront gem linking new downtown housing, antique shops, and museums with theBakersfield Convention Center and its adjacent entertainment district. Bakersfield alsohas more than 100 miles of bike lanes and paths and has received Tree City USAdesignation 14 years in a row. Add to this the close proximity to much of California’snatural wonders and Bakersfield promises so much more to explore.

www.bakersfieldcity.us/edcd

California CityCalifornia City, with its endless sunshine and humidity-free climate, is positioned

for a commuting workforce to reach East Kern’s seven major employers within under 30minutes. Some of those businesses include Edwards AFB/NASA Dryden, Mojave Air &Space Port, Golden Queen Mines, and Wind Hub Generation. The 20-acre BusinessPark at California City Airport provides the opportunity for new business development


Casey Christie / The Californian Several different mountain ranges can be seen from theDesert Tortoise Preserve near California City.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianMatt Billings, a partner in the Billings Ranches in Delano,walks through one of his almond orchards in 2004.

Felix Adamo / The CalifornianMcFarland captain Miguel Lastra scores a goal againstSierra Pacific's Jared Oakey at a recent game.

Photo courtesy of the City of Delano


to take advantage of the many benefits its Foreign Trade Zone satellite designationprovides. The city has an increasing population of approximately 14,000 who value itsaffordability, and brand new schools, along with the outdoor recreationalopportunities, which are a popular destination for the off-roading community of over100,000 visitors each major holiday. California City is California’s third largest city inland mass, with over 203 square miles, which gives the city the ability to grow to meetvirtually any business need.

www.californiacity.com

DelanoThe City of Delano is the second largest city in Kern County boasting a population

of approximately 53,000. Located along State Highway 99 and well-connected tosurrounding communities, Delano is emerging as a center of trade. Current retaildemand is calculated over $520 million and it is projected to increase to $795 million.On the industrial side, Delano has over 900 acres with the General Plan Designation.Delano’s economy has been enhanced by the arrival of the Sears Logistics DistributionCenter, Paramount Citrus, the California State Prison Correctional Facility, DelanoEnergy and Railex. Paramount Citrus is currently expanding its facility with theconstruction of a 10-acre facility which will create an additional 500 jobs. Bothcommercial and industrial industries can greatly benefit from the State Enterprise Zonewhich offers state tax breaks and other benefits for all companies for the next 15 years.

With all its success, Delano’s roots remain embedded in agriculture. The city’scitrus and table grapes are particularly renowned for their high quality, and the regionships hundreds of millions of dollars-worth of commodities throughout the US and to85 foreign countries.

The City of Delano is a commercially-active and culturally-diverse communitythat maintains its small town character while experiencing a rapidly-growingpopulation. Ready to embrace change, Delano is exploding with potential andpossibilities. Come and Feel the Momentum…

www.cityofdelano.org

McFarlandThe City of McFarland is one of Kern County’s most progressive rural

communities. With its 12,707 population and a thriving commerce agendapredicated on the citrus and agriculture landscape, the city is quickly growing.

One of McFarland’s strongest points is a planned 750 acre proposed industrialpark. Housed in this state-of-the-art facility will be businesses focused on both thedistribution industry and highly-sensitive technology industry. The city has a HUBZone, designed to foster economic benefits for companies, along with designation asa part of California’s Free Trade Zone.

In addition to a growing business environment, homes are affordable, cost ofliving is low and and consumer opportunities are abundant within a 30 minute drive.McFarland is a great place to raise a family with excellent schools and a new PoliceDepartment which officially opened their doors in 2010.

Opportunities in McFarland are many. The City and County are serious aboutassisting corporations with any of their needs, and welcoming employers and theirfamilies with open arms.

www.mcfarlandcity.org

RidgecrestThe City of Ridgecrest is a small town of 27,616 residents that offers affordable

housing and metropolitan amenities. Focusing on business expansion, Ridgecrest hasstreamlined licensing/permit procedures, created the Ridgecrest RedevelopmentAgency, and constructed a brand new 63-acre business park. All of these elements,combined with a highly-trained workforce and technologically-advanced naval base


Troy Harvey / The CalifornianJohn White, president of Insect Lore "Bugseum" andvisitor's center in Shafter.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianConstruction is nearing completion on a Marriot building inRidgecrest. Many companies have invested in the community inanticipation of new jobs coming to the China Lake Naval AirWeapons Station.

Henry A. Barrios / The Californian

Leslie Broker surveys land for new commercialdevelopment off of China Lake Boulevard in Ridgecrest.


make Ridgecrest a great place to locate a business. Some of Ridgecrest’s recent success stories include:• Construction of two new hotels• Final approval construction and engineering plans of a new Wal-Mart

Supercenter representing over 225,000 square feet• Construction of a 14,550 square foot medical office building in the Ridgecrest

Business Park • Construction of new low and moderate income housing developments• Construction of a new solar energy project for City Services• The development of Downtown revitalization and improvement plan

www.ci.ridgecrest.ca.us

ShafterThe City of Shafter is one of the most active areas of California for both business and

residential development. The City’s general plan has made it a priority to have goodconnectivity between jobs and homes. Thus, Shafter has two of the larger industrialareas in California: the International Trade and Transportation Center (ITTC) and theShafter Airport Industrial Center.

Shafter is within 300 miles of 14% of the entire U.S. population and within 89 milesof the Los Angeles basin. The city has easy access to Interstate 5 and Freeway 99. As aresult, Shafter is becoming a major manufacturing and distribution center in the west.

Companies currently in Shafter include Target Distribution, Formica, America’s TireDistribution, GAF/ELK, Performance Foods D.C., Grimmway Farms, CemexCorporation, Insect Lore Products, Paramount Farming and MiSwaco to name a few.

The City has also installed $5M of rail infrastructure in the first phase of what willbe the premier transload facility in the southern San Joaquin Valley and will serve a widespectrum of clients both locally and around the world.

Shafter has done a tremendous job of installing infrastructure and entitling land toenable major projects to be permitted and built without delays. With a recentannexation of over 5,000 acres that places the Shafter City limits adjacent to the City ofBakersfield; the City is growing rapidly and committed to keeping its eye towards thefuture. Creating Jobs… Building better Lives!

TaftTaft’s central location and connection to larger metropolitan areas via major

interstate and state highways, will benefit any relocating business. Proximity to thegrowing Central Valley and Southern California markets provides easy and direct accessto the entire state. The city has an Enterprise Zone designation, which offers substantialtax benefits to businesses located within the zone area. Recently, the city of Taftacquired a 46-acre site for redevelopment in the heart of downtown. Planned for thearea is “Green Landmark” development (locally referred to as the Union Pacific RailRoad Project - UPRR) with a mix of uses that will create a vibrant 24/7 communitylifestyle center.

The Oil Workers Monument, donated to the City of Taft in October of 2010, is thecenter of the UPRR project and has become a significant draw for tourism. Honoring theoil industry upon which Taft was founded and built on the site of the Historic UnionPacific and Sunset Railroad lines, the $1.1 million sculpture was dedicated during the100 Year Anniversary of the city’s incorporation and is located within walking distanceof the Oil Museum. It is also recognized as the tallest bronze in the State of California.Rails to Trails, a lighted bike and walking path, travels the length of the city providing asafe and beautiful view of the downtown area with water fountains, covered picnicareas, and displays of sculpture and art. Its appreciation for its roots and commitment togrowth gives Taft a special and unique sense of place.

www.cityoftaft.org

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianBob Foreman, left, a volunteer at the West Kern OilMuseum in Taft, leads a group of Bakersfield homeschooled children from Bakersfield on a tour of themuseum.


Photo courtesy of George Gilbert LynchThe #5 Modern Santa Fe Engines at the famousTehachapi Loop.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianAn oilfield worker works on the top side of an oil rig in Taft.

Troy Harvey / The CalifornianA clock that commemorates the 100-Year Anniversary ofthe first settlers to Wasco can be seen in the middle of 7thStreet and E Street, which is located in the businessdistrict.


TehachapiNestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills on the crossroads of commercial

connectivity, Tehachapi boasts a family friendly, business-growth oriented, comfortablyconvenient and healthy environment. Population within the city limits is approximately8,000, and there are an estimated 40,000 individuals living in the greater Tehachapiregion giving this mountain community its small town-feel, with all of the amenities ofa big city.

Recent major relocations and expansions in the area include American Carriage,Chemtool, Woodward West Sports Camp and Home Depot, all of whom have hadoverwhelming success with their move to the mountain community. With excellentmarket access, Tehachapi is primed for new development.

Tehachapi’s local economy and labor force are linked directly to East Kern andcommunities with a particularly strong concentration of aerospace-related industries.Thanks to the Mojave Air and Space Port and Edwards Air Force Base, high-tech supportindustries are flourishing.

The Tehachapi Pass is located in the epicenter of unprecedented growth in the windenergy industry, making Tehachapi an ideal location for a variety of industries andservices that can provide direct support to the wind industry. The Alta-Oak Creekproject sponsored by Terra-Gen Power is under construction in Tehachapi representinga 1.6 billion dollar investment in wind power. The wind farm will eventually include750 turbines, and be the largest in the world.

