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Adelanto, California

Adelanto (Spanish for "Advance") is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is approximately 9 mi northwest of Victorville in the Victor Valley area of the Mojave Desert, in the northern region of the Inland Empire. The population was 38,046 at the 2020 census.

History
The area was originally inhabited by the Serrano Native American tribe.

Adelanto was founded in 1915 by E. H. Richardson, the inventor of what became the Hotpoint electric iron. He sold his patent and purchased land for $75,000. He had planned to develop one of the first planned communities in Southern California.

The name Adelanto means 'progress' or 'advance' in Spanish, and was first given to the post office that was established on the site in 1917.

Acres of deciduous fruit trees once grew in the city, which became known in the state for its fresh fruit and cider. The orchards thrived until the Great Depression, when they were replaced by poultry ranches. As the wartime emergency developed early in 1941, the Victorville Army Air Field was established with land within the Adelanto sphere of influence. In September 1950, the airfield was named George Air Force Base in honor of the late Brigadier General Harold H. George.

Adelanto continued as a "community services district" until 1970 when the city incorporated, and Adelanto became San Bernardino County's then smallest city. The city became a charter city in November 1992.

Adelanto had a card room called the Hi Desert Casino which operated from 1975 to 1997. The casino was located across from city hall at the corner of Air Expressway and U.S. Highway 395. It boasted a fine restaurant and bar and people came from all over San Bernardino County to play cards.

During the 2000s United States housing bubble, many large suburban subdivisions were built in the southern portion of the city, along Highway 18. Like neighboring Victorville, Adelanto suffered severely from the collapse of real estate values after the 2007–2008 financial crisis. While most of California has seen property values rise to historic highs, much of the Victor Valley region has yet to recover to the 2006 peak. However, in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a resurgence in suburban and exurban housing demand. Formerly affordable areas in the Inland Empire have become increasingly expensive, and the region has experienced a major boom in logistics and industrial development. As a result, residents and businesses seeking affordable properties have been increasingly looking further north along Interstate 15 and into Victorville and Adelanto.

Geography
Adelanto is in the Victor Valley of the south-central Mojave Desert, north of the Cajon Pass and San Bernardino Valley.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 56.0 sqmi. 56.0 sqmi of it is land and 0.02 sqmi of it (0.03%) is water.

The average elevation of the city is 3400. ft.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Adelanto has a Tropical and Subtropical Steppe Climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

Demographics
According to 2022, American Community Survey,1.0% are of English ancestry, 0.4% German - 1.7% Irish, 1.3% Italian, 1.3%Norwegian, 0.1%Polish, 0.1% Scottish and 0.5% Subsaharan African - 0.5%.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Adelanto had a population of 31,765. The population density was 567.0 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Adelanto was 13,909 (43.8%) White (17.0% Non-Hispanic White), 6,511 (20.5%) African American, 411 (1.3%) Native American, 617 (1.9%) Asian, 194 (0.6%) Pacific Islander, 8,337 (26.2%) from other races, and 1,786 (5.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18,513 persons (58.3%).

The Census reported that 30,012 people (94.5% of the population) lived in households, 30 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,723 (5.4%) were institutionalized.

There were 7,809 households, out of which 4,959 (63.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4,000 (51.2%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 1,857 (23.8%) had a female householder with no husband present, 722 (9.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 769 (9.8%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 58 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 910 households (11.7%) were made up of individuals, and 209 (2.7%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.84. There were 6,579 families (84.2% of all households); the average family size was 4.11.

The population was spread out, with 11,807 people (37.2%) under the age of 18, 3,916 people (12.3%) aged 18 to 24, 9,287 people (29.2%) aged 25 to 44, 5,358 people (16.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,397 people (4.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.6 males.

There were 9,086 housing units at an average density of 162.2 /sqmi, of which 4,513 (57.8%) were owner-occupied, and 3,296 (42.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 6.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 12.3%. 16,825 people (53.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 13,187 people (41.5%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Adelanto had a median household income of $41,113, with 32.0% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
As of the 2000 census, there were 18,130 people, 4,714 households, and 3,841 families residing in the city. The population density was 338.7 PD/sqmi. There were 5,547 housing units at an average density of 103.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 50.5% White, 13.1% African American, 1.6% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 26.6% from other races, and 6.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 45.8% of the population.

There were 4,714 households, out of which 56.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.5% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.5 and the average family size was 3.9.

The population had 38.0% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 35.2% from 25 to 44, 12.6% from 45 to 64, and 5.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 123.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,594, and the median income for a family was $35,254. Males had a median income of $33,971 versus $25,807 for females. The per capita income for the city was $10,053. About 21.4% of families and 24.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.0% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Historically Adelanto was a fruit-growing town. Prior to 1992, much of the economy was related to the George Air Force Base. After its closure the city began having economic difficulties. The openings of several area prisons began in 1991, and the city government approved the construction of two private prisons. The prisons were not required to hire people within the Adelanto city limits. The city, as of 2016, collects $160,000 annually in total from the prisons within the city limits. That year Jimi Devine of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that the prisons "had mixed effects on the community for 25 years." Matt Tinoco of Vice wrote that "the prisons have failed to stimulate lasting growth in Adelanto" and that "all ultimately ended up contributing little to the city's coffers." Tinoco further stated that Adelanto had an "image as one big jail."

The privately owned Adelanto Detention Center, run by the GEO Group to house immigrant detainees, was built in Adelanto in 1991 as a state prison. In 2014, when a private developer proposed another prison, the city council approved a development agreement with the private developer that under California subdivision law allows the city to negotiate terms to provide additional benefits to the city. The city had little latitude to deny the private project as the land was appropriately zoned for use as a prison.

The city has only a few retail stores and restaurants. A bed tax contributes about $200,000 annually from the detention facilities. The small city has struggled as tax revenue fell far short of the city budget. In 2013, they closed a fire station and laid off a quarter of the town's staff. Residents though turned down a nearly 8% utility users tax in November 2013.

Cannabis
Upon the legalization of the sale and distribution of cannabis in 2016, marijuana cultivation was considered a possible new source of revenue for the city. Companies must be licensed by the local agency and the state to grow, test, or sell cannabis and the city may authorize none or only some of these activities. Local governments may not prohibit adults, who are in compliance with state laws, from growing, using, or transporting marijuana for personal use.

The city decided to allow multiple types of marijuana businesses, including cultivation, manufacturing and retail sales. By 2019, two cannabis dispensaries were serving recreational users as the city council considered proposed changes to the city's cannabis laws to generate additional revenue to help close the city budget gap. The city is the only Victor Valley municipality to allow storefront cannabis dispensaries. A 14 acres indoor cultivation facility was opened in 2019 by the California arm of Tikun Olam.

Federal prisons
Federal prisons of the Federal Bureau of Prisons near Adelanto:
 * United States Penitentiary, Victorville
 * Federal Correctional Institution, Victorville (on portions of the former George Air Force Base)

Arts and culture
Established in 1921 as part of the San Bernardino County's library system, the Adelanto Library began in the office of a fruit company.

El Mirage Dry Lake, west of Adelanto, has been used for filming movies and television commercials, most notably the opening sequence of the later episodes of the TV series Sky King.

Sports
From 1991 to 2016, the city was home to the High Desert Mavericks, a Minor League Baseball team of the Class A-Advanced California League.

For the 2017 season, the Pecos League established the High Desert Yardbirds to fill the void at Adelanto Stadium. The team closed their last season at the stadium in 2019.

Government
In the state legislature, Adelanto is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Adelanto is in.

Education
Adelanto has its own school district, the Adelanto Elementary School District (AESD), for preschool, elementary and middle school levels. It has six elementary schools, four combined K-7/K-8 schools, and three middle schools. High school-aged students attend schools in the Victor Valley Union High School District (VVUSD), including Adelanto High School, the first high school in Adelanto city limits, or in the neighboring Snowline Joint Unified School District centered in Phelan.

Charter schools include:
 * Taylion Academy
 * Mojave River Academy
 * Desert Trails Preparatory Academy - Formed in 2013 after a parent trigger law was used to remove Desert Trails Elementary from AESD control

Infrastructure
Until 2001, Adelanto had its own police department, which was disbanded due to corruption, but now contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for police services. The Adelanto Substation is on US Highway 395 and Bartlett Avenue. The station provides full service law enforcement for the City of Adelanto, and unincorporated areas of the Victor Valley such as Phelan, Lucerne Valley, and Spring Valley Lake. The former regional station (next to the Victorville Courthouse), serving unincorporated areas of the Victor Valley, was consolidated into the Adelanto Station in 2009.

