text:
Boron, California

Boron (formerly Amargo, Baker, Borate, and Kern) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Boron is 15 mi southwest of Red Rock Mountain at an elevation of 2467 feet. The population was 2,086 at the 2020 census, up from 2,025 at the 2000 census. Boron is named after the element boron and is the site of the world's largest source of the boron compound boric acid.

Boron is a hinterland community on the western edge of the Mojave Desert. Within a half day's drive one can view the highest and lowest points in the contiguous 48 states of the United States (Mount Whitney and Death Valley), the world's oldest tree, the bristlecone pine, and the cities of Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Boron is home to the U.S. Borax Boron Mine (35.0429°N, -117.67928°W), California's largest open-pit mine, which is also the largest borax mine in the world.

Geography
Boron is on the border of Kern and San Bernardino Counties along State Route 58. The coordinates are: 34.99944°N, -117.64972°W. Boron is 65 mi north of Palmdale, 85 mi east of Bakersfield, and 40 mi west of Barstow in the Antelope Valley region of California's Mojave Desert. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.82 sqmi, over 99 percent of which is land.

2010 census
The 2010 United States Census reported that Boron had a population of 2,253. The population density was 163.0 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Boron was 1,746 (77.5 percent) White, 162 (7.2 percent) African American, 49 (2.2 percent) Native American, 47 (2.1 percent) Asian, 4 (0.2 percent) Pacific Islander, 141 (6.3 percent) from other races, and 104 (4.6 percent) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 406 persons (18.0 percent).

The census reported that 2,253 people (100 percent of the population) lived in households, zero percent lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and none were institutionalized.

There were 892 households, out of which 295 (33.1 percent) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 364 (40.8 percent) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 126 (14.1 percent) had a female householder with no husband present, 61 (6.8 percent) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 67 (7.5 percent) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and three (0.3 percent) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 294 households (33 percent) were made up of individuals, and 112 (12.6 percent) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53. There were 551 families (61.8 percent of all households); the average family size was 3.21.

The population was spread out, with 621 people (27.6 percent) under the age of 18, 173 people (7.7 percent) aged 18 to 24, 472 people (20.9 percent) aged 25 to 44, 691 people (30.7 percent) aged 45 to 64, and 296 people (13.1 percent) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.1 males.

There were 1,208 housing units at an average density of 87.4 /sqmi, of which 505 (56.6 percent) were owner-occupied, and 387 (43.4 percent) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.2 percent; the rental vacancy rate was 31.4 percent. 1,246 people (55.3 percent of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,007 people (44.7 percent) lived in rental housing units.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,025 people, 801 households, and 535 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 146.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,103 housing units at an average density of 79.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.04 percent White, 2.22 percent Black or African American, 2.86 percent Native American, 1.58 percent Asian, 0.10 percent Pacific Islander, 4.74 percent from other races, and 3.46 percent two or more races. Nine percent of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 801 households, out of which 31.2 percent had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7 percent were married couples living together, 10.2 percent had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1 percent were non-families. 29.1 percent of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9 percent had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the CDP, the age distribution of the population shows 28 percent under the age of 18, 6.7 percent 18 to 24, 25.2 percent from 25 to 44, 26.9 percent from 45 to 64, and 13.2 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $40,625, and the median income for a family was $44,674. Males had a median income of $47,045 versus $23,854 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,294. About 15.2 percent of families and 19.7 percent of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.8 percent of those under age 18 and 19.4 percent of those age 65 or over.

History

Borate evaporites in the form of colemanite was first reported in 1913 during drilling of a water well. Claims were acquired by the Pacific Coast Borax Company and exploration continued. In 1925 commercial colemanite production began. In the 1920s and 30s borates were produced from the Baker and West Baker mines.

The first post office at Boron opened in 1938.

Industry

A large borax deposit was discovered in 1925, and the mining town of Boron was established soon thereafter. This borax deposit is now the world's largest borax mine. It is owned by Rio Tinto Minerals (formerly U.S. Borax). It is operated as an open-pit mine, the largest open-pit mine in California. This mine supplies nearly half of the world's supply of refined borates. Rio Tinto Minerals is Boron's primary employer, employing over 800 people.

6 mile east of Boron, across the county line in San Bernardino County, is the world's largest solar power production facility. The Kramer Junction Company (KJC) is the managing general partner of the five 30 megawatt Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) facilities in the Mojave Desert at Kramer Junction, California. Together with its wholly owned subsidiary, KJC Operating Company, KJC operates and manages these facilities (SEGS III-VII). These units generate enough electricity to provide the electrical needs of 30,000 to 40,000 homes without the use of fossil fuels during the day.