The city of Tehachapi is the “right environment for the right company.”

www.tehachapicityhall.com

WascoIt would be difficult to find a more dynamic location for your business than the City

of Wasco, "The Rose Capital of the Nation." Located in the heart of Central California,Wasco is one of the fastest growing areas in the western United States and offers an idealhome for business growth. Aside from being one of the most progressive and beautifulparts of the county, Wasco provides an exceptional business climate with strongcompetitive advantages for manufacturing, value added agriculture, and logisticsoperations. Discover the benefits and share in the success of Wasco, California - WhereEverything Grows!

Wasco is in the center of California's population, with a one day turnaround tothirty-eight million people. Wasco provides excellent access to the world's eighthlargest economy via Interstate 5, Highway 99 and Highway 43 north and south,Highway 46 west to the coast, and Highway 58 east to Interstate 15. A short two-hourdrive can take you to the beach, the mountains, or a major metropolitan area.

With many new subdivisions under construction, the variety of housing choices inWasco is exploding. New homes range upward from 1,200 square feet and $100,000to executive homes on one-acre lots.

In the City of Wasco, you’ll find safe and quiet neighborhoods, an availableworkforce, commercial and industrial-zoned land ready for development, reasonableprices, and a business-friendly environment ready to work with you to quickly moveyour project through the approval process.

Strategic location, affordable land, available labor and quality of life make Wascoa great place to raise a family and your business. Come Grow with us!

http://www.ci.wasco.ca.us


Henry A. Barrios / The Californian Kyle Holifield leaves his opponents Josh Thompson onthe ground and Luke Thompson making a last attempt totackle as he runs for a touchdown in Tehachapi.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianThunder clouds roll into the Kern River Valley overIsabella Lake.


Other Communities in Kern County

Frazier Park / LebecSituated in southernmost Kern County, the unincorporated Mountain Communities

region of Frazier Park, Lebec, Lake of the Woods, Pinion Pines and Pine Mountain Clubserve as a vacation spot for Southern California and San Joaquin Valley residents. Thearea is home to a diverse population of over 7,000.

An attractive location for light manufacturing, the area maintains a small-townsensibility yet offers easy access to the major transportation artery provided by nearbyInterstate 5. Proximity to major outdoor attractions (Los Padres National Forest, HungryValley State Vehicle Recreation Area) and easy access to Bakersfield and the Los Angelesbasin not only create a wealth of opportunities for tourism-related businesses butprovide a quality-of-life incentive for potential employees.

Kern River ValleyThe Kern River Valley (KRV) and its nearly 15,000 residents are at the heart of

California's southern Sierra Nevada. This outdoor recreation paradise is home toIsabella Lake and features affordable, service-oriented communities around its shoresincluding Alta Sierra, Bodfish, Kernville, Lake Isabella, Mountain Mesa, Onyx, SouthLake, Squirrel Valley, Weldon, and Wofford Heights.

Lake Isabella/Bodfish is the Kern River Valley's recognized commercial retailcenter. Kernville, with its tasteful, western-themed architecture, is the tourism/visitorcenter. Increased high-end Internet connectivity is attracting non-polluting, high-tech-based businesses, fully complementing the 500+ service businesses and light industriesalready found in the KRV. The presence of the Kern Valley Hospital is recognized as a keyto the health of a vibrant KRV.

The Kern River Valley is the eastern and southern gateway to the Sequoia NationalForest and its 327,769-acre Giant Sequoia National Monument. It is home to twoNational Wild & Scenic Rivers. Some of the widely recognized world-class outdoorrecreational offerings centered in the KRV are birding, hiking, kayaking (Olympictraining area), rock climbing, and whitewater rafting (40,000 rafters per year). Amongrecreational amenities of national, state, or regional renown are cross-country skiing,fishing, getaway weekends, water skiing, and windsurfing.

Kern County residents are increasingly recognizing that nature’s playground is righthere in their own backyard…in the Kern River Valley…benefiting the County’s economyby keeping locally earned money in Kern County.

LamontSince 2000, Lamont has experienced population growth of over 10% and is now

home to approximately 15,000 residents. Due to its growth, Lamont enjoys a significantavailable workforce. Because of its close proximity to Bakersfield (11 miles) and LosAngeles (89 miles), it is a great commercial resource for Kern County businesses both bigand small.

Lamont boasts an affordable cost-of-living and dedicated immigrant community(from both Mexico and Central America) which serve as the cornerstone of itspopulation and workforce.

MojaveMojave is an unincorporated community of over 4,000, governed by the business-

friendly Kern County Board of Supervisors. From its origin as a railroad constructioncamp in 1876, Mojave has emerged as the hub of Kern County aerospace activity.Nearby Edwards Air Force Base is a key employer while the facilities at Mojave Air andSpace Port (location of the first private spaceflight, the launch of SpaceShipOne, on June21, 2004) include the civilian National Test Pilot School, Burt Rutan's ScaledComposites, The Spaceship Company, and several space-related businesses. The nearbyTehachapi Pass is a reliable source of renewable energy and is one of the world's largest

Casey Christie / The CalifornianJack Thomson and his dog Madison in the middle of acotton field on Thomson Farms property near Lamont.



wind energy areas. In addition, a booming solar energy business is developing thanksto nearly 300 sunny days per year.

The community is strategically situated at the crossroads of transportation, servedby two state highways (SR 14 and SR 58) and the confluence of the Union Pacific andthe BNSF Rail Systems. Mojave Spaceport's 12,000-foot runway is capable ofhandling heavy commercial aircraft including a fully-loaded 747.

Rosamond Officially established in 1877, Rosamond was named after the daughter of an

official of the Southern Pacific Railroad and is often referred to as the Gateway toEdwards Air Force Base. It is home to approximately 18,000 residents and is a family-based community with that small-town feeling, neighborhood parks, schools andlocal shopping.

Visitors to Rosamond can watch racing at the Willow Springs InternationalRaceway, visit the Exotic Feline Compound, see the old mining town of Tropico andeat soft-serve ice cream at one of the oldest established Fosters Freeze.

As a growing community, Rosamond provides opportunity for new homedevelopment, business opportunity and growth. Conveniently located in thesoutheast corner of Kern County, residents of Rosamond have easy access to localmountains, beaches and cities for both work and play. Mildly high desert temperaturesand clean air afford residents the ability to enjoy the outdoors all year-around.

Information compiled by Kern EDC and provided by individual cities, January 2012.

Community Resources

Kern CountyHome Page - www.co.kern.ca.us/• Board of Supervisors - www.co.kern.ca.us/bos/• Community Development Department - www.co.kern.ca.us/cd/• Council of Governments - www.kerncog.org/• Department of Human Services - www.co.kern.ca.us/dhs/• Employers’ Training Resource - www.etronline.com/• Engineering - www.co.kern.ca.us/ess/• Environmental Health - www.co.kern.ca.us/eh/• Kern Government Portal -www.kerngov.net/• Permit Assistance Center - www.co.kern.ca.us/kcpac/• Planning Department - www.co.kern.ca.us/planning/• Resource Management Agency - www.co.kern.ca.us/rma/• Roads Department - www.co.kern.ca.us/roads/• Waste Management Department - www.co.kern.ca.us/wmd/

State of California• California Department of Motor Vehicles - www.dmv.ca.gov• California Home Page - www.ca.gov/• Industrial Relations - www.dir.ca.gov/

Tax Information• Internal Revenue Service - www.irs.gov/• State of California Board of Equalization - www.boe.ca.gov/• State of California Franchise Tax Board - www.ftb.ca.gov/

Casey Christie / The CalifornianKern County Supervisors Ray Watson, Jon McQuiston,and Michael Rubio.

Dan Ocamp / The CalifornianA North Chinese Leopard wakes from sleep, at The FelineBreeding Compound in Rosamond.

Jonathan Martinez, the principal at Alicante School inLamont, drives through a turn at Willow SpringsInternational Motorsports Park in Rosamond in his DodgeViper.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianSir Richard Branson, left, founder of Virgin Galactic andBurt Rutan, Scaled Composites LLC founder, poke theirheads out of mothership White Knight Two "Eve" as thenew aircraft is unveiled at Scaled Composites hanger inMojave.



Waste Disposal and Recycling Programs

Kern County provides environmentally-safe management of solid and hazardouswaste. Handling more than 800,000 customer visits annually, the Kern CountyWaste Management Department manages all disposal, diversion, complianceand closure programs for the County operated landfills and recycling/transfer

stations. The Department also provides hazardous waste recycling and disposal servicesat three County-operated Special Waste Facilities for residents and small businesses.The County of Kern, along with its eleven cities, is a state-designated Recycling Market

Development Zone (RMDZ). The Kern County RMDZ is designed to createlocal markets for the processing, manufacturing, and marketing of products made fromrecycled materials. Businesses are eligible for a variety of state and local incentives andassistance if they use recycled or reused materials to make products. Services andincentives include:• Low Interest Loans• Permit Streamlining • Location Assistance • Materials for Manufacturing • Technical Assistance

For more information regarding these programs and services, visit the Kern CountyWaste Management Department website at www.kerncountywaste.com.