Until 1999, fire protection was provided by the city's own fire department. The city now contracts with the San Bernardino County Fire Department. There is one station within the city limits providing paramedic service as well as fire and rescue services. Ambulance and patient transportation is provided by American Medical Response.

title: Adelanto, California


text:
Apple Valley, California

Apple Valley is an incorporated town in the Victor Valley of San Bernardino County, in the U.S. state of California. Its population was 75,791 as of the 2020 United States Census. The town is east of and adjoining to the neighboring cities of Victorville and Hesperia, 35 mi south of Barstow, and 49 mi north of San Bernardino through the Cajon Pass. It was incorporated on November 14, 1988, and is one of the 22 incorporated municipalities in California that use "town" in their names instead of "city".

History
For centuries, Apple Valley was populated by Shoshonean, Paiute, Vanyume, Chemehuevi, and Serrano who were attracted to the water and vegetation around the Mojave River. The Mojave people came later and were the tribal group encountered in 1542 by a detachment of Coronado's men. These were the first Spanish to come to the Mojave desert.

Pedro Fages came through the area in 1772, looking for deserters. Father Francisco Garcés spent time in the area in 1776. He was on good terms with local tribes. He killed one of his mules to feed a group of starving Vanyumes. Garcés established a trail across the Mojave to the Colorado River passing through the Apple Valley area.

The area was explored by various Spanish gold seekers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jedediah Smith established the Old Spanish Trail through the southern Mojave and Cajon Pass. Smith was in the area in 1826 and again in 1827.

Throughout the 19th century, Apple Valley became a thoroughfare of people traveling to Southern California for various reasons. Ute horse thieves, led by Chief Walkara, brought through an estimated 100,000 horses from their raids on the Lugo Rancho and San Gabriel Mission.

In 1848, members of the Mormon Battalion, mustered out of the U.S. Army after constructing the first wagon road across the southwest to San Diego and up to Los Angeles, brought 135 mules and the first wagon through the Cajon Pass up through the Mojave River Valley on the way to the Salt Lake Valley. Battalion leader Jefferson Hunt and a crew of cowboys followed the trail with the first cattle drive from Southern California to hungry members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in present-day Utah. Hunt led a Latter-day Saint group of settlers to the San Bernardino Valley in 1851.

In 1885, the railroad came northward through the Cajon Pass and established a train stop, calling it Victor (Victorville) on the Mojave River in the area then known as Mormon Crossing. John Brown helped build some of the first roads through Apple Valley, opening up freight and stagecoach travel from the mining camps at Gold Mountain and Holcomb Valley to the railroad. In the 1860s, LaFayette Mecham built the wagon road, a short-cut across the desert, now known as Stoddard Wells Road. Over the next few decades, Victorville boomed as the commercial center of the area with gold refineries, quarries, and dance halls and saloons, while Apple Valley remained more pastoral with ranches and apple orchards.

The Apple Valley name was officially recognized when a post office was established in 1949.

One well-known apple orchard was owned by Max Ihmsen, publisher of the Los Angeles Examiner newspaper. In 1915, he developed 320 acre of apples and pears. The fame of Apple Valley spread as Ihmsen's fruit won many agricultural awards. In the late 1930s, Ihmsen's son-in-law, Cal Godshall, took over the business operations and made the ranch famous as the birthplace of California college rodeo with the first intercollegiate rodeo competition held in the United States.

Apple farming in the area started to decline about the time Ihmsen Ranch fruit production was at its prime. Water rates shot up with a switch to electric pumps. World War I took owners and workers away with the draft. During the Great Depression, many families left the mostly agricultural area looking for work. Washington and British Columbia apple growers had lower prices because they shipped their produce by river transportation, whereas Apple Valley apples were transported by rail or by truck. A series of outbreaks of a virulent fungal infection coupled with frost, heat, and hail in 1944, 1945, and 1946 ended commercial production.

A small orchard was maintained on the grounds of the Apple Valley Inn until it closed in 1986.

Apple Valley was home to Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, whose museum was first established in Apple Valley (in 1967) before the museum was relocated to Victorville in 1976. In 2003, the museum moved again, to Branson, Missouri. The move was made in hopes of reaching more fans; however, the museum closed for financial reasons on December 12, 2009.

Geography
Apple Valley is located at the southern edge of the Mojave Desert. It is bordered by the cities of Victorville on the west and Hesperia on the southwest sides, with the unincorporated community of Lucerne Valley a distance to the east and the city of Barstow about 30 mi to the north. Apple Valley, along with Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, and immediate surrounding areas, are commonly known as the Victor Valley. The primary thoroughfare through Apple Valley is State Route 18, which was given the moniker "Happy Trails Highway" within Apple Valley town limits, after the theme song of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, who once resided on Outer Highway 18. The commercial area is split currently between State Route 18 and Bear Valley Road (the two roads are near parallel until they intersect in the east, outside of town). The Mojave River that borders the west side of Apple Valley flows south-to-north. The town is bounded on its southern edge by the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 73.5 sqmi, of which 73.2 sqmi are land and 0.3 sqmi, or 0.45%, is covered by water.

The elevation of Apple Valley is about 2,900 ft (880 m) above sea level.

Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Apple Valley has a semiarid climate (BSk). The city features cool winters and very hot, dry summers. Seasonal high winds occur occasionally in spring and fall.
 * On average, the warmest month is July.
 * The highest recorded temperature was 116 °F in 2002.
 * On average, the coolest month is December.
 * The lowest recorded temperature was -1 °F in 1949.
 * The most precipitation typically occurs in February.

2020
At the 2020 census, Apple Valley had a population of 75,791. The racial makeup of Apple Valley was 41,481 (54.7%) White, 28,989 (38.2%) Hispanic or Latino (of any race), 6,311 (8.3%) Black or African American, 2,609 (3.4%) Asian, 1,333 (1.7%) Native American, and 275 (0.4%) Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander. 12,413 people (16.3%) were another race, and 11,369 people (15%) were two or more races.

16.7% were living under the poverty line, compared with 12.3% for the state of California. Median income was $63,031, compared with $84,907 for California.

Of the 25,928 housing units in the town, 12,426 were occupied by families. 10,317 were married family units, 876 had a male householder with no spouse, and 1,233 had a female householder with no spouse. Average family size was 3.7 people, compared to 3.44 for the state of California. Homeownership rate was 65.5%, compared with 55.9% for California.

The age distribution was 23,798 people (31.4%) under the age of 18, 5,768 people (7.6%) between 18 and 24, 17,795 people (23.4%) between 25 and 44, 17,682 people (23.3%) between 45 and 64, and 10,818 people (14.2%) 65 and above. 36,408 (48%) people were male, and 39,383 (52%) were female.

2010
At the 2010 census, Apple Valley had a population of 69,135. The population density was 940.3 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Apple Valley was 47,762 (69.1%) White (55.5% non-Hispanic White), 6,321 (9.1%) African American, 779 (1.1%) Native American, 2,020 (2.9%) Asian, 294 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 8,345 (12.1%) from other races, and 3,614 (5.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20,156 persons (29.2%).

The census reported that 68,674 people (99.3% of the population) lived in households, 161 (0.2%) lived in noninstitutionalized group quarters, and 300 (0.4%) were institutionalized.

Of the 23,598 households, 9,169 (38.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 12,647 (53.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,550 (15.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, and 1,513 (6.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. The city had 1,582 (6.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships and 177 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships; 4,743 households (20.1%) were one person and 2,429 (10.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.91, with 17,710 families (75.0% of households); the average family size was 3.32.

The age distribution was 19,306 people (27.9%) under 18, 6,494 people (9.4%) 18 to 24, 15,068 people (21.8%) 25 to 44, 17,602 people (25.5%) 45 to 64, and 10,665 people (15.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 37.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The 26,117 housing units averaged 355.2 per square mile; of the occupied units, 16,297 (69.1%) were owner-occupied and 7,301 (30.9%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 10.0%, and 45,483 people (65.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 23,191 people (33.5%) lived in rental housing units.

During 2009–2013, Apple Valley had a median household income of $48,432, with 20.2% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
At the 2000 census, 54,239 people, 18,557 households, and 14,363 families resided in the town. The population density was 739.6 PD/sqmi. The 20,163 housing units averaged 275.0 per square mile (106.2/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 76.4% White, 7.9% African American, 1.0% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 7.9% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 18.6%.

Of the 18,557 households, 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were not families. About 18.0% of households were one person, and 8.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.27.

The age distribution was 31.6% under 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.

The median household income was $40,421 and the median family income was $45,070. Males had a median income of $41,144 versus $30,249 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,830. About 13.3% of families and 17.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.6% of those under age 18 and 5.6% of those age 65 or over.

Top employers
According to Apple Valley's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the town's largest employers are:

Government
Apple Valley is governed by a town council. The mayor changes each December.

In the California State Legislature, Apple Valley is in, and in the 34th Assembly District, represented by Republican Tom Lackey.

In the United States House of Representatives, Apple Valley is in California's 23rd Congressional District, represented by Republican Jay Obernolte.

Education
Apple Valley Unified School District operates two comprehensive high schools (9–12) five TK–8 schools, and five TK–6 schools. One charter school offers transitional kindergarten to grade 12, and one private school offers preschool to grade 12.

