text:
Palermo, California

Palermo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 5,382 at the 2010 census, down from 5,720 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 29.2 sqmi, of which, 99.95% of it is land and 0.05% is water.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Palermo has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

History
The town was named after Palermo, Sicily due to its excellent climate for growing olives. The first post office was established in 1888. The area was home to a country club, two railroad stations, gold mining, a brick yard, library, general mercantile store, school and even a semi-pro baseball team. The rich clay soil attracted the planting of olive and orange orchards and a thriving zucca melon industry. Mining magnate George Hearst purchased 700 acres in 1888, and then subdivided. There is an annual festival held every September centered at Palermo Park to help raise funds to support the Palermo Community Council's Sheriff Substation.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Palermo had a population of 5,382. The population density was 184.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Palermo was 3,901 (72.5%) White, 39 (0.7%) African American, 221 (4.1%) Native American, 246 (4.6%) Asian, 4 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 642 (11.9%) from other races, and 329 (6.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,281 persons (23.8%).

The Census reported that 5,382 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,940 households, out of which 635 (32.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,023 (52.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 212 (10.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 167 (8.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 141 (7.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 7 (0.4%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 416 households (21.4%) were made up of individuals, and 184 (9.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77. There were 1,402 families (72.3% of all households); the average family size was 3.18.

The population was spread out, with 1,310 people (24.3%) under the age of 18, 463 people (8.6%) aged 18 to 24, 1,157 people (21.5%) aged 25 to 44, 1,487 people (27.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 965 people (17.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.0 males.

There were 2,102 housing units at an average density of 72.0 /sqmi, of which 1,940 were occupied, of which 1,480 (76.3%) were owner-occupied, and 460 (23.7%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 8.0%. 4,049 people (75.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,333 people (24.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,720 people, 1,989 households, and 1,501 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 146.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,165 housing units at an average density of 55.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 77.99% White, 0.58% Black or African American, 5.89% Native American, 2.40% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 7.87% from other races, and 5.16% from two or more races. 15.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,989 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.5% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $30,588, and the median income for a family was $35,250. Males had a median income of $31,135 versus $19,950 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,206. About 19.3% of families and 25.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.2% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

The vast majority of high school students who live in Palermo go to Las Plumas High School.

title: Palermo, California


text:
Paradise, California

Paradise is a town in Butte County, California, United States, in the Sierra Nevada foothills above the northeastern Sacramento Valley. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 4,764, a decline of over 80% from the 26,218 residents recorded in the 2010 census.

On November 8, 2018, a major wildfire, the Camp Fire, destroyed most of Paradise and much of the adjacent communities of Magalia, Butte Creek Canyon, and Concow. In November 2023, it was reported that there were a little over 9,000 residents living in Paradise. Over 2,500 new structures have also been built, with more construction ongoing.

History
The first post office was established at Paradise in 1877. It closed for a time in 1911, but was re-established later that year, when the post office at Orloff was closed. Paradise incorporated in 1979. For many years, the Butte County Railroad operated trains along the ridge, serving mines and sawmills.

Naming
According to GNIS, the community has been known in the past by four different names or spellings: Leonards Mill, Poverty Ridge, Pair-O-Dice, and Paradice.

A legend persists that the town was named because it was the home of the Pair o' Dice Saloon, an idea supported by a 1900 railroad map referring to the town as Paradice. However, no documentation has been found to prove the establishment existed, nor an explanation of the spelling of the town's name on the map.

Gene Sylva, a former mayor of the nearby town of Oroville, has stated that the saloon story is false, and that the true etymology of the town's name can be traced to his great-great-grandfather, William Pierce Leonard, who named the town on a summer day in 1864, after a hot and dusty ride from the Sacramento Valley; arriving at his sawmill while the staff were on break, Leonard "took a deep breath of the cool, clean air, and exclaimed, 'boys, this is paradise.'" According to Snopes, Sylva's explanation may be "pleasingly inventive historical fiction", and it is more likely that the town was named for it being a pleasant place to live.

2008 fires
In June 2008, a wildfire, named the "Humboldt Fire" for its point of origin, swept over 22800 acre of land between Chico and Paradise. As many as 9,300 people were forced to evacuate southwestern Paradise until the fire could be brought under control.

In July 2008, a fire burned on the northern side of Paradise in the canyon where the Feather River is located. Again, thousands were evacuated from their homes, but the fire failed to cross the river. It was part of a larger complex of fires called the Butte Lightning Complex or BTU Complex, which also included the Belden and Pit fires. (This was a different fire from the 2018 fire of the same name.)

2018 fire
On November 8, 2018, a wildfire named the "Camp Fire" was reported at 6:33 a.m. PST, close to Camp Creek Road near Pulga. Shortly after the fire erupted, the Butte County Sheriff's Office ordered the evacuation of the eastern quarter of Paradise, and the remaining portions one hour later. However, many residents never received an evacuation warning, while others chose not to leave because the warnings did not convey the urgency of the situation. Other locations were also issued evacuation orders or warnings, and emergency shelters were established.

On the same day, much of the town of Paradise and the communities of Concow and Magalia were destroyed by this fire. Scott McLean, a Cal Fire Deputy Chief, said, "We're talking devastated... . The town center is completely on the ground. The south side as well as the north side has been hit very hard, as well."

A total of 85 people died in the Camp Fire, tens of thousands were displaced, and 18,804 buildings were destroyed. Only 5% of buildings in the town remained without serious damage after the fire. It was the deadliest and most destructive fire in California history. Negligence on the part of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) was found to be the cause of the fire.

Camp Fire recovery
The first two building permits were reissued for Paradise, after almost five months, on March 28, 2019. Local public policymakers aimed to promote rebuilding with higher standards for fire-resistant construction, upgraded infrastructure, and using the recommended 2009 redesigns for enhanced fire safety, which include expanded road capacity to increase evacuation capacity and to provide better access for emergency equipment. Two weeks of rain in early March 2019 slowed removal of debris; it was prohibited to dump waterlogged waste in landfills. Some 1,000 truckloads of material are expected to be removed daily from properties in Paradise, Concow, and Magalia. Cleanup, anticipated to take a year, involves 11,000 properties.

In 2010 the U.S. Census reported a population of 26,800. After the Camp Fire, the population declined by more than 90%. In January 2019, the state of California reported 4,600 residents, and a door-to-door count in April 2019 found 2,034. In the ensuing years, however, more residents have slowly returned to the town. By November 2023, it was reported that there were a little over 9,000 residents living in Paradise. Over 2,500 new structures had also been built, with more construction ongoing.

By 2024, the town had experienced a substantial influx of newcomers who had moved from the Bay Area and Southern California. Building codes had changed, so displaced residents could not rebuild under codes that had formerly allowed homes smaller than 750 ft2. Insurance costs had exploded, with annual premiums of $12,000 becoming commonplace.

One year after the fires, the town united behind the Paradise High School football team, which achieved an undefeated season. One team member commented, "You look at the stands, the whole town of Paradise is here, so it's really our only event right now, so it means everything." Paradise Mayor Jody Jones said, "The football team has come to represent all of us.” Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke was inspired to write a book about the team and the town, Paradise Found: A High School Football Team's Rise from the Ashes (2021).

Paradise Greenbelt Buffer Plan
After the 2018 Camp Fire caused near complete destruction of Paradise, the town and residents agreed on a Long-Term Community Recovery Plan with five main goals to make the town Safer, Welcoming, Stronger, Better, and Greener. Paradise Recreation and Parks District (PRPD) and the Nature Conservancy teamed up to develop the idea of a Greenbelt defensible buffer zone which would make the town into a better fire-adapted community by preventing future wildfires from reaching the town center. The greenbelt would be made up of managed parks and vegetation to allow firefighters to do controlled burns and create a barrier of land without fuel around the town (a firebreak) so future wildfires have no path inwards. This borderland would serve as a source of recreation and greenspace for the community. During the wildfire season, the buffer would protect the town.

The Greenbelt hopes to accomplish a number of projects outlined in the plan, including improvements to parks and walking paths, a stronger fuel management plan, and better transportation access for residents and firefighters. The Nature Conservancy hired an independent nonprofit, the Conservation Biology Institute, to conduct a scientific report on the efficacy of such a barrier. According to their models, such greening of the eastern border of Paradise could reduce combustion risks in the town by as much as 64%.