Attractions

 * Saxon Aerospace Museum, honors aviation history related to nearby Edwards Air Force Base and its Air Force Test Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden
 * Borax Visitor Center at Rio Tinto Borax Mine, provides information about borax, how it is mined, and how it is used
 * Twenty Mule Team Museum, adjacent to the Saxon Aerospace Museum, explains the Twenty-mule teams that originally hauled borax
 * Boron Chamber Weather Station, a satirical weather forecast and cultural landmark of the town

Law enforcement
Law enforcement services are provided by the Kern County Sheriff's Department. From 1933 to 1954, personnel from the Mojave substation met the law enforcement need of the Boron area. The first actual office space occupied by the sheriff's office in Boron was a quonset hut shared with the fire department in the 12200 block of Boron Avenue. This continued until 1963 when the sheriff's office established the substation building at 26949 Cote Street. This building housed a small jail and the court in Boron, which operated one day a week.

A federal prison was closed in 2000.

Fire services
In 1969 the new Boron station 17 opened at 26965 Cote Street. This fire station is operated by the Kern County Fire Department.

Schools
Boron schools are part of the Muroc Joint Unified School District. The local Boron schools include the K – 6 grade West Boron Elementary School, and the 7 – 12th grade Boron High School. Boron High School's mascot is the Bobcat. Boron's first school, Gephart School was built in 1929. It burned to the ground in 1994.

Churches
Boron's original church building was completed for the First Baptist Church in 1940. Boron currently has eight churches. They are the Assembly of God Church, the Boron Bible Church, the Church of Christ, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the First Baptist Church of Boron, the Jesus Name Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church, St. Joseph's Catholic Church and Christians in Faith Church.

Notable residents

 * Boron was the home of "Walking George" Swain, whose penchant for walking made him a legend. George earned his name as "Walking George" because he never owned a car, or house, and walked to and from work—from his home, which was always rumored to be just a hole in the desert. He supposedly kept himself warm at night with a covering of newspapers. His wardrobe was always the same: wrinkled shirt and pants with well-worn boots. Swain was a chemist at the borax plant in Boron. He attended local events and often played the piano for entertainment. He taught piano to children in Boron and played at the Baptist Church. On his 59th birthday in 1978 an article about George appeared in the Los Angeles Times. By May 1979 he was featured on the TV show Real People. He died on April 25, 2000.
 * Boron was home to Pancho Barnes from 1966 to 1975. Barnes was a world-renowned air race and stunt pilot during the 1920s and 1930s. She is better known, however, for being the matron of the Happy Bottom Riding Club. She was forced to move when, during a heated dispute with Edwards Air Force Base over the expansion of one of the nearby base's runways, the club mysteriously burned down. Years later Barnes moved to Boron from Gypsy Springs when her age no longer allowed her to properly tend to her ranch. She died in Boron during the spring of 1975.

Media
The movie Erin Brockovich (2000), starring Julia Roberts, and various other movies have been filmed in the town, often using local residents as extras.
 * Movies/shows using locations in and around Boron
 * Locked Out (2010)
 * Erin Brockovich (2000)
 * Gentleman Don La Mancha (2004)
 * Gridiron Gang (1993) (TV)
 * Neon Signs (1996)
 * Spotlight on Location: Erin Brockovich (2000) (TV)
 * ...aka Making of 'Erin Brockovich', The (2000) (TV)
 * ''Death Valley Days (1952–1975)
 * The Carpetbaggers (1964)

title: Boron, California


text:
Buttonwillow, California

Buttonwillow is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California. Buttonwillow is 26 mi west of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 269 feet). The population was 1,508 at the 2010 census, up from 1,266 at the 2000 census. The center of population of California is located in Buttonwillow.

History
The town was originally called Buena Vista when it was founded in 1895, but the name quickly became Buttonwillow.

Buttonwillow was named for the buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). A lone buttonbush served as a landmark on an old trans-valley trail and was used by ancient Yokuts Indian as a meeting place, later becoming the site of settlers' stock rodeos. The Miller & Lux holdings company eventually established a headquarters and store near the tree. This tree is listed as California Historical Landmark No. 492. This landmark is now known as the Buttonwillow Tree. California Historical Landmark reads:
 * .NO. 492 BUTTONWILLOW TREE - This lone tree, which gave the town of Buttonwillow its name, served as a landmark on an old trans-valley trail. An ancient Yokuts Indian meeting place, it later became the site of settlers' stock rodeos. Miller and Lux established their headquarters and store here about 1885."

The first United States Post Office at Buttonwillow was established in 1895.

Facilities
Buttonwillow is a major stop for motorists traveling on Interstate 5. It includes gas stations, restaurants and travel centers. These are all at the exit of State Route 58.

There is a large electrical substation next to the town that is a part of a major north–south transmission corridor. It marks the northern end of Path 26 across the Transverse Ranges and the southern end of the Path 15 power lines. Buttonwillow is the motel hub for members of the Sports Car Club of America's Cal Club region when they hold events at Cal Club-owned Buttonwillow Raceway Park. Several motels are located there as well.

The town is also known for hosting the Best in the West jet rally, an annual gathering of model jet enthusiasts.

Buttonwillow's main industry is cotton farming.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Buttonwillow has an area of 6.9 sqmi, all of it land. Buttonwillow is also locally known as the cotton country, due to the abundant planting of cotton in the vicinity.

