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Feature Story:

CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE NEW ENTRY “WELCOME” SIGNS

With the completion of the new entry monument signs at the north and south sites along State Highway 99, a special ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, April 30th at 3:00 p.m. at the location of the south sign, near South H Street and McKee Road.

The new signs, which were approved by the City Council last year, are the result of collaboration between Councilmember Sue Benham, representatives of Vision 2020, and Brent Dezember, president of local company StructureCast.   The “Welcome to Bakersfield” message remains the same, but the appearance has been updated, incorporating the stylized “Bakersfield” wording with the green leaf suggested by Vision 2020.  The new signs also have a lighter background color, creating a brighter look and better visibility from the highway.  River rock has been installed on the columns to complete the new look.   

The City of Bakersfield and Vision 2020 gratefully acknowledge Mr. Dezember and StructureCast for manufacturing the pre-cast signs.  Mr. Dezember also coordinated with several local companies for the donation of other expenses related to the new signs.  City Neon provided the design work; Brian Ward handled the structural engineering, and Turner Crane removed the old signs and installed the new versions.    

The sign that greets motorists entering Bakersfield from the south is located near South H Street and McKee Road.  It is visible on the east side of the highway.  The sign that greets motorists entering the city from the north is located in the vicinity of Snow Road and Golden State Avenue and is visible on the west side of the highway.  Plans call for the sign at the north location to be relocated at a later date, closer to the new interchange being constructed at State Highway 99 and 7th Standard Road.

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