Walnut, California
| Walnut, California | |
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| — City — | |
| City of Walnut | |
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| Coordinates: 34°2′N 117°52′W / 34.033°N 117.867°WCoordinates: 34°2′N 117°52′W / 34.033°N 117.867°W | |
| Country |  United States of America |
| State |  California |
| County |  Los Angeles |
| Incorporated (city) | January 19, 1959[1] |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Mary Su[2] |
| • Mayor Pro Tem | Tom King[2] |
| • Councilwoman | Nancy Tragarz[2] |
| • Councilman | Eric Ching[2] |
| • Councilman | Antonio Cartagena[2] |
| Area[3] | |
| • Total | 8.996 sq mi (23.300 km2) |
| • Land | 8.992 sq mi (23.290 km2) |
| • Water | 0.004 sq mi (0.010 km2) 0.04% |
| Elevation | 561 ft (171 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 29,172 |
| • Density | 3,200/sq mi (1,300/km2) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC-8) |
| • Summer (DST) | PDT (UTC-7) |
| ZIP Code | 91788, 91789, 91795[4] |
| Area code(s) | 626/909[5] |
| FIPS code | 06-83332 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1652808 |
| Website | http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us/ |
Walnut is an affluent city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 29,172 at the 2010 census and its current mayor is Tom King, a former Detective from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The city of Walnut obtained its name from the Rancho Los Nogales Mexican land grant, nogales being the Spanish word for "walnut." With exceptions to some busy intersections (such as Grand avenue and Amar near Mt. San Antonio College), the hill-dotted city is relatively quiet in comparison to nearby neighborhoods like La Puente and West Covina. The city covers nearly nine square miles (23 km2) and is home to hundreds of businesses.
Money's Best Places to Live, "America's best small towns," ranked Walnut as #70 in 2009[6] and #57 in 2011,[7] the highest ranking for a Californian city both years.
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Geography [edit]
Walnut is located in the San Jose Hills and is home to several small creeks that run throughout local parks (i.e. Snow Creek, Lemon Creek).
History [edit]
The history of Walnut dates back to the Indians who were of Shoshone origin. They were called "Gabrielino Indians" by the Spaniards, who arrived in the early 19th century, because the Indians lived in an area controlled by the San Gabriel Mission. Walnut was primarily used for the grazing of cattle and sheep by the Mission. The city of Walnut got its name from the nut, walnut.
The first Mexican land grants in the Walnut area were those of Rancho San Jose granted to Ricardo Vejar and Ygnacio Palomares in 1837; Rancho Los Nogales granted to Jose De La Cruz Linares in 1840; and Rancho La Puente granted to John Rowland and William Workman in 1842. In 1868, John Rowland and William Workman divided Rancho La Puente, leaving Rowland the eastern half and Workman the western half. Rowland’s land included the western portion of Walnut. The land was used for raising cattle and growing wheat, grapes, and fruit trees.
The City of Walnut’s Bicentennial Commission selected the construction of Lemon Creek Park and the restoration of the William R. Rowland Adobe Redwood Ranch House as Walnut’s bicentennial project. In 1871, the Lemon Creek Park area became the property of Sheriff William Rowland, who inherited the 29,000-acre (120 km2) ranch from his father, John Rowland. The modest structure built in 1883 served as the home of Mr. Meridith, ranch foreman for William Rowland. The adobe redwood ranch house is one of the few remaining original ranch style redwood and adobe structures in the area. On October 1, 1975, the State Landmark Committee placed the W.R. Rowland ranch house in the National Registry of Historical Places.
Walnut, California, is sometimes confused with the city of Walnut Creek in Northern California.
Walnut Family Festival [edit]
Walnut holds an annual "Walnut Family Festival." On the day of festival, several streets in the area (such as portions of Lemon and La Puente) are closed in the morning and a parade is held in which many local clubs and groups participate. Later in the afternoon, a fair with booths, games, food, and activities is held in Suzanne Park, adjacent to Suzanne Middle School.
