Lancaster, California: Difference between revisions
←Replaced page with 'eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww It's a crappy place to be.' |
m Reverted edits by 209.221.206.247 (talk) to last version by Tae04gu |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox Settlement |
|||
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww |
|||
|official_name = Lancaster, California |
|||
It's a crappy place to be. |
|||
|settlement_type = [[City]] |
|||
|nickname = |
|||
|motto = |
|||
|image_skyline = |
|||
|imagesize = |
|||
|image_caption = |
|||
|image_flag = |
|||
|image_seal = |
|||
|image_map = LA County Incorporated Areas Lancaster highlighted.svg |
|||
|mapsize = 250x200px |
|||
|map_caption = Location of Lancaster in [[California]] and [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]] |
|||
|image_map1 = |
|||
|mapsize1 = |
|||
|map_caption1 = |
|||
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]] |
|||
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]] |
|||
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in California|County]] |
|||
|subdivision_name = [[United States]] |
|||
|subdivision_name1 = [[California]] |
|||
|subdivision_name2 = [[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles]] |
|||
|government_type = |
|||
|leader_title = [[Mayor]] |
|||
|leader_name = [[Henry W. Hearns]] |
|||
|established_title = Incorporated |
|||
|established_date = [[November 22]], [[1977]] |
|||
|area_magnitude = 1 E8 |
|||
|area_total_sq_mi = 94.2 |
|||
|area_total_km2 = 243.9 |
|||
|area_land_sq_mi = 94.0 |
|||
|area_land_km2 = 243.5 |
|||
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.2 |
|||
|area_water_km2 = 0.5 |
|||
|area_water_percent = 0.19 |
|||
|area_urban_sq_mi = |
|||
|area_urban_km2 = |
|||
|area_metro_sq_mi = |
|||
|area_metro_km2 = |
|||
|population_as_of = 2000 |
|||
|population_note = [[U.S. Census, 2000]] |
|||
|population_total = 143,818 |
|||
|population_metro = |
|||
|population_urban = |
|||
|population_density_km2 = 487.6 |
|||
|population_density_sq_mi = 1,263.0 |
|||
|timezone = [[Pacific Standard Time|PST]] |
|||
|utc_offset = -8 |
|||
|timezone_DST = [[Pacific Daylight Time|PDT]] |
|||
|utc_offset_DST = -7 |
|||
|latd = 34 |latm = 41 |lats = 13 |latNS = N |
|||
|longd = 118 |longm = 09 |longs = 15 |longEW = W |
|||
|elevation_m = 719 |
|||
|elevation_ft = 2359 |
|||
|website = http://www.cityoflancasterca.org |
|||
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s |
|||
|postal_code = 93500-93599 |
|||
|area_code = [[Area code 661|661]] |
|||
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]] |
|||
|blank_info = 06-40130 |
|||
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID |
|||
|blank1_info = 1652741 |
|||
|footnotes = |
|||
}} |
|||
'''Lancaster,''' [[California]], [[United States|USA]], is the eighth-largest city in [[Los Angeles County]] and the 9th fastest growing city in the United States. Lancaster is located approximately 70 miles (112.5km) north (by road travel) of the city of [[Los Angeles]] in [[Southern California|Southern California’s]] [[Antelope Valley]]. It is separated from the [[Los Angeles Basin]] by the [[San Gabriel Mountains|San Gabriel Mountain Range]] to the south and from [[Bakersfield]] and the [[San Joaquin Valley]] by the [[Tehachapi Mountains|Tehachapi Mountain Range]] to the north. The City of Lancaster has grown from 37,000 residents at the time of incorporation in [[1977]], to an estimated 143,818 residents in [[2007]], and is the second-largest city on the California side of the [[Mojave Desert]]. [[As of 2005|As of]] the [[2005]] population estimate, the ''[[Palmdale, California|Palmdale]] / Lancaster, CA Urbanized Area'' (a US Census Bureau defined term) has a population of 589,043. |
|||
Lancaster is the northernmost incorporated city in Los Angeles County. |
|||
==History== |
|||
The community of Lancaster California was settled in the late [[19th Century]] by M.L. Wicks, a real estate developer who purchased six sections of land from the [[Southern Pacific Railroad]] (now merged into the [[Union Pacific Railroad]]). The origin of the city’s name is debated among historians, but it is presumed to be named after [[Lancaster, Pennsylvania]] or [[Lancaster, Lancashire|Lancaster, England]]. |
|||
Early in its history, Lancaster was little more than a whistle-stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad between [[San Francisco]] and Los Angeles, with one hotel, the Gilwyn (known today as the Western Hotel), and a handful of homes. The settlement grew quickly, however, and by 1890, Lancaster was quite prosperous. The town experienced another small boom at the turn of the [[20th Century]] when gold and [[borax]] were discovered simultaneously in the mountains around the Antelope Valley. |
|||
The real establishment of the City of Lancaster, however, came with the advent of the [[Aerospace Industry]]. As early in flight history as 1930, the [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] began conducting flight tests at Muroc Air Field (now [[Edwards Air Force Base]]) and Lancaster has grown steadily since that time. It is home to many employees of Edwards Air Force Base, as well as to employees of [[Boeing]], [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]], and [[Northrop]], all of which have plants in Palmdale at [[Plant 42|U.S. Air Force Plant 42]]. |
