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Barstow, California

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For place in Fresno County, see Barstow, Fresno County, California.
City of Barstow
City
Aerial view of Barstow
Aerial view of Barstow
Location of Barstow in San Bernardino County
Location of Barstow in San Bernardino County
Country United States
State California
CountySan Bernardino
Incorporated (city)1947-09-30[1]
Government
 • TypeGeneral Law City
Council-Manager
 • City CouncilJoe Gomez (Mayor)[2]
Willie Hailey Sr.
Tim Saenz
Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre
Timothy Silva,
 • City TreasurerEvelyn Radel, CCMT
 • City ManagerRichard Rowe[3]
Area
[4]
 • Total41.394 sq mi (107.209 km2)
 • Land41.385 sq mi (107.186 km2)
 • Water0.009 sq mi (0.023 km2)  0.02%
Elevation
2,178 ft (664 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total22,639
 • Density550/sq mi (210/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP Code
92310, 92311, 92312[5]
Area code760[6]
FIPS code06-04030
GNIS feature ID1652670
Websitehttp://www.barstowca.org/
A Harvey House, Casa Del Desierto in Barstow
A Harvey House, Casa Del Desierto in Barstow

Barstow is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 22,639 at the 2010 census, up from 21,119 at the 2000 census. Barstow is located 55 miles (89 km) north of San Bernardino.

Barstow is a major transportation center for the Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan area. Several major highways including Interstate 15 and Interstate 40 converge in the city. It is the site of a large rail classification yard, belonging to the BNSF Railway. The Union Pacific Railroad also runs through town on trackage rights on BNSF's main line to Daggett 10 miles (16 km) east, where it heads to Salt Lake City, then the BNSF heads to Chicago. It is about 62 miles (100 km) to Baker, California and 111 miles (179 km) to Primm, Nevada. Barstow is almost exactly midway between Los Angeles, CA (150 miles west) and Las Vegas, NV (150 miles northeast).

Barstow is home to Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and is the closest city to Fort Irwin Military Reservation.

History

The settlement of Barstow began in the late 1840s in the Mormon Corridor. Every fall and winter people, goods and herds of animals could move from New Mexico and Utah to Los Angeles, along the Old Spanish Trail from Santa Fe or the Salt Lake Road from Salt Lake City as the weather cooled and rains grew new grass and replentished the water sources in the Mojave Desert. 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 past the site of Barstow on the trail. In 1859, the Mojave Road followed a similar route to Fort Mojave and eastward on the Beale Wagon Road across northern New Mexico Territory to Santa Fe.

Indian troubles with the Paiute, Mojave and Chemehuevi followed and from 1860 Camp Cady, a U. S. Army post 20 miles east of Barstow, was occupied off and on until 1864 then permanently, by soldiers occupying other posts or patroling in the region until 1871.[7]

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 1860s and 1870's. Because of the miners coming to 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, by way of a compromise, ownership of the line from Needles to Mojave was transferred to the Santa Fe Railroad. Barstow is named after William Barstow Strong, former president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.[8]

Barstow's history was further cemented with the paving of the major highways through the city. Much of Barstow's 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.

Some early Barstow names were Camp Sugarloaf, Grapevine, and Waterman Junction.

Geography

Barstow is located at 34°52′35″N 117°2′5″W / 34.87639°N 117.03472°W / 34.87639; -117.03472 (34.876259, -117.034818).Template:GR According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 107.2 km2 (41.4 sq mi), 99.98% land and 0.02% water.


Climate

Barstow experiences four seasons. Summer days are very hot, with highs typically exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). Winter, in contrast, is characterized by cold mornings, with lows near 30 °F (−1 °C). Daily temperature ranges are large as a result of the low atmospheric moisture, typically between 30 and 35 F (16-18.5 C) difference. In January, the normal high temperature is 62 °F (17 °C) with a low of 34 °F (1 °C). In July, the normal high temperature is 103 °F (39 °C) with a low of 69 °F (21 °C).[9] There are an average of 132 days with highs of 90 °F (32 °C) or higher and an average of 39 days with lows of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower.

The average annual precipitation is[9] 4.33 inches (11.0 cm), with more than half of it typically falling during the winter months. Snowfall is uncommon in winter, occurring every year or two.[10] There are an average of 23 days annually with measurable precipitation.

The record high was 116 °F (47 °C) on July 14, 1972, and the record low as 3 °F (−16 °C) on January 13, 1963. The wettest year was 1918 with 10.99 inches (27.9 cm) and the dryest year was 1904 with 0.80 inches (2.0 cm). The most rainfall in one month was 4.22 inches (10.7 cm) in February 1998. The heaviest rainfall in 24 hours was 2.00 inches (5.1 cm) on November 23, 1906. The most snowfall in one month was 25.0 inches (64 cm) in January 1949, including 7.0 inches (18 cm) January 12; that month was one of the coldest and snowiest in southern California history.[11] http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim81/CAnorm.txt

Vegetation

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

Demographics

2010

The 2010 United States Census[12] reported that Barstow had a population of 22,639. The population density was 546.9 people per square mile (211.2/km²). The racial makeup of Barstow was 11,840 (52.3%) 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 races. 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 opposite-sex 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 opposite-sex partnerships, and 58 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 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 per square mile (89.1/km²), 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.