Beginning about 4 mile south of town along Elk Hills Road, between Buttonwillow and Taft, is the enormous Elk Hills Oil Field, formerly the Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 1, which figured prominently in the Teapot Dome scandal that tarnished the administration of President Warren G. Harding. Occidental Petroleum bought the reserve from the U.S. Department of Energy in 1998, and is the current primary operator of the oil field.

Climate
Buttonwillow has a cold desert climate (BWk) typical of the southern part of California's Central Valley with hot, dry summers and cool winters.

2010
At the 2010 census Buttonwillow had a population of 1,508. The population density was 217.7 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Buttonwillow was 534 (35.4%) White, 36 (2.4%) African American, 11 (0.7%) Native American, 10 (0.7%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 890 (59.0%) from other races, and 27 (1.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,183 persons (78.4%).

The whole population lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and no one was institutionalized.

There were 379 households, 225 (59.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 217 (57.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 64 (16.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 39 (10.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 36 (9.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1 (0.3%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 46 households (12.1%) were one person and 29 (7.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.98. There were 320 families (84.4% of households); the average family size was 4.30.

The age distribution was 561 people (37.2%) under the age of 18, 162 people (10.7%) aged 18 to 24, 428 people (28.4%) aged 25 to 44, 265 people (17.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 92 people (6.1%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 26.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.9 males.

There were 406 housing units at an average density of 58.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 184 (48.5%) were owner-occupied and 195 (51.5%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.4%. 699 people (46.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 809 people (53.6%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 1,266 people, 328 households, and 270 families in the CDP. The population density was 181.7 PD/sqmi. There were 364 housing units at an average density of 52.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 34.28% White, 3.79% Black or African American, 1.66% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 55.06% from other races, and 5.13% from two or more races. 68.40% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 328 households 56.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 15.2% of households were one person and 7.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.81 and the average family size was 4.25.

The age distribution was 38.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 13.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% 65 or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.6 males.

The median household income was $28,370 and the median family income was $29,716. Males had a median income of $19,514 versus $16,974 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,424. About 23.1% of families and 28.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.4% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

Environment

Buttonwillow, California, is the host to one of California's two active hazardous waste landfills: the Lokern Facility. The facility, owned and operated by a company then known as Laidlaw Environmental, which subsequently became Safety-Kleen and was later purchased in 2012 by Clean Harbors, lies 8 mile west of the community. It was created in the 1970s, without the notification of any of the county's residents. Furthermore, Highway 58, a busy road through the community, was used as the main route for trucks from the facility to transport toxic loads. At times, as many as 200 trucks per day could travel around the community in a defined traffic route that does not permit trucks through the town.

HISTORICAL BUT NOT CONFIRMED NOR VERIFIED: According to a study performed by Lisa Schweitzer, “transport spills [from toxic waste transporters, such as trucks] generally cluster near origins more than destinations." In the study, Schweitzer observed the amount of toxic waste that is spilled during transportation and the area where spills are generally located. If intermodal facilities and transfer points are considered origins, Laidlaw Environmental would qualify. Furthermore, the hundreds of trucks that transport toxic loads travel in and out of the community every day. Given the results of Schweitzer's study, the residents of nearby communities (Buttonwillow, especially) are at the highest risk of experiencing side effects from the spills. Generally, spills occur as a result of human error, in which the load was packaged incorrectly or the driver experienced a vehicle accident or some other force which allowed for the leaking of toxins.

It was nearly ten years before the residents of Buttonwillow became aware of the facility. Even then, residents felt as if they could do nothing to stop it. In 1988, Laidlaw Environmental proposed to build a toxic waste incinerator, which would burn up to 108000 short ton of toxic waste each year. The development and construction of the incinerator was never "green-lit" as a project for the facility. Then in 1992, the birth and death of a child with a physical defect—anencephaly—stirred suspicion from several residents. The tragedy created a bond between these residents, and they began to look to Laidlaw Environmental and the toxins that it released as the root of the issue. No health study or data collection has ever been performed and/or produced to confirm a direct correlation between the activities taking place at the facility and the health of any residents in Buttonwillow or the surrounding areas.

Also in 1992, Laidlaw Environmental proposed an expansion of its facility in Kern County. It wanted to double the dump's capacity, making it one of the largest in the United States. Furthermore, it wanted to change the types of chemicals it took from strictly petroleum waste to more than 450 different types of substances, many of which were highly hazardous. According to Juanita Fernandez, a resident of Buttonwillow, those in attendance at the community meeting which discussed the proposed acts appeared to be businessmen and women who were mostly of a Caucasian background. The name of the committee in charge of the meeting was the Local Assessment Committee (LAC), which was formed in accordance with a law passed by California in the 1980s known as the Tanner Act. The law attempted to give county residents a say in the environmental occurrences and developments in their area. The LAC consisted of seven members, all of which met to discuss events and proposals such as those of Laidlaw Environmental. Despite the apparent effort, the rules and regulations of the LAC were not fairly implemented. Even though LAC meetings were held in Buttonwillow, there were no residents from Buttonwillow on the committee. Furthermore, no members were of a Latino descent, although nearly all of Buttonwillow's residents belonged to this demographic group. While many Buttonwillow residents attempted to participate in meetings, there was no one in attendance who was willing to translate for Spanish speakers. Because the majority of Buttonwillow residents predominantly spoke Spanish, their presence at the meetings had little influence. Finally, in June 1992, a Spanish translator was provided at the meetings. One month later, the Local Assessment Committee was suspended indefinitely.