Utility Information

Kern County's reasonable utility costs and economic development incentivesmake it a smart place to do business in California. Local government worksclosely with the individual cities to provide water services and waste disposal toresidents at a low cost. Kern County has a number of major telecommunications

providers, including nation-wide servers as well as local companies. The county alsooffers several cable and high-speed internet providers such as AT&T and BrighthouseNetworks.

• AT&T - www.att.com• Brighthouse Networks – www.brighthouse.com• California Independent System Operator (Cal-ISO) - www.caiso.com• Kern County Waste Management - http://www.kerncountywaste.com/• Pacific Gas & Electric Company - www.pge.com• Southern California Edison - www.sce.com• Southern California Gas Company - www.socalgas.com• Verizon – www.verizon.com

Electric PowerElectricity in Kern County is provided by Pacific Gas & Electric Company andSouthern California Edison, depending on the area. Both companies offer a number ofincentives and rebate programs for their customers.

Natural GasNatural Gas for commercial/industrial companies in Kern County is provided byPacific Gas & Electric Company and Southern California Gas Company. Both utilitiesprovide residential service and industrial service at competitive rates and offer anumber of incentives and rebate programs for their customers.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianJohnny Stowe works in the Material Recycling Facility atBARC where he spends most of his time sweeping, a jobthat he likes to do.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianRefinery spokesman Chad Druten walks between twolong rows of tanker cars that bring vacuum gas oil intothe Alon USA Bakersfield Refinery on RosedaleHighway. The tanks to the right store the gas oil.



Bakersfield ARCBakersfield ARC employs a full-service recycling center at 2240 South Union Avenue(main yard) in Bakersfield, and buy-back centers throughout the city and county.

The Bakersfield ARC provides employment opportunities for 350 people withdevelopmental disabilities. Most of their industries are related to recycling, whichreduces landfill disposal and helps the county and cities to achieve their waste diversionmandates. Millions of tons of recyclables are collected and processed by the BakersfieldARC.

All CRV Materials:Cans, Glass, Plastic

All Paper Grades:Cardboard, white and colored ledger, newspaper, magazines and junk mail.

Industrial/Commercial Services:The Bakersfield ARC provides productive services for many organizations, followingtheir specifications.

Office Recycling Programs:From desk side to high-rise, custom tailored recycling service including, securedocument shredding.

E-Waste: Computers, Televisions

BARC (Main Yard)2240 S. Union Avenue (Between White Lane & Planz Road)Monday through Friday: 8 am - 5 pm Saurday 8 am - 4 pm(661) 834-2272

Water

Water for Kern County is provided by a variety of water districts and privatewater supply companies through both ground and surface water. Theprimary source of surface water is the Kern River and the Isabella Dam,which has a usable capacity of 568,075 acre-feet. Supplemental surface

water supplies consist of the California State Water Project, which includes an extensivenetwork of reservoirs, aqueducts, power plants and pump stations, and the FederalCentral Valley Water Project, which provides irrigation water to the area through theFriant-Kern Canal System. Groundwater is provided by the Southern San JoaquinGroundwater Basin, and is pumped from the ground in a series of water-bearing aquifers,and is recharged through a number of natural sources. Excess water is banked in rechargefacilities, ensuring that Kern County will maintain the same level of water flow.

Water Information• Association of California Water Agencies - www.acwa.com/• California Department of Water Resources - www.dwr.water.ca.gov/• California Water Association - www.calwaterassn.com/• San Joaquin Water District - http://www.sjd.water.ca.gov/• Water Association - www.wakc.com/

Information compiled by Kern EDC, January 2012.



Casey Christie / The CalifornianKern County Department of Human Services worker, Andrea Caldwell, (right), gets information from Maria Valles,left, who is signing up to take a test to become a U.S. Census worker along with dozens of others.

Labor

Unemployment Rate Comparison (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

Source: State of California Employment Development Department, January 2012

Kern County Job OpeningsIndustry Openings Salary Range

Aerospace and Defense industry unavailable at time of print.Source: Workforce Investment Board, December 2011

Business and Professional Services


Healthcare Services

Tourism, Recreation and Entertainment

Transportation, Logistics and Warehousing

Value-Added Ag

Total

627

63

235

485

120

245

1775

$8.00 - $34.00

$8.00 - $25.00

$8.00 - $15.50

$8.00 – $13.84

$8.00 - $12.00

$8.00 - $13.50

Casey Christie / The CalifornianCherrelle Moore, 21, right, was one of several hundredin line at the McDonald's on Real Road, south ofCalifornia Avenue, Tuesday, seeking employment withthe restaurant. She said she was waiting in line for anhour and a half and needed a job.



Michael Fagans / The CalifornianBakersfield College place kicker Josh Gallington works on his technique during practice.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianHarding Elementary School kindergartenteacher Sharon Gutierrez helps RebeccaGonzales, right, during a writing lesson inthe second week of school. Paris Frausto isin the background.

Education Providers

Kern County has a number of educational and job training programs, helping toprovide area residents with needed job skills and assist them with careeradvancement. There are ten high school academies in the county, eachconcentrating on a separate industry, focusing primarily on the areas showing the

most growth. Kern also has junior colleges and universities, both public and private, withstate of the art technology and instructors from all over the United States. In addition, Kernhosts the Division I, California State University, Bakersfield, and a number of job trainingproviders who work with the students to prepare them for work with specific vocationaltraining for a variety of areas and industries.

K-12 Education (2010-2011)

*Data from Fiscal Year 2008-2009. New data unvailable at time of print.Source: California’s Education Data Partnership, Fiscal Year 2010-2011

Students per teacher

School districts

Elementary Schools

Junior High/Middle Schools

High Schools

Total Enrollment (K-12)

Teaching Staff with Full Credential

22.8

49

155

45

34

173,733

94.2%*

Junior Colleges and Trade Schools

Bakersfield College 1801 Panorama DriveBakersfield, CA 93305Phone: (661) 395-4011

www.bakersfieldcollege.eduCertificate and Associates Degrees

Cerro Coso Community College3000 College Heights BoulevardRidgecrest, CA 93555Phone: (760) 384-6100

www.cerrocoso.eduCertificate, Associates Degrees andHonors programs

Kaplan College1914 Wible RoadBakersfield, CA 93304Phone: (661) 836-6300

www.bakersfield.kaplancollege.comCertificate and Associates Degrees

San Joaquin Valley College201 New Stine RoadBakersfield, CA 93309Phone: (661) 834-0126

www.sjvc.eduAssociates Degrees

Santa Barbara BusinessCollege5300 California AvenueBakersfield, CA 93309Phone: (866) 749-SBBC

www.sbbcollege.eduCertificate and AssociatesDegrees

Taft College29 Emmons Park DriveTaft, CA 93268Phone: (661) 763-7700

www.taftcollege.eduCertificate and Associates Degrees

Linda Sappington / Special to The CalifornianMeandering curves are evident in walkways, streams,and recycled concrete walls on the campus of CerroCoso Community College.

Photo courtesy of Brian DrakeTaft College's Alex Lyons slides safely into third base.



Four Year UniversitiesCalifornia State University,Bakersfield9001 Stockdale HighwayBakersfield, CA 93311Phone: (661) 664-2782

www.csub.eduEnrollment: 8,000Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Programs Offered Arts and Humanities:Art, Communications, English, Gender, Ethnicity and MulticulturalStudies, History, Modern Languages & Literatures, Music, Philosophy &Religious Studies, and Theatre.

Business and Public Administration:Accounting & Finance, Economics, Environmental ResourceManagement, Management, Marketing, Management InformationSystems, and Public Policy Administration.

Natural Science and Mathematics:Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, ComputerEngineering, Geology, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Nursing, andPhysics.

Social Sciences and Education:Advanced Educational Studies, Criminal Justice, Liberal Studies, PhysicalEducation & Kinesiology, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work,Sociology, Special Education, and Teacher Education.

Interdisciplinary:Chicano Studies, Environmental Studies, Women & Gender Studies,Special Major.

California State University, Bakersfield is a comprehensive public university committed to offeringexcellent undergraduate and graduate programs that advance the intellectual and personaldevelopment of its students. An emphasis on student learning is enhanced by a commitment toscholarship, diversity, service, global awareness and life-long learning. The University collaborateswith partners in the community to increase the region's overall educational level, enhance its qualityof life, and support its economic development.

Since classes were first offered in 1970, two traditions have emerged at the 8,000 student-strong CSUBakersfield: an extraordinary level of student-faculty interaction and a highly personalized learningatmosphere. The schools of Arts and Humanities; Business and Public Administration; NaturalSciences and Mathematics; and Social Sciences and Education offer 32 bachelor’s degrees, 7credentials in education, and 18 graduate degrees.

Students enjoy a range of extracurricular activities including sororities, fraternities, clubs andorganizations, and student government. CSUB's 17 sports programs have won 30 nationalchampionships. In 1998, CSUB won the Sears Cup as the best NCAA Division II program in the nationwith 241 individual national champions and more than 1,100 All-Americans.

