text:
Lake Isabella, California

Lake Isabella (formerly, Isabella) is a census-designated place (CDP) in the southern Sierra Nevada, in Kern County, California, United States. It is named after the Lake Isabella reservoir and located at its southwestern edge, 6 mi south of Wofford Heights in the Kern River Valley.

The town of Lake Isabella is located 35 mi east-northeast of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 2513 feet. The population was 3,466 at the 2010 census, up from 3,315 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Lake Isabella is located in Hot Springs Valley, part of the Kern River Valley, at 35.61806°N, -118.47306°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.1 sqmi, over 98% of it land.

Lake Isabella is at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Kern River. These rivers are 'wild', in that they are not controlled by any dam upstream. Upstream on the North Fork white water enthusiasts play in the spring and early summer. The famous Golden Trout originate in these rivers in the high country to the north.

History
The area was inhabited for millennia by the indigenous Tübatulabal and Owens Valley Paiute. Gold was discovered nearby in 1853, leading to a gold rush and the founding of Keyesville. The 1863 Keyesville massacre occurred a few miles north.

The town of Isabella was founded by Steven Barton in 1893 and named in honor of Queen Isabella of Spain while her name was popular during the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Lake Isabella was created in 1953 by a dam on the Kern River, forcing the town to move about 1.5 mi south of the original site. The Isabella post office, which had opened in 1896, operated at the new site; the name was changed to Lake Isabella in 1957.

The dam's reservoir also inundated the original site of Kernville. Like Isabella, it was relocated, along with several of its historic buildings, to higher ground.

The area is a joy for hikers, boaters, water skiers, fishermen, birders, hunters, wind surfers, kayakers, and other outdoor recreationists. Tourist trade is a major part of the area's economy.

2010
At the 2010 census Lake Isabella had a population of 3,466. The population density was 156.6 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Lake Isabella was 3,069 (88.5%) White, 6 (0.2%) African American, 96 (2.8%) Native American, 18 (0.5%) Asian, 7 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 73 (2.1%) from other races, and 197 (5.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 339 people (9.8%).

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

There were 1,621 households, 384 (23.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 566 (34.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 218 (13.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 104 (6.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 138 (8.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 14 (0.9%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 592 households (36.5%) were one person and 299 (18.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.14. There were 888 families (54.8% of households); the average family size was 2.76.

The age distribution was 666 people (19.2%) under the age of 18, 299 people (8.6%) aged 18 to 24, 653 people (18.8%) aged 25 to 44, 1,106 people (31.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 742 people (21.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 47.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

There were 2,164 housing units at an average density of 97.8 per square mile, of the occupied units 1,019 (62.9%) were owner-occupied and 602 (37.1%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 8.5%. 2,088 people (60.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,378 people (39.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 3,315 people, 1,526 households, and 877 families in the CDP. The population density was 150.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,168 housing units at an average density of 98.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.44% White, 0.06% Black or African American, 1.90% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.50% from other races, and 4.22% from two or more races. 6.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,526 households 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 37.6% of households were one person and 22.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.83.

The age distribution was 23.0% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 27.8% 65 or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.4 males.

The median household income was $19,813 and the median family income was $24,800. Males had a median income of $24,896 versus $18,523 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,452. About 18.2% of families and 20.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.2% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lake Isabella, California


text:
Lake of the Woods, California

Lake of the Woods is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in southwestern Kern County, California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 790.

The community is in Cuddy Canyon in the San Emigdio Mountains, along the Ventura and Kern County line. It is within the Los Padres National Forest.

The name "Lake of the Woods" was bestowed by pioneer Mrs. Florence Cuddy, when the community was established in 1925. The reservoir for which it was named has been dry since 1962, when its dam burst.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Lake of the Woods had a population of 917. The population density was 260.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Lake of the Woods was 820 (89.4%) White, 3 (0.3%) African American, 18 (2.0%) Native American, 11 (1.2%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 34 (3.7%) from other races, and 31 (3.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 123 persons (13.4%).

The Census reported that 917 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 405 households, out of which 107 (26.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 188 (46.4%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 29 (7.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 24 (5.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 22 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1 (0.2%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 140 households (34.6%) were made up of individuals, and 52 (12.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26. There were 241 families (59.5% of all households); the average family size was 2.95.

The population was spread out, with 182 people (19.8%) under the age of 18, 75 people (8.2%) aged 18 to 24, 192 people (20.9%) aged 25 to 44, 348 people (37.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 120 people (13.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.7 years. For every 100 females there were 113.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.7 males.

There were 480 housing units at an average density of 136.3 /sqmi, of which 274 (67.7%) were owner-occupied, and 131 (32.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.1%. 594 people (64.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 323 people (35.2%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 833 people, 346 households, and 217 families in Lake of the Woods, 88 percent of the residents being white — significantly higher than the population of the United States as a whole — which has a population about 75 percent white. There were no African-Americans included in the Lake of the Woods census.

The population was somewhat older than the country as a whole, the median age being 39 years in Lake of the Woods and 35 years elsewhere. The community had a higher percentage of veterans: One hundred sixteen residents had served in the armed forces, or 20 percent, compared with 13 percent in the rest of the country. Thirty-eight percent of all residents, or 305 people, were disabled; that is higher than the 19 percent disabled population in the country at large.

In common with some of the other Mountain Communities of the Tejon Pass, Lake of the Woods had a significant vacancy rate when the census was taken in March 2000 — 129 of the 475 housing units were unoccupied, compared with just 9 percent in the nation at large. The vacancies may be attributed to some homes' being used only seasonally, or on the weekends.

Transportation
Kern Regional Transit provides bus service to Lake of the Woods Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer to Frazier Park, Lebec, Pinon Pines, and Pine Mountain Club. It offers a dial-a-ride service all year. Connections can be made in Frazier Park or Lebec to a scheduled service to Grapevine and Bakersfield and further connection from the latter to Greyhound and Amtrak.

Road access from the east is provided by Frazier Mountain Park Road, which connects Lake of the Woods to Frazier Park, Lebec, and Interstate 5. Cuddy Valley Road heads west to Pinon Pines and Pine Mountain Club.

Public facilities
Lake of the Woods is served by the Frazier Park post office.

Cuddy Hall, owned by the local Lake of the Woods property owners association, is a community center that is available to the public. It was sold to the association in 1959 by Mrs. Cuddy for just $10. It is used as a polling place and is rented out for weddings, parties, concerts, and other events.

Climate
This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 F. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lake of the Woods has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.

Newspapers

 * The Mountain Enterprise
 * Bakersfield Californian The Californian discontinued circulation in the Mountain Communities effective May 1, 2009. Source: Mountain Enterprise, April 3, 2009

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

title: Lake of the Woods, California


text:
Lamont, California

Lamont is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Lamont is located 9 mi south-southeast of downtown Bakersfield, at an elevation of 404 feet. The population was 15,120 at the 2010 census, up from 13,296 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Lamont is located in south-central California about 11 mile from Bakersfield and about 89 mile from Los Angeles.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.6 sqmi, of which 4.6 sqmi are land and 0.04 sqmi of it (0.65%) is covered by water.

History
Lamont was founded in 1923. The first post office opened in 1947. During the 1930s–1950s, large numbers of farm workers migrated to the Lamont area from the east seeking relief from the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl.

The first public library in Lamont was opened in June 1912. It was located in the Weedpatch home of Phoebe Wells. Growth was rapid in the Lamont region, with the influx of workers in the oil industry, and in 1935, the library was moved to a new building. In 1952, the Kern County Board of Supervisors purchased a lot to construct a building that would house the library and a public health center. The facility was opened in January 1953. The branch remained in that building until January 1974, when it was relocated to a newer and larger location. Five years later, the branch was moved yet again to the former Lamont Community Building. To meet the ever-growing needs projected for the population in 1990, construction for a new building was made possible through funds provided by the California State Library under the Library Services and Construction Act, Title II, Community Development Block Grant funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The old building was demolished, the new building was built, and opened to the public in early spring of 1998.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Lamont had a population of 15,120. The population density was 3,268.6 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Lamont was 6,677 (44.2%) White, 130 (0.9%) African American 230 (1.5%) Native American, 72 (0.5%) Asian, 9 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 7,351 (48.6%) from other races, and 651 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 14,293 persons (94.5%).