The most pressing challenges moving forward included obtaining rights to the mostly private land the Conservation Biology Institute identified as the most ideal location for a greenbelt, and funding the purchase of these properties. With local fires worsening every year, PRDP is hoping residents will respond to their fire risk reduction models and sell their outskirt properties to the district. With the successful purchase of several properties so far, Dan Efseaff, district manager for PRDP, "hopes at least to create pockets or sections of that full vision." If this becomes a successful model, the Nature Conservancy hopes to scale up lessons learned from Paradise and inspire other fire-threatened communities to implement their own buffers.

2020 North Complex Fire
The North Complex Fire, also known as the "Bear Fire," to the east of Concow, and Pulga endangered Paradise and surrounding communities that had been affected by the 2018 Camp Fire, and evacuations were ordered. Remaining burn scars that had reduced combustible materials contained the westward progress of the 2020 fire, though almost 320,000 acre were consumed before it was contained.

Geography
Paradise is located 10 mi east of Chico and 85 mi north of Sacramento.

The town is spread out on a wide ridge between deep canyons formed by the west branch of the Feather River to the east and Butte Creek to the west. The Paradise area extends northward to include the unincorporated town of Magalia, as well as Stirling City, 11 mi north. Elevation of the area where the town is located is 1778 ft. The town itself is approximately 8 mi east of the city of Chico, and 10 mi north of the Oroville area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 18.3 sqmi; over 99% of it is land.

Soils are mostly well-drained reddish-brown loam, gravelly in some cases and often grading to clay loam or clay with increasing depth. They have developed on volcanic material. Paradiso is by far the most common soil series in town.

Climate
The area encompassing Paradise has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) according to the Köppen climate classification system. This area is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters.

Demographics
Paradise is statistically classified within the Chico Metropolitan Area.

2020
As of the census of 2020, there were 4,764 people.

2010
The 2010 United States census reported that Paradise had a population of 26,218. The population density was 1,430.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Paradise was 24,129 (92.0%) white, 112 (0.4%) African American, 301 (1.1%) Native American, 330 (1.3%) Asian, 24 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 416 (1.6%) from other races, and 906 (3.5%) from two or more races. There were 1,836 people (7.0%) of Hispanic or Latino origin, of any race.

The Census reported that 25,810 people (98.4% of the population) lived in households, 139 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 269 (1.0%) were institutionalized.

There were 11,893 households, out of which 2,574 (21.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 5,227 (44.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 1,308 (11.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 511 (4.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 742 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 94 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,038 households (34.0%) were made up of individuals, and 2,126 (17.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17. There were 7,046 families (59.2% of all households); the average family size was 2.73.

The age distribution was 4,501 people (17.2%) under the age of 18, 1,858 people (7.1%) aged 18 to 24, 4,822 people (18.4%) aged 25 to 44, 8,466 people (32.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,571 people (25.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.

There were 12,981 housing units at an average density of 708.5 /mi2, of which 11,893 were occupied, of which 7,975 (67.1%) were owner-occupied, and 3,918 (32.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.9%. 17,381 people (66.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 8,429 people (32.1%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 26,408 people, 11,591 households, and 7,244 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,447.1 PD/sqmi. There were 12,374 housing units at an average density of 678.1 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 93.73% White, 0.19% Black or African American, 1.07% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.21% from other races, and 2.64% from two or more races. 4.27% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 11,591 households, out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the town the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,863, and the median income for a family was $41,228. Males had a median income of $35,419 versus $25,231 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,267. About 9.7% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government
The State of California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development defined Feather River Hospital as a general acute care hospital (GACH) in Paradise with basic emergency care as of August 22, 2006. Since the 2018 Camp Fire, the hospital has been permanently closed, with no plans to reopen at this time.

Education
Paradise is served by the Paradise Unified School District, as well as by several independent charter and private schools.

Paradise Unified School District schools include:
 * Paradise High School (9–12)
 * The high school was virtually undamaged in the 2018 Camp Fire and reopened for the 2019–20 school year. Enrollment was expected to be about 600, but about 900 showed up for the first day of classes, with some displaced students traveling more than an hour each way.
 * Ridgeview High School (continuation)
 * HomeTech Charter School (K–12)
 * Paradise Intermediate School (6–8)
 * Paradise Charter Middle School (6–8)
 * Children's Community Charter School (K–8)
 * Cedarwood Elementary School (K–5)
 * Paradise Elementary School (K–5)
 * Ponderosa Elementary School (K–6)
 * Pine Ridge School (K–8)
 * Honey Run Academy Elementary & Secondary (2 community day schools)
 * Pearson Center (school for 18-22-year-old significantly disabled special education students)

Other Paradise schools include:
 * Achieve Charter School
 * Paradise Adventist Academy
 * Paradise Elearning Charter (Online 9–12)
 * Butte College

Transportation
There are not many options for transportation within Paradise. The Paradise/Magalia area is served by the "B-Line" Butte County Transit. Butte Community College also runs bus service for students.

Paradise's link with Chico, Skyway Road (referred to locally as simply "Skyway"), begins in the Sacramento Valley, at Highway 99 in Chico, and runs up the ridge as a four-lane divided highway until it reaches Paradise. Through the town, it is a four-lane undivided highway, which becomes a two-lane road as it continues up the Sierra's ridge to Magalia and into numerous smaller communities to the north. Paradise is connected to Oroville via Highway 191, otherwise known as Clark Road upon entering the town.

The Paradise Memorial Trail is a paved pedestrian and bicycle path which runs through town on the path of the former railroad tracks leading up the ridge. However, aside from points along this path, the very hilly terrain of the town, coupled with the large spacing of commercial areas and large land area made Paradise difficult to navigate on foot or on a bicycle, in addition to the lack of sidewalks.

Paradise Skypark (FAA identifier: CA92) is an airport located parallel to State Route 191 and south of the town.

Media
Eclectic Internet radio station Radio Paradise was founded in Paradise.

The local newspaper is the Paradise Post.

In popular culture
Scenes from Gone with the Wind were filmed in Paradise.

A 1959 Maverick episode, "The Cats of Paradise", is set in Paradise.

A 1988–1991 American Western family television series, Guns of Paradise, is set in Paradise.

Paradise was used in the comic strip Pickles, by Brian Crane, on June 22, 2011.

The 2020 film Rebuilding Paradise, directed by Ron Howard, is about the 2018 Camp Fire.

The PBS show This Old House season 41 included 4 episodes on rebuilding Paradise.

Notable people
People who were born, grew up, or lived in Paradise for a portion of their lives or careers.

 * Norton Buffalo (1951–2009), musician, singer–songwriter, artist, actor, record producer, died in Paradise on October 30, 2009.
 * Richard Campbell, rock and pop singer-songwriter and bass guitarist, grew up in Paradise, graduated from Paradise High School in 1977, and went on to perform with Natalie Cole, Three Dog Night, Dave Mason, Edgar Winter and America.
 * Carla Gugino, actress, moved to Paradise with her mother at the age of 5.
 * Luther Kelly (1849–1928), soldier, hunter, scout, adventurer, and administrator
 * Lazy Lester, blues musician, moved to Paradise to live with his longtime girlfriend. He died at his home in Paradise on August 22, 2018, of cancer.
 * Jeff Maehl, former NFL wide receiver
 * Nate Smith, country music singer-songwriter
 * Tiffany Brissette, former child actress.

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

title: Paradise, California


text:
South Oroville, California

South Oroville is a census-designated place (CDP) in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 5,742 at the 2010 census, down from 7,695 at the 2000 census.

For all practical purposes, South Oroville is tied to Oroville proper. South Oroville contains a negligible number of businesses, and all residents are dependent on the commercial centers of Oroville, and sometimes Chico if they choose. In fact, there is no clear divide between South Oroville and the Oroville city limits. This also applies to Thermalito, Oroville East, and Palermo. Las Plumas High School is located in South Oroville, and most high school students go to school there.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.0 square miles (7.7 km$2$), all of it land.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that South Oroville had a population of 5,742. The population density was 1,937.0 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of South Oroville was 3,407 (59.3%) White, 406 (7.1%) African American, 245 (4.3%) Native American, 885 (15.4%) Asian, 9 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 361 (6.3%) from other races, and 429 (7.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 851 persons (14.8%).

