Pure Hell
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4/29/2007
I was born here in the 40s. Bakersfield had clean air, practically no crime, and was just a quick hop away from the mountains or coast. TODAY, carry a gun! Wear an oxygen tank whenever you venture outside because we have the distinction of having the worst air quality in the U.S. To get to the coast now, you have to go into battle to fight the congestion and by the time you get there, you're exhausted. The cost of living, which brought so many home seekers here, is now right up there with the rest of the state, with the exception of Orange County and the northern areas. Oh, and ask a physician about the dreaded Valley Fever spores which attach themselves to you lungs -- a possibly fatal disease. If you like 5 months of hot,dry heat (always carry lotion and lip balm), a high crime rate, street gangs and not being able to put potted plants or liftable items by your front door (even in the swankiest neighborhoods), boredom and traffic congestion, then THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!!! Did I mention, the entire month of July usually runs around 110 degrees? Yep, it does. Also, learn to speak Spanish and I hope you're very conservative because everyone wears blinders here. Cheers.
Janet | Bakersfield, CA