The Census reported that 15,119 people lived in households, one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.

Of the 3,405 households, 2,250 (66.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,806 (53.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 740 (21.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 413 (12.1%) had a male householder with no wife present, 349 (10.2%) were unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 15 (0.4%) were same-sex married couples or partnerships. Some 270 households (7.9%) were made up of individuals, and 122 (3.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.44. With 2,959 families (86.9% of all households), the average family size was 4.46.

The population was distributed as 5,411 people (35.8%) under the age of 18, 2,253 people (14.9%) aged 18 to 24, 4,194 people (27.7%) aged 25 to 44, 2,453 people (16.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 809 people (5.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.9 males.

The 3,598 housing units averaged 777.8 per square mile (300.3/km$2$), of which 1,536 (45.1%) were owner-occupied, and 1,869 (54.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.3%; 7,065 people (46.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 8,054 people (53.3%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,296 people, 3,114 households, and 2,690 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 2,888.0 PD/sqmi. The 3,277 housing units averaged 711.8 per square mile (275.1/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 44.50% White, 2.79% Black or African American, 1.53% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 46.12% from other races, and 3.93% from two or more races. About 88.85% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 3,114 households, 58.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, 18.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.6% were not families. About 9.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.27 and the average family size was 4.41.

In the CDP, the population was distributed as 38.6% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 13.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $25,578, and for a family was $25,518. Males had a median income of $17,367 versus $14,527 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $7,915. About 29.7% of families and 31.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 37.5% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Lamont is served by the Lamont School District and the Kern High School District. The Lamont School District consists of Lamont Elementary School, Alicante Avenue School, Myrtle Avenue School, and Mountain View Middle School. The Kern High School District maintains Nueva High School.

Public safety
The Kern County Sheriff's Department Lamont substation is responsible for providing law enforcement. Kern County Fire Department Station 51 provides fire protection. Hall Ambulance is the provider of emergency medical services.

Media
The Lamont Reporter is the local weekly newspaper.

Events
Every December, the community gathers together to kick off the holiday season with a parade down Main Street, hosted by the Lamont Chamber of Commerce.

title: Lamont, California


text:
Lebec, California

Lebec is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in southwestern Kern County, California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,239.

Geography
Lebec is located in Castac Valley between the San Emigdio and Tehachapi Mountains. The community is one of the Mountain Communities of the Tejon Pass.

Lebec is 40 mi south of Bakersfield.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lebec has an area of 15.3 sqmi. The community, which is near Tejon Pass, lies at an elevation of 3481 ft.

History
Lebec is named in honor of Peter Lebeck or Lebecque, a French trapper killed by a grizzly bear in 1837 in the area that later became Fort Tejon. He was memorialized in an epitaph at the site, found carved in a bare spot on an old oak tree. The epitaph read PETER LEBECK / KILLED BY A X BEAR / OCTR 17 / 1837. The bark of the oak tree eventually grew over the carving. A group from Bakersfield, called the Foxtail Rangers, removed the bark in the late 19th century and found the inscription in reverse on its underside. The piece is now displayed in the museum at Fort Tejon State Historic Park. Lieutenant R.S. Williamson camped at the same oak grove in 1853 while on a mid-1850s mapping mission for a practicable railway route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Geologist William P. Blake accompanied Williamson's party. The area was garrisoned by the United States Army a year later, on August 10, 1854, as Fort Tejon, the first military fort in the California interior. The fort suffered extensive damage during the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake.

The first post office opened in 1895, having been transferred there from Tejon.

The Lebec Hotel was a large Spanish Colonial Revival-style hotel located on the Ridge Route in the community. It was built in 1921, and was popular with Hollywood executives and movie stars before World War II. It closed in 1968, and was demolished in 1971.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that 1,468 people, 533 households, and 372 families resided in the CDP. The population density was 95.8 PD/sqmi. There were 594 housing units at an average density of 38.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 78.5% White, 1.0% African American, 3.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 10.1% from other races, and 6.2% from two or more races. 26.9% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The Census reported that 100% of the population lived in households.

There were 533 households, out of which 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 54.0% were opposite-sex married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present. 5.3% of households were unmarried opposite-sex partnerships and 0.6% were same-sex married couples or partnerships. 25.1% of households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75.

The population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.0% aged 18 to 24, 20.6% aged 25 to 44, 31.8% aged 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.6 years. For every 100 females there were 108.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.1 males.

There were 594 housing units of which 71.1% were owner-occupied and 28.9% were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.1%. 70.4% of the population lived in owner-occupied housing units and 29.6% lived in rental housing units.

2000
In the 2000 census, the population of the CDP was 1,224 and the racial makeup was 79 percent Caucasian (1,019 people). There were only three African Americans. There were 256 Hispanics or Latinos of any race (20 percent of all residents). Other residents included 16 American Indians or Alaska natives and four Asians.

The median age for Lebec residents was 36 years, almost the same as the 35 years for the nation as a whole.

Lebec also had slightly more veterans than its share, 169, or 19 percent, compared to 13 percent around the country.

Fifty-nine percent of Lebec adults were employed. On average, they traveled 27 minutes to get to their jobs, about the same as most Americans.

Lebec households had a lower median income than the nation as a whole — $46,857, compared to $50,046. Family income was $40,972.

There were just 100 people (or 8 percent) below the poverty level in Lebec in 2000—significantly less than the nation as a whole, which was 12 percent in 2000. When calculated by families, though, the poverty rate in Lebec was only 1.4 percent.

Of the 516 housing units, 319 were occupied by owners and 127 by renters, about the same 7:3 ratio as the rest of the country. Sixty housing units (12 percent) were vacant.

Transportation
Interstate 5 is the only highway passing through the community. Local traffic drives on Lebec Road, Peace Valley Road, Frazier Mountain Park Road and adjoining streets.

Kern Transit provides bus service Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer months to Frazier Park, Gorman, Lake of the Woods, Pinon Pines, and Pine Mountain Club.

Kern Transit provides weekday service from the Flying J gas station via their Route 130 bus to the Santa Clarita Station Metrolink and the McBean Regional Transit Center, which includes many connecting bus routes, including to North Hollywood Station and Downtown Los Angeles.

Water district
Lebec is served by the Lebec County Water District which was established in 1967 and began operation on April 21, 1969. In October 2011 the district approved a five-year contract with Applied Process Technology to manage the district.

The district serves 836 people, and in May 2012 The New York Times reported that individual sampling of the district's water showed two contaminants above legal limits — alpha particle activity and Combined Uranium (picoCuries per liter). Two contaminants — lead (total) and uranium-228 — were below legal limits but above "health guidelines".

In 2011–2012 a committee of the Kern County grand jury investigated complaints about the installation and connection of a private 12-inch line to the district's water supply, by which a developer hoped to bring water to a hotel then planned for construction. The committee's report claimed that the water line was laid without proper approval and that the "subsequent opening of the hotel created a water shortage that lasted for at least five days." It was later determined that two men affiliated with the district's governance, along with the hotel developers, constructed the water line across Cuddy Creek without a permit from California Department of Fish and Game which was obtained after the fact.

The Grand Jury committee also investigated "a number of complaints" alleging that the board violated the California Open Meetings Law, a.k.a. Brown Act, that it exceeded its authority and that it engaged in "unprofessional conduct". The committee submitted its report in April 2012, finding, among other things, "frequent bickering" among governing board members and the public, "highly irregular" actions at a board meeting in December 2011, including the approval of a "seemingly pre-designated slate" of officers. The committee report stated that the water district "is not operating in a manner that serves the best interests of the public" and recommended "formal training ... and conduct themselves accordingly or resign from the board."

The water district board replied that "the Grand Jury's findings are substantially incorrect" and that the report was "filled with opinion, unsubstantiated with actual facts".