Mt. SAC Relays [edit]
Started in 1959, the Mt. SAC Relays is an annual track and field festival held primarily at Hilmer Lodge Stadium on the Mt. San Antonio College campus. The April festival attracts many elite athletes from around the world to the city of Walnut. This meet and other elite track meets held at the stadium, including the 1968 Olympic Trials and two editions of the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships have emblazoned the identification of "Walnut, California" in numerous national records in athletics around the world. The current world record in the 4x200 metres relay, 1:18.68, set by the Santa Monica Track Club (Michael Marsh, Leroy Burrell, Floyd Heard, Carl Lewis) was set April 17, 1994 at the Mt. SAC Relays.
The October Mt. SAC Cross Country Invitational, run in the hills surrounding the stadium, proclaims itself to be the largest Cross Country meeting in the world. Much of the same course is used as the annual CIF Southern Section championships and the western qualifier for the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.
Demographics [edit]
| Historical populations | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 934 |
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| 1970 | 5,992 | 541.5% | |
| 1980 | 12,478 | 108.2% | |
| 1990 | 29,105 | 133.3% | |
| 2000 | 30,004 | 3.1% | |
| 2010 | 29,172 | −2.8% | |
| source:[8] | |||
2010 [edit]
The 2010 United States Census[9] reported that Walnut had a population of 29,172. The population density was 3,242.8 people per square mile (1,252.0/km²). The racial makeup of Walnut was 6,913 (23.7%) White, 824 (2.8%) African American, 69 (0.2%) Native American, 18,567 (63.6%) Asian, 28 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 1,750 (6.0%) from other races, and 1,021 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5,575 persons (19.1%).
The Census reported that 29,138 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 22 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 12 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 8,533 households, out of which 3,492 (40.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 6,298 (73.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 985 (11.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 394 (4.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 163 (1.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 26 (0.3%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 627 households (7.3%) were made up of individuals and 237 (2.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.41. There were 7,677 families (90.0% of all households); the average family size was 3.55.
The population was spread out with 6,088 people (20.9%) under the age of 18, 3,092 people (10.6%) aged 18 to 24, 6,089 people (20.9%) aged 25 to 44, 10,339 people (35.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,564 people (12.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.1 years. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.
There were 8,753 housing units at an average density of 973.0 per square mile (375.7/km²), of which 7,536 (88.3%) were owner-occupied, and 997 (11.7%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.4%. 25,504 people (87.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,634 people (12.5%) lived in rental housing units.
The average household income was $106, 996. The median home value was $664, 662.
2000 [edit]
As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 30,004 people, 8,260 households, and 7,582 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,340.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,290.0/km²). There were 8,395 housing units at an average density of 934.6 per square mile (360.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 55.75% Asian, 28.37% White, 4.20% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 7.65% from other races, and 3.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.34% of the population.
There were 8,260 households out of which 50.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.1% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 8.2% were non-families. 5.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.63 and the average family size was 3.74.
In the city the population was spread out with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.
[11] Males had a median income of $51,944 versus $36,197 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,196. About 5.8% of families and 6.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.
The city was recognized in 1999 by CNN as a model of diversity.[12]
Economy [edit]
Shea Homes, ViewSonic, and the United States division of the Filipino home video company Viva Video, Inc. are based in Walnut.
Infrastructure [edit]
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station in Walnut.[13]
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Pomona Health Center in Pomona, serving Walnut.[14]
Government [edit]
In the state legislature Walnut is located in the 29th Senate District, represented by Republican Bob Huff, and in the 60th Assembly District, represented by Republican Curt Hagman. Federally, Walnut is located in California's 26th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +4[15] and is represented by Republican David Dreier. As of 2013, Walnut will be in California's 39th congressional district.