In June, 2006, President Mitchell announced the university's intention to move its athletics program toNCAA Division I. That move became official in 2010.

Situated on 375 acres in southwest Bakersfield, campus landmarks include the Stiern Library, the DoréTheater, Madigan Art Gallery, Hillman Aquatic Center, the Antonino Sports Center, the 4,000-seatIcardo Center, and the outdoor amphitheater. The newest buildings on campus include the 54,000square foot Science III building and a 75,000 square-foot state-of-the-art student recreation center,featuring 60 cardiovascular machines, a 32’ foot rock-climbing wall, and suspended indoor track.Both are “green” buildings, built with environmentally-conscious energy-efficient design.

Signature events include: Celebrate CSUB!, its open house held each April; the Spring Barbecue; wine-tasting at Party in the Park; and the Bakersfield Jazz Festival at CSUB, held Mother’s Day weekend, nowin its 25th year. CSUB’s annual Alumni Hall of Fame, honoring distinguished alumni, is held off-campus. CSUB – it’s your university!

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianStephanie George waves to loved ones after receivingher degree in marketing during the DecemberCommencement ceremony at California State University,Bakersfield.

Dan Ocampo / The CalifornianCalifornia State University, Bakersfield students aresilhouetted as they walk down a campus sidewalk.

Dan Ocampo / The CalifornianCalifornia State University, Bakersfield students OnesimoSixtos, Adriana Delgado, and Blanca Flores study for afinal exam on campus.



National UniversityBakersfield Academic Center4560 California Avenue, Suite 300Bakersfield, CA 93309Phone: (661) 864-2360

www.nu.eduCertificates and Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

University of LaVerne1201 24th Street D-200Bakersfield, CA 93301Phone: (661) 328-1430

www.laverne.eduUndergraduate and Graduate Degrees

University of California, Merced2000 K Street, Suite 300Bakersfield, CA 93301Phone: (661) 861-7955

www.ucinthevalley.orgTeaching Certification, Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

University of PhoenixBakersfield Learning Center4900 California Avenue, Tower ABakersfield, CA 93309Phone: (800) 266-2017

Teaching Certification, Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Fresno Pacific University11000 River Run Blvd.Bakersfield, CA 93311Phone: (661) 617-4500

www.fresno.edu/bakersfield/Teaching Certification, Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

Information compiled by Kern EDC and provided by individual schools, January 2012.

Felix Adamo / The CalifornianA view of the UC Merced Bakersfield Center at 2000 KStreet, which provides the university with about 16,000square-feet of space.

Gretchen Wenner / The CalifornianFresno Pacific University's new building is one of manysigns of life at Castle & Cooke's business park on RiverRun Boulevard, at Stockdale and Buena Vista.

Felix Adamo / The CalifornianFresno Pacific University President Dr. Merrill Ewert anddirector Angie Paquette outside the school's newfacilities on Stockdale Highway where it will occupy thesecond floor of the building.

Four Year Universities - continued from page 15


Casey Christie / The CalifornianKern County workers tried to keep the lines flowing at theCareer Services Center on East Belle Terrace as peoplelined up to take a test to become a U.S. Census worker.

Dan Ocampo / The CalifornianOfficer Brent McElmurry, left, gives Mario Zavaletainformation about the California Highway Patrol during ajob fair hosted by Career Services Center at the KernCounty Fairgrounds.

John Harte / The CalifornianJim Wardrup is an instructor at the Westec campus inShafter and helps out-of-work students prepare for newopportunities. His classes are overflowing.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianR.O.P. students Alex Herrera, left, and Lauren Hurley helpeach other on their floral arrangements. Arrangementswere pre-sold as a class business project and fundraiser tohelp the students purchase professional folders to take onjob interviews.


Employment and Training Centers

The Career Services Center offers services for business, ranging from applicantrecruiting and screening, to on-the-job training, to testing and interviewfacilities. They also provide assistance to local job seekers. Career ServicesCenter has multiple locations throughout Kern County. A list of locations can be

obtained by contacting the main office.

Southeast Center1600 East Belle TerraceBakersfield, CA 93307Phone: (661) 325-HIREFax: (661) 635-2762

Services and training vary by institution. For more information on what is offered,please contact the individual program.

Bakersfield Adult School501 South Mt. Vernon AvenueBakersfield, CA 93307-2859Phone: (661) 835-1855Fax: (661) 835-9612

Carney’s Business Technology Center2001 Westwind Drive, Suite 1Bakersfield, CA 93301Phone: (661) 327-0030Fax: (661) 327-2499

Delano Adult School1811 Princeton StreetDelano, CA 93215Phone: (661) 720-4173Fax: (661) 725-5852

Diamond TechnologiesSolutions8701 Swigert CourtBakersfield, CA 93313Phone: (661) 833-5600Fax: (661) 833-5608

Employment Training Panel Statewide program which funds trainingneeds of employers for skilled workers.http://www.etp.cahwnet.gov/

Kern County RegionalOccupational Program15926 K StreetMojave, CA 93501-1713Phone: (661) 824-9313Fax: (661) 824-9316

Kern High School DistrictRegional Occupational Center501 South Mount Vernon AvenueBakersfield, CA 93307-2859Phone: (661) 831-3327Fax: (661) 398-8239

McFarland Learning Center599 5th StreetMcFarland, CA 93250-1174Phone: (661) 792-3178Fax: (661) 792-6758

North Kern Vocational Training Center2150 7th StreetWasco, CA 93280-1563Phone: (661) 758-3045Fax: (661) 758-5956

West Side RegionalOccupational Program515 9th StreetTaft, CA 93268Phone: (661) 763-2367Fax: (661) 763-2375

WESTEC East5801 E. Lerdo Highway

Shafter, CA 93263-4022Phone: (866) 4WESTECFax: (661) 393-1015


John AndersonWallace & Smith Contractors

*Dean Brown, Vice-ChairTejon Ranch Company

Rob DuchowSouthern California Gas Company

Anker FanoeRabobank

Jeff FoyS.C. Anderson, Inc.

Christine FrazierKern County Superintendent

of Schools

Dean GehringRio Tinto Minerals

Susie GeigerOccidental of Elk Hills

Jeff GiumarraGiumarra Vineyards Corporation

Jeff GreenGrimmway Farms

Ben HansonWells Fargo Bank

Dave HookKern County Board of Trade

Bruce JayValley Republic Bank

Linda JayBakersfield Association of Realtors

Tom JonesPacific Gas & Electric

*Rick Kreiser, ChairCarney’s Business Technology Center

Borton, Petrini & ConronLegal Counsel to the Board

*Supervisor Mike MaggardCounty of Kern

Dennis MullinsKlein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper,

Rosenlieb and Kimball, LLP

Michael NealCalifornia State University,

Bakersfield

Steve RenockKern Schools Federal Credit Union

Tom SabaSaba Agency/Creative Concepts

Sandra SerranoKern Community College District

*Robert Severs, TreasurerGEMCare Mercy Memorial Health

Systems/Managed Care

*Laurel Shockley, SecretarySouthern California Edison

Economic Development Services

Marie WalkerEast Kern Airport District

Chris WardState Farm Insurance

*Supervisor Ray WatsonCounty of Kern

John WellsThe Bakersfield Californian

Fred WestCity of Wasco

David WomackKaiser Permanente

2012 BOARD MEMBERS

INVESTORS AND PARTNERSA - C Electric Company

ACT - 1 Personnel Services

ACT Business Services &Solutions

Advance Beverage Company,Inc.

Aera Energy LLC

Antelope Valley Board of Trade

AT & T

Automated Control & TechnicalServices

B & B Surplus, Inc.

Bakersfield ARC

Bakersfield Association ofRealtors

The Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield CondorsProfessional Hockey

Bakersfield Family MedicalCenter

Bakersfield Heart Hospital

Bakersfield Marriott at theConvention Center

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Bank of the Sierra

Barbich Hooper King DillHoffman

Baymarr Constructors, Inc.

Bill Wright Toyota

BNSF Railway Company

Borton Petrini, LLP

Bright House Networks

Brown Armstrong AccountancyCorporation

Building and ConstructionTrades Council

Business Initiatives

Bustos Insurance Agency

California State University,Bakersfield

Cannon

Career Services Center

Carney’s Business TechnologyCenter

Castle & Cooke California, Inc.

CB Richard Ellis

Central Valley Fund

Chevron

Chicago Title Company

City of Bakersfield

City of California City

City of Shafter

City of Taft

City of Tehachapi

City of Wasco

Clean Harbors Buttonwillow,LLC

Coffee-Brimhall, LLC.

Coldwell Banker, Preferred

Colliers International

Comprehensive Blood andCancer Center

Continental Labor & StaffingResources

Continental Wind & Power,Inc.

County of Kern

County of Kern Community &Economic DevelopmentDepartment

Courtyard Residence Inn andSpringHill Suites

Creative Concepts

Dagny Energy Group

Daniells Phillips Vaughan &Bock

DB & Company

Design Mark & Associates

DeWalt Corporation

Doubletree Hotel Bakersfield

Dowling, Aaron & Keeler, Inc.