|||
Until it was incorporated in 1977, the area was under the political influence of Los Angeles County. Citizens in the area felt a need for better interaction with their policy making body and local control; and, with the work of Citizens for Incorporation, cityhood became a reality. |
|||
The first wave of home buyers to Lancaster from the L.A. area came in the 1970s, known as "escapees" and employees in the booming [[aviation]] industry. The city grew astoundingly, with the population doubled throughout the 1980s, from 45,000 people to 97,000 by 1990 to make Lancaster a large suburban city. |
|||
Since incorporation in [[1977]], the City of Lancaster has grown in size and diversity. Today, Lancaster, California is the largest city named Lancaster in the world. For a list of others, see [[Lancaster (disambiguation)]]. With inexpensive land and business-friendly policies, the City today attracts national and local companies in many businesses and industries as well as families pursuing the American Dream of homeownership in a close community. Throughout its recent growth, the City of Lancaster has retained a family-focused hometown spirit. The median age for residents is 31. The city morphed into one of a bedroom community for urban professionals who drive to work in Los Angeles. The city is home to a higher percentage of [[African American]]s than in Los Angeles proper (which has dropped to 6 percent in the 2000 census). The home values continue to soar to new highs, but remain fairly affordable compared to most of Southern California. |
|||
==Geography and climate == |
|||
[[Image:CAMap-doton-Lancaster.PNG|right|]] |
|||
Lancaster is located at {{coor dms|34|41|13|N|118|9|15|W|city}} (34.686980, -118.154062){{GR|1}}. |
|||
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 243.9 [[km²]] (94.2 [[square mile|mi²]]). 243.5 km² (94.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (0.19%) is water. |
|||
Lancaster’s [[elevation]] is 2500 feet above sea level on a high, flat valley surrounded by pristine mountain ranges. Temperatures are mild through most of the year with the average daytime high in the summertime right around 95 degrees [[Fahrenheit]] and the average winter daytime high in the low 60s. Overnight lows during the coldest months (December-March) can dip in the low 20's [[Fahrenheit]]. The Antelope Valley is known for its clean air and blue skies. With an average rainfall of less than eight inches, days of sunshine are the norm even in winter, when surrounding mountain ranges are dusted by snow. |
|||
==Economy== |
|||
With family income above the national average (average family income in Lancaster is $61,298), and housing prices below the state average (the median home price in Lancaster is $302,000), 70% of residents in the City of Lancaster own their own home. |
|||
Lancaster has also seen a large growth in business over the past decade, with the establishment of large [[distribution centers]] for national companies such as [[Rite Aid]], Michaels and Sygma, as well as smaller local businesses and national restaurant chains. The City government has made local business a top priority, offering businesses low-priced land and a streamlined development process with less red tape. |
|||
The ‘’’Lancaster Redevelopment Agency ‘’’ is one of the most successful and active [[redevelopment]] and economic development programs in California. It has made a commitment to attracting and retaining a prosperous business community through policies initiated by elected officials and carried out by a professional staff assisting the business community. The Redevelopment Agency has designated five areas as [[business park|business and industrial parks]] in the City of Lancaster: Fox Field Industrial Corridor (adjacent to the [[General William J. Fox Airfield]]), North Lancaster Industrial Center, Lancaster Business Park, Enterprise Business Park and the North Valley Industrial Center. The Redevelopment Agency has also been involved in attracting [[retail]] and dining to Lancaster Town Center, Front Row Center, and other retail centers throughout the City. |
|||
Another focus of the Agency and the City has been the revitalization of Downtown Lancaster. With historic buildings interspersed with modern amenities such as a [http://www.colapublib.org/libs/lancaster/ library] and [http://www.lpac.org/ performing arts center] downtown businesses formed the [http://www.lancasteroldtownsite.com/ Lancaster Old Town Site] (LOTS). LOTS has resulted in the renovation of business facades and attraction of new businesses including [[boutiques]] and restaurants in the Old Town Area. |
|||
==Demographics== |
|||