In September 1994, the committee was reinstated. During the two-year span, a draft and final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was designed for Laidlaw Environmental. The EIR, required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), “examines the potential environmental impacts of many projects such as toxic waste dumps”. In addition, speculation surrounded the decisions that were made in appointing new committee members. Many people believed the decisions were made based upon race rather than qualification. In fact, a white applicant was chosen over a Latino, even though this applicant had failed to submit their application. Because of the tension, the LAC decided to appoint a Latino member, Eduardo Montoya.

After the application process, the LAC was told that it had ten weeks to convene and discuss the upcoming December hearing about the proposed expansion of Laidlaw Environmental. In this short amount of time, the LAC battled not with Laidlaw Environmental, but rather with the county. It appeared to many as if the county would not let the committee run their own meetings. The committee wanted control—the ability to set their own agenda and hire outside consultants. However, the county did not want to grant this authority to the LAC. Ten weeks later, in December, Laidlaw Environmental proceeded with the hearing and the Board of Supervisors disbanded the LAC. Montoya said that “the Board knew beforehand they would approve the dump” and that “they were just going through the motions”.

A major divider in the struggle of Buttonwillow against Laidlaw Environmental was the issue of race. While the LAC could have spent time gathering community support and increasing awareness about the toxins, the committee members were instead battling racial discrimination and a debate with the county about Spanish translation. A local community group, known as Padres Hacia una Vida Mejor, worked for these particular rights. Furthermore, the translation issue seemed to create a division among the county's residents. For example, in their efforts to institute Spanish translation of the EIR and public hearings, the Latino residents isolated themselves from the black and white people in the community. Many English-speaking residents did not support the translation and felt that speaking English was key if Latinos “wanted to live in [their] country”. Because of these divisions, a racial streak emerged in the community, further dividing the community and decreasing the strength of their resistance.

The struggles of the Buttonwillow community still persist, and even as the residents make progress, they also face additional setbacks. Many of the myths that are often disproved by similar environmental justice cases apply to Buttonwillow. One of the primary myths initially believed by communities facing environmental injustice is that the government is “on our side.” According to Luke W. Cole, this myth is shared more widely among white Americans than among minorities, probably because minorities have historically faced several levels of governmental injustice.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Buttonwillow, California


text:
California City, California

California City is a city located in northern Antelope Valley in Kern County, California, United States. It is 100 mi north of the city of Los Angeles, and the population was 14,973 at the 2020 census. Covering 203.63 sqmi, California City has the third-largest land area of any city in the state of California (behind San Diego and Los Angeles), and is the largest city in California, by land area, that is not a county seat. It is the 43rd-largest city in the United States by land area.

Much of the city's residents are employed at Edwards Air Force Base, which is located 18 mi southeast of the city. Other major employers are the California City Correctional Center (California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation), Mojave Air and Space Port (and its flight test facility) and the Hyundai/Kia Proving Grounds, located in the rural southwestern part of the city. California City also has a park, a PGA golf course, and a municipal airport.

Early
Padre Francisco Garcés, a Franciscan missionary, camped at Castle Butte (what is now California City) during the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition of Alta California (1776).

In the late 19th century, the Twenty-Mule Team Trail, which carried loads of borax to the railhead in Mojave from Harmony Borax Works' mines to the east, ran through the California City area.

Military
The Mojave Gunnery Range "C" was used from August 1944 until January 1959, when it became California City land; this had included bombing ranges and strafing targets, such as a vehicle convoy. It was also used for pilotless aircraft just after World War II. Unexploded ordnance and toxic waste is associated with the site; the Army Corps of Engineers began surveying the site in 1999 and, by 2001, the range was described as encompassing 20908 acre southwest of the California City center. Site surveys in 1999 found MK 23 3-pound practice bombs with unfired signal cartridges and 20 mm target practice projectiles, along with 2.25", 2.75" and 5" practice rockets, undetonated bombs and small arms ammunition (from .22 to .50 caliber). The largest fuzed and most dangerous bombs discovered were a pair of 100-pound general purpose bombs.

