Bakersfield Business

When my 13-year-old son finished reading Jonathan Gold’s “Achy-Breaky Bakersfield” (July 5), he remarked, “Mom, this doesn’t sound like the town where we live.” And he was right.

While the article featured the rich Basque heritage, deep country music roots and small-town quality of life treasured by Bakersfield natives and newcomers alike, the article’s content and tone gave would-be visitors at best a one-dimensional picture.

Only passing reference was made to Bakersfield’s well-respected symphony orchestra now celebrating its 60th anniversary and the city’s nationally accredited art museum. No mention was made of the many cultural resources of California State University, Bakersfield, nor of the city’s very sophisticated restaurants comparable to the likes of Carmel or Santa Barbara (Mama Tosca’s, The Blue Note, Patrick’s, The Bistro).

Finally, to put the city in perspective, no mention was made of the thriving civic spirit which in 1990 earned Bakersfield the prestigious “All American City” designation.

SUSAN C. HERSBERGER

Bakersfield