The Census reported that 5,624 people (97.9% of the population) lived in households, 118 (2.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,745 households, out of which 771 (44.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 701 (40.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 390 (22.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 148 (8.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 172 (9.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 11 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 354 households (20.3%) were made up of individuals, and 101 (5.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22. There were 1,239 families (71.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.72.

The population was spread out, with 1,759 people (30.6%) under the age of 18, 685 people (11.9%) aged 18 to 24, 1,453 people (25.3%) aged 25 to 44, 1,382 people (24.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 463 people (8.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

There were 1,933 housing units at an average density of 652.1 /sqmi, of which 1,745 were occupied, of which 861 (49.3%) were owner-occupied, and 884 (50.7%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 8.1%. 2,539 people (44.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,085 people (53.7%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,695 people, 2,491 households, and 1,771 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,716.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,731 housing units at an average density of 609.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 69.06% White, 4.87% Black or African American, 3.98% Native American, 12.74% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 3.78% from other races, and 5.52% from two or more races. 9.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,491 households, out of which 37.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.60.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 35.1% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $23,783, and the median income for a family was $28,073. Males had a median income of $27,162 versus $20,547 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,823. About 25.6% of families and 34.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 47.8% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Annexation
The City of Oroville recently annexed two parts of South Oroville, consisting of Area A and B. Together, they have a combined population of 2,725 people. Area A has a population of 2,392 people and Area B's population is 333 people. Area A is an urbanized area and fairly regular in shape. It is located south of Wyandotte Avenue and is bounded on the west by Lincoln Blvd., Ithaca Street comprises the southern boundary, and Area B comprises the eastern boundary. Area B is more rural in character. It consists of larger undeveloped or under-developed parcels. Area B is bounded by Area A to the west, Lower Wyandotte Road to the North East, the current City limit to the east, and V-7 Road and Oro Garden Ranch Road to the South.

title: South Oroville, California


text:
Thermalito, California

Thermalito (Spanish for "Small Thermal") is a census-designated place (CDP) in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 6,646 at the 2010 census, up from 6,045 at the 2000 census. The area is generally considered an integral part of Oroville, and borders the town on two sides, in addition to the near-enclave of the city of Oroville surrounded by Thermalito on all sides, with the exception of the extremely narrow spit of land connecting Afterbay to Oroville proper.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.0 sqmi, of which, 12.8 sqmi of it is land and 0.1 sqmi of it (1.08%) is water.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Thermalito has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

Thermalito trail
The Thermalito Trail is a trail located in Thermalito. It passes through the Kilkare Canyon.

History
A post office operated in Thermalito from 1895 to 1920.

2010
At the 2010 census Thermalito had a population of 6,646. The population density was 516.4 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Thermalito was 4,594 (69.1%) White, 61 (0.9%) African American, 257 (3.9%) Native American, 1,102 (16.6%) Asian, 37 (0.6%) Pacific Islander, 270 (4.1%) from other races, and 325 (4.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 713 people (10.7%).

The census reported that 6,556 people (98.6% of the population) lived in households, 52 (0.8%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 38 (0.6%) were institutionalized.

There were 2,263 households, 794 (35.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,038 (45.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 332 (14.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 190 (8.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 190 (8.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 12 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 550 households (24.3%) were one person and 246 (10.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.90. There were 1,560 families (68.9% of households); the average family size was 3.44.

The age distribution was 1,748 people (26.3%) under the age of 18, 691 people (10.4%) aged 18 to 24, 1,458 people (21.9%) aged 25 to 44, 1,754 people (26.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 995 people (15.0%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 37.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.9 males.

There were 2,447 housing units at an average density of 190.1 /sqmi,of which 2,263 were occupied, 1,522 (67.3%) by the owners and 741 (32.7%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.7%. 4,227 people (63.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,329 people (35.0%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 6,045 people, 2,143 households, and 1,508 families in the CDP. The population density was 470.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,327 housing units at an average density of 181.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 77.73% White, 0.46% Black or African American, 2.91% Native American, 10.50% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 2.98% from other races, and 5.21% from two or more races. 7.69% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 2,143 households 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.4% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 24.4% of households were one person and 11.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.31.

The age distribution was 30.1% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median household income was $26,760 and the median family income was $29,388. Males had a median income of $31,123 versus $24,208 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,819. About 20.2% of families and 27.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.8% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.

Most high school students in Thermalito attend Oroville High School.

title: Thermalito, California


text:
Angels Camp, California

Angels Camp, also known as City of Angels (formerly Angel's Camp, Angels, Angels City, Carson's Creek and Clearlake), is the only incorporated city in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 3,836 at the 2010 census, up from 3,004 at the 2000 census. It lies at an elevation of 1381 feet (421 m).

Mark Twain based his short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" on a story he claimed to have heard at the Angels Hotel in 1865. The event is commemorated with a Jumping Frog Jubilee each May at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds, just east of the city. Because of this, Angels Camp is sometimes referred to as "Frogtown."

The city is California Historical Landmark #287.

History
Henry Angell, a native of Rhode Island, set up a tent store on the banks of the creek. The placers around his camp were productive but gave out after a few years, and the population began to dwindle until gold-bearing quartz veins were discovered in the town, which brought people back. Those mines operated for the next few decades, producing more than $20 million worth of gold, processed by stamp mills in town. It was said that when the last mill finally ceased operations, the townspeople couldn't sleep, the silence was so loud.

The first post office was established in 1851 (and called Carson's Creek). It was renamed along with the town in 1853. The city was incorporated under the name of "Angels" in 1912.

Geography
Angels Camp is located at 38.06833°N, -120.53972°W.

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

Angels Camp is about 1400 ft above sea level, with Angels Creek flowing through the middle of town.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Angels Camp has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

2010
At the 2010 census Angels Camp had a population of 3,836. The population density was 1,054.6 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Angels Camp was 3,329 (86.8%) White, 12 (0.3%) African American, 48 (1.3%) Native American, 49 (1.3%) Asian, 5 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 270 (7.0%) from other races, and 123 (3.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 498 people (13.0%).

The Census Bureau said 4,354 people (98.8% of the population) lived in households, 47 (1.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and no one was institutionalized.

There were 1,645 households, 422 (25.7%) had children younger than 18 living in them, 836 (50.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 152 (9.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 74 (4.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 94 (5.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and nine (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. A total of 489 households (29.7%) were one person and 252 (15.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30. There were 1,062 families (64.6% of households); the average family size was 2.81.

The age distribution was 794 people (20.7%) younger than 18, 273 people (7.1%) aged 18 to 24, 810 people (21.1%) aged 25 to 44, 1,086 people (28.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 873 people (22.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 45.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and older, there were 90.5 males.

There were 1,943 housing units at an average density of 534.2 /sqmi, of which 1,645 were occupied, of which 1,060 (64.4%) were owner-occupied and 585 (35.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 10.7%. A total of 2,355 people (61.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,434 people (37.4%)lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, Angels Camp had 3,004 people in 1,286 households, including 856 families, in the city. The population density was 993.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,422 housing units at an average density of 470.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.14% White, 0.20% Black or African American, 1.83% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.43% from other races, and 2.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.09% of the population.

There were 1,286 households, 28.2% had children younger than 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present and 33.4% were non-families. A total of 29.0% of households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.34, and the average family size was 2.82.

The age distribution was 24.3% younger than 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and older, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,371, and the median family income was $48,125. Males had a median income of $37,269 vs. $27,778 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,599. About 10.0% of families and 13.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.2% of those younger than 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or older.

Government
In the state legislature, Angels Camp is in, and. Federally, Angels Camp is in.

Notable people

 * Sara Carter, member of the musical group the Carter Family
 * T.J. Dillashaw, former UFC bantamweight champion
 * Amanda Folendorf, first deaf female mayor in the United States
 * Mike McCormick, Major League Baseball player
 * Catfish Metkovich, Major League Baseball player
 * Kyle Rasmussen, United States Ski Team member and two-time Alpine skiing World Cup Downhill champion
 * Tommy Orange, Native American writer and novelist

title: Angels Camp, California


text:
Arnold, California

Arnold is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 3,843 at the 2010 census, down from 4,218 at the 2000 census. Arnold is located on State Route 4.