E&B Natural Resources

EDP Renewables NorthAmerica, LLC

ESI- Electrical Systems andInstrumentation, Inc.

East Kern Airport District

eMedia

enXco Development

First Solutions InsuranceServices

Foundation for Medical Care ofKern County and Santa BarbaraCounties HealthEdgeAdministrators

Frito Lay

GAF/ELK

GEMCare Mercy MemorialHealth System

Gestamp Solar

Giumarra VineyardsCorporation

Golden Empire Managed Care

Golden Empire Transit District

Golden Hills SanitationCompany, Inc.

Golden Queen MiningCompany, Inc.

Goodwill Industries of SouthCentral California

Granite Construction Company

Greater Bakersfield Chamber ofCommerce

Grimmway Farms

Heart of Nature, LLC

Heise Media Group

Homewood Suites/HamptonInn & Suites

Houchin Community BloodBank

International Flight TrainingAcademy

Jaco Oil Company

Jim Burke Ford

Jim’s Supply Company, Inc.

Kaiser Permanente

Kern Community CollegeDistrict

Kern County Board of Trade

Kern County Superintendent ofSchools

Kern County TaxpayersAssociation

Kern High School District

Kern Schools Federal CreditUnion

Kern Wind Energy Association

Klassen Corporation

Klein, DeNatale, Goldner,Cooper, Rosenlieb & Kimball,LLP

Kleinfelder

KMTG - Kronick, Moskovitz,Tiedemann, & Girard, A LawCorporation

Knight's Pumping and PortableServices, Inc.

Krazan & Associates

KSA Group Architects

Larry Pickett/Public Relations

The Law Offices of Kristin A. Hagan

The Lodge at Painted Rock

The Marcom GroupIncorporated

Maricopa Sun, LLC

McIntosh & Associates

Mercy Hospital

Mid State Development Corp.

Minter Field Airport District

Mojave Desert Bank

Monroe Construction, Inc.

Morgan Stanley SmithBarney/The Buena Vista Group

Mortgage Connection

Motor City Auto Center

Mountain Grove FreightBrokerage

MT-Energie USA, Inc.

National Cement Company ofCalifornia, Inc.

NextEra Energy Resources, LLC

Occidental of Elk Hills, Inc.

O’Dell Cross CPA

Olivieri Commercial RealEstate

Ordiz - Melby Architects, Inc.

PCL Industrial Services, Inc.

Pacific Gas & ElectricCompany

Pac-Van, Inc.

Paramount Farming Company

Providence StrategicConsulting, Inc.

Provost & PritchardEngineering Group, Inc.

Prudential Tobias Realtors

Quad Knopf, Inc.

Quality Steel Builders, Inc.

Rabobank

Rio Tinto Minerals

Rosamond Community ServiceDistrict

S.C. Anderson, Inc.

Saba Agency

San Joaquin CommunityHospital

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power

Sidles Duncan & Associates

Sierra Printers

Soils Engineering, Inc.

South Valley ElectricalContractors, Inc.

Southern California EdisonEconomic DevelopmentServices

Southern California GasCompany

State Farm Insurance

Stinson Stationers

Stockdale PropertyManagement, Inc.

SunEdison

Taft College

Target Corporation DistributionCenter T – 593

Taylor Teter Partnership, LLC

Tejon Ranch Company

Terra-Gen Power, LLC

Tel - Tec Security Systems, Inc.

Ticor Title Company

Towery Homes

Tracy Ranch, Inc.

Trans - West Security Services,Inc.

Trek Imaging

Tri Counties Bank

Turman Construction

Uniglobe Golden Empire Travel

Union Bank of California

United States Cold Storage

University of La Verne KernCounty Regional Center

US HealthWorks MedicalGroup

Valley Republic Bank

Volt Services Group

Vulcan Materials Company

W. Reyneveld Construction

Wallace & Smith Contractors

Walmart

Wells Fargo Bank

Western Hiways

Westside Waste ManagementCompany, Inc.

Willis Design Studio

WZI, Inc.


GovernmentServices andRegulatoryProcess

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • G O V E R N M E N T S E R V I C E S A N D R E G U L AT O R Y P R O C E S S

Kern County has abusiness-friendlyatmosphere, andworks closely

with the businesscommunities to providetimely service and tostimulate economicgrowth. The county alsohas a favorable taxclimate, with fewer taxesover-all than otherCalifornia counties. Witha typical permit process ofjust a few months and lowdevelopment costs, KernCounty's government-business partnershipshave proven that this is thebest place in the state todo business.

Local GovernmentCounty of Kern, Administrative Office1115 Truxtun Avenue, Fifth FloorBakersfield, CA 93301Phone: (661) 868-3140Fax: (661) 868-3100Website: www.co.kern.ca.usSince 1866Government - Five elected supervisors representingseparate districts – four-year termsManagement – John Nilon, County AdministrativeOfficer

City of Bakersfield1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301Phone: (661) 326-3000Website: www.ci.bakersfield.ca.usYear Incorporated - 1898Government - Seven elected council members rep-resenting separate wards – four-year termsManagement - Alan Tandy, City Manager

City of Arvin200 Campus DriveArvin, CA 93203Phone: (661) 854-3134Website: www.arvin.orgYear Incorporated - 1960Government - Four elected council membersManagement – Tim Chapa, City Manager

The City of California City21000 Hacienda BoulevardCalifornia City, CA 93505Phone: (760) 373-8661Website: www.californiacity.comYear Incorporated - 1965Government - four elected council membersManagement – Tom Weil, City Manager

City of Delano1015 Eleventh Avenue Delano, CA 93215Phone: (661) 721-3300Website: www.delano-ca.orgYear Incorporated - 1915Government - four elected council membersManagement – Maribel Reyna, City Manager


City of McFarland401 West Kern AvenueMcFarland, CA 93250Phone: (661) 792-3091Year Incorporated - 1957Government - Four elected council membersManagement – John Wooner, City Manager

City of Ridgecrest100 West California AvenueRidgecrest, CA 93555Phone: (760) 499-5000Website: www.ci.ridgecrest.ca.usYear Incorporated - 1963Government - Five elected council members Management – Kurt Wilson, City Manager

City of Shafter336 Pacific AvenueShafter, CA 93263Phone: (661) 746-5001Website: www.shafter.comYear Incorporated - 1938Government - Four elected council membersManagement - John Guinn, City Manager

City of Taft209 East Kern Street Taft, CA 93268Phone: (661) 763-1222Website: www.cityoftaft.orgYear Incorporated - 1910Government - Four elected council membersManagement – Robert T. Gorson, Jr., City Manager

City of Tehachapi115 South Robinson StreetTehachapi, CA 93561Phone: (661) 822-2200Website: www.tehachapicityhall.comYear Incorporated - 1909Government - Four elected council membersManagement – Greg Garrett, City Manager

City of Wasco746 Eight StreetWasco, CA 93280Phone: (661) 758-7214Website: www.ci.wasco.ca.usYear Incorporated - 1897Government - Four elected council membersManagement – Alan Christensen, City Manager



Chambers of CommerceLancaster/Rosamond Chambers of Commerce (Rosamond Office) 2861 Diamond StreetRosamond, CA 93560Phone: (661) 256-3248

Arvin Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 645Arvin, CA 93203Phone: (661) 854-2265

Boron Chamber of Commerce26922 Twenty Mule Team RoadBoron, CA 93516Phone: (760) 762-5810

Buttonwillow Chamber of Commerce104 W. Second StreetButtonwillow, CA 93206Phone: (661) 764-5406

California City Chamber ofCommerce8001 California City Boulevard California City, CA 93505Phone: (760) 373-8676

Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce1725 Eye StreetBakersfield, CA 93301Phone: (661) 327-4421

Greater Delano Area Chamber of Commerce931 High StreetDelano, CA 93215Phone: (661) 725-2518

Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce209 E. Tehachapi BoulevardTehachapi, CA 93561Phone: (661) 822-4180

Inyokern Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 232Inyokern, CA 93527Phone: (760) 377-5440

Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce1222 California AvenueBakersfield, CA 93304Phone: (661) 326-1529

Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce231 H StreetBakersfield, CA 93304

Phone: (661) 633-5495

Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce6404 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Suite BLake Isabella, CA 93240Phone: (760) 379-5236

Kernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville RoadKernville, CA 93238Phone: (760) 376-2629

Lamont Chamber of Commerce12312 Main StreetLamont, CA 93241Phone: (661) 845-1992Maricopa Chamber of CommercePhone: (661) 769-9329

Mojave Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 935Mojave, CA 93502Phone: (661) 824-2481

Mountain CommunitiesChamber of Commerce3717 Mt. Pinos Way, Unit AFrazier Park, CA 93225 Phone: (661) 245-1212

North of the River Chamber ofCommercePO Box 5551Bakersfield, CA 93388Phone: (661) 871-4555

Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce128 E. California Avenue, Suite BRidgecrest, CA 93555Phone: (760) 375-8331

Shafter Chamber of Commerce336 Pacific AvenueShafter, CA 93263Phone: (661) 746-2600

Taft District Chamber of Commerce400 Kern StreetTaft, CA 93268Phone: (661) 765-2165

Wasco Chamber of Commerce700 G StreetWasco, CA 93280Phone: (661) 758-2746


Greg Nichols/The CalifornianGreater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, located at1725 Eye Street, in downtown Bakersfield.

www.kernrivervalley.com

Casey Christie / The CalifornianGeneral manager of the Mojave Air & Space Port, StuartWitt, walks past a long row of wind turbine blades that arestored at the airport until used in the field for the windmillsin and around Mojave and Tehachapi.

www.tehachapi.comLuncheon meeting in Tehachaphi.


Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianConstruction crews set boulders and rocks along the bankof the Mill Creek canal between 18th Street and TruxtunAvenue in Bakersfield.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianA new sign, mostly made out of foam, goes up in front ofthe downtown Kern County Department of Child SupportServices office.


Permit Overview TablePermit Processing Time

Building Permit /Commercial Plan Check

Conditional Use Permit

Grading Permit

Precise Development Plan

Impact Fees

Fire Inspection Permit

Zone Change

General PlanAmendment

Sign Permit

Business License

• 3-4 weeks.

• 2 weeks preliminary review.• Once deemed complete 2 months public process

(Planning Commission) if no environmental documentis needed.

• If Negative Declaration is needed, then 4 - 6 months.• If approved, then 14 day appeal period.

• 10 working days preliminary review.

• 2 weeks preliminary review.• Once deemed complete 2 months to public process to

Directors Hearing if no environmental document is needed.

• If Negative Declaration is needed, then 4 -6 months.

• Traffic Impact fees/sewer fees may or may not be requireddepending on location.

• Part of plan review.

• 2 weeks preliminary review.• Once deemed complete 4 months public process and

hearings (Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors) if no environmental document is needed.

• If Negative Declaration is needed, then 6 – 8 months.• If EIR is needed, then 12 to 18 months. • If approved, then 30 days before change is effective.

• Notice of Intent is filed.• 2 weeks preliminary review. • Once deemed complete requires Planning Commission

and Board of Supervisors General Plan Window (4 timesper year).

• If Negative Declaration is needed, then 6-8 months.• If EIR is needed, then 12 to 18 months.

• Part of plan review

• Majority of businesses in unincorporated areas do notneed a business license.

• 2 weeks within city limits.

Source: Kern County Resource Management Agency, January 2012

Kern County Resource Management Agency offers over the counter, on-line, fasttrack and fax permitting options, depending on the permit type.

Photo courtesy of San Joaquin Community Hospital


Felix Adamo / The CalifornianArt Chianello at the waste water treatment plant.Cooking grease collected from restaurants is broughthere.

Felix Adamo / The CalifornianThe husband and wife trucking team of Tom and KarenMoore in front of their International big rig truck.

Troy Harvey / The CalifornianA refinery off of Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield.


Other Permits & LicensesFictitious Business Name Statement Kern County Clerk's Office 1115 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: (661) 868-3588A fictitious business name statement is needed if you are conducting business undera name other than your legal name.

Weights and Measures Device Registration Department of Weights and Measures 1001 S. Mount Vernon AvenueBakersfield, CA 93307 Phone: (661) 868-6300 If commercial weighing and measuring equipment is used, the Department ofWeights and Measures must be notified within 24 hours of equipment installation sothey may inspect the devices for accuracy.

Environmental Health and Hazardous Materials /Underground PermitsEnvironmental Health Services Department2700 M Street, Suite 300Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: (661) 321-3000An Environment Health permit is required for businesses and activities involvingfood, housing and institutions, land development, recreational health, undergroundstorage tanks, waste, and water supply. If operating underground storage tanks, aHazardous Materials permit is necessary.

Industrial Waste Treatment Into a SewerKern Sanitation Authority4101 Kimber Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93307Phone: (661) 862-8984This permit is needed if disposing of treated wastewater in the public sewer.

Encroachment, Driveway and Transportation Permits Roads Department 2700 M Street, Suite 400Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: (661) 862-8850 An encroachment permit is needed when using right-of-way owned by the County.Examples are awnings, underground storage tanks or signs. Driveway modificationsrequire Driveway permits and business using large vehicles or those with loads overstate limits requires a Transportation permit.

Cal/OSHA - California Occupational Safety and Health Act Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)1515 Clay Street, Suite 1901Oakland, CA 94612Phone: (510) 286-7000 Cal/OSHA provides employers with information on employee safety and healthstandards.



Incentives

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • I N C E N T I V E S

Businesses lookingto relocate orexpand in KernCounty can find a

wide variety of incentivesavailable. The KernEconomic DevelopmentCorporation can directbusinesses to select federal,state and local economicincentives available toattract new jobs, investmentand development.

Some of the availableincentives include:Employee Training PanelFunds (ETP), providingdirect employment traininggrants and Foreign TradeZones (FTZ), whichprovide for some goods topass in and out of the areawith no import tariffs.

Workforce

Employment Training Panel (ETP)Provides funds to offset the cost of developing and implementing customized trainingprograms for current and new employees.

Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC)Federal tax credit up to $9,000 per individual based on qualified first-year earned wages.

Employers' Training Resource Workforce Investment Act (WIA)On-The-Job Training program offers employers reimbursement of trainees’ wages during theirtraining. This incentive to employers will increase employment, promote job retention, andprovide occupational skills while improving the quality of the workforce.

Career Services CenterNo-fee services include: developing a customized recruitment plan, posting availablepositions locally and on the internet, qualifying applicants according to employerspecifications, and providing technical assistance during the hiring process.

Incentive Zones

Enterprise ZonesArvin, Delano, Taft offer substantial state tax credits and benefits, including:

• Hiring Credits - Firms can earn $37,440 or more in state tax credits for eachqualified employee hired;• Up to 100% Net Operating Loss (NOL) carry-forward. NOL may be carried forward 15 years (suspended for tax years 2002 and 2003);• Corporations can earn sales tax credits on purchases of $20 million per year of qualified machinery and machinery parts;• Up-front expensing of certain depreciable property. Lenders to Zone businessesmay receive a net interest deduction;• Unused tax credits can be applied to future tax years, stretching out the benefit of the initial investment;• Enterprise Zone companies can earn preference points on state contracts.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ)California City, County of Kern Department of Airport, Mojave Airport, Rockefeller Group atTejon Ranch, and Shafter allow manufacturers and importers to manufacture, assemble,process, store, test, re-label, repack or process imported materials without paying customerduties or government excise taxes and export the final product from the United States with notax liabilities. Other benefits include:

• Duty Deferral -- FTZ users pay U.S. Customs duties only when merchandise isshipped into a Customs territory. Inventory held in an FTZ is exempt from payment


The CalifornianKathy Campbell (left center) and Jan Lambert (right center)from Career Service Center provide foster youth helpfuljob searching techniques at the "Extreme Job SearchMakeover," hosted by Kern County Network for Childrenand Chevron.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianThe International Trade and Transportation Center inShafter.

Dan Ocampo / The CalifornianKaren Sherman, left, and her sister-in-law MelanieSherman are owners of A Good Time Out, a licensedhourly drop-in child care center in Bakersfield.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianRamon Rodela prepares dough for baking at the PyreneesFrench Bakery.

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • I N C E N T I V E S

of duties until shipped. • Duty Reduction -- Also called "inverted tariff," duty reduction allows any FTZ importer or manufacturer to pay the duty rate applicable to either the imported components or the finished product, whichever is lower. • Duty Elimination -- FTZ users are not required to pay U.S. Customsduties on merchandise exported from an FTZ, or on merchandise that isdamaged, scrapped or unused. • Increased Flexibility -- FTZs offer users greater flexibility for merchandisesubject to just-in-time delivery constraints, quotas or marking requirements. In addition, Customs clearance of merchandise may be expedited through useof an FTZ. • U.S. Quota -- FTZ users may store most merchandise in an FTZ even if the goods are subject to quota restrictions. In addition, the merchandise maybe shipped when a quota is opened.

Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ)Low interest loans and assistance for manufacturers using recycled materials.

Financial

Industrial Development BondsProvide manufacturing and processing companies low-cost, low-interestfinancing for capital expenditures. Eligible capital expenditures include theacquisition of land, building construction, building renovation and the purchaseof machinery and equipment.

Kern County Incentive ProgramOffers cash payments to qualified, non-retail businesses whose investment will yieldnot less than $50,000 over a five year period and create at least 10 full-time equivalentpermanent jobs with benefits. Individual cities may offer additional financialassistance.

Kern Microenterprise Opportunity Program Financial and business assistance for businesses with fewer than five employees,which will benefit low to moderate income people in Kern County excludingBakersfield, Delano, Maricopa, Taft, and Wasco.

Research & Development Credit Fifteen to 24% state income tax credit.

SBA 504 Loans Long-term financing to purchase commercial real estate, to expand existingoperations, or to purchase machinery/equipment.

Sales Tax ExemptionState sales tax exemption on purchase of tangible property for manufacturing,processing, refining, fabricating or recycling businesses.

Small Business AssistanceSmall business assistance, financing, business plans.