Town
The city was formed in 1958, when developers purchased 82000 acre of western Mojave Desert. The new city was aggressively marketed. Developers pitched the city as a northern alternative to Los Angeles, which the developers argued could not handle the post-war population-boom, and the region needed other communities to share the increase. Instead of being built piecemeal, the whole city would be developed simultaneously. The city was designed to be a planned community. The masterplan was prepared by Smith and Williams and architect Garrett Eckbo at the behest of real estate developer and sociology professor Nat Mendelsohn. The city included a central park with a 26 acre manmade lake, two golf courses, and a new Holiday Inn. Mendelsohn was then president of a corporation called the California City Development Company. There were conflicting reports that the city was built over a large aquifer. The city was originally designed to accommodate 400,000 people, with a downtown center capable of holding 80,000-100,000, and satellite suburbs housing the rest.

A post office opened in 1960, and the city incorporated in 1965, when it had 158 sqmi of land, 5,900 landowners, 817 residents, and 232 homes.

By 1965, population growth was less than the developer's projection, and by 1969 only about 1,300 people lived in the city. The Federal Trade Commission began inspecting the development company in 1969, and Ralph Nader's 25-person California task force (part of "Nader's Raiders") published "Power and Land in California" in 1971. Part of the book focused on California City, calling it a fraud and "a particularly stark study of government failure." By the 1970s, over 50,000 lots had been sold and the market declined. The Federal Trade Commission filed a cease and desist against the home seller for misleading advertising about the city, and in 1977, over 14,000 landowners receiving partial refunds from a $4 million pool, the largest FTC settlement to date. The sales company was also required to invest $16 million in long-promised infrastructure in various cities.

California City had a population of 3,200 in 1985 and over 14,000 in 2018, clustered around the west end.

In 2015, it was reported that California City's water usage had exceeded expectations, increasing by 28% in May of that year. The rapidly increasing water usage was blamed on aging pipes beneath undeveloped portions of the city, faulty pumps reporting exaggerated figures, and the large number of inmates and workers at California City Correctional Facility.

In June 2016, California City became the first city of Kern County, California, to allow commercial cannabis cultivation. The city anticipated an eventual profit of $10 million+ a year in tax revenue from the new policy; by the first quarter of 2023, the city had made around $98,000 in cannabis-related revenues.

Geography
Although one of California's smaller cities in terms of population, California City is the third largest city in California by land area. Satellite photos underscore its claim to being California's third-largest city by land area (40th largest in the United States). Located in the northern Antelope Valley in Kern County, California, the city is 18 mi northwest of Edwards Air Force Base, 28 mi east of Tehachapi, 40 mi north of Lancaster, 49 mi southwest of Ridgecrest, 67 mi east of the city of Bakersfield, and 101 mi north of the city of Los Angeles.

Geology
In 2000, the depth to groundwater was 370 feet.

The Garlock Fault runs nearby.

2000
According to the census of 2000, there were 8,385 people in 3,067 households, including 2,257 families, in the city. , the city's population grew 8.9% from 12,106 to 13,219. California City outpaced rivals Palmdale and Lancaster, making the city the 12th fastest growing city in California. This also made California City the fastest growing city in the Antelope Valley. The population density was 41.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,560 housing units at an average density of 17.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 68.19% White, 12.82% Black or African American, 1.56% Native American, 3.73% Asian, 0.32% Pacific Islander, 7.43% from other races, and 5.94% from two or more races. 16.96% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 3,067 households, 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.8% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.4% were non-families. 21.2% of households were one person and 7.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.15.

The age distribution was 30.7% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,735, and the median family income was $51,402. Males had a median income of $44,657 versus $28,152 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,902. About 12.5% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.0% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.

31% of the male population were public administrators in 2006. Public administration is the most common job in California City.

Although the growth of the city has not met its founders' expectations, California City has seen substantial population growth over the past several years. The Demographic Research Unit of the California Department of Finance estimated California City's population at 12,048 as of January 1, 2006. California City's population increased an estimated 4.2% in 2005, over three times the growth rate of the state as a whole. California City currently ranks 345th out of 478 incorporated cities in California, up from 348th in 2005.

2010
At the 2010 census California City had a population of 14,120. The population density was 69.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of California City was 9,188 (65.1%) White (39.9% were non-Hispanic whites), 2,150 (15.2%) African American, 132 (0.9%) Native American, 367 (2.6%) Asian, 59 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 1,431 (10.1%) from other races, and 793 (5.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5,385 persons (38.1%).

The census reported that 11,506 people (81.5% of the population) lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and 2,614 (18.5%) were institutionalized.

There were 4,102 households, 1,611 (39.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,980 (48.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 630 (15.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 287 (7.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 335 (8.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 22 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 949 households (23.1%) were one person and 312 (7.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.80. There were 2,897 families (70.6% of households); the average family size was 3.30.

The age distribution was 3,449 people (24.4%) under the age of 18, 1,294 people (9.2%) aged 18 to 24, 4,617 people (32.7%) aged 25 to 44, 3,570 people (25.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,190 people (8.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 34.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 144.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 160.1 males.

There were 5,210 housing units at an average density of 25.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 2,474 (60.3%) were owner-occupied and 1,628 (39.7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 8.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 22.5%. 6,584 people (46.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 4,922 people (34.9%) lived in rental housing units.

