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Arvin, "The Garden in the Sun"
Topics: Arvin, Wildflower Festival, Kern County, Bakersfield
Posted by admin Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 351 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: Arvin, CA

If only Arvin Richardson ( a postal worker in Kern County during the early 1900’s ) could see his namesake community nowadays.

 

Arvin, located 18 miles southeast of Bakersfield, was founded in 1907. It was incorporated as a city on Dec. 21, 1960.

 

Throughout Arvin’s history, its residents have lived in this “Garden in the Sun” for its small-town feel, its love of neighbors and welcoming atmosphere toward visitors.

 

“My favorite thing about Arvin is it’s such a friendly place,” said Vanessa Regalado, a lifelong Arvin resident.

 

“You can walk outside and feel safe, and people will say hello to you - this is a very family-oriented community.” Each April, many of the roughly 15,000 Arvin residents come together for the Wildflower Festival, which celebrates the beautiful blooms found among the foothills of Bear Mountain.

 

The event is held at Smotherman Park, one of Arvin’s recreational go-to spots in the heart of this southern-most San Joaquin Valley city.

There’s also Sycamore Canyon Golf Course, an 18-hole golfer’s paradise, with numerous water hazards adding to the course’s charm and challenge.

 

Other popular community events include the Arvin Chamber of Commerce’s annual crab feed and the area’s old-fashioned Little League games.

 

Arvin schools include two elementary campuses - Sierra Vista and Bear Mountain - and one middle school, Haven Drive.

 

The city also has one high school, Arvin High, home of the beloved Arvin Bears.

 

New housing developments continue to expand the city.

 

Geographic information

Size: 4.8 square miles

Climate: Average temperatures - January, 56; July, 97; September, 89; November; 65

Rainfall: 7 to 9 inches annually

 

Economic demographics

Population: 15,027

Average household income: $23,674

Average housing cost: $77,000

 

Business

Major employer: agriculture

 

Arvin Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 192, Arvin, 93203, 854-2265

 

History

Year founded: 1907; incorporated 1960

 

Government

City Hall: 200 Campus Drive, 854-3134

 

Mayor: Tim Tarver

 

County Representative: Kern County Supervisors District 5, Supervisor Michael J. Rubio, field representative Kim Salas, Kim Salas, salask@co.kern.ca.us. Nearest office 12014 Main St., Lamont, 93241, 868-5815, fax 845-6537, district5@co.kern.ca.us, www.co.kern.ca.us

 

Public safety

Arvin Police Department: 200 Campus Drive, 854-5583 Kern County Fire Department: Station 54, 301 Campus Drive, 854-5517

 

Animal Control: 200 Campus Drive, 854-5583 Clubs and recreation

 

Kern County Library: Arvin Branch, 201 Campus Drive, 854-5934, www.kerncountylibrary.org

 

Public golf course: Sycamore Canyon, 500 Kenmar Lane, 854-3163. Hours: 6 a.m to 6 p.m., seven days a week. Fees: Monday through Friday, $18 to walk, $28 to ride (cart); Senior discount during weekends, $12 to walk, $9 to ride; Weekends, all $23 to walk; $35 to ride. Twilight special 1 p.m.

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