USDA Rural Development Infrastructure grants, loan guarantees, rural economic development grants and loans.Disclaimer: Use of some incentives may trigger impacts of Senate Bill 975 (prevailing wage).Information compiled by Kern EDC, January 2012.


Photo: Naval Air Warfare CenterTwo F/A-18 fighters fly over the main airfield at ChinaLake Naval Air Warfare Center.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianOne of the new towers, for the wind turbines of the new AltaWind Energy Center east of Tehachapi can be seen among olderwind turbines. The center will be able to generate up to 1,550megawatts of wind energy when completed.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianSan Joaquin Community Hospital on Chester Avenue hasmade many improvements including their new inpatientburn center rooms on the third floor.

KernCounty’sIndustryClusters

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • K E R N C O U N T Y ’ S I N D U S T R Y C L U S T E R S

Our economicperformance is drivenby our “portfolio” ofindustry clusters.

Clusters are groups of relatedbusinesses who export productsand services from the county(bringing in new dollars). Clustersgrow and change over time andcompetitive clusters generate highvalue-added jobs whosemultipliers (salaries andexpenditures within the county)create other jobs. A healthyeconomy has a diverse portfolio ofcompetitive and newly emergingclusters. These are what ourcounty “does for a living” andbring net new revenue into Kernby exporting goods and servicesbeyond our communities’boundaries. Kern County’sEconomic Development Strategyoutlines six industry clusters offocus. The Kern County Board ofTrade develops and markets thelarge Tourism and Entertainmentcluster, while Kern EconomicDevelopment Corporation recruitsand works to retain businesses inthe other five.

Aerospace and Defense

While over 1,400 people are engaged inaerospace, the total employment picturereaches nearly 20,000 when engineeringcontractors and public sector defense jobs areincluded. Kern County’s strongest aspect of thecluster is in aircraft manufacturing, which hasseen much growth since 2000. The growth ispromising considering the extremely highwages employees in the industry receive. Theaerospace and defense cluster is focused inEast Kern, where both China Lake NavalWeapons Air Station and Edwards Air ForceBase are located.


Kern County’s natural resources create amarketable energy industry in our currenteconomy. The county is abundant with bothtraditional energy (petroleum) and renewablessuch as large and small solar projects, and anexpanding wind power market. AdditionallyKern County is home to geothermal andbiomass facilities. The industry employs17,000 people.

Healthcare Services

This cluster provides 24,500 jobs primarily inservices, hospitals, and nursing care facilitiesin Kern County. Physicians’ offices, mentalhealth practitioners, medical and diagnosticlabs, and homes for the elderly are where KernCounty shines. With the development of thiscluster, medical device and equipmentmanufacturing should become just assuccessful. Wages in this industry are typicallyhigher, adding to Kern County’s promise in thisarea.


Felix Adamo / The CalifornianThe IKEA Distribution Center is a warehouse that seemsto go on forever.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianFarm hands go through the orchards on Kyte Avenue andFamoso Road.

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • K E R N C O U N T Y ’ S I N D U S T R Y C L U S T E R S

Transportation, Logistics and Advanced Manufacturing

This industry has been a boon to KernCounty with over 46,000 employedlocally. The available and skilledworkers offer an intact labor force toemployers, while the central locationallows access to thirty-six millionpeople within four hours. The industryis strongly united with oil andagriculture, which continue to beKern’s strongest assets. As long as oiland agriculture succeed, this clusterwill follow.

Value Added Agriculture

Kern County plays a major role inproviding the state’s and nation’s foodsupply. Numerous exports (almonds,grapes, cotton, carrots, milk,pistachios, potatoes) rank at the top ofCalifornia and the U.S. and thatprominence makes Kern a naturalarea for value-added agriculturebusinesses to locate. Existing productcan be processed and packagedlocally, adding value to that product.Over 40,000 employees comprisethis industry.


MarketAccess

Distance From Kern Countyto Major Markets

Los Angeles

Port of Long Beach

Fresno

Riverside

San Diego

Port of Oakland

Stockton

San Francisco

Sacramento

Las Vegas, NV

Phoenix, AZ

Salt Lake City, UT

Albuquerque, NM

Denver, CO

73 miles

96 miles

110 Miles

164 miles

193 miles

230 miles

233 miles

258 miles

260 miles

196 miles

404 miles

657 miles

755 miles

985 milesSource: Rand McNally & Mapquest

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • M A R K E T A C C E S S

Majorcompaniesconsistentlychoose Kern

County thanks to itscentralized location. Noother county offers the easyaccess to all the populationof California, let alone theentire Western UnitedStates. Combine thecounty’s location with theusual lack of trafficcongestion, and the roadahead is a painless one.

Major Highways

Situated on two major north/southroutes, Interstate 5 (the major route fromCalifornia to Canada) and StateHighway 99, Kern County cannot be

beat when it comes to reaching West Coastdestinations.

Businesses needing to reach theCalifornia coast enjoy easy access, thanks toState Highway 46.

Delivering products to easterndestinations is also a breeze, as State Highway58 (which also connects with I-40, I-15, andUS395) runs through Kern County.

Kern County Market Access


Casey Christie / The CalifornianThe California Amtrak train preparing for its next tripnorthbound out of the Bakersfield Amtrak station onTruxtun Avenue at sunset one evening.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianAndy Craw and his son, Jack, check out the Curtiss C-46Commando China Doll during the Warbirds In Actionshow in Shafter.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianStuart Witt, general manager of the Mojave Air and SpacePort, stands next to the operations building at the airport

Casey Christie / The CalifornianThe Westside Parkway project groundbreaking for theinterchange with Allen Road after a brief ceremony byRaul Rojas, Public Works Director, speakers MayorHarvey Hall, City Manager, Alan Tandy, formerCongressman Bill Thomas and councilman, David Couch.


Airports

Meadows Field (BFL) Airport3701 Wings WayBakersfield, CA 93308Phone: (661) 391-1800www.meadowsfield.com

Meadows Field offers nonstop flights toDenver, Houston, Los Angeles, Phoenixand San Francisco and one-stop flightsto hundreds of domestic andinternational destinations on UnitedExpress and US Airways.

Bakersfield Municipal Airport2000 South Union AvenueBakersfield, CA 93309Phone: (661) 326-3155www.bakersfieldairport.us

High Desert and California CityMunicipal Airport22636 Airport WayCalifornia City, CA 93505Phone: (760) 373-4867www.airnav.com/airport/L71/A

Inyokern Airport 1669 Airport RoadInyokern, CA 93527Phone: (760) 377-5844www.inyokernairport.com

Mojave Air and Space Port1434 Flightline StreetMojave, CA 93501Phone: (661) 824-2433www.mojaveairport.com

Shafter-Minter Field (MIT)Airport201 Aviation StreetShafter, CA 93263Phone: (661) 393-0402www.minterfield.com

Tehachapi Municipal Airport314 N. Hayes StreetTehachapi, CA 93561Phone: (661) 822-2220www.tehachapicityhall.com/index.aspx?nid=26

Rail ServicesAmtrakPassenger/CargoAccessing destinations in every major city across the U.S. To book your ticket on Amtrak, go to www.amtrak.com

Burlington Northern/Santa Fe (BNSF)Main lineNearest Intermodal - Shafter, Los Angeles, Fresno and Barstowwww.bnsf.com

Rail America42 short line and regional railroads, operating approximately 7,800 miles in the United States and Canadawww.railamerica.com

Union PacificMain LineNearest Intermodal - Los Angeles, Fresno and Modestowww.up.com


AP Photo/Damian DovarganesUS Coast Guard officers stand on-guard on their vessel inthe Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California.

Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianThe downtown GET bus terminal.

Photo by Linda SappingtonMark Shaw, an 18-year-old Australian tourist, on thesouthbound Kern Regional Transit bus.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianThe Greyhound bus terminal in downtown Bakersfield.


Deep Water Ports

Kern County has two easily accessible deep water ports, extensions of the Port ofLos Angeles. One is located in the City of Shafter at the International Trade andTransportation Center (ITTC) and the other is in Lebec at Tejon IndustrialComplex (TIC). These provide a tariff-free transfer of goods into the United States

prior to assembly and packaging, and later, distribution throughout the United States viaall methods of transportation.

Public Transportation

ern County offers a wide variety of local and commuting public transitservices. Amtrak serves the Central Valley, Sacramento and the SanFrancisco Bay Area with daily train service.K

The Golden Empire Transit District (GET) provides daily bus servicesthroughout the Bakersfield area; including dial-a-ride service to Meadows Field andexpress service to IKEA. GET has an active fleet of 81 buses plus 19 GET-A-Lift unitsfor people with disabilities which are all fueled with clean burning, compressednatural gas (CNG). All buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks. Withlow bus fares, residents use GET to travel to work, school, to reach appointments, togo shopping or visit with friends. . . wherever they need to go.

Number of Bus Routes: 20Days of Operation: 7 days a weekNumber of Bus Stops: 1,600

Call 869-2GETfor customer service and bus schedule informationor visit their website at www.getbus.org

Kern Regional Transit (KRT) provides public transit service for the outlyingareas of Kern County with local dial-a-ride service, community fixed routes, andintercity service. The intercity service provides service in almost every community inKern County.