Economy
Studies for a privately built and owned 2,000-4,000-bed prison on the east side of town began in 1995, and an environmental impact statement on a 550-bed facility was completed in 1996. Contracts were signed between the city and Corrections Corporation of America and it was built in 1999. The 2,304-bed California City Correctional Facility prison housed federal inmates for the U.S. Marshal Service and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from 2006 to 2013, then was leased to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2013 for $28.5 million per year in response to a federal order to reduce overcrowding in the state's prison facilities. All inmates were moved out by November 2023. The state terminated its lease so the prison will be effectively closed by March 2024.

The 3967 acre Hyundai-Kia proving grounds are in the city boundaries. 640 acre are in use.

Sports
The California City Whiptails were a professional baseball team competing in the unaffiliated Pecos League. The team folded in 2019. Their home games were played at Balsitis Park.

Education
Mojave Unified School District serves California City:
 * California City Jr/Sr High
 * California City Middle
 * Hacienda Elementary school
 * Robert P. Ulrich Elementary School (1966)

Transportation
California City is served by Highway 14 to the west and Highway 58 to the south. Kern Transit provides direct bus service to Mojave, Lancaster, and Ridgecrest with connections to Tehachapi and Bakersfield. The Kern Transit 250 bus to Lancaster provides a direct connection with Metrolink's Antelope Valley Line, with service into the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. Within the city, California City Dial-A-Ride (DAR) Transit provides transportation on a demand-response basis on weekdays (except on holidays when City Hall is closed).

Public safety
As an incorporated city that does not contract with Kern County, California City has its own police and fire departments.

title: California City, California


text:
Delano, California

Delano is a city in Kern County, California, United States. Delano is located 31 mi north-northwest of Bakersfield at an elevation of 315 feet. The population was 51,428 in 2020, down from 53,041 in 2010. It is Kern County's second-largest city after Bakersfield.

Agriculture is Delano's major industry. The area is particularly well known as a center for the growing of table grapes. Delano is also home to two California state prisons, North Kern State Prison and Kern Valley State Prison. The Voice of America once operated one of its largest, most powerful shortwave broadcast facilities at a station outside Delano at 35.75417°N, -119.28528°W. The Voice of America ceased broadcasts in October 2007, citing a changing political mission, reduced budgets, and changes in technology.

Delano's two school districts currently operate eight elementary schools, three middle schools, three comprehensive high schools and two alternative high schools. The city has its own police department and contracts with the Kern County Fire Department for fire services, EMS services are privately provided by local company, Delano Ambulance Service.

History
Delano was founded on July 14, 1869, as a railroad town, not because the railroad passed through the town but because the railroad coming south from San Francisco terminated at Delano. The name was officially given by the Southern Pacific Railroad in honor of Columbus Delano, at the time the Secretary of the Interior (1870–1875) for the United States. The first post office opened in 1874. Delano incorporated in 1913.

The town started with a boom. With Delano as the southern terminus of the railroad, it became the headquarters for hundreds of workmen who were building the railroad into town, and who eventually built the railroad into Bakersfield the following year. Meanwhile, the merchandise that formerly was trucked south from Visalia to Bakersfield and then to Walker Pass, or perhaps Tejon Pass, en route to Los Angeles, now coming via freight from the south, east and west, was likewise trucked in by ox or mule team. Great loads of bullion were delivered here from the mines in the mountains. Delano became the northern terminus for the passenger stages that ran south to Bakersfield and Los Angeles. The fare from Bakersfield to Delano was $7.00.

Delano was a major hub of farm worker organization efforts and Chicano political movements. Filipino immigrants Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Dulay Itliong were instrumental in shaping the direction of farm worker movement in the 1950s.

On September 8, 1965, Larry Itliong and other Filipino leaders led the predominantly Filipino Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee (AWOC) in a "walk off" from table grape farms, now known as the Delano grape strike. The strikers' goal was to improve farm workers' wages and working conditions. The National Farm Workers' Association (NFWA), a largely Hispanic union led by Cesar Chavez, joined the strike within a week. During the strike, the two groups joined forces and formed the United Farm Workers of America (UFW). By 1970, the UFW won a contract with major grape growers across California.

Economy
Major farm employers in Delano include Wonderful Citrus, Columbine Vineyards, Munger Farms, Lucich Farms, and Hronis. Other major employers include Adventist Health Hospital Delano, Walmart, The Home Depot, Sears (distribution only; no retail), Vallarta Supermarkets, Delano Joint Union High School District, Delano Union Elementary School District, and the North Kern-South Tulare Hospital District.

Major employers
According to the city's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.4 sqmi; over 99% of which is land.

Climate
Delano's climate is typical of the San Joaquin Valley. It is located within a desert climatic zone with Mediterranean features. The city receives 7.51 in of rainfall annually, mainly in the winter. The weather is hot and dry during the summer and cool and damp in winter. Frequent winter ground fog known regionally as tule fog can obscure vision. Record temperatures range between 115 F (2006) and 14 F (1990).