High schools (9–12)

 * Apple Valley High School
 * Granite Hills High School
 * High Desert Premier Academy (9–12)

Middle schools (K–8)

 * Mariana Academy
 * Phoenix Academy
 * Sandia Academy
 * Sitting Bull Academy
 * Vanguard Preparatory

Elementary schools (K–6)

 * Desert Knolls Elementary
 * Rancho Verde Elementary
 * Rio Vista Elementary
 * Sycamore Rocks Elementary
 * Yucca Loma Elementary

Charter Schools
 * Academy for Academic Excellence - also known as "Lewis Center for Educational Research" (K–12)

Private schools

 * Apple Valley Christian Academy (Pre–12)

Public safety
Law enforcement is provided by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Fire, rescue, and paramedic services are provided by the Apple Valley Fire Protection District. American Medical Response provides patient transportation via paramedic/EMT ambulances.

Cemeteries
The Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary was opened in 1995 on Waalew Road. Dale Evans and Roy Rogers are buried there.

Utilities
The town council started the process to take over the private water system in 2016.

Notable people

 * Michelle Alozie, American-born Nigerian professional footballer
 * Pearl Bailey, singer-actress, and her husband, Louie Bellson, lived in Apple Valley for nearly a decade
 * Earl W. Bascom, inventor, artist, sculptor, actor, Rodeo Hall of fame inductee, "Father of Modern Rodeo"
 * Newton T. Bass, Reserve Oil and Gas Co. executive, developer of Apple Valley Ranchos
 * Chayce Beckham, singer, winner of American Idol (season 19)
 * Louie Bellson, jazz drummer/VP of Remo, lived in Apple Valley for nearly a decade with wife, Pearl Bailey.
 * Chris Blais, off-road motorcycle rider
 * Angel Blue, soprano opera singer
 * Victor Buono, actor, lived and died in Apple Valley.
 * Billy Casper, professional golfer
 * Jeff Chandler, actor, Broken Arrow, first Jewish man to purchase land in Apple Valley despite CC&R restrictions
 * Van Conner, musician from rock band Screaming Trees
 * Marty Dodson, singer-songwriter/producer, was born in Apple Valley
 * Dock Ellis, MLB pitcher, was hospitalized at St. Mary's Hospital just prior to his death.
 * Don Ferrarese, former MLB pitcher, owner of Apple Valley Land Company
 * Cuba Gooding Jr., Oscar-winning actor, attended Apple Valley High School.
 * Dan Henderson, mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler
 * John W. Henry, owner of Boston Red Sox, lived in Apple Valley during high school and college
 * "Mad" Mike Hughes, daredevil and amateur-crewed rocketry enthusiast
 * Miko Hughes, actor, Pet Sematary, Kindergarten Cop, Apollo 13
 * Will James, artist, writer who lived on C Bar G Ranch
 * Megan Jastrab, American professional cyclist and Olympian
 * Herb Jeffries, actor and jazz singer, filmed several movies in Apple Valley at Murray's Dude Ranch
 * Dave Lombardo, drummer for heavy metal band, Slayer
 * Joe Louis, boxing champion, was a frequent vacationer to Murray's Dude Ranch in 1930s
 * Joseph C. McConnell, top-scoring American jet ace, lived in Apple Valley until his death in an F-86H-1-NA crash
 * Lloyd Mangrum, professional golfer and 1946 U.S. Open champion
 * Mary Meade, actress, and her husband Richard "Dick" Bremerkamp, lived in Apple Valley from 1984 until theit deaths
 * Joseph Medina, BGen USMC, first Marine to command Navy Flotilla and Hispanic icon, Apple Valley HS graduate
 * Richard Nixon, former U.S. president, spent three months at the home of founder Newton T. Bass in 1961 writing his first book, Six Crises
 * Erik Robertson, football player
 * Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, western singers, actors, co-founders of Sons of the Pioneers, lived in Apple Valley from 1965 until their deaths
 * Smokey Rogers, western swing musician, singer, songwriter, entertainer, local KAVR radio personality
 * Chris Smith, MLB player for Oakland Athletics
 * Tim Spencer, western singer, actor, co-founder of Sons of the Pioneers
 * Scout Taylor-Compton, actress in Rob Zombie's Halloween
 * John Charles Thomas, opera singer, KAVR radio personality
 * Jason Thompson, former MLB first baseman
 * Lee Van Cleef, actor, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
 * Jason Vargas (born 1983), pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies
 * Skip Young, actor, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet

In popular culture
Apple Valley has a long and storied relationship with Hollywood production studios, and has been a filming location for many award-winning feature films, TV shows/movies, and commercials:

Feature films
 * The Bronze Buckaroo (1939), starring Herb Jeffries, was filmed at Murray's Dude Ranch.
 * Column South (1953), starring Audie Murphy, was filmed in Apple Valley and nearby Victorville.
 * Divorce Invitation (2012)
 * Eagle Eye (2008), starring Shia LaBeouf
 * Four Guns To The Border (1954), starring Rory Calhoun and Walter Brennan
 * Foxfire (1955), starring Jane Russell, was filmed at Apple Valley Inn.
 * The Hard Ride (1971) was filmed at Oro Grande Wash and in nearby Lucerne Valley.
 * Harlem on the Prairie (1937), starring Herb Jeffries, was filmed at Murray's Dude Ranch.
 * Harlem Rides the Range (1939), starring Herb Jeffries, was filmed at Murray's Dude Ranch.
 * Highway Dragnet (1954), written by Roger Corman, starring Richard Conte and Joan Bennett, was filmed at Apple Valley Inn.
 * The Hills Have Eyes (1977), was filmed in Apple Valley and nearby Victorville.
 * Ordinary People (1980), winner of four Oscars, starring Mary Tyler Moore, golf scenes were filmed in Apple Valley.
 * There's Always Tomorrow (1956), starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, was filmed at Apple Valley Inn.
 * Two-Gun Man From Harlem (1938), was filmed at Murray's Dude Ranch.

Television

Commercials
 * Sky King, was filmed at the old Apple Valley Airport (old airport location coordinates: 34.528°N 117.215°W)
 * Perry Mason episode, "The Case of the Roving River" (1961), was filmed at Apple Valley Inn and Newton Bass House.
 * Weekend of Terror (1970 ABC Movie of the Week), starring Robert Conrad, Carol Lynley. and Lee Majors, was filmed in Apple Valley.
 * GoDaddy.com, featuring Danica Patrick

Music Videos
 * Beyonce’ filmed scenes for a music video for the movie The Lion King (2019) at Horseman’s Center Park on Highway 18

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

title: Apple Valley, California


text:
Barstow, California

Barstow is a city in San Bernardino County, California, in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. Located in the Inland Empire region of California, the population was 25,415 at the 2020 census. Barstow is an important crossroads for the Inland Empire and home to Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.

History

Prehistoric Native American tribes inhabited the region as long as 3,000 years ago. The Native Americans hunted, fished and gathered turquoise. The indigenous people left hardly any discernible footprints along faint pathways as they traveled up to the Mexican territory to trade goods. The written history of the Mojave Valley dates back to the 1700s and the missionary excursions of Spanish Franciscan friar Francisco Garcés. Garcés followed the earliest faint footpaths to the Mojave River Valley and from there across the desert around Barstow on his way to Spanish missions beyond the mountains of California.

The settlement of Barstow began in the late 1840s in the Mormon Corridor. Every fall and winter, as the weather cooled, the rain produced new grass growth and replenished the water sources in the Mojave Desert. People, goods, and animal herds would move from New Mexico and later Utah to Los Angeles, along the Old Spanish Trail from Santa Fe, or after 1848, on the Mormon Road from Salt Lake City. Trains of freight wagons traveled back to Salt Lake City and other points in the interior. These travelers followed the course of the Mojave River, watering and camping at Fish Ponds on its south bank (west of Nebo Center) or 3.625 miles up river on the north bank, at a riverside grove of willows and cottonwoods, festooned with wild grapes, called Grapevines (later the site of North Barstow). In 1859, the Mojave Road followed a route that was established from Los Angeles to Fort Mojave through Grapevines that linked eastward with the Beale Wagon Road across northern New Mexico Territory to Santa Fe.

Troubles with the Paiute, Mojave, and Chemehuevi tribes followed, and from 1860 Camp Cady, a U.S. Army post 20 mi east of Barstow, was occupied sporadically until 1864, then permanently, by soldiers occupying other posts on the Mojave Road or patrolling in the region until 1871. Trading posts were established at Grapevines and Fish Ponds that supplied travelers on the roads and increasingly the miners that came into the Mojave Desert after the end of hostilities with the native people.

Barstow's roots also lie in the rich mining history of the Mojave Desert following the discovery of gold and silver in the Owens Valley and in mountains to the east in the 1860s and 1870s. Due to the influx of miners arriving in Calico and Daggett, railroads were constructed to transport goods and people. The Southern Pacific built a line from Mojave, California through Barstow to Needles in 1883. In 1884, ownership of the line from Needles to Mojave was transferred to the Santa Fe Railroad.

