Lokern, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lokern
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Country | United States |
State | California |
County | Kern County |
Elevation | 279 ft (85 m) |
Lokern is a small, quiet place in Kern County, California. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it is not a city or town with its own local government. Instead, it is part of the larger county area.
Lokern is located about 8 miles (13 km) north-northeast of a place called McKittrick. It sits right along the tracks of the Southern Pacific Railroad. The area is about 279 feet (85 meters) above sea level. This is like being almost as tall as a 28-story building!
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes or businesses that are not part of an official city. They do not have their own mayor or city council. Instead, the county government takes care of services like roads and police.
How Communities Grow
Sometimes, small groups of people live close together. They might not have enough people to form a city. Or, they might choose not to. These places are often called communities or hamlets.
Services for Residents
Even without a city government, people in unincorporated areas still get services. The county provides things like fire protection and schools. They also manage local roads and parks.
Lokern's Location in Kern County
Lokern is found in Kern County. This is a very large county in the southern part of California. Kern County is known for many things.
Deserts and Mountains
Kern County has different types of land. You can find deserts, mountains, and even some valleys. This makes the area very interesting to explore.
Farming and Energy
Many people in Kern County work in farming. They grow crops like grapes, almonds, and cotton. The county is also important for producing oil and natural gas.
The Southern Pacific Railroad Connection
The Southern Pacific Railroad is a very old and important railway. It played a big role in connecting different parts of the United States.
A Path Through History
Railroads like the Southern Pacific helped people travel across the country. They also moved goods and supplies. This helped towns and communities like Lokern grow.
Trains Today
Even today, trains still use these tracks. They carry goods across long distances. This helps businesses and people all over the country.
Understanding Elevation
Lokern's elevation is 279 feet (85 meters). Elevation tells us how high a place is above sea level. Sea level is the average height of the ocean's surface.
Why Elevation Matters
Elevation can affect many things. It can change the weather and even the types of plants that grow there. Places with higher elevation are often cooler.
Measuring Height
Scientists and mapmakers use special tools to measure elevation. This helps them create accurate maps. It also helps us understand the landscape.