Bring on the neon: Bus tour hits city's brightest spots

Some say neon signs are expensive, hard-to-maintain relics of the past. It's far smarter to use modern high-tech LED, electronic video signs and cheaper alternatives.

Just don't say that to Salomon (Sal) Avila.

Over the past 15 years, the Bakersfield businessman has invested thousands of dollars in neon signs to draw attention to his two Mauricio's Restaurants -- on Rosedale Highway and White Lane.

"I'm a big fan of neon," Avila said, acknowledging that he could have purchased cheaper illuminated signs for his restaurants. "But neon is a piece of Americana. It's bright. It's beautiful. It's great to show off your logo. It says something special about your business."