Paving the major highways through Barstow led to further development of the city. Much of its economy depends on transportation. Before the advent of the interstate highway system, Barstow was an important stop on both Routes 66 and 91. The two routes met in downtown Barstow and continued west together to Los Angeles. The intersection of U.S. Route 91 and U.S. Route 466 was among the busiest intersections in the country—with about 800 gallons of gasoline being pumped per day nearby, during the year before U.S. Route 40 was extended to bypass Barstow. By the end of the 20th century, U.S. Routes 40, 91, and 466 were renamed or truncated as to no longer cover California and Nevada—with Interstates 15 and 40 now being the main interstate highways going in and out of Barstow.

Barstow is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. Some early Barstow names were Camp Sugarloaf, Grapevine, Waterman Junction and Fishpond.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 107.2 km2, 99.98% land and 0.02% water.

Climate
Barstow experiences an arid climate, and has four seasons. Summer days are very hot, with highs typically exceeding 100 °F. Winter, in contrast, is characterized by cold mornings, with lows near 30 °F. Daily temperature ranges are largely a result of the low atmospheric moisture, typically between 25 and 30 F-change difference. There are an average of 133 days with highs of 90 °F or higher, an average of 68 days with highs of 100 F degrees or higher, and an average of 32 days with lows of 32 °F or lower.

The average annual precipitation is 4.96 in, with nearly 80% of rain typically falling during the cooler months (Nov–Apr). Snowfall is uncommon in winter, and many years can go by without any measurable snowfall. There are an average of 24 days annually with measurable precipitation.

The record high was 120 F on July 23, 1996, and the record low was 3 F on January 13, 1963. The wettest year was 1918 with 10.99 in and the driest year was 1904 with 0.80 in. The most rainfall in one month was 4.22 in in February 1998. The heaviest rainfall in 24 hours was 2.28 in on September 10, 1976. The most snowfall in one month was 25.0 in in January 1949, including 7.0 in January 12; that month was one of the coldest and snowiest in southern California history.

Vegetation
The native vegetation is dominated by high and low desert shrubs such as creosote bush. City residents have introduced many non-native plants, prominent among which are trees such as Aleppo pine, Morus alba, Italian cypress, fan palm, ailanthus, ash, palo verde and redbud.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Barstow had a population of 22,639. The population density was 546.9 PD/sqmi. The makeup of Barstow was 11,840 (52.3%) White (34.2% Non-Hispanic White), 3,313 (14.6%) African American, 477 (2.1%) Native American, 723 (3.2%) Asian, 278 (1.2%) Pacific Islander, 4,242 (18.7%) from other races, and 1,766 (7.8%) from two or more ethnicities/cultures. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9,700 persons (42.8%).

The Census reported that 22,271 people (98.4% of the population) lived in households, 195 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 173 (0.8%) were institutionalized.

There were 8,085 households, out of which 3,196 (39.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,182 (39.4%) were married couples living together, 1,619 (20.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 612 (7.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 701 (8.7%) unmarried partnerships, and 58 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships, while 2,174 households (26.9%) were made up of individuals, and 670 (8.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75. There were 5,413 families (67.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.34.

The population was spread out, with 6,739 people (29.8%) under the age of 18, 2,481 people (11.0%) aged 18 to 24, 5,723 people (25.3%) aged 25 to 44, 5,277 people (23.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 2,419 people (10.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

There were 9,555 housing units at an average density of 230.8 /sqmi, of which 3,964 (49.0%) were owner-occupied, and 4,121 (51.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 16.0%. 10,829 people (47.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 11,442 people (50.5%) lived in rental housing units.

During 2009–2013, Barstow had a median household income of $42,354, with 26.2% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,119 people, 7,647 households, and 5,253 families residing in the city. The population density was 628.8 PD/sqmi. There were 9,153 housing units at an average density of 272.5 /sqmi.

The racial makeup of the city was 57.1% White, 11.6% African American, 2.4% Native American, 3.1% Asian, 1.0% Pacific Islander, 18.4% from other races, and 6.5% from two or more races. 36.5% of the population were Hispanic, Latino or Latin American of any race.

There were 7,647 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.3% were non-families. Of all households, 25.9% were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.7 and the average family size was 3.3.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,069, and the median income for a family was $40,160. Males had a median income of $37,425 versus $25,380 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,132. About 15.6% of families and 20.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.8% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture

Barstow has a series of murals along Main Street, depicting scenes from the city's history. These murals were created by Main Street Murals, a local non-profit organization.

Barstow Branch Library is located at 304 E. Buena Vista Street. It is a community venue, running various activities such as a summer reading program for children, story and craft sessions as well as a mystery book club.

Entertainment
Skyline Drive-In, a drive-in theater located in the north-east outskirts of the city at 31175 Old Highway 58, is one of the last operating in San Bernardino County. It has two screens; each screen shows two movies every night.

Hollywood Theatre Barstow Cinema 6 is the city's indoor cinema. It has six screens and can be found at 1503 East Main Street, in the east side of the city. As of September 30, 2011, Skyline Drive-In took over Hollywood Theatre, changing its name back to Barstow Station Cinema.

Barstow Community College has a $22 million Performing Arts Center which hosts college theatre and music performances, and traveling professional performances.

Museums

Barstow has a number of museums: Mojave River Valley Museum, Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western America Rail Museum, and the Desert Discovery Center. Once a year a family opens their Black History collection to the public and nearby Fort Irwin is home to the 11 Cavalry and ACR Museum. The Old Woman meteorite, the largest meteorite found in California and the second largest in the United States, is housed in the Desert Discovery Center.

The Casa Del Desierto, built in 1911 as a Harvey House hotel and train station, now houses the Route 66 Mother Road Museum, the Western America Railroad Museum and still functions as an (unstaffed) Amtrak station. The Barstow Chamber of Commerce sponsors an annual sandcastle contest in the dry riverbed across from the Harvey House.

Barstow Station
Opened in 1975 and operating 365 days a year, Barstow Station is built to resemble a railway station. The location serves 20,000 tour buses a year and is a popular stop for travelers on Interstate 15. It includes a number of gift shops, an ice cream parlour, a Panda Express, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, KHWY radio station, and a Greyhound ticket terminal.

The McDonald's restaurant at Barstow Station consists of three side-by-side railroad cars—a reference to Barstow's railroad heritage. In September 1986, the restaurant was destroyed by fire when a customer's car burst into flames at the drive-up window. In June 1997, the re-built restaurant received national attention when a gunman opened fire during a botched robbery, injuring several people and killing a nine-year-old girl. The gunman was mortally wounded by an off-duty police officer after the ensuing gun battle and later died in a hospital.

Retail
Located southwest of the town is the upscale Tanger Center Barstow, of the Tanger Factory Outlet Centers chain, which is a popular stop for tourists traveling between Greater Los Angeles and Las Vegas. An older shopping center of outlet stores, the Barstow Factory Outlet, is located opposite the Tanger Outlet Center.

The city has an enclosed shopping mall, Barstow Mall, built in the 1970s. It was renovated in 2010 and now includes the County of San Bernardino's new social service office for the Transition Assistance Department and Children and Family Services.

Near Barstow
The United States Army’s National Training Center (NTC) and NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex are located at the nearby Fort Irwin, north of Barstow. The Goldstone Complex includes the Pioneer Deep Space Station, which has been designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

Calico Ghost Town is one of the few remaining original mining towns of the western United States, now preserved as a museum by Walter Knott.

Rainbow Basin is an Area of Critical Environmental Concern due to landscape features and paleontological resources in the area. Located 8 mi north of Barstow, its landscape, multi-colored rock formations and canyons are visited by photographers, hikers, and campers. The fossiliferous Barstow Formation (Miocene) is well exposed there. Rainbow Basin is managed by the Bureau of Land Management's Barstow Field Office.

Coyote Dry Lake is a 30 sqmi dry lake located 15 mi northeast of Barstow.

Lava tubes around Pisgah Crater offer spelunking opportunities.

The Solar Project is located in Daggett, CA, about 10 miles (16 km) east of Barstow.

Sports
Barstow was home to the Barstow Riffians, a developmental semi-professional football team. The Barstow Riffians were members of the UFAL. The team ceased operations following the 2010–11 season.

The city offers adult basketball and softball leagues.

Barstow Community College's athletics department offers four competitive intercollegiate sports programs: men's and women's basketball, baseball, and softball.

Parks and recreation
Barstow has two main parks: the Barstow Skate Park, a 12,000 square-foot skate park, and the Robert A. Sessions Memorial Sportspark, which includes six lighted ball fields, three soccer fields, volleyball courts, batting cages as well as basketball courts. The Robert A. Sessions Memorial Sportspark also plays host to regional softball tournaments.

The city also has the Dana Park Community Center open on weekdays, the Cora Harper Fitness Center and Tennis Courts open Monday to Saturday, and the outdoor Eda Henderson Pool open Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the school summer holidays.