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 118,718 people, 38,224 households, and 27,674 families residing in the city. By 2005 the population had grown to 133,703 with a labor force of 54,000. The population of the Antelope Valley taken as a whole in 2005 was estimated at 437,942, putting the area ahead of major cities [[Atlanta]], [[Miami]] and [[Cincinnati]] in population. Lancaster is nearly prosperous from years of growth in size, people and the job market. The city has fewer persons in poverty than ever and has lower unemployment rates than a decade ago (about 15 percent in 1996 to 5 percent now). In socio-economics, the majority of Lancaster's residents (68%) are in the middle-class, but a quarter (26 percent) of them earn over $100,000 a year. |
|||
Lancaster and nearby Palmdale had a history of ethnic/racial diversity, but since the 1980s was a destination for African Americans, most represented in upper-incomes and middle-class families. The local aviation industry and high-paid careers in office jobs in Los Angeles attracted many immigrants from [[Asia]], like [[India]], [[Korea]] and [[Taiwan]] into Lancaster. |
|||
Older sections and rural outskirts of Lancaster have lower-middle class residents, mostly black and Latino ([[Mexican]] and [[central American]] immigrants moved in and many renovated these homes) in downtown, while the sparsely populated parts of the city are mostly white or born in the US. |
|||
There were 38,224 households out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.41. |
|||
In the city the population was spread out with 32.3% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.9 males. |
|||
==City government== |
|||
The City of Lancaster is operated on a [[City Council]]/[[City Manager]] system of government . This system of government provides accountability and responsiveness to the [[electorate]], while maintaining the stability necessary for implementation of a long-term vision. |
|||
The Lancaster City Council consists of an elected [[Mayor]] and four elected Council Members. As the City’s [[legislative]] and policy entity, the Mayor and Council Members are responsible to the residents of Lancaster for all municipal programs and services as well as for any legislative matters concerning the City. The Council approves and adopts [[Law|ordinances]], [[resolutions]] and contracts and enacts regulations and [[policies]]. It appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of commissions and citizen advisory committees that provide broad perspective in the decision-making process. Members of the Council also serve as directors of the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency, the Financing Authority and the Housing Authority. |
|||
City Council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, with special or adjourned meetings scheduled as needed. City Council meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for residents to voice concerns and suggestions. |
|||
The office of [[City Manager]] is an appointed, long-term professional position. With oversight and direction from the City Council, the City Manager sets and implements policy for the City of Lancaster. The City manager leads the management team to achieve the goals and directives set forth in the City’s General Plan and to develop and implement a long-term vision for City growth and achievement. |
|||
Assistant City Managers are appointed by the City Manager to manage coordinate, control and direct Administrative Services, and to ensure achievement of operating department goals and objectives. |
|||
===Law enforcement=== |
|||
Law enforcement in Lancaster is provided by contract with the [[Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department]]. The City built a state-of-the-art Sheriff’s Station on Lancaster Boulevard in the heart of the City’s downtown, and the partnership between the City and the Sheriff’s Department has led to the rise of several innovative law-enforcement programs aimed at combating crime in Lancaster. |
|||
One successful program that has arisen from this partnership is the establishment of Community Service Officers (CSOs). The CSOs are employees of the City of Lancaster who receive training through the Sheriff’s Department. They patrol the community and assist the Sheriff’s Department in routine matters in order to free regular law enforcement for emergency situations. |
|||
The City of Lancaster also makes use of technology in law enforcement, allowing citizens to file Police Reports with the Sheriff’s Department through the City’s website.<ref>[http://www.cityoflancasterca.org]</ref> These and other programs are reducing response times to law enforcement incidents. |
|||
==Recreation and culture== |
|||
[[Image:Clear channel stadium-070125-01.jpg|thumb|right|[[Clear Channel Stadium]], home of the [[Lancaster JetHawks]]]][[Image:Awoh-06-8.jpg|thumb|right|Boeing Plaza, Aerospace Walk of Honor]] |
|||
The City of Lancaster has changed from the sleepy railroad [[water stop]] of the 19th Century to a bustling modern City with many cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. |
|||
