Bakersfield, one of the sunniest cities in the US, only behind Yuma, AZ and Palm Springs, CA, was named after Colonel Thomas Baker in 1869. Its economy relies on agriculture and petroleum refining. Bakersfield is the birthplace of Buck Owens and is the site of the Buck Owens Crystal Palace, a museum/restaurant/night club. Notable attractions in downtown Bakersfield include the Rabobank Arena, the McMurtrey Aquatic Center, the Hotel Padre building, the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the historic Fox Theater.