Founded in the 1970s by two local residents, the thriving Barstow Senior Center serves Barstow's seniors. In addition to daily, weekly, and monthly activities, there is also an onsite thrift store and lunches are served every weekday. The center is funded via annual membership fees and sponsorship.

Local government
According to the city's most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the city's various funds had $33.1 million in revenues, $37.2 million in expenditures, $149.8 million in total assets, $25.3 million in total liabilities, and $52.6 million in cash and investments. The structure of the management and coordination of city services is:

The Barstow Youth Advisory Council (BYAC) was established in March 2009. Thirteen teen advocates advise Barstow City Council members on the needs of young people in the city and promote youth community involvement through voluntary activities.

State and federal representation
In the California State Legislature, Barstow is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Barstow is in.

Economy
Its long distance from larger cities and urban centers has created economic problems, and Barstow is seeking projects to boost the economy. However, there are three casinos planned for the area. Additionally, various construction projects have been announced for Barstow, which include retail growth, an increase in lodging accommodation, and other businesses.

In October 2022, BNSF committed to expanding the Barstow Rail yard into the Barstow International Gateway, over 4500 acres at a cost of 1.5 billion dollars to reduce dwell time at the Port of Los Angeles. In response, the city adopted a new logo and changed its motto to "the Hub of the West." It is also in the process of changing zoning to accommodate the logistics industry that surrounds the expanded BNSF facility.

Top employers
According to the city, the top employers in the area in 2020 were:

Education
Barstow Unified School District has 8 elementary schools (grades 1–6):

Currently operating:

Grades 7–8 are taught at Barstow Junior High School and grades 9–12 are taught at Barstow High School.
 * Cameron Elementary School
 * Crestline Elementary School
 * Henderson Elementary School
 * Lenwood Elementary School
 * Montara Elementary School
 * Skyline North Elementary School
 * Thomson Elementary School (now Barstow Stem Academy)

Charter Schools:
 * Excelsior Charter Schools 7th–12th
 * Mojave River Academy K-12

Barstow Community College is the only college in the area, and its primary objectives are to enable students to transfer to a four-year college or university and learn vocational trades through career technical education.

Park University has a campus located at the Marine Corps logistics base, which accepts local civilian students as well as military personnel and their dependents. Park also offers classes on the community college campus.

Closed schools:

 * Hinkley Elementary School (Hinkley, California . Now closed )

Newspaper, books, and radio
Founded in 1910 and renamed in 1958, the Desert Dispatch is Barstow's local newspaper. The newspaper has a daily circulation of 3,259 and was awarded second place for Sports Page Design, Opinion Page Design and Editorial Comment at the 2008 Better Newspapers Contest, hosted by the California Newspaper Publishers Association.

Barstow's main radio station is KDUC (or "K-DUCK"), which plays adult contemporary music and also serves Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia and Ridgecrest, California.

"We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold" is the opening sentence of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Movies and television
Barstow City Council has a dedicated film office, which acts as a point of liaison and resources for film locations, equipment and accommodation for filmmakers and their crews. A number of notable motion pictures were shot in the city, including Broken Arrow, Courage Under Fire, From Dusk till Dawn, Gattaca, Erin Brockovich, and Kill Bill: Volume 2. Other notable mentions of Barstow include the 2008 movie Leaving Barstow, which tells the story of a high school senior who must choose between his ambitions to leave Barstow or stay in the city to care for his mother. The fictional Brian O'Conner in 2 Fast 2 Furious grew up in Barstow and travels to the city to persuade a former childhood best friend Roman Pearce to join him in an FBI operation.

The film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas mentions Barstow frequently.

Barstow is also mentioned in the 2009 movie The Hangover before the road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The movie version of "Hair" was partially filmed in Barstow in the late 1970s. Blinkey, cousin of popular 80's alien character ALF is said to live in Barstow.

In 2015, Barstow was one of the filming locations for the film Sky as well as Bombay Beach, Hinkley, Joshua Tree, Landers, Lenwood, Ludlow, Newberry Springs, and Victorville, California.

Barstow is the topic of the documentary Barstow, California (2018) by German director Rainer Komers featuring voice overs of Spoon Jackson's poems and memoir By Heart.

Barstow was featured by Huell Howser in Road Trip Episode 101.

Music
Barstow is mentioned in the lyrics of Route 66 composed by Bobby Troup. Sheryl Crow's "Leaving Las Vegas" mentions spending the night in Barstow.

Barstow Cowboy in Old Barstow was a 1941 song by comedian/musician Spike Jones.

Composer Harry Partch wrote Barstow, inspired by eight pieces of graffiti written by hitchhikers on highway railings in the city.

The Residents' song "Death in Barstow" tells the story of two friends who visit and fall asleep in Barstow. One of the friends awakes to find that his friend has died.

Bill Morrissey's song "Barstow" (1984, the first song on his first record) is about a group of men drinking one night in a Barstow train yard, with the notable line "I can't believe it gets this cold in Barstow".

Goodnight, Texas's song "Barstow" is a tale of a gold miner chasing his dream to the town, only to find that Barstow does not have any gold, nor what he wants. See main chorus "Barstow Oh Barstow! Your torture isn't fair!. I left my home for riches but there ain't gold nowhere. Oh Barstow I don't know what's keepin' me around. The toughest godforsaken place that I have ever found."

Transportation
Victor Valley Transit Authority is the local transportation system. It covers the city of Barstow and the surrounding areas in San Bernardino County. BAT operates three fixed city bus routes on an hourly schedule, a dial-a-ride service for seniors and persons with disabilities and two county routes serving Hinkley, Yermo, Daggett, and Newberry Springs. The county services operate on a fixed route with a deviation zone and a flexible time schedule. When requested in advance, the county bus travels off the fixed route to pick up or drop off passengers within the deviation zone. Unless passengers hold a monthly or day pass, there is an additional charge for this service. All city and county buses connect at Barstow City Hall Transport Center. Intercity buses that serve Barstow include Greyhound, Orange Belt Stages, Intercalifornias, TUFESA, and Fronteras del Norte, and FlixBus.

The Harvey House Railroad Depot is served twice daily by Amtrak's Southwest Chief, from Chicago to Los Angeles and reverse. Connections can also be made on multiple Amtrak Thruway bus services to Las Vegas and other destinations. Rail freight is provided by the BNSF Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad.

Barstow-Daggett Airport is the local airport that serves general aviation but has no commercial service.

Roads are the main method of transport. The primary arteries serving Barstow are Interstate 40, Interstate 15, and California State Route 58. A Tesla Supercharger station is available.

Healthcare
Barstow Community Hospital is a 56-bed hospital serving the surrounding High Desert community. Opened in 1958, the hospital was named one of the "100 Top Hospitals in the Nation" for two consecutive years in the late 1990s. The new Barstow Community Hospital, which opened its doors to the community in October 2012, is a 30-bed acute care facility with inpatient and outpatient services, and medical, surgical and emergency care.

Public safety
Barstow has its own police department, plus a regional station of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, which serves the unincorporated areas around the city, including Newberry Springs, Trona, Baker and Ludlow.

Fire prevention and paramedic services are provided by the Barstow Fire Protection District.

On November 19, 2010, Barstow residents were warned that the area water system was contaminated. A local area military base, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow notified Golden State Water that samples taken from their water system showed the chemical perchlorate at levels above the maximum contaminant level of 6 parts per billion. Perchlorate is found in rocket propellant, fireworks, explosives, flares, matches and industrial byproducts. Golden State Water Co. handed out free bottled water to residents. The "Do Not Drink" water advisory ended five days later on November 24, 2010.

Cemetery
The Mountain View Memorial Park (also called Mt. View Cemetery), located on Irwin Road, was established in 1937; an Independent Special District for the cemetery was created in 1947 as Barstow Cemetery District. Notable burials include MLB pitcher Bob Rhoads. In 2021 the San Bernardino County Local Agency Formation Commission determined that the Cemetery District was fiscally unstable, Which triggered a special study about dissolving the cemetery district

Notable people

 * Nick Barnett, former NFL player for Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins
 * Raquel Beezley, Miss California USA 2008
 * Jeanne Crain, Academy Award-nominated film actress
 * Dino Ebel, Major League Baseball coach
 * Jeremy Gable, playwright
 * T. J. Houshmandzadeh, former football player for Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks
 * Spoon Jackson, convicted murderer and poet
 * Mark Johnson, golfer
 * Byron Katie, author, speaker
 * Joe A. Martinez, ring and cage announcer
 * Michael Pelkey, founder of BASE Jumping
 * Scott Reeder, drummer, Fu Manchu
 * Stan Ridgway, musician, founder of Wall of Voodoo
 * Ross Robinson, music producer
 * Gloria J. Romero, former majority leader, California State Senate
 * Paul Salopek, journalist
 * Aaron Sanchez, MLB pitcher for San Francisco Giants, born in Barstow
 * Rick Steves, author and television personality focusing on European travel

title: Barstow, California


text:
Big Bear City, California

Big Bear City is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States along the east shore of Big Bear Lake and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. It is 27 mi northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately east of the incorporated city of Big Bear Lake. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP). Its population was 12,304 at the 2010 census, up from 5,779 at the 2000 census. Big Bear City is mostly residential, with smaller houses and cabins laid out in typical square block fashion. Big Bear is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Standard Air Lines of Los Angeles began a regular airline service to the community in the summer of 1929. Its post office was founded as Van Duesen in 1927 but changed its name to Big Bear City six months later. The Big Bear City Post Office opened in 1928 and still operates.