History
Arnold is named after Bob and Bernice Arnold, who, in 1927 opened the Ebbetts Pass Inn. Prior to that, the community consisted of two large ranches where logging was the main industry. The inn served as a stop for people traveling along the Ebbetts Pass route as well as lodging for those visiting nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park. In 1928, Camp Wolfeboro was established nearby as a Boy Scout camp and continues to be in operation today. The first post office was opened in 1934. Bernice was its postmistress at one time.

In 2015 power lines sparked the Butte Fire, which destroyed 549 homes in nearby communities. Arnold was saved when the weather changed, but the fire caused an increased focus on fire safety, although the community was still, in 2019, considered a "very high fire hazard severity zone" due to its location on a ridge outside Calaveras Big Trees State Park, surrounded by dense forest of trees killed by drought and beetles.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 14.9 sqmi, of which, 14.8 sqmi of it is land and 0.1 sqmi of it (0.47%) is water.

Arnold is considered at high risk of wildfire by CalFire due to its forested ridgetop location with powerful wind gusts up brushy canyons.

Climate
Area has a Köppen Climate Classification of Csb, which is a dry-summer subtropical climate often referred to as "Mediterranean".

Demographics
As many as 45% of the dwellings are vacation homes, a factor in fire safety efforts, as absent owners do not always clear the brush from their properties.

At the 2010 census Arnold had a population of 3,843. The population density was 258.8 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Arnold was 3,590 (93.4%) White, 20 (0.5%) African American, 28 (0.7%) Native American, 46 (1.2%) Asian, 7 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 60 (1.6%) from other races, and 96 (2.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 259 people (6.7%).

The census reported that 3,842 people (100% of the population) lived in households, no one lived in non-institutionalized group quarters and 1 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,761 households, 340 (19.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,024 (58.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 113 (6.4%) had a female householder with no husband present, 50 (2.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 87 (4.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 11 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships; 472 households (26.8%) were one person and 201 (11.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.18. There were 1,187 families (67.4% of households); the average family size was 2.60.

The age distribution was 613 people (16.0%) under the age of 18, 184 people (4.8%) aged 18 to 24, 563 people (14.7%) aged 25 to 44, 1,436 people (37.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,047 people (27.2%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 54.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.8 males.

There were 4,897 housing units at an average density of 329.8 /sqmi,of which 1,761 were occupied, 1,422 (80.7%) by the owners and 339 (19.3%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 16.8%. 2,978 people (77.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 864 people (22.5%) lived in rental housing units.

Economy
Arnold has a chamber of commerce, the Greater Arnold Business Association.

Parks and recreation
Arnold is located in Stanislaus National Forest. Parks located in the area include White Pines Park and Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The Arnold Rim Trail, which was created in 2007, is a 17.5 mile multi-use trail that traverses protected land from Arnold to Avery.

Government
In the state legislature, Arnold is in, and. Federally, Arnold is in.

State and federal grants following the Butte Fire have helped to thin overgrown brush in the area, and expand a bulldozed fire break created in the Butte Fire.

title: Arnold, California


text:
Avery, California

Avery is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 646 at the 2010 census, down from 672 at the 2000 census. Avery is located on State Route 4 and is home to the oldest continually operating hotel in the county, the Avery Hotel Restaurant & Saloon. Built in 1853, it was known as the "Half Way House," being located between Murphys, Arnold, and Calaveras Big Trees State Park.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.5 sqmi, all of it land.

History
The place is named after George J. Avery, its first postmaster. The first post office was established in 1885, closed in 1943, and re-established in 1949.

Demographics
At the 2010 census Avery had a population of 646. The population density was 143.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Avery was 604 (93.5%) White, 5 (0.8%) African American, 7 (1.1%) Native American, 3 (0.5%) Asian, 1 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 2 (0.3%) from other races, and 24 (3.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 38 people (5.9%).

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

There were 281 households, 68 (24.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 149 (53.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 22 (7.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 7 (2.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 20 (7.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 2 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 80 households (28.5%) were one person and 30 (10.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30. There were 178 families (63.3% of households); the average family size was 2.80.

The age distribution was 129 people (20.0%) under the age of 18, 40 people (6.2%) aged 18 to 24, 126 people (19.5%) aged 25 to 44, 210 people (32.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 141 people (21.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 48.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.0 males.

There were 388 housing units at an average density of 86.2 /sqmi,of which 281 were occupied, 218 (77.6%) by the owners and 63 (22.4%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 7.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 11.3%. 495 people (76.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 151 people (23.4%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, Avery is in, and. Federally, Avery is in.

title: Avery, California


text:
Copperopolis, California

Copperopolis is an unincorporated town and census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 3,671 at the 2010 census, up from 2,363 at the 2000 census. The town is located along State Route 4 and is registered as California Historical Landmark #296.

History
Unlike most of the mining towns in the Calaveras County, Copperopolis' claim to fame is not gold, but copper. It was founded in 1860 by William K. Reed, Dr. Allen Blatchly, and Thomas McCarty, at the site of the second major discovery of copper ore in the region (the first was nearby Telegraph City).

William K. Reed and Thomas McCarty founded the Union Copper Mine (and later the Keystone & Empire mines). In 1862, Reed sold out his interest in the mines and built a toll road from Copperopolis through Telegraph City. It connected with a road running westerly into Stockton. This road was called "Reeds Turnpike" and remained a toll road until 1865. Copperopolis was on the main stage road from Sonora to Sacramento.

The town grew rapidly, as the need for copper during the Civil War for material was great. The copper was sent to Stockton and then to San Francisco, where it was loaded onto ships and taken around Cape Horn before finally arriving in smelters on the East Coast.

After the war ended, mining and shipping copper proved too expensive and the population dwindled as the mines closed. However, a Boston company purchased the mines in the 1880s and mining operations resumed. The town went through boom periods during the two World Wars, when demand for copper went up again. By the time the mines closed in 1946, according to the U.S. Bureau of Mines, they had produced 72,598,883 pounds of copper worth over $12 million. No copper mining has been done since.

The first post office was established in 1861.

Copperopolis has four buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 22.1 sqmi, of which, 21.5 sqmi of it is land and 0.6 sqmi of it (2.89%) is water.

Climate
Copperopolis has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa).

There are cool winters during which intense rainfall is broken by weeks of cool, sunny weather. It has hot, dry summers with no rainfall in July and August.

Snow is rare in Copperopolis, averaging only 0.2 in per year, entirely in winter months.

2010
At the 2010 census Copperopolis had a population of 3,671. The population density was 171.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Copperopolis was 3,318 (90.4%) White, 31 (0.8%) African American, 43 (1.2%) Native American, 36 (1.0%) Asian, 12 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 83 (2.3%) from other races, and 148 (4.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 454 people (12.4%).

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

There were 1,466 households, 413 (28.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 898 (61.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 114 (7.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 58 (4.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 92 (6.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 12 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 291 households (19.8%) were one person and 115 (7.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.50. There were 1,070 families (73.0% of households); the average family size was 2.86.

The age distribution was 783 people (21.3%) under the age of 18, 253 people (6.9%) aged 18 to 24, 710 people (19.3%) aged 25 to 44, 1,270 people (34.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 655 people (17.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 46.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

There were 2,336 housing units at an average density of 109.0 /sqmi,of which 1,466 were occupied, 1,089 (74.3%) by the owners and 377 (25.7%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 6.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 8.7%. 2,549 people (69.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,122 people (30.6%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, Copperopolis is in, and. Federally, Copperopolis is in.

