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LOS ANGELES (November 3, 2011) - After reviewing more than 100 submissions from cities throughout California hoping to be named official start or finish locations, AEG, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California, has announced the 13 official Host Cities for the 2012 race. Considered America's largest and most prestigious professional road cycling stage race, the seventh consecutive edition of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California will travel more than 750 miles from May 13 - 20, 2012.  

The much-anticipated Individual Time Trial, Stage 5, will be held in Bakersfield, a city that has hosted the Amgen Tour of California before (although not the Time Trial specifically), likely proving to favor those who have more than just speed as part of their repertoire.

"The Amgen Tour of California is a major win for Bakersfield," said Mayor Harvey L. Hall. It means a big economic impact to our community. This event is being held in Bakersfield because our community came together for the spectacular Stage Five finish in 2010 and showed how well we all can work together. We had a tremendous outpouring of volunteers who made the 2010 event a success and we look forward to having the same level of commitment for the 2012 Individual Time Trial."

Echoing his enthusiasm was Mike Maggard, Chairman of the Kern County Board of Supervisors. "In 2010, the Amgen Tour of California rode through spectacular Kern County scenery. The foothills were alive with the sights and sounds of outstanding athletes, and the images that were beamed throughout the world showed everyone the diverse nature that is Kern County. For 2012, the Individual Time Trial will provide a completely different experience. For an entire day, the cameras and attention will be right here."

Check out this exciting article on the Bakersfield Sound Exhibit opening in 2012 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee. 

In its 11^th Annual Parking Rate Survey, Colliers International found once again that Bakersfield has the lowest parking rates among U.S. metro areas.   

If you're in town tonight head down to Mill Creek and enjoy Third Thursday. The monthly event includes art exhibits, crafts, games, horse drawn wagon rides, music, shopping, businesses open late and of course all the great restaurants along Mill Creek in downtown Bakersfield. The heart of the events take place at Central Park.

Check it out tonight from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m

The Padre Hotel was one of five projects honored in the April issue of Lodging Hospitality, a publication that serves the domestic U.S. lodging industry. The Padre Hotel took top honors today after competing in the publications first ever on-line poll to determine the readers' choice for favorite Design Awards winner.  For reservations at the Padre Hotel visit the website www.thepadrehotel.com or call 1-888-443-3387. 

Check out this great article in The New York Times about Bakersfield's own Noriega's Basque restaurant.

For reservations contact Noriega Hotel at (661) 322-8419

Check out the article featured in Group Tour magazine about the Bakersfield Sound and Buck Owens' Crystal Palace.

Spring is a beautiful time of year at the California Living Museum.  If you haven't made the trip to check it out, now is the time.  Saturday April 16-23 is Spring Fling week at the California Living Museum. CALM will have a variety of activities including animal encounters, children's railroad, craft corner, sheep shearing and wool carding.  All children (3-12 years) will be admitted FREE with paid adult admission.  CALM is located at 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy and is open daily during Spring Fling 9 a.m to 5 p.m. 

The California Living Museum exists to display and interpret native California animals, plants, fossils and artifacts to teach a respect for all living things through education, recreation, conservation and research. Located on 14 acres, CALM's zoo features over 80 species of medically unreleasable animals. Only animals injured or who cannot survive in their native environment are housed at CALM. Natural exhibits include: an open black bear exhibit, bird of prey exhibit with hawks, owls and eagles, a mammal round that houses bobcats, and several species of foxes, a waterfowl pond with resident mallards attracts spring and fall migrants, deer yard, an underground reptile house, and a contact area with domestic animals. Several endangered species may be seen on exhibit.