2010
At the 2010 census Delano had a population of 53,041. The population density was 3,694.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Delano was 19,304 (36.4%) White, 4,191 (7.9%) African American, 501 (0.9%) Native American, 6,757 (12.7%) Asian, 30 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 20,307 (38.3%) from other races, and 1,951 (3.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 37,913 persons (71.5%).

The census reported that 42,144 people (79.5% of the population) lived in households, 178 (0.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 10,719 (20.2%) were institutionalized.

There were 10,260 households, 6,535 (63.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 5,968 (58.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,089 (20.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 894 (8.7%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 833 (8.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 61 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 990 households (9.6%) were one person and 424 (4.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 4.11. There were 8,951 families (87.2% of households); the average family size was 4.31.

The age distribution was 15,089 people (28.4%) under the age of 18, 7,813 people (14.7%) aged 18 to 24, 17,248 people (32.5%) aged 25 to 44, 9,644 people (18.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,247 people (6.1%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 28.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 149.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 172.3 males.

There were 10,713 housing units at an average density of 746.3 per square mile, of the occupied units 5,764 (56.2%) were owner-occupied and 4,496 (43.8%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.5%. 24,363 people (45.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 17,781 people (33.5%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 38,824 people in 8,409 households, including 7,248 families, in the city. The population density was 3,842.1 PD/sqmi. There were 8,830 housing units at an average density of 873.8 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 27.66% White, 5.45% Black or African American, 0.91% Native American, 15.88% Asian (primarily Filipino), 0.06% Pacific Islander, 47.07% from other races, and 4.47% from two or more races. 68.47% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 8,409 households 56.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.3% were married couples living together, 18.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.8% were non-families. 10.8% of households were one person and 5.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 4.02 and the average family size was 4.27.

The age distribution was 32.5% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 14.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% 65 or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 129.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 143.1 males.

The median household income was $28,143 and the median family income was $29,026. Males had a median income of $38,511 versus $21,509 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,068. About 25.7% of families and 28.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.3% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Delano Union School District operates eight elementary schools and three middle schools. The Delano Joint Union High School District provides three comprehensive high schools, a continuation high school, and an adult education center.

Elementary schools

 * Albany Park Elementary School
 * Del Vista Math and Science Academy
 * Fremont Elementary School
 * Harvest Elementary School
 * Morningside Elementary School
 * Nueva Vista Language Academy
 * Pioneer School
 * Princeton Street Elementary School
 * Terrace Elementary School

Middle schools

 * Almond Tree Middle School
 * Cecil Avenue Math and Science Academy
 * La Vina Middle School

High schools

 * Delano High School
 * Cesar E. Chavez High School
 * Robert F. Kennedy High School
 * Valley High School
 * Delano Adult School

College
Bakersfield College, a community college, serves the community of Delano and the rural communities of northern Kern and southern Tulare counties with a satellite campus at the Delano Center, approximately 35 miles north of the main campus in Bakersfield, California.

Bus services
The Delano Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides fixed route bus service on four routes and demand responsive public transportation service (Dial-A- Ride) to the residents of Delano and the immediate county area surrounding the city within the boundaries of State Route 43 to the west, County Line Road to the north, Pond Road to the south, and Kyte Avenue to the east.

Airport
The Delano Municipal Airport is an uncontrolled airfield with a 5,651-foot runway and light aviation services, and is open to the public. There is no scheduled airline service, but the airport serves a variety of other significant users. Many military, air charter, air ambulance, and other flying services operate from the airport on a regular basis.

Events
The Cinco De Mayo Fiesta celebrates Mexican culture with live entertainment and a carnival at Memorial Park. This four-day celebrations commemorates Cinco de Mayo.

Delano is home to the Annual Philippine Weekend festival which celebrates Filipino Culture through performing arts and cultural activities. The festival aims to continue the preservation of the art and history of the Philippines. The festival includes a pork adobo cook-off, grand parade, barrio fiesta, basketball tournament, cultural entertainment, live performance, dance and singing contest, and bingo.

September 16 Celebration

Harvest Holidays off with a golf tournament, softball tournament and 10k run. The Grand Marshal and Queen barbecue is held on Saturday after the Kiddie Parade. Furthermore, the city of Delano, in addition to the Delano Union Elementary School District, host the Harvest Holidays Kiddie Parade, which allows the young ones to be the stars for a day as they wave to the crowds down Main Street. The four day event ends with carnival rides, games, food, and music at Memorial Park.

Christmas Parade

Recreation
The nearby Sequoia National Forest includes a vast number of Giant Sequoia groves, impressive granite monoliths, scenic canyons and meadows. The Tule Elk State Reserve provides protection to the Tule elk which in the past were in danger of extinction. Lake Woollomes is a popular location. The Kern National Wildlife Refuge is nearby. The Shirley Meadows Ski Area, located on Green Horn Mountain provides skiing opportunities. The nearby Kern River and Isabella Lake are popular during the summer.