Literature
Copperopolis is near Tuttletown, which has a shack on Jack Ass Hill, where Mark Twain is supposed to have written one of his most famous works, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". Author K. Martin Gardner expounds on this literary history, and Twain's friendship with renowned scientist of the time, Nikola Tesla, in his novel Copperopolis.

title: Copperopolis, California


text:
Dorrington, California

Dorrington is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 609 at the 2010 census, down from 727 at the 2000 census. Originally known as Cold Spring Ranch until 1902 (because of an icy spring), the town sits on State Route 4 and historically was a stopping point along the toll road between Murphys and Ebbetts Pass, often serving as a resort for visitors to what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Dorrington is also home to the second largest Sugar Pine in the world, measuring 32 feet (9.7 m) in circumference and 220 feet (67 m) tall. The name Dorrington comes from the maiden name of Rebecca (Dorrington) Gardner.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.7 sqmi, 99.86% of it land. The elevation is 4,800 feet ASL.

History
Originally known as Cold Springs Ranch, the town's name changed upon establishment of the post office in 1902. The name Dorrington comes from the maiden name of Rebecca (Dorrington) Gardner. Famed naturalist John Muir visited a large Sugar Pine Tree here on August 22, 1900 with C. Hart Merriam and Florence Merriam Bailey on a trip between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite. The post office was discontinued in 1919, but re-established in 1921 and closed for good in 1934.

Demographics
At the 2010 census Dorrington had a population of 609. The population density was 166.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Dorrington was 576 (94.6%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 2 (0.3%) Native American, 11 (1.8%) Asian, 1 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 1 (0.2%) from other races, and 18 (3.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33 people (5.4%).

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

There were 294 households, 44 (15.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 174 (59.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 14 (4.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 3 (1.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 16 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 3 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 86 households (29.3%) were one person and 30 (10.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.07. There were 191 families (65.0% of households); the average family size was 2.50.

The age distribution was 76 people (12.5%) under the age of 18, 19 people (3.1%) aged 18 to 24, 58 people (9.5%) aged 25 to 44, 277 people (45.5%) aged 45 to 64, and 179 people (29.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 57.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.9 males.

There were 1,689 housing units at an average density of 461.8 /sqmi,of which 294 were occupied, 269 (91.5%) by the owners and 25 (8.5%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 6.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 17.1%. 553 people (90.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 56 people (9.2%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, Dorrington is in, and. Federally, Dorrington is in.

title: Dorrington, California


text:
Forest Meadows, California

Forest Meadows is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 1,249 at the 2010 census, up from 1,197 at the 2000 census.

Geography Brice Station is not inside the Forest Meadows HOA.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.7 sqmi, all of it land.

Demographics
At the 2010 census Forest Meadows had a population of 1,249. The population density was 220.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Forest Meadows was 1,198 (95.9%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 4 (0.3%) Native American, 14 (1.1%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 7 (0.6%) from other races, and 26 (2.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 60 people (4.8%).

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

There were 586 households, 81 (13.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 367 (62.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 39 (6.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 11 (1.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 23 (3.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 7 (1.2%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 138 households (23.5%) were one person and 74 (12.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.13. There were 417 families (71.2% of households); the average family size was 2.46.

The age distribution was 153 people (12.2%) under the age of 18, 72 people (5.8%) aged 18 to 24, 139 people (11.1%) aged 25 to 44, 466 people (37.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 419 people (33.5%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 58.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

There were 845 housing units at an average density of 149.4 /sqmi,of which 586 were occupied, 488 (83.3%) by the owners and 98 (16.7%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.4%. 1,030 people (82.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 219 people (17.5%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, Forest Meadows is in, and. Federally, Forest Meadows is in.

title: Forest Meadows, California


text:
Mokelumne Hill, California

Mokelumne Hill (Mokelumne, Miwok for "People of the Fish Net") is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 646 at the 2010 census, down from 774 at the 2000 census. It is commonly referred to as "Moke Hill" by locals. The town takes its name from the neighboring Mokelumne River, which in turn is Miwok for the "people of Mokel," the likely name of a Native American village in the area.

History
Mokelumne Hill was one of the richest gold mining towns in California. Founded in 1848 by a group of Oregonians, the placers were so rich that the miners risked starvation rather than head to Stockton to replenish their supplies (one finally did and made it rich by becoming a merchant). Soon after, gold was discovered in the nearby hills, so much so that miners were restricted to claims of 16 sqft, and yet many of those claims were reported to have paid up to $20,000.

By 1850 the town was one of the largest in the area. Its population reached as high as 15,000 with people of all nationalities, particularly Americans, Frenchmen, Germans, Spaniards, Chileans, Mexicans, and Chinese. Besides racial tensions, the easy gold attracted criminal elements, and the town gained a reputation as one of the bawdiest in the area. Notorious bandit Joaquin Murrieta is said to have been a frequent visitor to the gambling venues. Violence was a major problem as well. In 1851, there was at least one homicide a week for seventeen consecutive weeks.

A June, 1851, incident in Mokelumne Hill has been dubbed California's French Revolution, or French War, by some historians. The previous year the State Legislature had passed the Foreign Miners' Tax Act of 1850. Frenchmen in the area revolted and refused to pay the tax. The Sheriff, also the Tax Collector, summoned a large posse to enforce the act, but the Frenchmen raised the French flag and proclaimed their independence. This prompted the Governor to direct a battalion of militia, commanded by William D. Bradshaw, to suppress the revolt. Disaster was averted when Bradshaw negotiated with the Frenchmen to stand down.

Also in 1851, the first post office was established in the town, and in 1852 the town became the county seat. In the same year a vigilance committee was formed and the worst of the crime was eliminated.

By the 1860s the gold started to run out and the town's population and importance diminished. When San Andreas became the new county seat in 1866, Mokelumne Hill's status declined even further. The town today is a quiet place, with much tourism due to its historic status. From 1959 to 1977 Mokelumne Hill was home to Lucile S. Davidson, known as "the shoe lady of Mokelumne Hill". She was in The Stockton 'Record' and later in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest privately owned glass shoe collection in the world.

Mokelumne Hill is registered as California Historical Landmark #269.

Landmarks

 * The I.O.O.F. Hall (CHL #256) is said to be California's first three-story building to be erected outside the coastal towns.
 * The Congregational Church building (CHL #261) is the oldest such in the state.
 * The Hotel Léger (CHL #663) is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in California. One of its buildings was the county courthouse when the town was the county seat.
 * The Baldwin Hotel located at 8399 Center Street (corner of Center and Clark) was first built back in 1854, by John Rapetto and his partner John Rogers. Since then it has housed several businesses including Raggio's Stone House up until around 1876, the Baldwin Hotel originally operated by Louis Baldwin, and the Gardella Mortuary, which was located in the basement of the building. When Charles (Carlo) Gardella purchased the property, taking over the Baldwin Hotel, he used his skills as a carpenter to make several additions to the structure, including the veranda and the gable-end gingerbread woodwork which was very popular in Victorian design at the time. Charles Gardella immigrated from Italy to the United States in 1861. He eventually settled in Mokelumne Hill, and Calaveras County Marriage Records note that he married Lenora Cataldo on November 11, 1875. The 1880 Census has him living in Moke Hill, and working as a wagon maker
 * The original elementary school in Mokelumne Hill, which is still standing but has been converted to a private residence, was built in 1852 and was used until 1964. Unconfirmed legend has it that a bond issue to build the school failed, but citizens of the town built it anyway.
 * The basement of the Hotel Léger was the first meeting place of E Clampus Vitus.
 * Gardella House (1930s). (8258 Church Street). A Designated Historic Building by the Mokelumne Hill Community Historical Trust. This Spanish Eclectic/Mission Revival style was constructed in the 1930s by John Gardella. The industrial metal sash windows are original to the design and the home has been beautifully maintained. John Gardella, son of Charles (Carlo) Gardella, was the Calaveras County Coroner from the mid-1930s to mid 1950s
 * Home of Edith Irvine photographer/school teacher posthumously famous for photographing San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire. The photos were discovered in the basement of the home by her nephew after her death in 1949. She also photographed Calaveras Big Trees, Yosemite, Mokelumne Hill, and the installation of the hydroelectric equipment on the Mokelumene River.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km$2$), over 99% of it land.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Mokelumne Hill has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

Demographics
At the 2010 census Mokelumne Hill had a population of 646. The population density was 209.6 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Mokelumne Hill was 571 (88.4%) White, 3 (0.5%) African American, 12 (1.9%) Native American, 4 (0.6%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 26 (4.0%) from other races, and 30 (4.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 66 people (10.2%).