Despite the name, Big Bear City is not an incorporated city, and should not be confused with the adjacent incorporated city of Big Bear Lake.

Etymology
Big Bear got its name due to the large number of grizzly bears that once roamed the area. Although grizzly bears went extinct in the valley at the turn of the 20th century, there are still thousands of black bears found in Big Bear Valley.

Pre-colonial period
The first humans to inhabit Big Bear Valley were the Serrano Indians, who trace their beginnings to Bear Valley. Serrano means mountaineers, or those of the Sierras. The Serrano people that settled much of the San Bernardino Mountains, called themselves Yuhaviatam, or: people of the pines.

It is estimated that the Serrano natives first settled in Big Bear between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago. The Serranos had both winter and summer settlements throughout the area. While their winter village was located in Lucerne Valley, they relocated to villages in the San Bernardino mountains during summer, as the altitude provided cooler temperatures. Villages were often located by rivers and lakes, however, mountain hunting camps were also established on higher elevations. Besides hunting, they also consumed pinyon nuts, mesquite beans, screw-beans, juniper berries and seeds. One of four major Serrano ethnographic sites was located in Big Bear City, called: Kayah-pia-t. Big Bear, and Lucerne Valley clans, both belonged to the same tribe: the Coyote Pervetum.

Settling here because of the region's many natural resources, they harvested acorns and herbs, but also hunted deer, rabbits, and other wildlife. A number of mortar holes can be seen in Big Bear City; these holes made by the Serranos, were utilized to ground acorns into meals. The oldest known remains of a human settlement in Big Bear Valley can be seen at the Indian Grinding Rocks in Big Bear City, called: The Eye of God, which is a sacred site to the Serrano people. The Serrano's creation narrative took place at The Eye of God, which was known as Hatauva.

The earliest known contact with European settlers in Big Bear occurred when Spanish Father Francisco Garcés arrived during his 1774-1776 expedition. Another source states, that the first contact happened in 1845 during a punitive expedition against the Native-Americans.

Geography
For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Big Bear City as a census-designated place (CDP). According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 32.0 sqmi, 99.95% of it land, and 0.05% of it water.

The nearby ski resorts consist of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain.

Most of the town and the business district are centered on Big Bear Boulevard. Its limits are defined on the west by Division Road and on the east by the left turn at Highway 38, which goes to Redlands and Highway 18 which goes south to San Bernardino and north to Lucerne Valley. Though its south boundary is loosely defined by the residential boundary, the north side is defined by North Shore Road. The east-west postal divider of Big Bear City is Green Way Drive. It is here that Highway 18 (Big Bear Boulevard) turns north and crosses over to North Shore Drive heading east toward Lucerne Valley, and Highway 38 coming from the east turns north to North Shore and heads west to Big Bear Dam in the city of Big Bear Lake, California.

Sugarloaf is a large residential area that lies to the south of Big Bear City.

2010
At the 2010 census Big Bear City had a population of 12,304. The population density was 384.8 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Big Bear City was 10,252 (83.3%) White (75.8% Non-Hispanic White), 83 (0.7%) African American, 202 (1.6%) Native American, 103 (0.8%) Asian, 31 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 1,089 (8.9%) from other races, and 544 (4.4%) from two or more races. There 2,323 Hispanic or Latino residents, of any race (18.9%).

The census reported that 12,286 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 18 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.

There were 5,011 households, 1,546 (30.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,435 (48.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 567 (11.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 308 (6.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 313 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 73 (1.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,335 households (26.6%) were one person and 450 (9.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.45. There were 3,310 families (66.1% of households); the average family size was 2.94.

The age distribution was 2,865 people (23.3%) under the age of 18, 917 people (7.5%) aged 18 to 24, 2,695 people (21.9%) aged 25 to 44, 4,060 people (33.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,767 people (14.4%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 42.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

There were 12,226 housing units at an average density of 382.4 per square mile, of the occupied units 3,409 (68.0%) were owner-occupied and 1,602 (32.0%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 9.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 14.0%. 7,854 people (63.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 4,432 people (36.0%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Big Bear City had a median household income of $42,957, with 20.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
At the 2000 census, there were 5,779 people in 2,290 households, including 1,603 families, in the CDP. The population density was 1,665.1 PD/sqmi. There were 4,801 housing units at an average density of 1,383.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.1% White, 0.6% African American, 1.3% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.8% from other races, and 4.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.9% of the population.

Of the 2,290 households 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.0% were non-families. 23.6% of households were one person and 8.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.0.

The age distribution was 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.0 males.

The median household income was $35,615 and the median family income was $42,995. Males had a median income of $33,994 versus $20,844 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,301. About 5.1% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 1.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Big Bear City is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Big Bear City is in.

Transportation
Big Bear City Airport is a general aviation airport in Big Bear City. There are no commercial air services to this airport, although at least two airlines, including Trans World Airlines, have served Big Bear in the past. This airport may also be used for medical evacuations, and as a base for forest-fighting aircraft when there are fires close by. The airport is very popular with local general aviation pilots.

Wildlife
Mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, coyotes and skunks are commonly sighted, while black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, gray foxes and mule deer are more rarely observed.

Potentially dangerous animals include mountain lions, black bears and coyotes. A mountain lion responsible for eating a dog was killed by the sheriff in Big Bear City in 2010.

Although grizzly bears were previously common, they became extinct from Big Bear Valley in 1906.

title: Big Bear City, California


text:
Big Bear Lake, California

Big Bear Lake is a city in San Bernardino County, California, located in the San Bernardino Mountains along the south shore of Big Bear Lake, and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The city is about 25 mi northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately west of the unincorporated town of Big Bear City. The population was approximately 5,019 at the 2010 census, down from 5,438 at the 2000 census. However, as a popular year-round resort destination, the actual number of people staying in or visiting the greater Big Bear Valley area regularly surges to over 100,000 during many weekends of the year.

History
Big Bear Lake was inhabited by the indigenous Serrano people for over 2,000 years before it was explored by Benjamin Wilson and his party. Once populated by only the natives and the grizzly bears, from which the area received its name, the population of the Big Bear Valley grew rapidly during the Southern California gold rush from 1861 to 1912. Grizzly bears were not found in the region after 1908. Black bears have been in the region since their introduction in 1933, and they are sometimes sighted in residential areas.

A trip to Big Bear Lake from San Bernardino took two days on horse-drawn coaches. Kirk Phillips was a local who took a trip to New York City and saw the world's first bus line. This inspired him to create the world's second bus line from San Bernardino to Big Bear Valley using white trucks with several rows of seats. This made it possible for the villages to grow and for Big Bear Lake to become the first mountain recreation area in Southern California.

Many people traveled to enjoy recreation on the lake. However, another major draw was the natural hot spring. Emile Jesserun bought 40 acre of land that included the hot spring and built the first major resort in Big Bear, the Pan Hot Springs Hotel, in 1921. This resort was followed with others that strove to be the best by creating a country club atmosphere, complete with the amenities required to lure the Hollywood celebrities of the time including Cecil B. DeMille, Shirley Temple, and Ginger Rogers. By 1924, Big Bear was populated with 44 resorts and a constant stream of vacationers. The Pan Hot Springs Hotel, like many of the other resorts and hotels in Big Bear, was extensively damaged by fire in 1933.

In 1933, the California Fish and Game Commission transported around 27 black bears from Yosemite National Park to Southern California, releasing them near Big Bear. Sightings of the newly released bears in cities stoked fear among residents. J. Dale Gentry, chairman of the Fish and Game Commission, resigned shortly after.

For Hollywood's film industry, the area has been a popular place for shooting on location since the silent era. In late November 1915, Universal Studios filmed there for its three-reel production of John o' the Mountains starring Sydney Ayres and Louella Maxam. The 1920 version of Last of the Mohicans was filmed there as well, as were some scenes for the 1936 film Daniel Boone, Gone with the Wind, 20th Century Fox's 1960 film North to Alaska, Disney's Old Yeller, the 1969 musical film Paint Your Wagon, the 1983 movie War Games, and the 1985 "dark comedy" Better Off Dead. Many television series have filmed sequences there too, including opening sequences in 1969 for the NBC children's program H.R. Pufnstuf.