The board voted on January 14, 2014, to open each meeting with a prayer "prior to the Pledge of Allegiance at all future meetings", and president Michael Hightower opened the subsequent meeting, on February 11, "with a call to stand for a minute of silence. He asked that all—including 'atheists or agnostics, with their powers of positive thinking' and those that are faith-based, 'with their prayers,'—to focus on the much-needed resource of rain."

Businesses
Lebec is the home of the Tejon Ranch Company. This ranch has been seen in movies such as The Kid Ranger (1936), Pals of Silver Sage (1940) and Wild Bill (1995).

Climate
This region experiences warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters, with occasional snowfall. No average monthly temperatures are above 71.6 °F. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Lebec has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

title: Lebec, California


text:
Lost Hills, California

Lost Hills (formerly, Lost Hill) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Lost Hills is located 42 mi west-northwest of Bakersfield, at an elevation of 305 ft. The population was 2,412 at the 2010 census, up from 1,938 at the 2000 census.

A rest stop by Interstate 5 including restaurants, gasoline stations, and motels is located about 1 mi from the town.

Geography
Lost Hills is located at 35.61639°N, -119.69417°W. It stands on the east bank of the California Aqueduct. Interstate 5 is located near, but not adjacent, to Lost Hills. The town is at the intersection of State Route 46 and Lost Hills Road. The enormous Lost Hills Oil Field, which is sixth largest by remaining reserves in California, is west and northwest of town, extending about 10 mi along the range of the low Lost Hills Range, for which the town was named.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Lost Hills has a total area of 5.6 sqmi, of which over 99% is land and 0.21% is water.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Lost Hills has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

History
The Lost Hills post office opened in 1911, closed in 1912, re-opened in 1913 (having transferred from Cuttens), and moved in 1937. At one time, the post office was a small rented room, in Edmondson's cafe and bar. Later it was a small mobile-home size building.

Paramount Farms built a new park and housing development in Lost Hills in the early 2000s.

2010
At the 2010 census Lost Hills had a population of 2,412. The population density was 433.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Lost Hills was 132 (5.5%) White, 5 (0.2%) African American, 1 (0.0%) Native American, 17 (0.7%) Asian, 1 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 2,232 (92.5%) from other races, and 24 (1.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2,354 persons (97.6%).

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

There were 448 households, 353 (78.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 288 (64.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 50 (11.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 83 (18.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 51 (11.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 2 (0.4%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 9 households (2.0%) were one person and 3 (0.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 5.38. There were 421 families (94.0% of households); the average family size was 5.02.

The age distribution was 970 people (40.2%) under the age of 18, 356 people (14.8%) aged 18 to 24, 730 people (30.3%) aged 25 to 44, 295 people (12.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 61 people (2.5%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 22.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 134.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 147.3 males.

There were 469 housing units at an average density of 84.3 per square mile, of the occupied units 178 (39.7%) were owner-occupied and 270 (60.3%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 1.8%. 976 people (40.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,436 people (59.5%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 1,938 people, 346 households, and 320 families in the CDP. The population density was 345.3 PD/sqmi. There were 367 housing units at an average density of 65.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 18.6% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 71.83"% from other races, and 5.3% from two or more races. 96.8% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 346 households 70.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.0% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 7.5% were non-families. 3.8% of households were one person and 0.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 5.60 and the average family size was 5.22.

The age distribution was 39.1% under the age of 18, 17.3% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 10.7% from 45 to 64, and 2.1% 65 or older. The median age was 22 years. For every 100 females, there were 139.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 161.6 males.

The median household income was $31,875 and the median family income was $29,402. Males had a median income of $17,804 versus $12,885 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $8,317. About 26.4% of families and 30.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.5% of those under age 18 and 25.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lost Hills, California


text:
Maricopa, California

Maricopa is a city in Kern County, California. Maricopa is located 6.5 mi south-southeast of Taft, at an elevation of 883 feet. The population was 1,154 at the 2010 census, up from 1,111 at the 2000 census. The Carrizo Plain is located to the northwest, and the enormous Midway-Sunset Oil Field, the third largest oil field in the United States, is adjacent on the north and east.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.5 sqmi, all of it land. Maricopa is in the extreme southwestern corner of the San Joaquin Valley, on the first rise of land into the foothills of the Coast Ranges, with the Temblor Range, following the San Andreas Fault, trending northwest of town, and the San Emigdio Mountains to the southeast. The climate of the area is hot and semi-arid, with summertime temperatures routinely exceeding 100 F. Freezes occur in the winter, with the mean period without freezes being about 275 days. About six inches of rain falls annually in Maricopa.

History
The first post office opened in 1901, and Maricopa incorporated in 1911. The city was named after the Maricopa people.

2010
At the 2010 census Maricopa had a population of 1,154. The population density was 768.4 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Maricopa was 958 (83.0%) White, 1 (0.1%) African American, 27 (2.3%) Native American, 16 (1.4%) Asian, 2 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 112 (9.7%) from other races, and 38 (3.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 232 people (20.1%).

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

There were 414 households, 157 (37.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 191 (46.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 66 (15.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 34 (8.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 50 (12.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 2 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 91 households (22.0%) were one person and 33 (8.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.79. There were 291 families (70.3% of households); the average family size was 3.20.

The age distribution was 306 people (26.5%) under the age of 18, 112 people (9.7%) aged 18 to 24, 252 people (21.8%) aged 25 to 44, 349 people (30.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 135 people (11.7%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 39.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.4 males.

There were 466 housing units at an average density of 310.3 per square mile, of the occupied units 268 (64.7%) were owner-occupied and 146 (35.3%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 9.8%. 704 people (61.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 450 people (39.0%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 1,111 people in 404 households, including 302 families, in the city. The population density was 739.7 PD/sqmi. There were 460 housing units at an average density of 306.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 85.87% White, 1.98% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 8.91% from other races, and 2.79% from two or more races. 13.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 404 households 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 23.5% of households were one person and 9.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.22.

The age distribution was 29.8% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,917, and the median family income was $31,761. Males had a median income of $31,161 versus $23,333 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,692. About 15.6% of families and 21.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Government misconduct
Maricopa Fire Department was established in 1910 with Chief F. W. Ball serving as the first fire chief. Maricopa Hospital opened on April 22, 1911, and the city was incorporated on July 25, 1911. Gary Biggerstaff was the chief of police when budget problems forced the city to close its police department in 1998. The Kern County Sheriff's Department provided police services to the citizens of Maricopa from 1998 until 2006 when the city reopened its police department in the old building.

As reported in the Los Angeles Times on July 4, 2011, the Maricopa Police Department has become embroiled in a local controversy playing out through large signs posted on the city's main thoroughfare. The police have been accused of racial profiling and "over-enforcement" regarding traffic violations and frequent towing of vehicles driven by drivers without proof of insurance or with license or license plate infractions. In mid-2011, American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Jennie Pasquarella is quoted as saying, "Maricopa has been a shining example of impoundments gone wrong," and "They're essentially creating a racket to steal people's cars."

The damage done during this era to the city of Maricopa's reputation persists, as recently as May 2022, Reason magazine reported that, "...the town of Maricopa gained a reputation for targeting drivers, especially farm workers, in the hopes that they'd be undocumented immigrants, thus allowing the small police department to impound their cars without much fuss."

Transportation
Maricopa lies at the junction of Route 166 and Route 33.

The City of Taft operates Taft-Maricopa Area Transit, with buses serving Taft and Maricopa.

title: Maricopa, California


text:
McFarland, California

McFarland (formerly, Hunt and Lone Pine) is a city in the San Joaquin Valley, in Kern County, California, United States. McFarland is located 25 mi north-northwest of Bakersfield and 6.5 mi south of Delano, at an elevation of 354 feet. The population of McFarland was 12,707 at the 2010 census and an estimated 15,506 as of 2019.

History
In the early 1900s, an educator named James Boyd McFarland moved to the Anaheim area from Zanesville, Ohio, to try his hand at real estate and walnut farming.

McFarland visited Kern County in 1907 and was impressed with the land's crop-growing potential near a community called Hunt's Siding, which was a small agriculture and livestock-based community that served about 50 families. With help from Bakersfield real estate businessman William Laird, McFarland bought 50 acres at the location of what is now McFarland.