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

There were 299 households, 63 (21.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 129 (43.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 31 (10.4%) had a female householder with no spouse present, 14 (4.7%) had a male householder with no spouse present. There were 24 (8.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 5 (1.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 99 households (33.1%) were one person and 38 (12.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.16. There were 174 families (58.2% of households); the average family size was 2.71.

The age distribution was 102 people (15.8%) under the age of 18, 39 people (6.0%) aged 18 to 24, 119 people (18.4%) aged 25 to 44, 245 people (37.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 141 people (21.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 51.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.4 males.

There were 354 housing units at an average density of 114.9 /sqmi, of which 299 were occupied, 205 (68.6%) by the owners and 94 (31.4%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 18.3%. 447 people (69.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 199 people (30.8%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, Mokelumne Hill is in, and. Federally, Mokelumne Hill is in.

title: Mokelumne Hill, California


text:
Mountain Ranch, California

Mountain Ranch (formerly, El Dorado and El Dorado Town) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 1,628 at the 2010 census, up from 1,557 at the 2000 census. The town is registered as California Historical Landmark #282. The town center is quite small with fewer than 50 people living in it. The 5 mile square area surrounding the town accounts for the balance of the population.

History
The settlement was established during the California Gold Rush. Mountain Ranch's post office was established in 1858. In 1868, it was moved to another town called El Dorado Camp 1.5 miles south, as there was already an El Dorado post office in California, El Dorado Camp became known as Mountain Ranch. Currently, there are 3 post office buildings in the town. The present one, a small post office which was built in 1956, and a post office built in 1923 which was once billed as the world's smallest post office. The original location of the town of Mountain Ranch also has a historical landmark. The bell on the historical marker was used in the local school from 1885 to 1953. Established as Cave City School District in 1855, this school joined with the Banner District in 1946 to become the El Dorado Union Elementary School District. In 1942 the last of the gold mines closed. Further economic losses took place in the 1970s, when local saw mills shuttered, and also in 1983 when the Calaveras Cement Co. closed. In 2015, the town was ravaged by the Butte Fire. More than 350 homes along the outskirts burned, but firefighters and local ranchers were able to save most of the downtown.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 41.2 sqmi, of which 99.86% is land, and 0.14% is water.

Demographics
At the 2010 census Mountain Ranch had a population of 1,628. The population density was 39.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Mountain Ranch was 1,472 (90.4%) White, 15 (0.9%) African American, 33 (2.0%) Native American, 18 (1.1%) Asian, 2 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 15 (0.9%) from other races, and 73 (4.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 123 people (7.6%).

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

There were 748 households, 113 (15.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 410 (54.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 53 (7.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 23 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 50 (6.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 5 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 211 households (28.2%) were one person and 89 (11.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.18. There were 486 families (65.0% of households); the average family size was 2.60.

The age distribution was 213 people (13.1%) under the age of 18, 86 people (5.3%) aged 18 to 24, 201 people (12.3%) aged 25 to 44, 712 people (43.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 416 people (25.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 55.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

There were 960 housing units at an average density of 23.3 per square mile (9.0/km$2$), of which 748 were occupied, 620 (82.9%) by the owners and 128 (17.1%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 9.8%. 1,352 people (83.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 276 people (17.0%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, Mountain Ranch is in, and. Federally, Mountain Ranch is in.

Notable natives

 * Jake Shields

title: Mountain Ranch, California


text:
Murphys, California

Murphys, originally Murphys New Diggings then Murphy's Camp, is an unincorporated village located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 2,213 at the 2010 census, up from 2,061 at the 2000 census.

A former gold mining settlement, the main street today is lined with over two dozen wine tasting rooms and surrounded by local vineyards. Nearby attractions include Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Bear Valley Ski Resort and historic Mercer Caverns. The world's largest crystalline gold leaf is displayed just south of town at Ironstone Vineyards. The town also hosts an annual Irish Days parade and street fair every March on Main Street, with some years seeing over 35,000 people in attendance.

History
The area around Murphys was originally occupied by the Miwok. John and Daniel Murphy were part of the Stephens-Townsend-Murphy Party, the first immigrant party to bring wagons across the Sierra Nevada to Sutter's Fort in 1844. They earned a living as merchants, but like many others, began prospecting when the California Gold Rush began. They first started in Vallecito, which was then known as "Murphys Old Diggings," before moving to another location in 1848 which became "Murphys New Diggings," "Murphy's Camp," and eventually just "Murphys" in 1935.

The placer mining in this location was very successful, but wreaked havoc on the natural landscape. Miners were limited to claims of 8 square feet (0.75 m2) and yet many were still able to become wealthy. The Murphy brothers themselves, however, made far more money as merchants than as miners. In fact, John was so successful that he left town at the end of 1849 and never returned, having amassed a personal fortune of nearly $2 million. Roughly $20 million in gold was discovered in Murphys and the surrounding area. Two of the richest diggings were named Owlsburg and Owlburrow Flat.

Murphys was also a tourist resort destination, as the nearby giant sequoia trees in what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park were a major draw, and they continue to be so today. After visiting, John Muir wrote in his book, The Mountains of California (1894):

"'MURPHY'S CAMP is a curious old mining-town in Calaveras County, at an elevation of 2400 ft above the sea, situated like a nest in the center of a rough, gravelly region, rich in gold. Granites, slates, lavas, limestone, iron ores, quartz veins, auriferous gravels, remnants of dead fire-rivers and dead water-rivers are developed here side by side within a radius of a few miles, and placed invitingly open before the student like a book, while the people and the region beyond the camp furnish mines of study of never-failing interest and variety.'"

Like many other mining towns, fire was its bane and the town was destroyed three times by flames, in 1859, 1874, and 1893. After the second major fire, there was little gold left to mine, and so the town was never rebuilt to its boomtown condition. However, Murphys continued to thrive as a merchant center, supplying many of the silver mines in Nevada with provisions via Ebbetts Pass. The town is registered as California Historical Landmark #275. A "Hall of Comparative Ovations" built by a chapter of the clampers still stands in Murphys. There is a "Wall of Comparative Ovations" at the Old Timers Museum on Main Street. The plaques on the wall are installed and maintained by members of E Clampus Vitus.

The first post office was established as Murphy's in 1851. The name was changed to Murphy in 1894, and finally to Murphys in 1935.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.3 sqmi, 99.98% of it land.

Climate
This region experiences warm to very hot, dry summers, with average monthly temperatures above 71.6 F, and many days above 100 F during summer months. Winters are mild, with occasional light snowfall in the early months. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Murphys has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.

Demographics
At the 2010 census Murphys had a population of 2,213. The population density was 214.4 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Murphys was 2,045 (92.4%) White, 9 (0.4%) African American, 17 (0.8%) Native American, 7 (0.3%) Asian, 10 (0.5%) Pacific Islander, 82 (3.7%) from other races, and 43 (1.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 223 people (10.1%).

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

There were 1,053 households, 219 (20.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 505 (48.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 81 (7.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 37 (3.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 41 (3.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 7 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 378 households (35.9%) were one person and 226 (21.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.10. There were 623 families (59.2% of households); the average family size was 2.70.

The age distribution was 401 people (18.1%) under the age of 18, 109 people (4.9%) aged 18 to 24, 327 people (14.8%) aged 25 to 44, 726 people (32.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 650 people (29.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 54.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.5 males.

There were 1,256 housing units at an average density of 121.7 /sqmi,of which 1,053 were occupied, 726 (68.9%) by the owners and 327 (31.1%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.5%. 1,491 people (67.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 722 people (32.6%) lived in rental housing units.

Annual cultural events
Calaveras Wine Alliance members host Presidents Weekend Open House (February); Passport Weekend (June); and Vineyard Tour (July). All member tasting rooms are open to the public. In October, the Grape Stomp takes place at Murphys Park and a street fair on Main Street. March brings the Irish Days parade and street fair in celebration of the town's Irish heritage. Dia de los Muertos is celebrated every November on Main Street. The Calaveras County Fair held in neighboring Angels Camp takes place in May and features the Jumping Frog Jubilee made famous in the 1865 short story by Mark Twain, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County".