Winter activities are also popular in Big Bear. The first ski jump in Big Bear was erected in 1929 and quickly claimed a world ski jump record. More jumps were built in Big Bear Lake and the Viking Ski Club of Los Angeles began to use them for competition and events. The move to a winter resort town was solidified in 1952 when Tommy Tyndall opened a resort in Big Bear Lake, now known as Snow Summit. In some winters the area gets little snow, but snow machines keep the resorts in business.

In the summer of 1968, Caltech began construction of Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Due to extensive rain and snow, the lake rose several feet and BBSO was surrounded by water at the time construction was completed using makeshift barges in May 1970. BBSO, now operated by the New Jersey Institute of Technology, is still a major Big Bear Lake landmark connected to the north shore by a dirt and rock causeway.

Since 1970, Big Bear Lake has held an annual Oktoberfest. The Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest sports the highest beer garden, by elevation, in the United States. Big Bear Lake was incorporated as a city on November 28, 1980.

During the 1990s, the city became famous as a training spot for boxing champions. Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, Fernando Vargas, Gennady Golovkin, and Shane Mosley are among the famous boxers who have trained at Big Bear.

In February 2013, a major manhunt occurred in the Big Bear Lake area to find Christopher Dorner, who by that point had killed three people. A standoff ended in nearby Angelus Oaks.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.5 sqmi, 6.3 sqmi of which is land and 0.2 sqmi of which (2.88%) is water. It is located 25 mi northeast of the city of San Bernardino, and immediately west of Big Bear City.

Big Bear Lake is at an official elevation of 6,752 ft (2,058 m) above sea level.

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a safety advisory for any fish caught in Big Bear Lake due to elevated levels of mercury and PCBs.

Climate
According to the National Weather Service, the warmest month at Big Bear is July, with a daily average temperature of 65.1 °F. The coolest month is February, with a daily average temperature of 34.7 °F. (January and December are nearly tied, at 34.8 F.) There are an average of 1.3 days each year with highs of 90 °F or higher. Freezing temperatures have occurred in every month and occur on an average of 176.2 days each year, on average from September 24 to June 4. With a period of record dating back to only 1960, the highest temperature recorded was 98 °F, recorded on June 30, 1994, while the lowest was -15 °F on November 19, 1964.

Due to the 6750 ft elevation of the weather station, precipitation is greater than in the lowlands of southern California, averaging 19.98 in a year. The maximum 24-hour precipitation was 9.43 in on December 6, 1966. Measurable precipitation normally occurs 43.3 days a year. Mountain thunderstorms can produce heavy rainfall, even in midsummer (when most southern California lowland locations are quite dry). Under the Köppen climate classification, Big Bear Lake has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb) bordering a humid continental climate (Dsb); it lies within USDA plant hardiness zone 7a. Big Bear Lake is the highest and coldest incorporated city in southern California.

In contrast to most of southern California, the Big Bear Lake region normally receives significant winter snow because of its high elevation. Snowfall, as measured at lake level, averages 58.6 in per season; upwards of 100 in can accumulate on the forested ridges bordering the lake, at elevations above 8000 ft. In February 1990, 59.5 in of snow were recorded. The most snow in 24 hours was 27.0 in on March 27, 1991. The greatest snow depth was 58 in on February 3, 1979. Snow has fallen in every month except July and August. There are normally 16 days each year with measurable snow of 0.1 in or more.

2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Big Bear Lake had a population of 5,019. The population density was 768.1 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Big Bear Lake was 4,204 (83.8%) White, (73.3% Non-Hispanic White), 22 (0.4%) African American, 48 (1.0%) Native American, 78 (1.6%) Asian, 10 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 491 (9.8%) from other races, and 166 (3.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,076 persons (21.4%).

The Census reported that 4,993 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 5 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 21 (0.4%) were institutionalized.

There were 2,187 households, out of which 563 (25.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them; 1,007 (46.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together; 195 (8.9%) had a female householder with no husband present; 119 (5.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 159 (7.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 24 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 675 households (30.9%) were made up of individuals, and 298 (13.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28. There were 1,321 families (60.4% of all households); the average family size was 2.83.

There were 993 residents (19.8%) under the age of 18, 417 people (8.3%) aged 18 to 24, 1,021 people (20.3%) aged 25 to 44, 1,563 people (31.1%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,025 people (20.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.8 males.

There were 9,705 housing units at an average density of 1,485.3 /sqmi, of which 1,271 (58.1%) were owner-occupied, and 916 (41.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 14.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 45.2%. 2,708 people (54.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,285 people (45.5%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Big Bear Lake had a median household income of $32,869, with 16.9% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,438 people, 2,343 households, and 1,494 families residing in the city. The population density was 860.1 PD/sqmi. There were 8,705 housing units at an average density of 1,376.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.2% White, 0.7% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.8% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.6% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 13.7% of the population.

There were 2,343 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.8.

In the city, 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 29.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $100,447, and the median income for a family was $122,848. Males had a median income of $36,316 versus $21,404 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,517. About 11.1% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Attractions and activities

Big Bear Lake is Southern California's largest recreational lake. It is about 7 mi long with a width of about 1 mi at its widest point. The primary summer attraction in Big Bear has been fishing, which remains one of the most common activities. The most abundant types of fish are trout, bass and catfish. Hiking, mountain biking and horse riding are also very popular. San Bernardino National Forest offers many trails in varying degrees of difficulty. During winter season Big Bear Lake becomes a skiing and snowboarding destination for Southern California. There are two ski resorts: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. The first Winter X Games were held in Big Bear Lake in 1997. The town was also home to the Big Bear Lake International Film Festival from 2000 to 2014.

In addition to these events, Big Bear Lake is known for its resident bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow. There is a YouTube channel dedicated to a live feed of their nest which allows viewers to watch their daily activities and observe their nestbuilding and feeding behaviors. The channel is operated by Friends of Big Bear Valley. As of 2024, Jackie has laid 3 eggs; the first on January 25, the second on January 28, and the third on January 31. The earliest the eggs will begin to hatch is February 29.

Library
The community is served by the Big Bear Lake Branch of the San Bernardino County Library. The 8500 sqft library is located on Garstin Drive near the southern shore of Big Bear Lake and offers books, videos, CDs, DVDs, audio books, e-books, computers, and internet access for patrons. The library was remodeled in 2009, with improvements that included additional public computers and a new circulation desk that allows for self check-out. Story times for younger children, teen programs, donated book sales, and special events are also held at the library.

Government
Big Bear Lake is a charter city under the laws of the state of California. It operates under the council-manager form of government. The city manager is Erik Sund. The city council includes five members elected at-large. The mayor is selected annually from among the city council members. The current mayor is Randall Putz.

In the state legislature, Big Bear Lake is in the 23rd Senate District, represented by Republican Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and in the 34th Assembly District, represented by Republican Assembly Member Tom Lackey.

Federally, Big Bear Lake is in.

Transportation
Big Bear City Airport, a general aviation airport in the Big Bear City section of unincorporated San Bernardino County, serves Big Bear Lake.

Free local bus service is provided by Mountain Transit, formerly known as Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA), operates several fixed routes in the Big Bear Valley. Mountain Transit also provides service from downtown San Bernardino to Big Bear Lake.

The Big Bear Valley is accessible by four California state highways: SR 18 from Highland, SR 330 from San Bernardino, SR 38 from Redlands, and SR 18 from Lucerne Valley.

Big Bear Grizzly
The Big Bear Grizzly, the Media of the Mountain, is a local weekly newspaper serving Big Bear Lake, California and surrounding communities. The Big Bear Grizzly is owned by Gold Mountain California News Media Inc. The principal edition of Big Bear Grizzly is published weekly on Wednesdays. A free edition, entitled the Grizzly Weekender, is delivered to most areas of the Big Bear Valley each Saturday. The newspaper also produces a weekly shopper's guide called the Big Bear Shopper.

This paper covers local council meetings, festivals, fundraisers, recreation opportunities on Big Bear Lake and nearby, and other events in the area.

Notable people

 * Ryan Hall (born 1983 in Big Bear Lake), long-distance runner who won the marathon at the 2008 United States Olympic Trials and placed 10th in the Olympic marathon in Beijing; holds the U.S. record in the half marathon with a time of 0:59:43, becoming the first U.S. runner to break the one-hour barrier in the event
 * Taran Killam (born 1982), actor and comedian best known for his television work on shows such as The Amanda Show, Scrubs, Wild 'N Out, MADtv, Stuck in the Suburbs; previously a cast member on Saturday Night Live
 * Ed Masuga (born 1978), singer/songwriter based in the San Francisco Bay Area
 * Jay Obernolte, current representative for California's 23rd Congressional District
 * Heather O'Rourke, of Poltergeist (1982) fame; lived at Big Bear Lake in the mid-1980s
 * Max Rafferty, former California Superintendent of Public Instruction and Republican U.S. Senate nominee in 1968; school administrator at Big Bear Lake High School in the late 1940s
 * Jordan Romero, climber of the Seven Summits at the age of 15, breaking the past record set by George Atkinson

Sister cities

 * 🇦🇹 Abtenau, Austria

title: Big Bear Lake, California


text:
Big River, California

Big River is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 1,084 at the 2020 census, down from 1,327 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Big River is located on the west bank of the Colorado River at 34.13389°N, -114.36972°W (34.134021, -114.369782).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.4 sqmi. 10.8 sqmi of it is land and 0.5 sqmi of it (4.60%) is water.

