East Bakersfield, CA
- About East Bakersfield
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Institutions
East Bakersfield is a historic neighborhood in Bakersfield, CA, with roots as the independent town of Sumner, known for its Basque restaurants and diverse community.
About East Bakersfield
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
East Bakersfield is not an independent city today but a historic region and neighborhood within the city of Bakersfield, California . It is located in Kern County, which is the most productive oil-producing county in California and the fourth-most productive agricultural county in the United States . The area is part of the Bakersfield urban area, which has a population of almost 500,000 people . For statistical purposes, it is also recognized as a Census Designated Place (CDP) .
Date Founded and Age
The area was founded in 1876 as the town of Sumner, named after Joseph W. Sumner, a mine owner and judge . This was a result of a land dispute between the City of Bakersfield and the Southern Pacific Railroad. The railroad built its tracks five miles east of Bakersfield and established its own town, which would eventually become East Bakersfield . Sumner incorporated as a city in 1892 and was renamed Kern City . In 1910, Kern City voted to join Bakersfield, marking the city's first major expansion outside its historic central area . At its founding in 1876, the settlement is 150 years old as of 2026.
Geographical Position and Coordinates
East Bakersfield is located directly east of downtown Bakersfield in the southern San Joaquin Valley .
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 35.3832° N, -118.9743° W (as provided in the input).
- Location: It is situated on the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley (also known as the Central Valley), about 110 miles north of Los Angeles .
- Elevation: The elevation in the area is around 167 to 189 meters (548-620 feet) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
East Bakersfield is primarily a mixed residential and commercial neighborhood within the larger city of Bakersfield . Its economic base has deep historical roots and is evolving:
- Historical Industrial Center: The area was originally founded around the railroad and later became a hub for workers in Kern County's key industries: oil and agriculture .
- Medical Hub: Today, it is home to Kern Medical Hospital, a 222-bed teaching facility and the only trauma care center between Los Angeles and Fresno, making the medical industry a significant part of the local economy .
- Cultural and Culinary Destination: East Bakersfield, particularly Old Town Kern, is famous for its historic Basque restaurants, a legacy of migrant workers from Spain who settled in the area .
Population and Demographics
- Population: The population of the East Bakersfield CDP is estimated to be 9,812 as of July 1, 2025 . Other sources, using different definitions, place the number around 9,193 residents . In the 1950 U.S. Census, before annexation, the unincorporated community had a population of 38,177 .
- City Class: It is a neighborhood and medium-sized community within a larger city.
- Demographic Features: East Bakersfield is known as a diverse neighborhood with a vibrant Latino culture . It has a rich history of immigration, starting with Spanish and Italian migrant workers, which is reflected in its architecture and dining scene . The community is considered friendly and affordable, with a mix of long-term residents and new families . The neighborhood has a low median household income of around $37,000 per year and a high rate of renters (73%) .
"Visiting Card" of the City (In Short)
East Bakersfield is a historic neighborhood that preserves the soul of Bakersfield's past. Known for its authentic Basque restaurants in Old Town Kern and its historic homes, it offers a unique cultural experience. With the recent revitalization of its parks and its role as a medical hub, it’s a community that honors its immigrant roots while looking firmly toward the future .
Landmarks
Old Town Kern
Old Town Kern is the historic heart of East Bakersfield, located primarily around Baker Street . This was the original central business district for the town of Sumner (later Kern City) and the site of the original train station that gave birth to the settlement . Today, it is a historic district most famous for its cluster of family-style Basque restaurants, a unique culinary tradition that draws visitors from all over California .
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is a major recreational area in East Bakersfield that underwent a significant $4.2 million revitalization project, reopening in October 2024 . The upgrades included major improvements to its skate park, the planting of 68 new trees, upgraded shade structures, and new playgrounds, making it a modern and inviting community space .
Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park is a popular local spot for residents, especially in the summer. It features a splash pad, a community pool, and covered picnic areas. The park also has lighted tennis and basketball courts for evening play .
Transport
Nearest Airport
The primary airport serving the area is Meadows Field Airport (BFL) in Bakersfield . It is located about 10 miles from East Bakersfield and offers daily flights to hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), Phoenix (PHX), and San Francisco (SFO) . Rideshare or a car is needed to reach the neighborhood from the airport.
Train Station
Amtrak serves Bakersfield with a main terminal downtown . The station is the southern terminus of the Amtrak San Joaquins route, which travels north through the Central Valley to the Sacramento and Bay Area . Numerous Amtrak bus connections are also available from this station to Southern California and Las Vegas . East Bakersfield is a short drive from this downtown station.
Highways and Roads
East Bakersfield is laid out parallel to the railroad tracks, making its street grid oriented at a 45-degree angle from the rest of Bakersfield . Highway 178 crosses the neighborhood, providing quick and direct access to downtown Bakersfield . From there, drivers can connect to the main arteries of California State Routes 99 and 58, which link the region to Los Angeles (via I-5) and the rest of California .
