Over the past couple of months in Bakersfield, California there has been a lot of construction going on to fix the roads, make them look better, and make new bike lanes. With all the construction it causes a lot of problems for people to get where they need to be at the time they are supposed to.
Daisy Guitron, is a PE teacher and girl’s soccer coach here at Ridgeview High School. Guitron says that, “I like connecting with the students over the years.” Guitron has been driving for the past 14 years, and says how the construction is very annoying. “It is frustrating at times, but I do want our city/neighborhood to look nice,” says Guitron. She explains how it takes a longer time to get where she needs to and a longer drive if she tries to go around the construction. Guitron is glad that the roads are going to be in good shape and for the city to look nice. “I’m excited by the bike lanes, I hope to see more people riding their bikes for health reasons and to help the environment,” says Guitron. Guitron is also excited for the new roads because it’s going to make the road safer for students when walking home and driving.
Leslie Reyes, is a student here at Ridgeview High School. Reyes feelings towards all the construction going on right now that she’s okay about it. “I feel this way because there’s not much we can do about it,” says Reyes. Reyes feels that all this construction isn’t needed because there was nothing wrong with the roads. “It makes driving much longer to get to school,” says Reyes. She explains how she shows up five to ten minutes late due to all the traffic. To try and avoid being late Reyes leaves her house way earlier then she used to. “Leaving earlier helps me have more time to go to school without having to deal with traffic,” says Reyes. Even though there is a lot of traffic due to the construction. Reyes thinks that it’s going to be a good thing for the community.
Jocelyn Olivas, is a student here at Ridgeview High School. Oliva’s feeling towards all the construction going on right now is that there is way too much traffic. “I can’t even get to school sometimes,” says Olivas. Olivas says even though there is a lot of traffic the construction is very much needed because the roads are messed up. “The road over there on Ash road is really bumpy.” Olivas explains how she shows up five to fifteen minutes late depending on the day due to all the traffic. To try and avoid being late all the time, Olivas takes the back road which sometimes goes faster. “I hope it’s a good thing because nicer roads,” says Olivas.
Overall, the construction is causing some problems for students and staff here at Ridgeview to get to school on time. Even though it’s causing problems, staff and students think it’s a good thing to make the roads look nicer and safer for people to drive on.
