I hate Union Ave. More specifically, I really hate the intersection of Union and 178. Just check out a map. There are something like 17 road meeting here!! I sincerely believe this intersection was designed for the sole purpose of confusing those new to town.

I mean, it’s not just Union and 178. What about the Golden State Ave.? Or Truxtun/Beale/Edison Hwy? I just don’t get it. I swear, I’ve been sent out on assignment on multiple occasions and had Google maps tell me to turn on a road that I seriously could not find.

Couldn’t a town that has so much space — space enough to allow free parking downtown! And parking on the side of nearly every street! So much parking! — have created some less confusing intersections?

That’s another thing. Space. Sometimes, I think I’m headed out of town because I haven’t seen a building in a while and there’s only desert-y landscape surrounding me, only to turn a corner and be confronted by gasp! Buildings! It’s strange. Also, sometimes roads take up enough space to be at least three lanes, but only one lane is drawn. And then you just simply don’t know what to do when you are navigating turning situations…and it results in giant white un-drivable triangles that are needed to create the turning lane. I repeat: I just don’t get it.

Coming soon: Why it is so incredibly difficult to exist with no form of in-state ID and a bank called Iowa State Bank.

--- Maggie Anderson

(p.s. No one take this as a bash on Bakersfield, please. I think nearly all towns have similar road issues.)