While the Congressional, State Senate, and State Assembly districts that Walnut is located in may have tendencies to vote for Republican candidates, over the last decade Walnut has mostly voted for Democratic presidential, gubernatorial, and senatorial candidates, with the exceptions of 2003 and 2006 when they voted for Arnold Schwarzenegger.[16] Walnut voters break down by party affiliation 63.102% Democratic and 35.598% Republican.[17] According to the results of the 2004 and the 2008 U.S. presidential elections, Walnut has a PVI of D+3.
| Election results from statewide races | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Office | Results |
| 2008 | President | Obama 56.2 - 42.0%[18] |
| 2006 | Governor | Schwarzenegger 60.3 - 36.1%[19] |
| Senator | Feinstein 58.6 - 37.5%[20] | |
| 2004 | President | Kerry 51.1 - 48.0%[21] |
| Senator | Boxer 57.6 - 38.2%[22] | |
| 2003 | Recall | Yes 64.0 - 36.0%[23] |
| Schwarzenegger 60.1 - 24.2%[24] | ||
| 2002 | Governor | Davis 47.5 - 45.9%[25] |
| 2000 | President | Gore 53.4 - 43.6%[26] |
| Senator | Feinstein 55.1 - 38.1%[27] | |
| 1998 | Governor | Davis 47.5 - 45.9%[28] |
| Senator | Fong 51.2 - 45.7%[29] | |
| 1996 | President | Clinton 50.0 - 40.1%[30] |
| 1994 | Governor | Wilson 57.6 - 38.9%[31] |
| Senator | Huffington 50.4 - 40.8%[31] | |
Education [edit]
Primary education in Walnut is generally served by the prestigious Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD), which also serves parts of the city of Diamond Bar. Schools located in and around Walnut include:
- C.J. Morris Elementary School
- Collegewood Elementary School
- Oswalt Academy (used to be Oswalt Elementary School) (Rowland Unified School District)
- Vejar Elementary School
- Walnut Elementary School
- Westhoff Elementary School
- Suzanne Middle School
- Southlands Christian Schools
- South Pointe Middle School[32]
- Ronald Hockwalt Academies (Formerly known as Del Paso High School)[33]
- Walnut High School
- Diamond Bar High School
Portions of the western side of Walnut are also served by the Rowland Unified School District.
In addition, Mt. San Antonio College, one of the California Community Colleges, is also located in Walnut near its border with Pomona.
Proposed NFL Stadium [edit]
In April 2008, billionaire-land developer and co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kings, Edward P. Roski, unveiled plans for the construction of an $800 million NFL stadium in the neighboring City of Industry.[34] In March 2009, Walnut filed a lawsuit opposing construction of the stadium, but dropped those charges in September.[35][36]
On October 23, 2009, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill allowing the 75,000-seat stadium to be built in neighboring Industry in hopes of attracting an NFL team there.[37] This bill would also nullify a lawsuit filed by local residents over the project's environmental impact report.
Notable people [edit]
- Evelyn Ashford, 1984 Olympic champion in the 100 m; arguably the greatest female sprinter ever, with a career that spanned an unprecedented five Olympic Games
- Charlie Beck, current LAPD Police Chief And Former Chief Of Detective Of The LAPD
- Paul Caligiuri, retired soccer player; formerly with the Los Angeles Galaxy, inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004
- Gerardo, rapper and singer who later became a recording-industry executive
- Alan Haskvitz, National Teachers Hall of Fame, Reader's Digest Hero in Education, NCSS National Teacher of the Year, International Teacher of the Year (Cherry Award), Learning Magazine Best Teacher in America, three Golden Bell Award, George Washington Medal
- Ricky Lawson, famous drummer of such artists as: Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton, etc.
- Tod McBride, former NFL player with the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams; standout wide receiver at Walnut High School and defensive back at UCLA
- Darius McCrary, actor; known most for playing Eddie Winslow on the television show Family Matters
- Gia Paloma, former American pornographic actress.