The first post office opened in 1908. The town was founded in 1909 (and later became incorporated in 1957). McFarland grew tremendously during the Great Depression of the 1930s, then the population tapered off during World War II.

In 1950, the Highway 99 expressway and later freeway (then U.S. Route 99), the major corridor of the Central Valley, was constructed, which ended up dividing the town into an east side and west side. McFarland incorporated as a city in the summer of 1957. The name honors J.B. McFarland, the city's founder.

In 2009 the city re-established its police force after decades of relying on the Kern County Sheriff.

In 2015, the movie McFarland USA was released, based on a true story that occurred at McFarland High School. McFarland USA follows the McFarland Cross Country team and their coach James White (portrayed by Kevin Costner). The cross country team would go on to win 9 state titles.

2016
According to Data USA, the demographics of McFarland in 2016 were as follows: (all changes relative to 2015)
 * Population: 13,391 (up 2.79%)
 * Median Age: 25.6 years
 * Median Household Income: $33,687 (down 1.01%)
 * Poverty Rate: 37.7%
 * Employment Count: 4,298 (up 1.66%)
 * Median Property Value: $136,700 (up 13.7%)

2010
At the 2010 census McFarland had a population of 12,707. The population density was 4,762.7 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of McFarland was 5,433 (42.8%) White, 236 (1.9%) African American, 171 (1.3%) Native American, 84 (0.7%) Asian, 6 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 6,330 (49.8%) from other races, and 447 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11,625 people (91.5%).

The census reported that 11,486 people (90.4% of the population) lived in households, 27 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,194 (9.4%) were institutionalized.

There were 2,599 households, 1,818 (69.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,663 (64.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 456 (17.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 246 (9.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 189 (7.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 14 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 170 households (6.5%) were one person and 71 (2.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 4.42. There were 2,365 families (91.0% of households); the average family size was 4.51.

The age distribution was 4,468 people (35.2%) under the age of 18, 1,700 people (13.4%) aged 18 to 24, 4,030 people (31.7%) aged 25 to 44, 1,925 people (15.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 584 people (4.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 25.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 128.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 142.4 males.

There were 2,683 housing units at an average density of 1,005.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 1,488 (57.3%) were owner-occupied and 1,111 (42.7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 2.6%. 6,519 people (51.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 4,967 people (39.1%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 9,618 people in 1,990 households, including 1,789 families, in the city. The population density was 4,671.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,031 housing units at an average density of 986.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 28.49% White, 3.19% Black or African American, 1.63% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 61.23% from other races, and 4.69% from two or more races. 85.66% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,990 households 61.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 10.1% were non-families. 7.7% of households were one person and 4.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 4.30 and the average family size was 4.45.

The age distribution was 35.1% under the age of 18, 14.1% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 12.8% from 45 to 64, and 4.8% 65 or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 151.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $12,821, and the median family income was $14,190. Males had a median income of $19,881 versus $9,109 for females. The per capita income for the city was $9,524. About 34.1% of families and 35.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.1% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

Local parks

 * Arturo J. Munoz Park
 * Ritchey Park
 * McFarland Park
 * Browning Road Park
 * Blanco Park

Schools

 * Kern Avenue Elementary School
 * Browning Road Elementary School
 * McFarland Middle School
 * McFarland High School
 * San Joaquin High School (continuation)
 * McFarland Independent School
 * Horizon Elementary

Churches

 * Sherwood Avenue Baptist Church
 * Saint Elizabeth Catholic Church
 * El Buen Pastor Church
 * Iglesia Ni Cristo
 * Jehovah's Witnesses 124
 * Church of the Living Savior
 * Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
 * Mcfarland Apostolic Assembly
 * CrossPointe Baptist Church McFarland

title: McFarland, California


text:
McKittrick, California

McKittrick is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California, United States. McKittrick is 14 mi northwest of Taft, at an elevation of 1056 feet. The population was 115 at the 2010 census, down from 160 at the 2000 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined McKittrick as a census-designated place (CDP).

Geography
McKittrick is located at the junction of State Routes 33 and 58.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.6 sqmi, all of it land.

The town is in the center of a large oil-producing region in western Kern County. Along State Route 33 to the south of the town is the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, the second-largest oil field in the contiguous United States; within the town itself, as well as to the west is the McKittrick Field; to the northwest is the huge Cymric Field; and along Highway 33 beyond Cymric is the large South Belridge Oil Field, run by Aera Energy LLC. East of McKittrick is Occidental Petroleum's Elk Hills Field, formerly the U.S. Naval Petroleum Reserve.

The McKittrick Tar Pits, which are similar to the more famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, contain an assemblage of bones of ice age mammals. They are a series of surface seeps from the underlying McKittrick Oil Field.

History
The first post office at McKittrick opened in 1910. The name honors Capt. William McKittrick, local landowner and rancher. McKittrick incorporated in 1911.

Berry Petroleum Company began sending out a property purchase offer letters of intent to homeowners in 2022 citing a new setback law that holds companies responsible for ensuring pollution from their operations does not negatively impact the health of nearby communities.

2010
At the 2010 census McKittrick had a population of 115. The population density was 43.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of McKittrick was 101 (87.8%) White, 1 (0.9%) African American, 1 (0.9%) Native American, 0 (0.0%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 7 (6.1%) from other races, and 5 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9 people (7.8%).

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

There were 42 households, 14 (33.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 21 (50.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 7 (16.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2 (4.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 5 (11.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 9 households (21.4%) were one person and 3 (7.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.74. There were 30 families (71.4% of households); the average family size was 3.07.

The age distribution was 21 people (18.3%) under the age of 18, 11 people (9.6%) aged 18 to 24, 24 people (20.9%) aged 25 to 44, 45 people (39.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 14 people (12.2%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 45.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

There were 46 housing units at an average density of 17.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 27 (64.3%) were owner-occupied and 15 (35.7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.3%. 80 people (69.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 35 people (30.4%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census, there were 160 people, 54 households and 48 families living in the CDP. The population density was 63.8 PD/sqmi. There were 61 housing units at an average density of 24.3 per square mile (9.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.88% White, and 3.12% from two or more races. 10.00% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 54 households 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 27.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 11.1% were non-families. 9.3% of households were one person and none had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.04.

Age distribution was 31.9% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

The median household income was $43,333, and the median family income was $42,917. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,174. About 11.8% of families and 15.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.2% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those sixty five or over.

title: McKittrick, California


text:
Mettler, California

Mettler, or Mettler Station, is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in Kern County, California. The population was 90 at the 2020 census, down from 136 at the 2010 census. It is the place where actor James Dean received a traffic ticket on the last day of his life.

Founding
According to the publication California's Geographic Names, Mettler was founded in 1941, but an obituary of Clifford Alvin Mettler in The Bakersfield Californian reported that the settlement was founded by him, his father, William H. Mettler, and his brother (unnamed) in the "late 1940s" in the Wheeler Ridge area, which settlement "later became known as Mettler Station."

James Dean
On September 30, 1955, motion picture actor James Dean was driving north on Highway U.S. 99 when he was stopped by California Highway Patrol officer O.V. Hunter and given a ticket for speeding. The officer wrote Mettler Station as the location of the infraction.

Geography
Mettler is 25 miles south of Bakersfield. The locality has an area of 0.2 sqmi and an elevation of 541 feet.

2010
At the 2010 census Mettler had a population of 136. The population density was 584.8 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Mettler was 74 (54.4%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 0 (0.0%) Native American, 0 (0.0%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 43 (31.6%) from other races, and 19 (14.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 109 people (80.1%).

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

There were 31 households, 17 (54.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 17 (54.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 8 (25.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2 (6.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2 (6.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4 households (12.9%) were one person and 1 (3.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 4.39. There were 27 families (87.1% of households); the average family size was 4.74.

The age distribution was 37 people (27.2%) under the age of 18, 24 people (17.6%) aged 18 to 24, 30 people (22.1%) aged 25 to 44, 34 people (25.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 11 people (8.1%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 28.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 130.2 males.