Public Transit
The local public transit agency is Golden Empire Transit (GET) . There are 7 bus stops in East Bakersfield, providing bus service to get around the neighborhood and connect to other parts of the city . While Bakersfield is largely a car-dependent city, East Bakersfield itself is considered a walkable neighborhood by its residents .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
While East Bakersfield is located in the flat floor of the San Joaquin Valley, it serves as a gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which lies to the east . The mountains are a visible presence on the horizon and offer recreational opportunities for residents.
Water Bodies
The most significant waterway in the area is the Kern River . The Kern River Parkway Trail is a paved path that spans more than 30 miles (48 km) along the river, providing a scenic route for walking, running, and biking. It is accessible from points near downtown Bakersfield, just west of East Bakersfield .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
East Bakersfield has a hot, arid desert climate . It is characterized by very hot, dry summers and mild winters with chilly nights. Due to its location in a valley, the area often experiences poor air quality, exacerbated by agricultural and oil industry activities .
Average Temperatures by Season
- Summer: The summer months are extremely hot, with average daily temperatures often reaching near 100°F (38°C) .
- Winter: Winters are mild, with cool days and chilly nights, though snow is extremely rare .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit East Bakersfield are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are comfortably warm for exploring Old Town Kern on foot, dining outdoors, and enjoying the parks without the extreme heat of summer .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
East Bakersfield is home to a unique blend of culinary traditions, most notably its historic Basque restaurants and authentic Mexican eateries. The area's food scene is deeply rooted in its immigrant history and working-class roots.
Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge is a cornerstone of East Bakersfield's Basque culinary tradition, opened in 1954 by J.B. and Mayie Maitia . The restaurant remains a family affair, now run by the third generation of the family, and continues to use Mayie's original recipes .
The restaurant is famous for its family-style Basque meals, which begin with a "setup" of several pre-entree courses. This typically includes a simple salad with vinaigrette, a hearty vegetable soup with carrots, potatoes, leeks, and cabbage, and Mayie's original recipe for pinquito beans . This spread is served with thick slabs of sourdough bread from the nearby Pyrenees French Bakery .
For the main course, the menu features classic Basque dishes. The garlic fried chicken is the number-one seller, but for a truly authentic Basque experience, the oxtail stew is highly recommended . Other specialties include lamb and sweetbreads. The dining experience is communal, with guests seated at long, checkered tablecloth-covered tables, fostering a sense of community .
No meal at Wool Growers is complete without trying the house specialty cocktail, the Picon Punch. This potent local favorite is a mix of cognac, grenadine, and Amer Picon liqueur, served in a small tumbler . Another traditional drink is the Calimocho, a simple mix of red wine and cola .
Grandma's Tamales Restaurant
Located at 201 E California Ave, Grandma's Tamales Restaurant is a beloved spot for authentic Mexican food, drawing visitors from all over California . The restaurant's vibrant, colorful exterior and festive interior with string lights signal a commitment to traditional, flavorful cooking .
The restaurant is renowned throughout the state for its tacos de carne . The beef is perfectly caramelized on the edges while remaining tender and juicy, with a deep smokiness from hours of careful preparation. Served with fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and a selection of freshly made salsas, these tacos are a masterclass in balance .
Another standout dish is the pork menudo, a traditional Mexican soup that has achieved legendary status among locals . The rich, reddish broth is a complex symphony of guajillo and ancho chilies, herbs, and spices. Tender chunks of pork and plump hominy complete this hearty and flavorful soup, which is traditionally enjoyed on weekend mornings. It is served with fresh chopped onions, crushed oregano, and lime wedges on the side .
The restaurant's namesake, the tamales, are handcrafted treasures wrapped in corn husks. Whether filled with pork, chicken, or cheese and jalapeño, each one features tender, flavorful masa and well-seasoned fillings .
The Historic Basque Corridor
East Bakersfield's 19th and Sumner streets were once the heart of a thriving Basque community, a legacy of the sheepherders and immigrants who settled in the area . While some historic establishments like the original Noriega Hotel (founded in 1893) have closed, their spirit lives on in the remaining restaurants .
Along with Wool Growers, other nearby Basque institutions like Pyrenees French Bakery and Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen help maintain the area's unique culinary identity, supported by a loyal, multi-generational customer base . This corridor offers a taste of a culinary tradition that is nearly impossible to find anywhere else in California.
Museums
While East Bakersfield itself may not have large, world-renowned museums, its location within the city of Bakersfield provides access to several significant cultural and historical institutions that showcase the region's unique heritage.
Kern County Museum
The Kern County Museum, located a short distance from East Bakersfield, is the primary institution for understanding the area's history. It is perhaps best known for its "Black Gold: The Story of Oil in Kern County" exhibit. This comprehensive display chronicles the region's pivotal role in the California oil boom, featuring historic machinery, interactive displays, and the stories of the people who built the industry .
The museum's sprawling 16-acre campus also features the Pioneer Village, a collection of more than 50 historic buildings from around Kern County, relocated and restored to create a living history experience. These include a one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, and early 20th-century homes, offering a tangible link to the area's pioneer and agricultural past.