Parks and Recreation
Parks in Big River are administered by the Big River Community Service District

2010
At the 2010 census Big River had a population of 1,327. The population density was 116.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Big River was 1,137 (85.7%) White (79.5% Non-Hispanic White), 14 (1.1%) African American, 50 (3.8%) Native American, 2 (0.2%) Asian, 0 (0.0%) Pacific Islander, 54 (4.1%) from other races, and 70 (5.3%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 160 people (12.1%).

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

There were 640 households, 116 (18.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 268 (41.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 67 (10.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 38 (5.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 44 (6.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 9 (1.4%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 216 households (33.8%) were one person and 134 (20.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.07. There were 373 families (58.3% of households); the average family size was 2.56.

The age distribution was 192 people (14.5%) under the age of 18, 68 people (5.1%) aged 18 to 24, 174 people (13.1%) aged 25 to 44, 429 people (32.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 464 people (35.0%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 54.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.4 males.

There were 1,064 housing units at an average density of 93.7 per square mile, of the occupied units 509 (79.5%) were owner-occupied and 131 (20.5%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 34.1%. 1,009 people (76.0% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 318 people (24.0%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Big River had a median household income of $29,063, with 11.8% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 1,266 people, 570 households, and 369 families in the CDP. The population density was 116.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,053 housing units at an average density of 96.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 84.9% White, 2.5% African American, 2.5% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 6.3% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.6%.

Of the 570 households 17.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.1% were non-families. 27.7% of households were one person and 15.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.66.

The age distribution was 19.3% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 18.6% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 31.7% 65 or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median household income was $23,488 and the median family income was $26,250. Males had a median income of $25,000 versus $20,125 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $13,862. About 13.1% of families and 18.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.3% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Big River is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Big River is in.

title: Big River, California


text:
Bloomington, California

Bloomington is an urban unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 23,851 at the 2010 census, up from 19,318 at the 2000 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined  Bloomington as a census-designated place (CDP).

Though currently unincorporated, many of the town's political activists are pushing for Bloomington to attain cityhood, while the nearby cities of Rialto and Fontana are attempting to annex the community. The incorporation effort is led by the Bloomington Incorporation Committee.

History
Bloomington was originally developed as part of the land holdings of the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company, which was formed in 1887.

In 1907, the Riverside Portland Cement Company built a large plant near the Crestmore Quarries (South Bloomington), and to provide transportation for employees built a standard gauge railroad to Riverside. On May 20, 1911 the line was opened to Bloomington. The original community, known as Crestmore, is generally located between Locust Avenue and Larch Avenue, south of Jurupa Avenue, extending to the Riverside County line. The Pacific Electric Crestmore Line (Riverside–Rialto) provided local service for many years.

The Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company (now known as West Valley Water District) laid out the town sites of Bloomington, Rialto, Fontana, and Sansevaine. The town site for Bloomington, after being surveyed in April, 1888, was bounded on the north by Valley Boulevard, on the south by Slover Avenue, on the east by Larch Avenue, and on the west by Linden Avenue.

Part of the community is still rural and many residents continue to keep and raise animals. The cities of Rialto and Colton are both trying to annex much of the land now within Bloomington.

In 1989, full incorporation was not completed due to budget and staff constraints.

In 2007, the Bloomington Incorporation Committee (BIC) applied with the Local Agency Formation Commission for another attempt for incorporation. It failed in late February and early March, when the Local Agency Formation Commission denied an extension that BIC needed in order to pay a $109,000 deposit for feasibility and financial studies.

In 2022, there was protest by community members, when the county approved to destroy an elementary school in favor of a warehouse

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.0 sqmi, all land.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 19,318 people, 4,950 households, and 4,128 families in the CDP. The population density was 3,236.8 PD/sqmi. There were 5,260 housing units at an average density of 881.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 54.3% White, 4.0% African American, 1.8% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 34.5% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 64.4%.

Of the 4,950 households 50.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.6% were non-families. 12.8% of households were one person and 5.7% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.9 and the average family size was 4.2.

The age distribution was 36.4% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% 65 or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

The median household income was $34,106 and the median family income was $35,936. Males had a median income of $30,680 versus $20,606 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,953. About 19.8% of families and 25.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.5% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over. Bloomington has a large Nazarene church and Christian Elementary School and Preschool.

2010
At the 2010 census Bloomington had a population of 23,851. The population density was 3,983.8 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Bloomington was 12,988 (54.5%) White (14.1% Non-Hispanic White), 649 (2.7%) African American, 309 (1.3%) Native American, 330 (1.4%) Asian, 47 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 8,600 (36.1%) from other races, and 928 (3.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19,326 persons (81.0%).

The census reported that 23,670 people (99.2% of the population) lived in households, 154 (0.6%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 27 (0.1%) were institutionalized.

There were 5,428 households, 3,310 (61.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,238 (59.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 895 (16.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 561 (10.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 449 (8.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 38 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 518 households (9.5%) were one person and 214 (3.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 4.36. There were 4,694 families (86.5% of households); the average family size was 4.52.

The age distribution was 8,013 people (33.6%) under the age of 18, 3,019 people (12.7%) aged 18 to 24, 6,493 people (27.2%) aged 25 to 44, 4,761 people (20.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,565 people (6.6%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 27.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.7 males.

There were 5,745 housing units at an average density of 959.6 per square mile, of the occupied units 3,740 (68.9%) were owner-occupied and 1,688 (31.1%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.1%. 16,181 people (67.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 7,489 people (31.4%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Bloomington had a median household income of $46,639, with 22.2% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

Public safety
Bloomington has been patrolled by the California Highway Patrol and the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department's Fontana Station since 1941.

Bloomington's fire department service is provided by the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Transportation
The town of Bloomington is served by Omnitrans bus service and Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway). It is also crossed by the Union Pacific Railroad Alhambra Subdivision and home to a hump yard. The Amtrak Sunset Limited uses the same tracks, there is no station in Bloomington and the closest station is at Ontario.

Education
Bloomington is within the Colton Joint Unified School District.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Bloomington is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Bloomington is in.

Parks within Bloomington are managed by the Bloomington Recreation and Park District.

Climate
The climate in Bloomington tends to be stable year round:

title: Bloomington, California


text:
Bluewater, California

Bluewater is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 172 at the 2010 census, down from 265 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Bluewater is located at 34.18028°N, -114.25056°W (34.180214, -114.250531).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.3 sqmi. 0.9 sqmi of it is land and 0.5 sqmi of it (33.58%) is water.

Climate
This area has a large amount of sunshine year round due to its stable descending air and high pressure. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Bluewater has a desert climate, abbreviated "Bwh" on climate maps.

2010
At the 2010 census Bluewater had a population of 172. The population density was 128.1 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of Bluewater was 156 (90.7%) White (89.5% Non-Hispanic White), 2 (1.2%) African American, 1 (0.6%) Native American, 0 (0.0%) Asian, 1 (0.6%) Pacific Islander, 9 (5.2%) from other races, and 3 (1.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11 people (6.4%).

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

There were 112 households, 5 (4.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 36 (32.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 4 (3.6%) had a female householder with no husband present, 3 (2.7%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 6 (5.4%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 0 (0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 61 households (54.5%) were one person and 41 (36.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 1.54. There were 43 families (38.4% of households); the average family size was 2.12.

The age distribution was 8 people (4.7%) under the age of 18, 1 people (0.6%) aged 18 to 24, 9 people (5.2%) aged 25 to 44, 47 people (27.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 107 people (62.2%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 70.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.5 males.

There were 592 housing units at an average density of 440.8 per square mile, of the occupied units 104 (92.9%) were owner-occupied and 8 (7.1%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 9.6%; the rental vacancy rate was 42.9%. 158 people (91.9% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 14 people (8.1%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Bluewater had a median household income of $37,875, with 4.1% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000
At the 2000 census there were 265 people, 158 households, and 85 families in the CDP. The population density was 290.4 PD/sqmi. There were 644 housing units at an average density of 705.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.1% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.1% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5%.

Of the 158 households 5.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.6% were non-families. 41.8% of households were one person and 29.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 1.68 and the average family size was 2.16.

The age distribution was 7.2% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 56.6% 65 or older. The median age was 67 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median household income was $18,750 and the median family income was $25,000. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $17,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,142. About 21.0% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 73.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 2.8% of those sixty five or over.

Government
In the California State Legislature, Bluewater is in, and in.

In the United States House of Representatives, Bluewater is in.

title: Bluewater, California