There were 36 housing units at an average density of 154.8 per square mile, of the occupied units 18 (58.1%) were owner-occupied and 13 (41.9%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0%; the rental vacancy rate was 0%. 62 people (45.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 74 people (54.4%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census 157 people lived in 31 households (37 housing units). The average household size was about five people. Mettler's population was about six years younger than California at large.

Newspapers

 * The Bakersfield Californian
 * The Mountain Enterprise

title: Mettler, California


text:
Mojave, California

Mojave (formerly Mohave) is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California, United States. Mojave is located 50 mi east of Bakersfield, and 100 mi north of Los Angeles, at an elevation of 2762 feet. The town is located in the western region of the Mojave Desert, below and east of Oak Creek Pass and the Tehachapi Mountains. Mojave is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The population was 4,238 at the 2010 census, up from 3,836 at the 2000 census. Telephone numbers in Mojave follow the format (661) 824-xxxx and the area includes three postal ZIP Codes.

History
The town of Mojave began in 1876 as a construction camp on the Southern Pacific Railroad. From 1884 to 1889, the town was the western terminus of the 165 mi, twenty-mule team at Harmony Borax Works in Death Valley. It later served as headquarters for construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

Mojave Airport: aviation and military use
Located near Edwards Air Force Base, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, and Palmdale Regional Airport, Mojave has a rich aerospace history. Besides being a general-use public airport, Mojave has three main areas of activity: flight testing, space industry development, and aircraft heavy maintenance and storage. The closest airfield to the city, formerly known as the Mojave Airport, is now part of the Mojave Air and Space Port.

In 1935, Kern County established the Mojave Airport 0.5 mile east of town to serve the gold and silver mining industry in the area. The airport consisted of two dirt runways, one of which was oiled, but it lacked any fueling or servicing facilities. In 1941, the Civil Aeronautics Board began improvements to the airport for national defense purposes that included two 4500 by asphalt runways and adjacent taxiway. Kern County agreed the airport could be taken over by the military in the event of war.

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the U.S. Marine Corps took over the airport and expanded it into Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station (MCAAS) Mojave. The two existing runways were extended and a third one added. Barracks were constructed to house 2,734 male and 376 female military personnel. Civilian employment at the base would peak at 176. The Marines would eventually spend more than $7 million on the base, which totaled 2312 acre.

Many of the Corps' World War II aces received their gunnery training at Mojave. During World War II, Mojave hosted 29 aircraft squadrons, four Carrier Aircraft Service Detachments, and three Air Warning Squadrons. At its peak, the air station had 145 training and other aircraft. Mojave also had a 75 by swimming pool that was used to train aviators in emergency water egress and for recreation. The base's 900-seat auditorium hosted several USO shows that featured Bob Hope, Frances Langford and Marilyn Maxwell.

With the end of WWII, MCAAS was dis-established on February 7, 1946; a U.S. Navy Air Station was established the same day. The Navy used the airport for drone operations for less than a year, closing it on January 1, 1947. The base remained closed for four years until the outbreak of the Korean War. Mojave was reactivated as an auxiliary landing field to MCAS El Toro. The airport was recommissioned as a MCAAS on December 31, 1953. Squadrons used Mojave for ordnance training when El Toro had bad weather. Marine Corps reserve units were temporarily deployed to Mojave for two week periods. MCAAS Mojave personnel peaked at 400 military and 200 civilians during this period.

In 1961, after the USMC transferred operations to MCAS El Centro, Kern County obtained title to the airport. In February 1972, the East Kern Airport District (EKAD) was formed to administer the airport; EKAD maintains the airport to this day. To a great extent EKAD was the brainchild of Dan Sabovich who heavily lobbied the state for the airport district's creation and ran EKAD until 2002.

During the 1970s, Mojave Airport was served by commuter air carrier Golden West Airlines with scheduled passenger flights operated with de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter turboprops direct to Los Angeles (LAX).

Mojave Air and Space Port
On November 20, 2012, the EKAD Board of Directors voted to change the name of the district to the Mojave Air and Space Port. Officials said that the spaceport name is well known around the world, but EKAD is not. The change took effect on January 1, 2013.

The airport is now the home of various aerospace companies and institutions such as Scaled Composites and the civilian National Test Pilot School. The town was home to the Rutan Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world nonstop and unrefueled. The airport is also the first inland spaceport in the United States, and was the location of the first private spaceflight, the launch of SpaceShipOne on June 21, 2004.

Mojave also has a Mojave Transportation Museum.

Geography
Mojave is located at 35.0525°N, -118.17389°W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 58.4 sqmi, over 99% of it land.

Climate
Mojave has a desert climate (Köppen: BWk). It has hot summers and cool winters. Average January temperatures are a maximum of 57.8 F and a minimum of 34.3 F. Average July temperatures are a maximum of 97.7 F and a minimum of 69.8 F. There are an average of 98 days with highs of 90 F and an average of 45.7 days with lows of 32 F. The record high temperature was 118 F on August 5, 1914. The record low temperature was 8 F on December 23, 1990.

Average annual rainfall is 5.96 in. There are an average of 22 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1983 with 15.51 in and the driest year was 1942 with 0.85 in. The most rainfall in one month was 6.85 in in February 1998. The most rainfall in 24 hours was 3 in on January 30, 1915. Snow is relatively rare in Mojave, averaging 1.7 in. The most snowfall in one month was 11 in in February 1911.

Demographics
For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Mojave as a census-designated place (CDP).

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Mojave had a population of 4,238. The population density was 72.6 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Mojave was 2,381 (56.2%) White, 638 (15.1%) African American, 54 (1.3%) Native American, 53 (1.3%) Asian, 19 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 867 (20.5%) from other races, and 226 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,592 persons (37.6%).

The 2010 Census reported that 4,238 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,525 households, out of which 614 (40.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 597 (39.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 305 (20.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 111 (7.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 161 (10.6%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 9 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 417 households (27.3%) were made up of individuals, and 128 (8.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78. There were 1,013 families (66.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.37.

The population was spread out, with 1,298 people (30.6%) under the age of 18, 509 people (12.0%) aged 18 to 24, 938 people (22.1%) aged 25 to 44, 1,052 people (24.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 441 people (10.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.8 males.

There were 1,817 housing units at an average density of 31.1 /sqmi, of which 719 (47.1%) were owner-occupied, and 806 (52.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 13.7%. 1,907 people (45.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,331 people (55.0%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,836 people, 1,408 households, and 940 families residing in the town. The population density was 65.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,806 housing units at an average density of 30.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 67.54% White, 5.58% Black or African American, 1.33% Native American, 2.01% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 18.12% from other races, and 5.29% from two or more races. 28.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,408 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.7% were married couples living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the town 32.5% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,761, and the median income for a family was $28,496. Males had a median income of $35,476 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,477. About 31.7% of families and 36.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.8% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Mojave, California


text:
Mountain Mesa, California

Mountain Mesa (often shortened to Mt. Mesa) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Mountain Mesa is located 2 mi west of South Lake at an elevation of 2641 feet. The population was 777 at the 2010 census, up from 716 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Mountain Mesa is located along the south shore of Lake Isabella at 35.63944°N, -118.40556°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.831 sqmi, all of it land.

2010
At the 2010 census Mountain Mesa had a population of 777. The population density was 934.7 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Mountain Mesa was 687 (88.4%) White, 7 (0.9%) African American, 16 (2.1%) Native American, 6 (0.8%) Asian, 2 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 27 (3.5%) from other races, and 32 (4.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 77 people (9.9%).

The census reported that 715 people (92.0% of the population) lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and 62 (8.0%) were institutionalized.

There were 304 households, 80 (26.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 139 (45.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 26 (8.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 27 (8.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 18 (5.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 5 (1.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 88 households (28.9%) were one person and 44 (14.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35. There were 192 families (63.2% of households); the average family size was 2.88.

The age distribution was 155 people (19.9%) under the age of 18, 51 people (6.6%) aged 18 to 24, 133 people (17.1%) aged 25 to 44, 222 people (28.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 216 people (27.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 49.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

There were 368 housing units at an average density of 442.7 per square mile, of the occupied units 235 (77.3%) were owner-occupied and 69 (22.7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 18.6%. 520 people (66.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 195 people (25.1%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 716 people, 295 households, and 197 families living in the CDP. The population density was 831.9 PD/sqmi. There were 351 housing units at an average density of 407.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.11% White, 0.28% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 0.98% from other races, and 3.21% from two or more races. 3.77% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 295 households 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 30.5% of households were one person and 20.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.68.