Community parks
The city of Delano has twelve parks for families and children to enjoy.
 * Albany Park
 * Cecil Park
 * Cesar Chavez Park
 * Delano Soccer Park
 * Delano Skate Park
 * Jefferson Park
 * Kalibo Park
 * Morningside Park
 * Martin Luther King Jr. Park
 * Veneto Park
 * Heritage Park
 * Memorial Park.

Notable people

 * Cesar Chavez, activist
 * Thomas Guerra, first person in California to be convicted for intentionally infecting another individual with HIV
 * Larry Itliong, activist
 * Harold H. Kelley, UCLA Professor of Psychology
 * Leamon King, Olympic runner
 * Dack Rambo, actor
 * Lon Spurrier, Olympic runner
 * Luis Valdez, film director, known for La Bamba
 * Benita Valente, classical singer (soprano)

Sister cities
Delano has four sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:
 * 🇯🇵 Arida, Japan
 * 🇮🇹 Asti, Italy
 * 🇲🇽 Jacona, Michoacan, Mexico
 * Kalibo, Philippines

title: Delano, California


text:
Derby Acres, California

Derby Acres is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Derby Acres is located 5.5 mi north-northwest of Fellows, at an elevation of 1375 feet. The population was 322 at the 2010 census, down from 376 at the 2000 census. The town is on State Route 33 at the northern extremity of the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, about 5 milefive miles southeast of McKittrick.

Geography
Derby Acres is located at 35.24722°N, -119.59528°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.6 sqmi, all of it land.

History
Derby Acres was founded in the 1930s.

2010
At the 2010 census Derby Acres had a population of 322. The population density was 89.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Derby Acres was 289 (89.8%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 1 (0.3%) Native American, 0 (0.0%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 23 (7.1%) from other races, and 9 (2.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 36 people (11.2%).

The whole population lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and no one was institutionalized.

There were 123 households, 35 (28.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 66 (53.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 10 (8.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 8 (6.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 8 (6.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 29 households (23.6%) were one person and 15 (12.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.62. There were 84 families (68.3% of households); the average family size was 3.10.

The age distribution was 63 people (19.6%) under the age of 18, 40 people (12.4%) aged 18 to 24, 73 people (22.7%) aged 25 to 44, 99 people (30.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 47 people (14.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 41.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.8 males.

There were 144 housing units at an average density of 40.2 per square mile, of the occupied units 98 (79.7%) were owner-occupied and 25 (20.3%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 6.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 19.4%. 249 people (77.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 73 people (22.7%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 376 people, 125 households, and 101 families living in the CDP. The population density was 102.8 PD/sqmi. There were 145 housing units at an average density of 39.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.09% White, 1.06% Native American, 0.53% Pacific Islander, 4.52% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. 7.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 125 households 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.4% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.2% were non-families. 12.8% of households were one person and 5.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.24.

The age distribution was 30.1% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

The median household income was $44,688 and the median family income was $50,179. Males had a median income of $45,521 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,925. About 15.3% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 20.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Derby Acres, California


text:
Dustin Acres, California

Dustin Acres is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Dustin Acres is located 6.5 mi north-northeast of Taft, at an elevation of 384 feet. The population was 652 at the 2010 census, up from 585 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Dustin Acres is located at 35.21944°N, -119.39056°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.676 sqmi, all of it land.

2010
At the 2010 census Dustin Acres had a population of 652. The population density was 177.4 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Dustin Acres was 539 (82.7%) White, 4 (0.6%) African American, 9 (1.4%) Native American, 1 (0.2%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 71 (10.9%) from other races, and 28 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 129 people (19.8%).

The whole population lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and no one was institutionalized.

There were 224 households, 83 (37.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 139 (62.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 22 (9.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 10 (4.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 15 (6.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 3 (1.3%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 38 households (17.0%) were one person and 11 (4.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.91. There were 171 families (76.3% of households); the average family size was 3.26.

The age distribution was 175 people (26.8%) under the age of 18, 56 people (8.6%) aged 18 to 24, 169 people (25.9%) aged 25 to 44, 170 people (26.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 82 people (12.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 37.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.8 males.

There were 252 housing units at an average density of 68.5 per square mile, of the occupied units 187 (83.5%) were owner-occupied and 37 (16.5%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.1%. 549 people (84.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 103 people (15.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 585 people, 199 households, and 161 families living in the CDP. The population density was 159.7 PD/sqmi. There were 215 housing units at an average density of 58.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.13% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 3.42% Native American, 8.21% from other races, and 3.08% from two or more races. 10.26% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 199 households 42.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.8% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.6% were non-families. 15.6% of households were one person and 6.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.25.

The age distribution was 32.8% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% 65 or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.7 males.

The median household income was $50,203 and the median family income was $51,689. Males had a median income of $51,149 versus $30,795 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,929. About 4.7% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dustin Acres, California