The Ironstone Concours d'Elegance car show is held annually in Murphys at Ironstone Vineyards. Proceeds from the event benefit the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America. Ironstone also hosts a summertime concert series every year. Past seasons have featured acts such as Coldplay, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson, The Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bryan Adams, B. B. King, Huey Lewis and the News, Steely Dan, and ZZ Top.

Places of interest

 * Murphys Hotel (CHL #267), one of the oldest continually operating hotels in California. Its historic register contains such names as Ulysses S. Grant and Mark Twain.
 * The Old mining camp of Brownsville (CHL #465) sits just southwest of the town. Brownsville was a mining camp on rich Pennsylvania Gulch in the 1850s and 1860s. The camp was named for Alfred Brown, former owner of Table Mountain Ranch. Laws of the Brownsville mining district provided that each miner could own one wet and one dry claim, not to exceed 150 sqft each
 * The Peter L. Traver Building (CHL #466) is the oldest stone building in Murphys. Its iron shutters and sand on the roof protected it from the fires of 1859, 1874, and 1893. It served as a general store, a Wells Fargo office, and later a garage. Today, it houses a not-for-profit museum documenting Murphys' gold-rush history.
 * Mercer Caverns
 * The "Moaning Cavern"
 * Murphys is also known for its vineyards and wines. There are 25 tasting rooms along Main Street.

Politics
In the state legislature, Murphys is in, and. Federally, Murphys is in.

Notable residents

 * Albert Abraham Michelson, the first American to receive the Nobel in the sciences, grew up in Murphy's Camp and Virginia City, Nevada. The elementary school is named for him.

title: Murphys, California


text:
Rail Road Flat, California

Rail Road Flat (formerly Independence Flat and Railroad Flat) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 475 at the 2010 census, down from 549 at the 2000 census.

History
This historic mining town, elevation 2,600 feet (788 m), was named after primitive mule-drawn ore cars used here. There was never actually a railroad here. The town was established in 1849. It was the site of an Indian council as well as the center of rich placer and quartz mining. Its largest producer was the Petticoat Mine. The post office was established in 1857, closed in 1858, and re-established in 1869 and the Edwin Taylor store built in 1867. The town's population was decimated in 1880 by black fever.

The Clark Reservoir was created when an engineer named W.V. Clark constructed a ditch from the Mokelumne River, as there was not much water to work the placers. The reservoir, located on his property, supplied water to the mines and to the town.

The town is registered as California Historical Landmark #286.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 33.2 sqmi, of which, 33.0 sqmi of it is land and 0.2 sqmi of it (0.47%) is water.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Rail Road Flat had a population of 475. The population density was 14.3 people per square mile (5.5/km$2$). The racial makeup of Rail Road Flat was 411 (86.5%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 15 (3.2%) Native American, 4 (0.8%) Asian, 2 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 9 (1.9%) from other races, and 34 (7.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 41 persons (8.6%).

The Census reported that 475 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 220 households, out of which 41 (18.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 101 (45.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 15 (6.8%) had a female householder with no spouse present, 7 (3.2%) had a male householder with no spouse present. There were 18 (8.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 72 households (32.7%) were made up of individuals, and 38 (17.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16. There were 123 families (55.9% of all households); the average family size was 2.79.

The population was spread out, with 77 people (16.2%) under the age of 18, 20 people (4.2%) aged 18 to 24, 70 people (14.7%) aged 25 to 44, 186 people (39.2%) aged 45 to 64, and 122 people (25.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

There were 340 housing units at an average density of 10.3 per square mile (4.0/km$2$), of which 220 were occupied, of which 169 (76.8%) were owner-occupied, and 51 (23.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 10.5%. 363 people (76.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 112 people (23.6%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 549 people, 240 households, and 150 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 16.7 people per square mile (6.5/km$2$). There were 326 housing units at an average density of 9.9 per square mile (3.8/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 92.17% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 1.46% Native American, 0.91% Asian, 0.18% Pacific Islander, 1.82% from other races, and 3.28% from two or more races. 5.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 240 households, out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 26.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.72. Independence is an adjacent unincorporated community, that lies at an elevation of 2631 feet (802 m).

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 19.5% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 35.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,938, and the median income for a family was $35,278. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,454. About 6.7% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.7% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
In the state legislature, Rail Road Flat is in, and. Federally, Rail Road Flat is in.

title: Rail Road Flat, California


text:
San Andreas, California

San Andreas (Spanish for "St. Andrew") is an unincorporated census-designated place and the county seat of Calaveras County, California. The population was 2,783 at the 2010 census, up from 2,615 at the 2000 census. Like most towns in the region, it was founded during the California Gold Rush. The town is located on State Route 49 and is registered as California Historical Landmark #252.

History
Settled by Mexican gold miners in 1848 and named after the Catholic parish St. Andrew, the town has been a noted mining camp since early days. It existed as a tent city for the first few years, and even included a tent church. A few miles outside of town is the Pioneer Cemetery, established in c. 1851.

In August 1982, a nugget of gold was found here and was sold to Wells Fargo & Co. for US$12,000. The gold from the initially discovered placers gave out after a few years, but the discovery of gold in an underground river channel in 1853 revitalized the camp and it soon became a town. Mining of the channels was lucrative enough for the town to completely rebuild after fires in 1858 and 1863. The gold discovered here contributed greatly to the success of the Union during the Civil War.

In 1866, San Andreas became the seat of Calaveras County. It was said to be a rendezvous location for Joaquin Murrieta. Notorious highwayman Black Bart was tried here and sent to prison.

The post office was established in 1854.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.4 sqmi, of which, 99.81% is land and 0.19% is water.

Climate
San Andreas has a Mediterranean climate typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Winters are cool and wet with mild days, chilly nights, and substantial rainfall. Summers are hot and dry with very hot days, cool nights, and minimal rainfall. Due to the orographic effect, rainfall in all seasons is significantly greater than on the valley floor to the west.

Demographics
At the 2010 census San Andreas had a population of 2,783. The population density was 331.5 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of San Andreas was 2,453 (88.1%) White, 23 (0.8%) African American, 48 (1.7%) Native American, 28 (1.0%) Asian, 1 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 83 (3.0%) from other races, and 147 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 255 people (9.2%).

The census reported that 2,595 people (93.2% of the population) lived in households, 21 (0.8%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 167 (6.0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,146 households, 314 (27.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 449 (39.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 156 (13.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 66 (5.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 91 (7.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 13 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 396 households (34.6%) were one person and 190 (16.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.26. There were 671 families (58.6% of households); the average family size was 2.84.

The age distribution was 585 people (21.0%) under the age of 18, 197 people (7.1%) aged 18 to 24, 589 people (21.2%) aged 25 to 44, 777 people (27.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 635 people (22.8%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 45.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

There were 1,311 housing units at an average density of 156.2 /sqmi,of which 1,146 were occupied, 632 (55.1%) by the owners and 514 (44.9%) by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 13.3%. 1,404 people (50.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,191 people (42.8%) lived in rental housing units.

Politics
In the state legislature, San Andreas is in, and. Federally, San Andreas is in.

title: San Andreas, California


text:
Vallecito, California

Vallecito (Spanish for "Little Valley") is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States. The population was 442 at the 2010 census, up from 427 at the 2000 census. The town is registered as California Historical Landmark #273. Nearby is Moaning Cavern, the largest cave chamber in California, which the Miwok Indians used as a burial ground.

History
Vallecito was one of California's important early-day mining towns. Gold was discovered here by the Murphy brothers in 1849, and it was originally called "Murphys Diggings," which became "Murphys Old Diggings" when they moved on to greener pastures at "Murphys New Diggings" (which became the town of Murphys). The town was revitalized in 1852 when extremely rich deposits of gold were discovered running practically through the center of town. A post office was established in 1854, which is still in use today.

The Vallecito Bell, cast at Troy, New York in 1853, was brought around Cape Horn. It was purchased from the ship with funds contributed by early-day residents and brought to Vallecito to be erected in a large oak tree in 1854. It was used to call the people together until February 16, 1939, when a severe wind blew the old tree down.