The Essex House Hotel is a restored 1920s vintage mansion turned into a top-notch inn for Hollywood celebrities, but the building has been converted to a museum under the California Historic Site program in 1992. The Essex house was also the headquarters of the "Flat Earth Society" in the 1910s for over 1,000 members with unusual and outdated theories, many of them were celebrities and businessmen. |
|||
The City of Lancaster is also home to the Lancaster [[Aerospace Walk of Honor]]. Established in [[1990]] by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates [[test pilot|tests pilots]] who were associated with [[Edwards Air Force Base]]. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment. The sidewalk monument display honors Lancaster’s more than fifty-year tradition as the nation’s aerospace center and host-City to a distinguished group of internationally known experimental test pilots. Five honorees are inducted each year in a special ceremony held in September. |
|||
Today, the City has over 600 [[acres]] of developed or planned parkland, including playground and picnic areas as well as tournament-level sports facilities at Big 8 Softball Complex and the Lancaster National Soccer Center. The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, located in West Lancaster, is a facility dedicated to preserving the pristine beauty of the [[High Desert (California)|High Desert]] and educating residents about their environment through nature walks and educational programs at Woodland’s unique Interpretive Center. |
|||
In [[1996]], the City constructed the Lancaster Municipal Stadium (now [[Clear Channel Stadium]]) which has been home to the [[Lancaster JetHawks]], a Class-A minor-league baseball team, for the last decade. |
|||
For residents and visitors seeking a cultured evening out, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center provides a varied array of fine arts from [[community theatre]] productions to [[classical music]] and various forms of dance. It also draws celebrity performers from across the country and around the world, including renowned singers, dancers and musicians of all genres as well as comedians and variety shows.<ref>[http://www.lpac.org/]</ref> |
|||
Lancaster’s location in Southern California’s High Desert also offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities year around. In the winter, the local mountains offer [[skiing]] and [[snow boarding]] within easy driving distance. In the summer, access to interstate freeways gives residents the opportunity for day-trips to the Pacific Coast, while perennial blue skies allow [[hiking]], [[backpacking]] and [[cycling]] year-round. |
|||
This city also has a skateboarding park located on the east side of Lancaster. |
|||
Skate Univercity (spelled as shown) is associated with the local rideshop, [http://www.pharmacyboardshop.com/ Pharmacy Boardshops]. |
|||
===Special events=== |
|||
Each spring, the California Poppy Festival draws upward of 60,000 guests to Lancaster City Park to celebrate springtime. Lancaster boasts one of California’s most abundant crops of the [[California Poppy|state flower]], and the Poppy Festival has become a popular event not only for Lancaster residents, but also for visitors from around the world. The California Poppy Festival began as an [[Earth Day]] celebration and has grown into an event with over 55 acres of activities and extensive [[wildflower]] information.<ref>[http://www.poppyfestival.com/]</ref> |
|||
"Celebrate Downtown Lancaster", a street fair and farmers’ market, is held several times throughout the summer and features family-friendly activities, street musicians and a variety of specialty vendors. |
|||
==Education== |
|||
===K-12 schools=== |
|||
There are three elementary school districts in Lancaster: [[Eastside Union School District]], [[Westside Union School District]], and [[Lancaster School District]]. |
|||
The city has taken an active role in education through its ''Lancaster CARES'' after-school program created in collaboration with the Lancaster School District. CARES provides learning and enrichment activities as well as mentors and positive adult role models to give children the encouragement and personal attention essential to building future leaders. |
|||
The [[Antelope Valley Union High School District]] covers all high schools in Lancaster. There are also several private schools in the City. |
|||
===Colleges and universities=== |
|||
Lancaster is home to [[Antelope Valley College]] as well as a satellite campus of [[California State University, Bakersfield]]. |
|||
Recently the City spearheaded the development of the [http://www.engr.csufresno.edu/~luc/ Lancaster University Center] to provide local students with a chance to receive a first-rate education in [[engineering]] and [[technology]]. The $3.5 million reconstruction of Challenger Hall, located at the old Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, gave the new campus 13 classrooms, 2 of which are high tech distance learning rooms and 2 of which are lab classrooms, as well as office space. Through partnerships with [[California State University, Bakersfield]], [[California State University, Fresno]], and local [[aerospace]] companies, students in Lancaster can receive a Bachelor’s of Science Degree without leaving the area. |