Kern Commuter Connection offers free carpool-matching services andinformation about commute alternatives. For travel destinations outside Kern County,Airport Bus of Bakersfield provides service from Bakersfield to Los AngelesInternational Airport five times daily, and Greyhound Bus Lines offers daily departuresto a multitude of locations.



Quality ofLife

K E R NE D C | M A R K E T OV E R V I E W • Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E

From families tocollege students tobusinessprofessionals, Kern

County has much to offeranyone looking for anaffordable and attractiveplace to live their dreams.Cultural and outdooractivities abound, variousprofessional sports teamsoffer entertainment, andhousing prices are morereasonable than anywhereelse in California. KernCounty’s combination of alarge community’sopportunities and smalltown appeal is just right.

Cost of Living Index

Source: ACCRA Cost of Living , 3Q 2011

(The American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living measures relative price levels for consumer goodsand services in participating areas. The average for all participating areas equals 100, with each participant’s index read as a percentage ofthe average for all places.)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)San Joaquin Valley 2001-2010

Source: U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Economic Analysis, September 2011


Casey Christie / The CalifornianEarly evening traffic is starting to flow along ChesterAvenue and 18th Street, in front of the historic downtownPadre Hotel.

Casey Christie/ The CalifornianCity workers trim trees in the median, along ChesterAvenue, near 18th Street as the traffic heads north andsouth on wet a wet street after a light rain.

Annual Base

SalaryCity

Salary Required to Maintain SameQuality

of Life in Bakersfield, CA

$50,000.00

$50,000.00

$50,000.00

$50,000.00

$50,000.00

$50,000.00

Fresno, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Riverside, CA

San Francisco, CA

San Diego, CA

Sacramento, CA

$44,991

$36,926

$43,998

$30,103

$37,881

$42,753

Source: ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 3Q 2011

Less than $200

$200-$299

$300-$499

$500-$749

$750-$999

$1,000-$1,499

$1,500 or more

Median Rental cost

2.0%

3.3%

9.1%

24.5%

24.4%

24.2%

12.5%

$855

Rent Total percentage

Areas Bakersfield Fresno Riverside San Diego Los Angeles

Peak Time Travelers(per day)

Freeway Vehicle-Miles of Travel(per day)

Congested Travel During Peak Time (per day)

Time Lost/Peak Traveler(per year)

Congestion Cost/Peak Traveler(per year)

300,000

2.2

million

34%

10 hours

$232

380,000

3.9

million

42%

13 hours

$260

1.1

million

23.3

million

81%

31 hours

$684

1.7

million

37.4

million

74%

38 hours

$794

7.2

million

132.2

million

93%

64 hours

$1,334

(MSA)


Annual Salary Comparison

Rent Paid In Kern County

Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Survey, 2012

2011 Annual Commute Pattern Comparisons

Source: Texas Transportation Institute Urban Mobility Study, 2011

Commute Timehen it comes to commute times and road congestion, few majormetropolitan areas can compete with Kern County. Travel withinthe county is significantly shorter, cheaper, and moremanageable than most other counties in the state.W

Kern CountyMedian Home

Sales Price:$126,500

Source: CSU Bakersfield School of Business and PublicAdministration Kern Economic Journal, 3Q 2011


Henry A. Barrios / The CalifornianDr. Dennis Martinez walks through the emergencydepartment at Bakersfield Heart Hospital where he headsthe department.

Felix Adamo / The CalifornianThe Bakersfield Heart Hospital is celebrating its 10thAnniversary of service to the community.

Kenneth Wong / The Bakersfield CalifornianSouthwest Mercy Hospital, located on Old River Road inSouthwest Bakersfield.

Casey Christie / The CalifornianPaul Hensler, Kern Medical Center CEO, in front of thehospitals 65 Slice CT scanner.


Hospitals and Medical Facilities

Bakersfield Heart Hospital 3001 Sillect Avenue · Bakersfield, CA 93308 · (661) 316-6000www.bakersfieldhearthospital.com

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital420 34th Street · Bakersfield, CA 93308 · (661) 327-4647 www.bakersfieldmemorial.org

Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center6501 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93309 · (661) 322-2206www.cbccusa.com

Delano Regional Medical Center1410 Garces Highway · Delano, CA 93215 · (661) 725-4800 www.drmc.com

Good Samaritan Hospital901 Olive Drive · Bakersfield, CA 93308 · (661) 399-4461

HealthSouth Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital5001 Commerce Drive · Bakersfield, CA 93309 · (661) 323-5500 www.healthsouthbakersfield.com

Kern Medical Center1830 Flower Street · Bakersfield, CA 93305 · (661) 326-2000www.kernmedicalcenter.com

Kern Valley Hospital (Healthcare District)6412 Laurel Avenue · Mount Mesa, CA 93240 · (760) 379-2681 www.kvhd.org

Good Samaritan Hospital Southwest5201 White Lane · Bakersfield, CA 93309 · (661) 398-1800

Mercy Hospital2215 Truxtun Avenue · Bakersfield, CA 93301 · (661) 632-5000www.mercybakersfield.org

Mercy Southwest Hospital400 Old River Road · Bakersfield, CA 93311 · (661) 633-6000www.mercybakersfield.org

Ridgecrest Regional Hospital 1081 North China Lake Boulevard · Ridgecrest, CA 93555 · (760) 446-3551www.rrh.org

San Joaquin Community Hospital2615 Chester Avenue · Bakersfield, CA 93301 · (661) 395-3000www.sjch.us

Tehachapi Hospital115 West E Street · Tehachapi, CA 93561 · (661) 823-3000www.tvhd.org



Bakersfield and Kern CountyAnnual Temperature

Average Annual Temperature (F)

Average Annual High Temperature (F)

Average Annual Low Temperature (F)

January Temperature

Average January High Temperature (F)

Average January Low Temperature (F)

July Temperature

Average July High Temperature (F)

Average July Low Temperature (F)

Precipitation

Annual Rainfall

Source: weather.com, January 2012

65.3 Degrees

76.9 Degrees

53.6 Degrees

56.0 Degrees

39.0 Degrees

97.0 Degrees

70.0 Degrees

5.4 Inches


Recreation and Entertainment• Rabobank and Convention Center - www.rabobankarena.com• City of Bakersfield Parks & Recreation - www.bakersfieldcity.us/recreation• Discover Kern County - www.visitkern.com/• Kern County Parks & Recreation - www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/• Kern County Superintendent of Schools - www.kern.org/• North Bakersfield Parks & Recreation - www.norrecreation.org/

State Parks and Wildlife AreasCol. Allensworth State Historic ParkFort Tejon State Historic ParkHungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation AreaKern River PreserveLake IsabellaLos Padres National ForestMillerton Lake State Recreation AreaRed Rock Canyon State ParkSequoia National ForestTehachapi Loop Tomo-Kahni State Historic ParkTule Elk State Reserve

Climate

Professional SportsBakersfield Blaze - Advanced Class A Professional Baseball League

for the Cincinnati RedsBakersfield Condors - East Coast Hockey LeagueBakersfield Jam – Development League Basketball

Music and DanceBakersfield Community Concert AssociationBakersfield Music TheatreBakersfield Symphony OrchestraBakersfield Youth SymphonyDesert Community Orchestra Association - RidgecrestKern Classical Ballet Company

Live TheatersBakersfield Community TheaterKern Shakespeare Festival – Pine Mountain ClubStars TheaterSpotlight TheaterFox TheaterBuck Owens Crystal PalaceGaslight Melodrama Theatre and Music HallRabobank Arena, Theater and Convention CenterRidgecrest Community - Light Opera and Theatre Association

Museums and Art Galleries20 Mule Team MuseumAir Force Flight Test Museum, Edwards AFBBakersfield Museum of ArtBuena Vista Natural HistoryBroadway in Bakersfield California Living MuseumCowboy Memorial Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFBInsect Lore Bugseum Visitor CenterKern County MuseumLori Brock Children’s MuseumMaturango Museum – RidgecrestMetro GalleriesSurface GalleryTehachapi MuseumThe Arts Council of KernU.S. Borax and Visitors CenterWest Kern Oil Museum

Other EventsBakersfield Jazz FestivalKern County FairRidgecrest Air Show and Balloon FestivalWasco Festival of Roses

Outdoor ActivitiesCALM- California Living MuseumKern River Parkway Bike PathLake MingMurray Family FarmSkylark North Glider Flight SchoolSpring Kern Wildflower Tours CampingDownhill and Cross-Country SkiingGolfingHiking TrailsRock-climbingWhitewater RaftingFishing

For more information on recreation and cultural activities go to www.visitkern.com or the Greater Bakersfield Convention

& Visitors Bureau at www.bakersfieldcvb.org/.

A Proven Location for Success

Proof is in the company you keep.

PRESERVING CALIFORNIA’S LEGACY PROVIDING FOR CALIFORNIA’S FUTUREwww.tejonranch.com

Documents

Market Overview 2012