- Lance Parrish, eight-time All-Star (1980, 1982–86, 1988, 1990) who won three Gold Glove Awards (1983–85). He ranks fifth in Major League history in home runs as a catcher with 299.
- Gary Zimmerman, retired NFL player; played for the Los Angeles Express (USFL), the Minnesota Vikings from 1986–1992 and the Denver Broncos from 1993-1997. Was selected to the Pro Bowl 7 times and was an All-Pro selection 8 times. Inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on February 2, 2008. Attended Walnut High School and the University of Oregon.
Sister cities [edit]
West Covina, CA- Rowland Heights, CA
- Diamond Bar, CA
- La Puente, CA
- City of Industry, CA
- Pomona, CA
References [edit]
- ^ "Incorporation Dates of California Cities". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ a b c d e "City of Walnut - City Council". Retrieved 2010-10-27.
- ^ U.S. Census
- ^ "USPS - ZIP Code Lookup - Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ "Number Administration System - NPA and City/Town Search Results". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ "Best Places to Live 2009". CNN.
- ^ "Best Places to Live 2011". CNN.
- ^ "CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING (1790-2000)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
- ^ All data are derived from the United States Census Bureau reports from the 2010 United States Census, and are accessible on-line here. The data on unmarried partnerships and same-sex married couples are from the Census report DEC_10_SF1_PCT15. All other housing and population data are from Census report DEC_10_DP_DPDP1. Both reports are viewable online or downloadable in a zip file containing a comma-delimited data file. The area data, from which densities are calculated, are available on-line here. Percentage totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. The Census Bureau defines families as a household containing one or more people related to the householder by birth, opposite-sex marriage, or adoption. People living in group quarters are tabulated by the Census Bureau as neither owners nor renters. For further details, see the text files accompanying the data files containing the Census reports mentioned above.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Walnut city, California - Fact Sheet - American FactFinder
- ^ Moret, Jim (17 December 1999). "California town hailed as model of diversity". Walnut, California: CNN. Retrieved 2009-11-01.
- ^ "Walnut/Diamond Bar Station." Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Retrieved on January 21, 2010.
- ^ "Pomona Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 27, 2010.
- ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
- ^ Data compiled and calculated based on election results from "Political Districts within Counties" results for Walnut [1], All percentages are rounded to nearest tenth place
- ^ Best Places to Live in Walnut, California
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2008_general/ssov/5-pres-by-political-districts.pdf
- ^ gov_by_all_final.xls
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2006_general/ssov/us_sen_by_all.pdf
- ^ pres_general_ssov_for_all.xls
- ^ us_senate_ssov_for_all.xls
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2003_special/ssov/recall_ques_pol_dis.pdf
- ^ gov ssov alpha for all a-z.xls
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2002_general/ssov/gov_pol_dis.pdf
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2000_general/ssov/pol_dis.pdf
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/2000_general/ssov/us_senate_pol_dis.pdf
- ^ http://vote98.sos.ca.gov/Final/ssov/gov-ps.pdf
- ^ http://vote98.sos.ca.gov/Final/ssov/sen-ps.pdf
- ^ http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/1996-general/1996-general-ssov.pdf
- ^ a b http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/sov/1994-general/1994-general-ssov.pdf
- ^ South Pointe Middle
- ^ Ron Hockwalt Academies
- ^ "NFL stadium set for industry". Retrieved 2009-08-23.
- ^ "Walnut files Lawsuit over NFL Stadium". Retrieved 2009-08-23.
- ^ "Plan for NFL site in City of Industry clears major legal hurdle". Los Angeles Times. 2009-09-24. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
- ^ Governor approves LA-area football stadium waiver
External links [edit]
- Regional Chamber of Commerce - San Gabriel Valley
- Walnut official website
- LA County Disaster Communications Service ( DCS ) Walnut Sheriff Station
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