|||
Lancaster is also home to [[West Coast Baptist College]], an unaccredited Independent Fundamental Baptist Bible college offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in Pastoral studies, evangelism, missions, church ministries, music, Christian education, youth ministry, and secretarial studies. West Coast opened in 1995, and now has about 850 students. West Coast is an [[Independent Fundamental Baptist]] college, and is associated with the [[Christian fundamentalist]] movement. |
|||
== Media == |
|||
=== Newspapers === |
|||
*[[Antelope Valley Press]] |
|||
*[[Daily News - Antelope Valley|Daily News – Antelope Valley]] |
|||
=== Radio stations === |
|||
===AM=== |
|||
*[[KAVL (AM)|KAVL]] '''610''' Sports |
|||
*[[KTPI (AM)|KTPI]] '''1340''' Adult Standards |
|||
*[[KWJL]] '''1380''' Mexican Oldies |
|||
*[[KUTY]] '''1470''' News/Talk |
|||
===FM=== |
|||
*[[KTLW]] '''88.9''' Religious/Christian |
|||
*[[KLKX]] '''93.5''' Classic Rock |
|||
*[[KFXM]] '''96.7''' Oldies |
|||
*[[KVVS]] '''97.7''' Top 40 (simulcast of [[Los Angeles]] [[KIIS]] 102.7) |
|||
*[[KKZQ]] '''100.1''' Modern Rock |
|||
*[[KRAJ]] '''100.9''' Hip Hop |
|||
*[[KTPI-FM|KTPI]] '''103.1''' Country |
|||
*[[KEDD-FM|KEDD]] '''103.9''' Adult Hits |
|||
*[[KLOA]] '''104.9''' Country |
|||
*[[KOSS]] '''105.5''' Adult Contemporary |
|||
*[[KGMX]] '''106.3''' Adult Contemporary |
|||
*[[KCEL]] '''106.9''' Regional Mexican |
|||
*[[Surge Radio]] '''Online Radio''' Local Indie Bands/Underground Music |
|||
=== Television stations === |
|||
Directory of locally based TV stations, otherwise they get all Los Angeles area on cable and sometimes, through the airwaves. |
|||
* [[KAVL (Lancaster)|KAVL]] '''3''' Independent/News. |
|||
* [[K67AO]] '''12''' rebroadcast of [[KABC-TV]] channel 7 (ABC) Los Angeles. |
|||
* [[KLNC (Lancaster)|KLNC]] '''28''' City's cable channel. |
|||
* [[KPAL-LP|KPAL]] '''38''' Home Shopping/ Christian programming. |
|||
* [[TBN]] '''53''' relay of KTBN channel 40 Los Angeles, Christian programming. |
|||
* [[KHIZ]] '''64''' Independent, based in [[Victorville, California|Victorville]], 40 miles away. |
|||
===Notable residents=== |
|||
* [[Captain Beefheart]] |
|||
* [[Judy Garland]] |
|||
* [[Douglas Fairbanks]] |
|||
* [[Mary Pickford]] |
|||
* [[John Wayne]] |
|||
* [[Frank Zappa]] |
|||
==References== |
|||
<references/> |
|||
==External links== |
|||
*[http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/ Lancaster official website] |
|||
*[http://lacdcs.com/station-end-page-11.html LA County Disaster Communications Service ( DCS ) Lancaster Station] |
|||
*[http://wxnet.net/ Current Weather] |
|||
*[http://www.avchambers.com/ Lancaster Chamber of Commerce] |
|||
*[http://www.colapublib.org/history/antelopevalley/ AV Community History in Words and Pictures: Los Angeles County Public Library] |
|||
{{Mapit-US-cityscale|34.68698|-118.154062}} |
|||
{{Cities of Los Angeles County, California}} |
|||
[[Category:Cities in California]] |
|||
[[Category:Cities in Los Angeles County]] |
|||
[[Category:Cities in the Mojave Desert]] |
|||
[[Category:Lancaster, California]] |
|||
[[bg:Ланкастър (Калифорния)]] |
|||
[[de:Lancaster (Kalifornien)]] |
|||
[[fr:Lancaster (Californie)]] |
|||
[[nl:Lancaster (Californië)]] |
|||
[[sv:Lancaster, Kalifornien]] |
|||
[[vo:Lancaster (California)]] |
|||
Revision as of 20:16, 5 November 2007
Lancaster, California | |
|---|---|
 Location of Lancaster in California and Los Angeles County | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Los Angeles |
| Incorporated | November 22, 1977 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Henry W. Hearns |
| Area | |
| • Total | 94.2 sq mi (243.9 km2) |
| • Land | 94.0 sq mi (243.5 km2) |
| • Water | 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km2) 0.19% |
| Elevation | 2,359 ft (719 m) |
| Population (2000) | |
| • Total | 143,818 |
| • Density | 1,263.0/sq mi (487.6/km2) |
| U.S. Census, 2000 | |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes | 93500-93599 |
| Area code | 661 |
| FIPS code | 06-40130 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1652741 |
| Website | http://www.cityoflancasterca.org |
Lancaster, California, USA, is the eighth-largest city in Los Angeles County and the 9th fastest growing city in the United States. Lancaster is located approximately 70 miles (112.5km) north (by road travel) of the city of Los Angeles in Southern California’s Antelope Valley. It is separated from the Los Angeles Basin by the San Gabriel Mountain Range to the south and from Bakersfield and the San Joaquin Valley by the Tehachapi Mountain Range to the north. The City of Lancaster has grown from 37,000 residents at the time of incorporation in 1977, to an estimated 143,818 residents in 2007, and is the second-largest city on the California side of the Mojave Desert. As of the 2005 population estimate, the Palmdale / Lancaster, CA Urbanized Area (a US Census Bureau defined term) has a population of 589,043.
