With a long, holiday weekend, many valley residents took advantage of an extra day off and opted to spend time outdoors. Despite the obvious sight of pollution, it didn't seem to bother locals or prevent them from being outdoors.
Ashley Flores moved to Bakersfield at a young age and said "when I first moved here, I could feel it...and now we got used to it, so we don't really feel it," she said.
Today's air quality index number is 107, which falls into the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,' range.
The valley has consistently been in the 'moderate,' range this winter, but the early signs of heat are bringing changes.
Debbie Barksdale, like Flores moved to the area over 10 years ago. Even moving inland from the California coast, Barksdale says her body has been well acclimated to the air quality.
When asking about the air quality, Barksdale said "actually for Bakersfield, it's been pretty good."
For those longing for winter and fresh air, a system expected to hit the region by midweek could bring some relief.