The age distribution was 17.6% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 18.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 37.0% 65 or older. The median age was 52 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

The median household income was $23,875 and the median family income was $32,656. Males had a median income of $26,161 versus $14,797 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,759. About 28.9% of families and 27.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 59.2% of those under age 18 and 31.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Mountain Mesa, California


text:
North Edwards, California

North Edwards (formerly, Edgemont Acres and North Muroc) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California. Situated in the Mojave Desert, North Edwards is located about 7.2 mi north-east of Edwards Air Force Base, at an elevation of 2293 feet. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 1,058.

History
A developer announced in June 1955 that he was building houses on Clay Mine Road, within 2 mi of the north gate of the military installation. Soon construction was underway by other builders. In March 1960, the Boron Enterprise reported that in the "bustling community" north of the base, more than 1,000 residents were living in a half dozen subdivisions. In the following year, the community was named North Edwards.

A chamber of commerce was organized in October 1958. It aimed to advance the civic, commercial, and industrial interests of the community, as well as foster beneficial social developments. Moreover, the organization hoped to exert "controlled guidance" in the community rather than allow "uncontrolled mushroom growth". By August 1957, volunteer firemen were constructing a fire station and receiving instruction in fire fighting from Kern County firemen stationed at Boron. The county assigned the volunteers a fire engine. Construction of the first phase of a shopping center began in March 1959 and it was ready for business by October. Thomas Stovall, formerly a Bakersfield retailer, opened a supermarket. Soon other merchants joined him. After the consolidation of several local water companies, two remained to serve the community, the Edgemont Acres Mutual Water Company organized in October 1960 and the North Edwards Water District formed in January 1987.

In May 1967 the Chamber of Commerce sponsored a community event called Western Silver Days. In a parade were a variety of floats, decorated cars, and marching units. Food was available at the firehouse and the local merchants and those of Boron donated goods and services as door prizes. Under the pastorate of the Reverend Thomas Morgan, the First Southern Baptist Church was built in June 1959. Subsequently, several other churches became a part of the community. In November 1964, the Muroc Joint Unified School District authorized a school. Upon its opening in November 1966, it accommodated kindergarten through third grade. Before opening a post office in the area of North Edwards-North Muroc, the postal authorities required the selection of a name that a majority of residents favored. Reaching an agreement proved to be difficult, and the problem was solved by establishing "Contract Branch No. 1 of the Edwards Post Office" in September 1959. In June 1961 the Chamber of Commerce and the Community League sponsored a postcard election with the understanding that all who cast votes would be willing to accept the outcome. The winning name was North Edwards and the post office opened in September 1961 with Nevajoe Roush as the postmaster.

The Kern County Planning Commission recognized North Edwards as a town in January 1963.

North Edwards was also the first town to have a woman as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Ann L. Campen. She served until her death on August 15, 1973. She was responsible for having Clay Mine Road paved, also for having telephone service to Aerial Acres, she was a representative for Barry Goldwater Jr., and she helped organize an annual community parade for North Edwards and Boron Ca. bringing some famous people as Grand Marshall's to participate in the parades. Being an American Indian and born on a reservation, there is no real record of her birth, she always told her grandchildren at every birthday, she was 58.

For mostly reasons of economic viability, several prior establishments have been closed over the years, including 20 Mule Team Cafe, a bar & restaurant (The Bubbi North formerly The Red Barn), pizza parlor (Chuck's Pizza), hardware store (Hillman's True Value), movie rental, bowling alley (due to arson), and the local elementary school (Richard B. Lynch). Today, the town serves mainly as a bedroom community for those wishing to live near either Edwards Air Force Base or the U.S. Borax mine in Boron.

Geography
North Edwards is located at 35.01667°N, -117.83278°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 12.746 sqmi, all of it land.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, North Edwards has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

2010
At the 2010 census North Edwards had a population of 1,058. The population density was 83.0 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of North Edwards was 847 (80.1%) White, 43 (4.1%) African American, 26 (2.5%) Native American, 20 (1.9%) Asian, 1 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 60 (5.7%) from other races, and 61 (5.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 179 people (16.9%).

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

There were 417 households, 132 (31.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 212 (50.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 40 (9.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 20 (4.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 22 (5.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 2 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 121 households (29.0%) were one person and 43 (10.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.54. There were 272 families (65.2% of households); the average family size was 3.16.

The age distribution was 283 people (26.7%) under the age of 18, 67 people (6.3%) aged 18 to 24, 226 people (21.4%) aged 25 to 44, 323 people (30.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 159 people (15.0%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 41.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

There were 557 housing units at an average density of 43.7 per square mile, of the occupied units 280 (67.1%) were owner-occupied and 137 (32.9%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 8.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 20.3%. 701 people (66.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 357 people (33.7%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 1,227 people, 472 households, and 336 families in the CDP. The population density was 96.0 PD/sqmi. There were 593 housing units at an average density of 46.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.98% White, 1.96% Black or African American, 2.69% Native American, 2.12% Asian, 0.65% Pacific Islander, 2.77% from other races, and 3.83% from two or more races. 7.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 472 households, 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 25.8% of households were one person and 7.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.11.

The age distribution was 26.8% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median household income was $40,547 and the median family income was $44,125. Males had a median income of $43,828 versus $19,167 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,103. About 13.8% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Edwards, California


text:
Oildale, California

Oildale is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Oildale is located 3.5 mi north-northwest of downtown Bakersfield, at an elevation of 469 feet. The population was 32,684 at the 2010 census, up from 27,885 at the 2000 census. In the 2020 census, Oildale's population was 35,520. It is an unincorporated suburban town just north of Bakersfield across the Kern River, west of the Kern River Oil Field, and east of Highway 99.

History
Previously called Waits and North Side, Oildale was founded in 1909 when Samuel Dickinson subdivided his land. The first post office opened at Oildale in 1916. Most of the original U-2 spy planes flown out of Groom Lake were built at a secret factory in Oildale disguised as a tire factory, just west of Meadows Field Airport on Norris Road.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.533 mi2, all of it land.

Oildale is adjacent to three large oil fields, including two of the largest in California. The enormous Kern River Oil Field to the east and northeast has more active oil wells (9,183 at the end of 2006) than any other field in California except for the Midway-Sunset Oil Field in southwestern Kern County (which has 11,145). Also adjacent is the huge Kern Front Oil Field, north of town, and the smaller Fruitvale Oil Field, to the southwest.

2010
At the 2010 census Oildale had a population of 32,684. The population density was 5,003.2 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Oildale was 27,463 (84.0%) White, 255 (0.8%) African American, 590 (1.8%) Native American, 316 (1.0%) Asian, 30 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 2,635 (8.1%) from other races, and 1,395 (4.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6,301 persons (19.3%).

The census reported that 32,636 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 48 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.

There were 12,023 households, 4,775 (39.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4,476 (37.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 2,372 (19.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,078 (9.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,322 (11.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 132 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 3,099 households (25.8%) were one person and 1,062 (8.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.71. There were 7,926 families (65.9% of households); the average family size was 3.23.

The age distribution was 9,426 people (28.8%) under the age of 18, 3,627 people (11.1%) aged 18 to 24, 8,810 people (27.0%) aged 25 to 44, 7,561 people (23.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,260 people (10.0%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 31.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

There were 13,555 housing units at an average density of 2,075.0 per square mile, of the occupied units 5,211 (43.3%) were owner-occupied and 6,812 (56.7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 10.5%. 13,576 people (41.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 19,060 people (58.3%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
According to the census of 2000, there were 27,885 people, 10,983 households, and 7,084 families in the CDP. The population density was 4,332.3 PD/sqmi. There were 11,952 housing units at an average density of 1,856.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.99% White, 0.34% Black or African American, 2.19% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 4.79% from other races, and 3.29% from two or more races. 10.14% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 10,983 households 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 28.9% of households were one person and 11.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.11.