Lancaster is the northernmost incorporated city in Los Angeles County.
History
The community of Lancaster California was settled in the late 19th Century by M.L. Wicks, a real estate developer who purchased six sections of land from the Southern Pacific Railroad (now merged into the Union Pacific Railroad). The origin of the city’s name is debated among historians, but it is presumed to be named after Lancaster, Pennsylvania or Lancaster, England.
Early in its history, Lancaster was little more than a whistle-stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad between San Francisco and Los Angeles, with one hotel, the Gilwyn (known today as the Western Hotel), and a handful of homes. The settlement grew quickly, however, and by 1890, Lancaster was quite prosperous. The town experienced another small boom at the turn of the 20th Century when gold and borax were discovered simultaneously in the mountains around the Antelope Valley.
The real establishment of the City of Lancaster, however, came with the advent of the Aerospace Industry. As early in flight history as 1930, the Air Force began conducting flight tests at Muroc Air Field (now Edwards Air Force Base) and Lancaster has grown steadily since that time. It is home to many employees of Edwards Air Force Base, as well as to employees of Boeing, Lockheed, and Northrop, all of which have plants in Palmdale at U.S. Air Force Plant 42.
Until it was incorporated in 1977, the area was under the political influence of Los Angeles County. Citizens in the area felt a need for better interaction with their policy making body and local control; and, with the work of Citizens for Incorporation, cityhood became a reality.
The first wave of home buyers to Lancaster from the L.A. area came in the 1970s, known as "escapees" and employees in the booming aviation industry. The city grew astoundingly, with the population doubled throughout the 1980s, from 45,000 people to 97,000 by 1990 to make Lancaster a large suburban city.
Since incorporation in 1977, the City of Lancaster has grown in size and diversity. Today, Lancaster, California is the largest city named Lancaster in the world. For a list of others, see Lancaster (disambiguation). With inexpensive land and business-friendly policies, the City today attracts national and local companies in many businesses and industries as well as families pursuing the American Dream of homeownership in a close community. Throughout its recent growth, the City of Lancaster has retained a family-focused hometown spirit. The median age for residents is 31. The city morphed into one of a bedroom community for urban professionals who drive to work in Los Angeles. The city is home to a higher percentage of African Americans than in Los Angeles proper (which has dropped to 6 percent in the 2000 census). The home values continue to soar to new highs, but remain fairly affordable compared to most of Southern California.
Geography and climate
Lancaster is located at 34°41′13″N 118°9′15″W / 34.68694°N 118.15417°WInvalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (34.686980, -118.154062)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 243.9 km² (94.2 mi²). 243.5 km² (94.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (0.19%) is water.
Lancaster’s elevation is 2500 feet above sea level on a high, flat valley surrounded by pristine mountain ranges. Temperatures are mild through most of the year with the average daytime high in the summertime right around 95 degrees Fahrenheit and the average winter daytime high in the low 60s. Overnight lows during the coldest months (December-March) can dip in the low 20's Fahrenheit. The Antelope Valley is known for its clean air and blue skies. With an average rainfall of less than eight inches, days of sunshine are the norm even in winter, when surrounding mountain ranges are dusted by snow.
Economy
With family income above the national average (average family income in Lancaster is $61,298), and housing prices below the state average (the median home price in Lancaster is $302,000), 70% of residents in the City of Lancaster own their own home.
Lancaster has also seen a large growth in business over the past decade, with the establishment of large distribution centers for national companies such as Rite Aid, Michaels and Sygma, as well as smaller local businesses and national restaurant chains. The City government has made local business a top priority, offering businesses low-priced land and a streamlined development process with less red tape.
The ‘’’Lancaster Redevelopment Agency ‘’’ is one of the most successful and active redevelopment and economic development programs in California. It has made a commitment to attracting and retaining a prosperous business community through policies initiated by elected officials and carried out by a professional staff assisting the business community. The Redevelopment Agency has designated five areas as business and industrial parks in the City of Lancaster: Fox Field Industrial Corridor (adjacent to the General William J. Fox Airfield), North Lancaster Industrial Center, Lancaster Business Park, Enterprise Business Park and the North Valley Industrial Center. The Redevelopment Agency has also been involved in attracting retail and dining to Lancaster Town Center, Front Row Center, and other retail centers throughout the City.