The first post office opened in 1854 as Vallicita; the town's name was changed to Vallecito in 1940.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.6 sqmi, 99.95% of it land.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Vallecito had a population of 442. The population density was 51.6 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Vallecito was 398 (90.0%) White, 0 (0.0%) African American, 6 (1.4%) Native American, 11 (2.5%) Asian, 1 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 5 (1.1%) from other races, and 21 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33 persons (7.5%).

The Census reported that 442 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 193 households, out of which 53 (27.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 98 (50.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 25 (13.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 6 (3.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 9 (4.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 54 households (28.0%) were made up of individuals, and 21 (10.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29. There were 129 families (66.8% of all households); the average family size was 2.77.

The population was spread out, with 84 people (19.0%) under the age of 18, 22 people (5.0%) aged 18 to 24, 94 people (21.3%) aged 25 to 44, 165 people (37.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 77 people (17.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.7 males.

There were 217 housing units at an average density of 25.3 per square mile (9.8/km$2$), of which 193 were occupied, of which 138 (71.5%) were owner-occupied, and 55 (28.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.8%. 321 people (72.6% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 121 people (27.4%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 427 people, 183 households, and 120 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 49.8 PD/sqmi. There were 195 housing units at an average density of 22.8 per square mile (8.8/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.55% White, 0.23% Black or African American, 3.04% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.47% from other races, and 0.23% from two or more races. 1.87% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 183 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 32.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,875, and the median income for a family was $32,917. Males had a median income of $46,250 versus $37,917 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,779. About 11.6% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.0% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Politics
In the state legislature, Vallecito is in, and. Federally, Vallecito is in.

title: Vallecito, California


text:
Valley Springs, California

Valley Springs (formerly known as Spring Valley and Valley Spring) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Calaveras County, California, United States, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Valley Springs is registered as a California Historical Landmark, number 251.

History
The earliest inhabitants were Native American. The presence of grinding rocks found in Valley Springs suggests that the Mi-Wuk and the Yokuts tribes resided in Valley Springs. They gathered acorns for trade and food before returning to their home in the spring. The Mi-Wuk were later driven further into the hills due to gold miners.

The first saloon and store in the Valley Springs region opened in 1849. Thereafter, small farms and large ranches were established to provide food for settlers. Stage stops emerged along (now) Highway 26, lodging developed, and (now) Highway 12 linked roads to the surrounding areas.

A need for more affordable freight rates, expansion of tourism to Big Trees, and timber interests caused a need for a quicker mode of transport. Land sold quickly, and roads and buildings were built as settlers arrived. The railways expanded, and on April 25, 1885, the first train pulled into Valley Springs station, which was at first just a tent. Valley Springs became a center of freight distribution. Furthermore, residents could reach San Francisco in $7 1/2$ hours, Stockton in $2 1/2$ hours, Sacramento in 3 hours by train. A large fire burned down the majority of the central town in September 1895. Because of this fire, the lack of rail expansion to the nearby mountains, and the lofty expectations of the railroad, Valley Springs was hit hard.

Despite rebuilding the town, Valley Springs' population increase was below 1% a year. Not even the installation of electricity in 1899 and the SP rail's move to a standard-gauge line encouraged local growth. From 1910 to 1930, the population drastically decreased. In 1923, Valley Springs only had 350 residents, but 1925 had a big change with the Calaveras Cement Company's need for product transportation. The rail extended, which helped develop the Pardee Dam, as well as help in the shipment of cement directly to customers such as the Bay Area. The McClellan and Travis Air Force base, San Francisco Airport, the Central Valley dams, and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge were built due to Valley Springs and the local cement it transported.

Calaveras Cement and the construction of both the Hogan Dam and Pardee Dam increased employment. Local lumber, forest products, cement, and clay resources increased shipping needs. Agriculture still remained the main occupation of residents, whose primary agricultural focus was on grains, livestock, and small-scale wine grapes and olives. Nevertheless, Valley Spring's strategic location was key to its importance.

The 1930s and 1940s had a 6% annual population increase. Population then flattened out in the 1950s to increase again in the 1960s, largely due to the development of the Camanche Reservoir and the expansion of the Hogan Reservoir. The 1970s had population increases resulting from Rancho Calaveras, the La Contenta Golf Course, and the development of its surrounding HOA-governed homes. The doors of major manufacturing closed in the 1980s, yet Valley Springs continues to expand in population and development. For decades, it assisted in the development of major cities in the valley and the bay.

In 1885, the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad completed a narrow-gauge railroad from Brack's Landing to Valley Springs, with an old train station known as "Kokines station". The line eventually became the property of Southern Pacific Railroad, and a standard-gauge line into Valley Springs was substituted. A post office was opened there in 1872, closed in 1879, and re-established in 1882.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.9 sqmi, 99.96% of it is land.

Climate
Valley Springs has a Mediterranean climate typical of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Winters are cool and wet with mild days, chilly nights, and substantial rainfall. Summers are hot and dry with very hot days, cool nights, and minimal rainfall. Due to the orographic effect, rainfall in all seasons is significantly greater than on the valley floor to the west.

Summers are typically very warm to hot, springs and falls are temperate, and winters are cool with a slight dusting of snow and/or frost. Hot, dry summers make Valley Springs fire-prone; however, three fire stations, lake water, and adequate road access assist in extinguishing fires expediently.

Demographics
Valley Springs' total population is 3,553, at 50.00% each male and female (with 1 more male than female).

Politics
Valley Springs voters are a majority Republican, about one-third Democrat, and roughly 9% independent. This is a greater percentage Republican and Independent than the United States average, and a lesser percentage Democrat.

In the state legislature, Valley Springs is in, and. Federally, Valley Springs is in.

title: Valley Springs, California


text:
Wallace, California

Wallace is a census-designated place (CDP) at the far west edge of Calaveras County, California, United States on State Route 12. The population was 403 at the 2010 census, up from 220 at the 2000 census.

Name
On the 1883 map of the town site is the name of the surveyor, John Herbert Wallace. It has been widely assumed that he is the one the town is named after. However, according to historian Sal Manna in the July 2006 issue of Las Calaveras, the quarterly magazine of the Calaveras County Historical Society, the town is named for John Herbert Wallace's father, John Wallace, who was a well-known engineer and surveyor in the area. He had been elected San Joaquin County surveyor. John Wallace was also an elder brother of Alfred Russel Wallace, a leading 19th century British naturalist who independently developed a theory of natural selection around the same time as Charles Darwin. John Wallace had originally come to California for the California Gold Rush, but was unsuccessful as a miner.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.4 sqmi, of which, 98.2% is land and 1.8% is water.

History
The town's post office was established in 1883, closed in 1945, and re-established in 1951.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Wallace had a population of 403. The population density was 91.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Wallace was 347 (86.1%) White, 3 (0.7%) African American, 4 (1.0%) Native American, 10 (2.5%) Asian, 2 (0.5%) Pacific Islander, 22 (5.5%) from other races, and 15 (3.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 32 persons (7.9%).

The Census reported that 403 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 154 households, out of which 39 (25.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 106 (68.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 9 (5.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 3 (1.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 10 (6.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 24 households (15.6%) were made up of individuals, and 12 (7.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62. There were 118 families (76.6% of all households); the average family size was 2.92.

The population was spread out, with 81 people (20.1%) under the age of 18, 27 people (6.7%) aged 18 to 24, 80 people (19.9%) aged 25 to 44, 134 people (33.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 81 people (20.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

There were 176 housing units at an average density of 39.9 /sqmi, of which 154 were occupied, of which 131 (85.1%) were owner-occupied, and 23 (14.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 8.0%. 328 people (81.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 75 people (18.6%) lived in rental housing units.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 220 people, 87 households, and 68 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 51.9 PD/sqmi. There were 96 housing units at an average density of 22.6 per square mile (8.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.00% White, 1.36% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 2.27% Asian, 0.91% from other races, and 5.00% from two or more races. 4.09% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 87 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.8% were non-families. 11.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.74.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 22.3% from 25 to 44, 36.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $66,607, and the median income for a family was $70,568. Males had a median income of $51,058 versus $22,308 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,895. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

Politics
In the state legislature, Wallace is in, and. Federally, Wallace is in.

title: Wallace, California