Sport and Sports Legends
East Bakersfield is part of the wider Bakersfield sports landscape, which is rich with local teams, venues, and notable athletes. The community's passion for sports is evident in its support for local high schools and college teams.
Local Sports Venues
The most significant sporting venue near East Bakersfield is the Kern County Raceway Park. Located just south of Bakersfield, this 0.5-mile paved oval track is a major destination for auto racing fans in Central California. It hosts events for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and the ARCA Menards Series West, drawing regional and national talent.
For baseball fans, Sam Lynn Ballpark is a historic venue in Bakersfield. Known for its unique orientation, the field faces west, causing batters to contend with the setting sun during evening games. It was the long-time home of the Bakersfield Blaze minor league baseball team and now hosts local college and high school games.
Sports Teams
East Bakersfield is home to East Bakersfield High School, whose athletic teams, the Blades, have a long-standing tradition of competition in the South Yosemite League. The school's football and basketball games are key community events, fostering local pride and rivalries, particularly with other Bakersfield high schools like Bakersfield High School and Garces Memorial High School.
At the collegiate level, the California State University, Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield) Roadrunners compete in NCAA Division I sports. The Icardo Center on the CSUB campus is the venue for Roadrunner basketball and volleyball games, providing high-level college athletics within the city.
Famous Athletes Connected to the Area
Bakersfield and Kern County have produced an impressive array of professional athletes, particularly in baseball and football.
- Stephen Neal: A graduate of Bakersfield High School, Neal was a standout wrestler at CSU Bakersfield before achieving remarkable success in the NFL as an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX).
- Colin Kaepernick: The former NFL quarterback and activist was born in Milwaukee but grew up in Turlock, California. However, he played his college football at the University of Nevada, Reno, not directly in Bakersfield. A more direct connection is through his adoptive parents, who lived in the area.
- Frank "Buck" O'Brien: A native of Bakersfield, O'Brien was a Major League Baseball pitcher in the early 20th century.
- Bakersfield Blaze Alumni: For decades, the Bakersfield Blaze minor league team served as a development ground for future MLB stars. Notable alumni who played in Bakersfield include Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr. , and Randy Johnson, though their time here was brief and early in their professional careers.
The strong baseball culture in the area is also highlighted by the success of local high school teams and players who are frequently drafted into professional baseball, continuing Bakersfield's legacy as a baseball hotbed.
Universities and Educational Institutions
While East Bakersfield is primarily a residential and commercial area, it is in close proximity to the key higher education institutions that serve the entire Bakersfield region.
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB)
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) , though located in the northeast part of the city, is the premier four-year public university serving the area. Founded in 1965, it is part of the prestigious 23-campus California State University system. CSUB is known for its strong programs in business, education, nursing, and criminal justice. The university's main campus is a modern one, featuring the Walter W. Stiern Library and the Icardo Center for athletics. It plays a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of Bakersfield, hosting lectures, concerts, and art exhibits.
Bakersfield College (BC)
Bakersfield College (BC) , located on a beautiful hilltop campus, is a comprehensive community college that has been a cornerstone of higher education in Kern County since 1913. As one of the oldest community colleges in California, BC has a rich history. It offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs and is a primary transfer pathway for students aiming to attend four-year universities like CSUB or schools across the state. BC's strong athletics program and its performing arts center also make it a hub of community activity.
Taft College
While not in Bakersfield, Taft College is another community college within Kern County, located about 30 miles west. It is notable for its unique programs, including its renowned Kern County Fire Academy, which trains firefighters from across the region, and its support programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
Healthcare Institutions
East Bakersfield is served by several key healthcare facilities, ranging from a major teaching hospital to local community health centers that provide essential services to residents.
Kern Medical
Kern Medical is the cornerstone of healthcare in the area. Located at 1700 Mount Vernon Avenue, it is a public, teaching hospital and the only Level III Trauma Center in Kern County . Founded in the 19th century, it has a long history of serving the community, particularly the county's underserved populations.
Kern Medical is known for its affiliation with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, making it a vital training ground for future physicians . It is nationally recognized for its research and treatment of Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) , a fungal disease endemic to the Central Valley . Locals recommend its emergency room as one of the best in the county .
East Niles Community Health Center
For primary and specialty care, the East Niles Community Health Center serves the eastern part of Bakersfield. Located at 7800 Niles Street, this practice specializes in Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Dentistry . With a large team of 39 providers, including Dr. Hector Arreaza, MD, and Dr. Fiona Axelsson, MD, it offers accessible healthcare to the community . The center provides services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Hindi, and Hmong, reflecting the diversity of the area .
Other Nearby Hospitals
In addition to these facilities within East Bakersfield, residents also have access to other major medical centers in the broader Bakersfield area. These include Adventist Health Bakersfield and Memorial Hospital, which offer comprehensive acute care services, including specialized centers for heart care, cancer treatment, and women's health.