Another focus of the Agency and the City has been the revitalization of Downtown Lancaster. With historic buildings interspersed with modern amenities such as a library and performing arts center downtown businesses formed the Lancaster Old Town Site (LOTS). LOTS has resulted in the renovation of business facades and attraction of new businesses including boutiques and restaurants in the Old Town Area.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 118,718 people, 38,224 households, and 27,674 families residing in the city. By 2005 the population had grown to 133,703 with a labor force of 54,000. The population of the Antelope Valley taken as a whole in 2005 was estimated at 437,942, putting the area ahead of major cities Atlanta, Miami and Cincinnati in population. Lancaster is nearly prosperous from years of growth in size, people and the job market. The city has fewer persons in poverty than ever and has lower unemployment rates than a decade ago (about 15 percent in 1996 to 5 percent now). In socio-economics, the majority of Lancaster's residents (68%) are in the middle-class, but a quarter (26 percent) of them earn over $100,000 a year.
Lancaster and nearby Palmdale had a history of ethnic/racial diversity, but since the 1980s was a destination for African Americans, most represented in upper-incomes and middle-class families. The local aviation industry and high-paid careers in office jobs in Los Angeles attracted many immigrants from Asia, like India, Korea and Taiwan into Lancaster.
Older sections and rural outskirts of Lancaster have lower-middle class residents, mostly black and Latino (Mexican and central American immigrants moved in and many renovated these homes) in downtown, while the sparsely populated parts of the city are mostly white or born in the US.
There were 38,224 households out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were married couples living together, 17.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.41.
In the city the population was spread out with 32.3% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.9 males.
City government
The City of Lancaster is operated on a City Council/City Manager system of government . This system of government provides accountability and responsiveness to the electorate, while maintaining the stability necessary for implementation of a long-term vision.
The Lancaster City Council consists of an elected Mayor and four elected Council Members. As the City’s legislative and policy entity, the Mayor and Council Members are responsible to the residents of Lancaster for all municipal programs and services as well as for any legislative matters concerning the City. The Council approves and adopts ordinances, resolutions and contracts and enacts regulations and policies. It appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of commissions and citizen advisory committees that provide broad perspective in the decision-making process. Members of the Council also serve as directors of the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency, the Financing Authority and the Housing Authority.
City Council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, with special or adjourned meetings scheduled as needed. City Council meetings are open to the public and include opportunities for residents to voice concerns and suggestions.
The office of City Manager is an appointed, long-term professional position. With oversight and direction from the City Council, the City Manager sets and implements policy for the City of Lancaster. The City manager leads the management team to achieve the goals and directives set forth in the City’s General Plan and to develop and implement a long-term vision for City growth and achievement.
Assistant City Managers are appointed by the City Manager to manage coordinate, control and direct Administrative Services, and to ensure achievement of operating department goals and objectives.
Law enforcement
Law enforcement in Lancaster is provided by contract with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The City built a state-of-the-art Sheriff’s Station on Lancaster Boulevard in the heart of the City’s downtown, and the partnership between the City and the Sheriff’s Department has led to the rise of several innovative law-enforcement programs aimed at combating crime in Lancaster.
One successful program that has arisen from this partnership is the establishment of Community Service Officers (CSOs). The CSOs are employees of the City of Lancaster who receive training through the Sheriff’s Department. They patrol the community and assist the Sheriff’s Department in routine matters in order to free regular law enforcement for emergency situations.
The City of Lancaster also makes use of technology in law enforcement, allowing citizens to file Police Reports with the Sheriff’s Department through the City’s website.[1] These and other programs are reducing response times to law enforcement incidents.
Recreation and culture
The City of Lancaster has changed from the sleepy railroad water stop of the 19th Century to a bustling modern City with many cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
The Essex House Hotel is a restored 1920s vintage mansion turned into a top-notch inn for Hollywood celebrities, but the building has been converted to a museum under the California Historic Site program in 1992. The Essex house was also the headquarters of the "Flat Earth Society" in the 1910s for over 1,000 members with unusual and outdated theories, many of them were celebrities and businessmen.
The City of Lancaster is also home to the Lancaster Aerospace Walk of Honor. Established in 1990 by the Lancaster City Council, the Aerospace Walk of Honor celebrates tests pilots who were associated with Edwards Air Force Base. Recognition is awarded for distinguished aviation careers marked by significant and obvious achievements beyond one specific accomplishment. The sidewalk monument display honors Lancaster’s more than fifty-year tradition as the nation’s aerospace center and host-City to a distinguished group of internationally known experimental test pilots. Five honorees are inducted each year in a special ceremony held in September.
