Bakersfield is a growing community. Some work in Los Angeles but are willing to commute in order to have a nicer house in a better community, some people just want to get away from the huge cities, and others are looking to get out of the small towns.
There are many reasons people would want to come to Bakersfield. It’s not too big and not too small, and in many places people are genuine and give you that small town feeling. I welcome change, and I welcome new people to this great city, but I don’t welcome the destruction of things that many people native to the city hold dear.
Mesa Marin Raceway is a landmark. To many people it’s more important than the Bakersfield sign on Buck Owens Boulevard everyone loves so much.
In April of 1977 the track opened and since has gained the title by racers and fans as the “fastest half mile” in the west. Throughout the years, it has become a staple to many of the people in Bakersfield and surrounding areas. The Marion family has provided entertainment for years, bringing many big event races to the track and have also helped start careers of racers, such as Kevin Harvick. After decades of racing, houses were built near the track and residents were not too fond of the noise the events at the raceway created.
I think it’s common sense to check out the neighborhood and surrounding area when investing in something expensive as a house, it would probably be hard to miss the half-mile asphalt track and stands. The houses were built, people complained, and the housing project ended up buying out the land in order to solve the problem.
Where was the public outcry? I know there were a few people complaining, but there was hardly any controversy surrounding this event.
I believe more people would care about Deja Vu being torn down to build houses. We should hold on to the things that make our community unique, the things that separate us from cities like Los Angeles, not tear them down to build a few houses.