The age distribution was 29.5% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% 65 or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median household income was $27,041 and the median family income was $32,397. Males had a median income of $31,514 versus $21,715 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,342. About 17.2% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.1% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Vern Burke - Pro football player
 * Merle Haggard - Country music artist
 * Kevin Harvick - NASCAR driver
 * Gerald Haslam - Author
 * Amber Hollibaugh - Writer, filmmaker, activist and organizer
 * Buck Owens - Country music artist

title: Oildale, California


text:
Onyx, California

Onyx (formerly, Scodie) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Onyx is located 3.5 mi east-northeast of Weldon in the South Fork Valley at an elevation of 2795 feet. The population was 475 at the 2010 census, down from 476 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Onyx is located at 35.69028°N, -118.22056°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.5 sqmi, over 99% of it land.

History
The place was originally called Scodie in honor of William Scodie, who opened a store in 1861. The first post office at Onyx opened in 1889.

2010
At the 2010 census Onyx had a population of 475. The population density was 41.2 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Onyx was 406 (85.5%) White, 4 (0.8%) African American, 9 (1.9%) Native American, 0 (0.0%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 16 (3.4%) from other races, and 40 (8.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 30 people (6.3%).

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

There were 214 households, 40 (18.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 89 (41.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 19 (8.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 13 (6.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 13 (6.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 82 households (38.3%) were one person and 44 (20.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.22. There were 121 families (56.5% of households); the average family size was 2.97.

The age distribution was 82 people (17.3%) under the age of 18, 28 people (5.9%) aged 18 to 24, 68 people (14.3%) aged 25 to 44, 184 people (38.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 113 people (23.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 51.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

There were 295 housing units at an average density of 25.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 154 (72.0%) were owner-occupied and 60 (28.0%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 8.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 14.3%. 343 people (72.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 132 people (27.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 476 people, 197 households, and 128 families living in the CDP. The population density was 41.2 PD/sqmi. There were 281 housing units at an average density of 24.3 per square mile (9.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.49% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 1.89% Native American, 0.63% from other races, and 3.78% from two or more races. 4.62% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 197 households 22.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 27.4% of households were one person and 14.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.92.

The age distribution was 24.4% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 28.6% 65 or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median household income was $16,058 and the median family income was $29,583. Males had a median income of $31,818 versus $13,438 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,370. About 25.7% of families and 34.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 52.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Onyx, California


text:
Pine Mountain Club, California

Pine Mountain Club is an unincorporated community in southwestern Kern County, California. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 2,315. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Pine Mountain Club as a census-designated place (CDP). It is one of the Mountain Communities of the Tejon Pass.

Geography
Pine Mountain Club has an area of 16.7 sqmi. It ranges from 4901 to 6400 feet in elevation. The community sits in a deep valley of the San Emigdio Mountains, on the San Andreas fault. It is surrounded by Los Padres National Forest. The settlement lies between Apache Saddle and Pinon Pines Estates along Mil Potrero Highway. It is west of Frazier Park, Lebec, and Interstate 5.

Founding and development
Pine Mountain Club was developed in 1971 by Tenneco. The first announcement was made from Houston, Texas, in April of that year when the company said it would develop "more than 1.1 million acres of land in Arizona and Southern California." Tenneco was the Bakersfield-based western land-development arm of Tenneco, Inc., of Houston.

About half that acreage was to be in Kern County, where the projects would include the residential development of 6,500 acres surrounding the then-new California State College near Bakersfield and 3,200 acres in the Los Padres National Forest, also mostly for residences (Pine Mountain Club).

The forest project was to set aside a thousand acres for vacation home sites and 2,200 acres "for permanent preservation in their natural state." The program was to be directed by John E. Sommerhalder, president of Tenneco West. The land was part of a 3,200-acre tract of pine forest and meadowland, formerly a private preserve.

Tenneco West was a Bakersfield subsidiary that administered all the western holdings of Tenneco, "the parent, Houston-based, multi-industry company."

"Adjacent to the clubhouse will be a nine-hole executive golf course[,] and other recreational facilities are a heated swimming pool, archery range, volleyball and basketball courts, a lake stocked with fish and a community barbecue area."

Tenneco West President Sommerhalder said the club was believed to be among the largest all-electric family recreational resorts in California. Three kinds of "vacation or weekend homesites" were to be offered: (1) One- to three-bedroom dwellings, (2) modular homes, and (3) space for mobile homes.

"Hiking trails, bridle trails (16 miles marked for from one-hour to all-day rides), an equestrian center with 10-stall barn, tack room, riding ring and corrals for boarding horses also will be available. . . . Later this year, a general store and laundromat will be added."

The prices were estimated to begin from about $13,500 for a one-bedroom house and lot.

At the time of the announcement in 1971, "four deep wells" had already been sunk and an "extensive network of reservoirs and pipelines" laid, with a filtration plant near the commercial center. Sommerhalder said the developer had the "assistance of Simon Eisner, nationally known environmental planner."

Eight months after the opening, seventy-nine percent of the 1,309 purchasers indicated in a survey that construction of a vacation home was the prime reason for buying a lot and 43% of that group said they intended to start building during 1972.

The development's sixth and final section, on a plateau some thousand feet higher than the clubhouse, went on sale in March 1973.

Mil Potrero Highway
Tenneco West improved a "winding, steep, one-lane dirt road" called Mil Potrero west from Pine Mountain Club to California State Highway 33 into a "comfortable, convenient and safe way . . . to view what is generally regarded as Southern California's most strikingly beautiful scene." The cost for the 6.5-mile segment was estimated at nearly a million dollars. John E. Sommerhalder, the company president, said the road opened up "a large segment of the [Los Padres National] forest that, until now, has been almost inaccessible."

"The job was unusually difficult, partly because of the mountainous terrain and partly because of protective and restorative measures taken to reduce to a minimum the disturbance to the natural surroundings. . . . The project had to conform to the specifications and requirements of both Kern County and the U.S. Forest Service. In effect, it is already a public road, although Tenneco must maintain it for a year before the formal dedication as a public road can take place."

To keep damages to the forest at a minimum, contractors Yeager Construction of Riverside and Desert Construction of Victorville were required to do all the work from the existing right-of-way and forbidden to build a temporary construction road alongside. Fire-protection equipment had to be on hand at all times.

Fruition
By 1988, Pine Mountain Club had a small commercial district with about forty businesses, ranging from a Exxon gas station to a place called "Pheasants by Frank." According to the Newhall Signal, the district was "more or less shut down on Mondays and Tuesdays . . . because there are so many people with weekend homes that the stores choose to stay open Saturday and Sunday."

On July 31, 2021, the community celebrated its fiftieth birthday with a barbecue picnic on blankets spread beneath the trees next to the golf course. Also noted was the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Mil Potrero Mutual Water Company.

2010 census
The 2010 United States Census reported that Pine Mountain Club had a population of 2,315. The population density was 137.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup was 2,079 (89.8%) white, 29 (1.3%) African American, 25 (1.1%) Native American, 45 (1.9%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 58 (2.5%) from other races, and 79 (3.4%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 231 persons (10.0%).

There were 1,062 households, of which 226 (21.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 585 (55.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 62 (5.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, and 36 (3.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 49 (4.6%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 13 (1.2%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. Three hundred eighteen households (29.9%) were made up of individuals, and 111 (10.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18. There were 683 families (64.3% of all households); the average family size was 2.68 persons.

Four hundred eleven people (17.8%) were under the age of 18, 105 were (4.5%) aged 18 to 24, 355 (15.3%) aged 25 to 44, 929 (40.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 515 (22.2%) 65 years or older. The median age was 51.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 women age 18 and over, there were 103.2 men.

There were 2,181 housing units at an average density of 129.4 /sqmi, of which 880 (82.9%) were owner-occupied, and 182 (17.1%) were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 6.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 17.8%. Exactly 1,884 people (81.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 431 (18.6%) in rentals.

2000 census
The 2000 census found that almost 91 percent of the sixteen hundred residents were white. There were nine blacks. There were 146 Hispanics or Latinos of any race. Other residents included 19 American Indians or Alaska natives and 12 Asians.