Today, the City has over 600 acres of developed or planned parkland, including playground and picnic areas as well as tournament-level sports facilities at Big 8 Softball Complex and the Lancaster National Soccer Center. The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve, located in West Lancaster, is a facility dedicated to preserving the pristine beauty of the High Desert and educating residents about their environment through nature walks and educational programs at Woodland’s unique Interpretive Center.
In 1996, the City constructed the Lancaster Municipal Stadium (now Clear Channel Stadium) which has been home to the Lancaster JetHawks, a Class-A minor-league baseball team, for the last decade.
For residents and visitors seeking a cultured evening out, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center provides a varied array of fine arts from community theatre productions to classical music and various forms of dance. It also draws celebrity performers from across the country and around the world, including renowned singers, dancers and musicians of all genres as well as comedians and variety shows.[2]
Lancaster’s location in Southern California’s High Desert also offers easy access to a variety of outdoor activities year around. In the winter, the local mountains offer skiing and snow boarding within easy driving distance. In the summer, access to interstate freeways gives residents the opportunity for day-trips to the Pacific Coast, while perennial blue skies allow hiking, backpacking and cycling year-round.
This city also has a skateboarding park located on the east side of Lancaster. Skate Univercity (spelled as shown) is associated with the local rideshop, Pharmacy Boardshops.
Special events
Each spring, the California Poppy Festival draws upward of 60,000 guests to Lancaster City Park to celebrate springtime. Lancaster boasts one of California’s most abundant crops of the state flower, and the Poppy Festival has become a popular event not only for Lancaster residents, but also for visitors from around the world. The California Poppy Festival began as an Earth Day celebration and has grown into an event with over 55 acres of activities and extensive wildflower information.[3]
"Celebrate Downtown Lancaster", a street fair and farmers’ market, is held several times throughout the summer and features family-friendly activities, street musicians and a variety of specialty vendors.
Education
K-12 schools
There are three elementary school districts in Lancaster: Eastside Union School District, Westside Union School District, and Lancaster School District.
The city has taken an active role in education through its Lancaster CARES after-school program created in collaboration with the Lancaster School District. CARES provides learning and enrichment activities as well as mentors and positive adult role models to give children the encouragement and personal attention essential to building future leaders.
The Antelope Valley Union High School District covers all high schools in Lancaster. There are also several private schools in the City.
Colleges and universities
Lancaster is home to Antelope Valley College as well as a satellite campus of California State University, Bakersfield.
Recently the City spearheaded the development of the Lancaster University Center to provide local students with a chance to receive a first-rate education in engineering and technology. The $3.5 million reconstruction of Challenger Hall, located at the old Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, gave the new campus 13 classrooms, 2 of which are high tech distance learning rooms and 2 of which are lab classrooms, as well as office space. Through partnerships with California State University, Bakersfield, California State University, Fresno, and local aerospace companies, students in Lancaster can receive a Bachelor’s of Science Degree without leaving the area.
Lancaster is also home to West Coast Baptist College, an unaccredited Independent Fundamental Baptist Bible college offering graduate and undergraduate degrees in Pastoral studies, evangelism, missions, church ministries, music, Christian education, youth ministry, and secretarial studies. West Coast opened in 1995, and now has about 850 students. West Coast is an Independent Fundamental Baptist college, and is associated with the Christian fundamentalist movement.
Media
Newspapers
Radio stations
AM
FM
- KTLW 88.9 Religious/Christian
- KLKX 93.5 Classic Rock
- KFXM 96.7 Oldies
- KVVS 97.7 Top 40 (simulcast of Los Angeles KIIS 102.7)
- KKZQ 100.1 Modern Rock
- KRAJ 100.9 Hip Hop
- KTPI 103.1 Country
- KEDD 103.9 Adult Hits
- KLOA 104.9 Country
- KOSS 105.5 Adult Contemporary
- KGMX 106.3 Adult Contemporary
- KCEL 106.9 Regional Mexican
- Surge Radio Online Radio Local Indie Bands/Underground Music
Television stations
Directory of locally based TV stations, otherwise they get all Los Angeles area on cable and sometimes, through the airwaves.
- KAVL 3 Independent/News.
- K67AO 12 rebroadcast of KABC-TV channel 7 (ABC) Los Angeles.
- KLNC 28 City's cable channel.
- KPAL 38 Home Shopping/ Christian programming.
- TBN 53 relay of KTBN channel 40 Los Angeles, Christian programming.
- KHIZ 64 Independent, based in Victorville, 40 miles away.
Notable residents
References
External links
- Lancaster official website
- LA County Disaster Communications Service ( DCS ) Lancaster Station
- Current Weather
- Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
- AV Community History in Words and Pictures: Los Angeles County Public Library
