Should Highway 58 be a state scenic highway?
Average citizens often yearn to contribute something of lasting value. We want to leave behind a tangible good, one appreciated even by those who will never know us. Those opportunities are rare. Now such an opportunity presents itself to all county residents who admire the scenic wonder displayed on either side of Highway 58 as it winds its way up from General Beale Road on the east outskirts of Bakersfield to the mountain community of Tehachapi.
California's Scenic Highways Program makes it possible for all of us to make this section of Highway 59 significant. We only need write a letter to the Kern Council of Governments to express support for securing scenic highway designation for Highway 58. The price of a postage stamp and a few minutes of our time are the only investments required. Your letter does not need to be long, only sincere.
California established the Scenic Highway Program in 1963 by legislative action. [State Senate Bill 1467 (Farr)]. The legislation also added Sections 260 and 263 of the Streets and Highway Code. With this program, the state declares its intention to be responsible for "the protection and enhancement of California's natural scenic beauty by identifying those portions of the state highway system which, together with adjacent scenic corridors, require special conservation treatment." Scenic corridors include land viewable from, adjacent to, and outside the highway right of way. The corridors are primarily scenic and natural. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is responsible for managing the Scenic Highway Program.
In establishing the program, the state wanted to call attention to California's scenic beauty and to its agriculture. It was also the state's goal to use it as an instrument to encourage growth of recreation and tourist industries as well as adding to the pleasure of the state's residents.
Highway 58 is a worthy candidate for the scenic designation -- it displays both scenic grandeur and California agriculture at its best. Thus, it fulfills not one, but two aims. Many designated scenic highways can only exhibit one.
In addition, Kern County residents have other reasons to want scenic designation for Highway 58. The Bakersfield Veterans Cemetery is located a short distance from the junctions of Highways 58 and 223. Before selecting this particular site, the Veterans Administration considered several locations. They selected this site over others. It's serene, majestic beauty comforts the grieving and provides a worthy resting place for our nation's most honored dead. Veterans groups throughout the county must unite in unsightly signs and construction to aid in the retaining beauty of the natural landscape. Highway 58, the main road leading to the cemetery, would remain unsullied and dignified.
Moving east along the highway, one passes the National Chavez Center. These grounds are the final resting place of Cesar Chavez who accomplished so much toward improving the lot of those working California's rich agricultural land. In celebrating our agriculture, it is fitting to honor him and all those others who have worked the soil. The center is open to the motoring public and documentary films and exhibits tell of the history and impact of Chavez' life.
What railroad man is not acquainted with the Tehachapi Loop? A recognized engineering marvel, it receives visitors from all over the world. This section of the rail line, completed over 130 years ago, continues to be a major importance. The loop is easily visible from Highway 58, but it lacks a safe viewing site. When feasible, Caltrans often constructs view sites for points of interest along our scenic highways.
Tucker Road in Tehachapi is the east end of the proposed project. Tehachapi recently opened up a railroad museum; it offers many displays and informative materials on the Tehachapi Loop and railroading in general. This friendly community offers good lodging, restaurants, shops, and is the gateway for other interesting side trips.
If we can have Highway 58 designated a scenic highway, it will be the first such designation in Kern County. Make it happen! Please express your support by writing to: Kern Council of Governments, 1401 19th St., Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
SOCORRO SCHMIDT is a Tehachapi resident and originator of the idea of getting state scenic highway designation for Highway 58 from Tehachapi west to General Beale Road.