It was a relatively aged population, the median age being 45 years compared with 35 years for the nation as a whole. PMC also had more veterans than its share — 263, or 21 percent, compared to 13 percent around the country. In contrast with the country at large, where 64 percent of the people were working, Pine Mountain Club had just 56 percent employed. Those who were working had to travel about an hour to their jobs, compared to 25 minutes for most Americans.

It was a high-income area — $62,750 median family income, compared to $50,046 in the nation at large. In per capita income, it stood at $25,465 — just between Diamond Bar and Mira Monte among other towns in California.

Yet there were still 55 families (or 15 percent) below the poverty level in Pine Mountain Club in 2000. That is greater than the 12 percent for the country as a whole.

Almost two-thirds of its 1,737 housing units (61.5 percent) were vacant when the census was taken in March 2000. Owners lived in about eight of every 10 occupied units (84 percent), renters in the other two (16 percent).

Community management
The PMC community is managed by the Pine Mountain Club Property Owners Association, Inc., which is governed by a nine-member volunteer board of directors and a group of documents: the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&R's ), bylaws, the association rules, and an Environmental Control (EC) code. The association maintains several recreational facilities, including a nine-hole golf course, pool, clubhouse, and stables. It manages the Pine Mountain Patrol and publishes a monthly newspaper, the Condor.

Education
Pine Mountain Club is part of the El Tejon Unified School District, and students are transported by bus to local public schools, including Frazier Mountain High School. The community hosts a charter school, Peak to Peak Mountain Charter, serving grades kindergarten through seventh. The private Mountain Community Christian School serves kindergarten through sixth-grade pupils.

Transportation
Kern Regional Transit provides bus service Thursdays and Saturdays during the summer to Frazier Park, Gorman, Lake of the Woods, Lebec, and Pinon Pines. It offers a dial-a-ride service all year. Connections can be made in Frazier Park or Lebec to a scheduled service to Grapevine and Bakersfield and further connection there to Greyhound and Amtrak.

Economy
The area is served by the Mountain Communities Chamber of Commerce.

Wildlife
Black bears began commonly disturbing the community by breaking into homes and vehicles around 2014. Considered a human-black bear conflict zone by wildlife authorities, the issue is a challenge for the community especially when the bears emerge from their winter hibernation to search for food in the spring.

Media

 * The Mountain Enterprise
 * Bakersfield Californian The Californian discontinued circulation in the Mountain Communities effective May 1, 2009. Source: Mountain Enterprise, April 3, 2009

Picture gallery
Pine Mountain Club is a private community. Click the images to see larger versions of the photos, all from 2008.

title: Pine Mountain Club, California


text:
Randsburg, California

Randsburg (formerly Rand Camp) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kern County, California, United States. Randsburg is located 17 mi south of Ridgecrest, at an elevation of 3504 feet. The population was 69 in the 2010 census, down from 77 in the 2000 census.

Geography
Randsburg is located at 35.36861°N, -117.65806°W. It is on the west side of U.S. Route 395 between Kramer Junction to the south and Ridgecrest to the north. Randsburg is in the Rand Mountains, and is separated by a ridge from the neighboring community of Johannesburg.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.945 mi2, over 99% of it land.

Climate
Randsburg has a cold semi-arid climate (BSk) found on the western edge of the Mojave Desert with very hot, dry summers and cool winters.

History
Gold was discovered by Frederic Mooers, John Singleton and Charles Burcham at Yellow Aster Mine on 25 April 1895 and a mining camp quickly formed named Rand Camp. Both mine and camp were named after the gold mining region in South Africa.

The Yellow Aster was the first of many gold mines that quickly developed around Rand Camp. The Rand Mining District was created on 20 December 1895. By the end of 1896, the camp was renamed to Randsburg and more than 1500 people lived there. The first post office at Randsburg opened in 1896. By October 1897, the mining district had produced over $600,000 of gold. In 1899, the first stamp mill opened at Yellow Aster.

To expand production at Yellow Aster, a well was dug at Goler and water was pumped up to the mine serving a second mill. This and other district mines were making substantial profits, but pay for the workers was poor and a strike was called in 1903. Yellow Aster's production declined during the First World War, and it closed in 1918. It reopened in 1921 and worked intermittently until 1933 when it was taken over by the Anglo-American Mining Corporation, who sold it in 1940 to John Cummings & Co who worked it until 1956.

In 1983, Glamis Gold purchased Yellow Aster. They untopped the mine. By 2006 all remaining gold-bearing rock had been extracted, and operations ceased for the final time.

Tourism
The town has an influx of tourists throughout the year. Most visitors arrive between autumn and spring due to the extreme heat in summer. The annual Western Days Celebration starts in the third weekend of September, where the town hosts events such as gun fights, panning for gold, live bands, dances and vendors. During Thanksgiving and New Year's Day weekend, off-roading enthusiasts visit via the town's legal off-roading trail. Local shops are usually closed on weekdays, and open during weekends.

2010
At the 2010 census Randsburg had a population of 69. The population density was 35.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Randsburg was 62 (89%) White, 0 African American, 4 (6%) Native American, 2 (3%) Asian, 0 Pacific Islander, 0 from other races, and 1 (1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2 people (3%).

The whole population lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and no one was institutionalized. 0 lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 were institutionalized.

There were 42 households, 1 (2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13 (31%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 4 (10%) had a female householder with no husband present, 0 had a male householder with no wife present. There were 5 (12%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 3 (7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 17 households (41%) were one person and 6 (14%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 1.6. There were 17 families (41% of households); the average family size was 2.1.

The age distribution was 2 people (3%) under the age of 18, 2 people (3%) aged 18 to 24, 5 people (7%) aged 25 to 44, 37 people (54%) aged 45 to 64, and 23 people (33%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 59.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 68.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 67.5 males.

There were 97 housing units at an average density of 49.9 per square mile, of the occupied units 39 (93%) were owner-occupied and 3 (7%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2%; the rental vacancy rate was 50%. 64 people (93% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 5 people (7%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 77 people, 49 households, and 22 families in the CDP. The population density was 39.1 PD/sqmi. There were 109 housing units at an average density of 55.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 86% White, 5% Native American, 4% from other races, and 5% from two or more races. 5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 49 households 4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43% were married couples living together, and 53% were non-families. 49% of households were one person and 25% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 1.6 and the average family size was 2.1.

The age distribution was 4% under the age of 18, 3% from 18 to 24, 16% from 25 to 44, 48% from 45 to 64, and 30% 65 or older. The median age was 57 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median household income was $48,000 and the median family income was $49,875. Males had a median income of $53,750 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,602. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

Film and video
The lost 1913 movie The Mystery of Yellow Aster Mine was filmed in Randsburg.

South of Suez, starring George Brent and released in November 1940, was filmed in Randsburg.

The video for Calvin Harris's platinum single, Feel So Close, was filmed in part in Randsburg. Dwight Yoakam's 1989 video for "Long White Cadillac" was also filmed in the town.

Rand Mining District
In Randsburg is California Historical Landmark number 938, the Rand Mining District signed October 12, 1958. The area was home to the Rand Mining District which included the Yellow Aster Mine and the Kelly Mine. The mines started the town of Randsburg in 1895 and later the town of Johannesburg, California and Atolia, California. The Rand Mine produced more silver than any mine in California. The mine closed in 1929 as it was no longer profitable.

In January 1898 Randsburg Railway opened. It ran from Johannesburg to Kramer Junction, California with a stop at Atolia.

Rand Mining District California Historical Landmark reads:
 * NO. 938 RAND MINING DISTRICT - The Yellow Aster, or Rand, mine was discovered in April 1895 by Singleton, Burcham, and Mooers. The town of Randsburg quickly developed, followed by the supply town of Johannesburg in 1896. Both names were adopted from the profusion of minerals resembling those of the ranch mining district in South Africa. In 1907, Churchill discovered tungsten in Atolia. In June 1919, Williams and Nosser discovered the California Rand Silver Mine at Red Mountain.

title: Randsburg, California