The first settlers that came to Bakersfield were attracted by findings of gold at the bottom of the Kern River. That was in 1851. Soon there was no more gold available in the hills or rivers and in 1869, Colonel Thomas Baker was tasked with developing a plan for the sprawling town. 

Named after him, the city of Bakersfield was growing as a commercial center even in the midst of the gold rush. In 1899, oil was discovered nearby, and with time, this discovery spurred growth in the oil and manufacturing industry. Today, this 13th largest city in California which lies in the San Joaquin Valley, is one of the top in the United States to produce oil and provides about 70% of it to the state.   

In 1868 Arroyo Grande, California became settled, and the business district consisted of a schoolhouse, black smith shop, and stage station. Today, this alluring town, meaning "wide riverbed" in Spanish, remains dotted with historic buildings dating from the late 1800's. The first members of the community were primarily farmers who were attracted by the fertile soil. Today, one of the biggest industries in Arroyo Grande is the production of strawberries, and a yearly festival in May showcases the local crops. Also, home to Arroyo Grande Trucking Company, formed in 1929 to haul fruits and vegetables to Los Angeles and San Francisco, the company merged in 1963 which became Certified Freight Lines.