2000

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 21,119 people, 7,647 households, and 5,253 families residing in the city. The population density was 628.8 inhabitants per square mile (242.8/km2). There were 9,153 housing units at an average density of 272.5 per square mile (105.2/km2).

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. 25.9% of all households 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.

In a 2006 state-funded economic survey, Barstow ranks among the 10 poorest cities in California. One third of residents receive public assistance and 4 out of 10 receive welfare and social security funds. Its long distance from major 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. Numerous construction projects have been announced for Barstow, including a Wal-Mart distribution center, retail growth, and an increase in lodging accommodations.

  • median house price: $115,276 (in 2005), significantly below California state average
  • 10.4% unemployment is above state average.
  • 9.1% of population have a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the state average.
  • Crime index: 445.9 (U.S. average is 330.6)
  • Temperature: 33–102 °F (1–39 °C) range

The climate is very hot in the summertime(highest recorded temperature was 115 °F (46 °C) in 1995 (46 °C)), and it normally has above average winds.

Politics

In the state legislature Barstow is located in the 18th Senate District, represented by Republican Roy Ashburn, and in the 34th Assembly District, represented by Republican Connie Conway. Federally, Barstow is located in California's 25th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +7[13] and is represented by Republican Buck McKeon.

Education

Barstow has 8 elementary schools (grades 1–6), and 1 junior high (7–8).
Grades 9–12 are taught at Barstow High School. Barstow Community College is the only college in the area, and its primary objective is to enable students to transfer to a four-year college or university. Park University has a campus in Barstow.

Surrounding area

Sites and attractions

In Barstow

  • The Barstow Station mini-mall on Main Street is a popular stop for travelers on I-15. Gift shops, fast food, and the office of The Highway Stations are located here. The dining section consists of three side-by-side rail-road cars—a reference to Barstow's railroad heritage.

In September 1986 the McDonald's at the Barstow Station was destroyed by fire when a tourist pulled up to drive through window and his car caught fire. In 1997, the McDonald's at the Barstow Station received national attention when a gunman opened fire, shooting several people, killing a nine year old girl.

  • Skyline Drive-In is one of the last operating drive-in theatres in San Bernardino County. It has two screens; each screen shows two movies every night.
  • Barstow Branch Library is located on 304 E. Buena Vista Street and is a community venue, running various activities such as a summer reading programme for children, story and craft sessions as well as a mystery book club.
  • The fast-food restaurant Del Taco was founded in Nearby Yermo and the oldest franchise is on 401 N. First Street.
  • Barstow has a growing number of murals depicting the history of the area in the downtown area. These murals were created by Main Street Murals, a non-profit organization.
  • Barstow is home to the Barstow Riffians, a developmental semi-professional football team. The Barstow Riffians are members of the UFAL. (www.hometeamsonline.com/barstowriffians)

Shopping

The main shopping center in Barstow is the Tanger Outlet Center located south west of town and is a popular detour for tourists on their way to Las Vegas from Los Angeles. An older shopping center, the Barstow Factory Outlet is located opposite the Tanger Outlet Center.

The town has an enclosed shopping mall, Barstow Mall, which was renovated in 2010 and is attracting new tenants including the County of San Bernardino's new social service office for the Transition Assistance Department and Children and Family Services.

Barstow also has a branch of Walmart, Vons, 99 Cents Only and Starbucks located in the north-east side of town.

Near Barstow

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.[14][15] 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.

In a similar but not related incident , was in 1993 in nearby Hinkley was the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) incident which spawned the movie about american legal clerk turned environmental activist Erin Brockovich.

Famous people from Barstow

Transportation

  • Rail freight is provided by BNSF and Union Pacific.

A number of movies were shot in Barstow, including:

The movie Leaving Barstow (2008) starring Michelle Clunie, Kevin Sheridan and Ryan Michelle Bathe is about a high school senior who must choose between his ambitions to leave Barstow and staying to care for his mother.

In the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), two of the characters, former LAPD officer Brian O'Conner and Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent Bilkins, travel to Barstow to meet up with a third character, Roman "Rome" Pearce.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Incorporation Dates of California Cities". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  2. ^ "The City of Barstow, California". Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  3. ^ "The City of Barstow, California". Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  4. ^ U.S. Census
  5. ^ "USPS - ZIP Code Lookup - Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  6. ^ "Number Administration System - NPA and City/Town Search Results". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  7. ^ The California State Military Museum; Historic California Posts: Camp Cady
  8. ^ The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway and Auxiliary Companies - Annual Meetings, and Directors and Officers; January 1, 1902
  9. ^ a b http://cdo.ncdc.noaa.gov/climatenormals/clim81/CAnorm.txt
  10. ^ http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/USCA0069?from=36hr_bottomnav_vacation
  11. ^ http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca0519; http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca0521
  12. ^ Template:USCensus-2010CA
  13. ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
  14. ^ L.A. Times
  15. ^ Golden State Water Company
  16. ^ "Nick Barnett, Green Bay Packers, NFL". CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  17. ^ "Miss Barstow Crowned Miss California After Tabulation Kerfluffle". CBS Broadcasting Inc. Retrieved 2009-12-14. [dead link]
  18. ^ "Jeanne Crain". London: independent.co.uk. 2003-12-16. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  19. ^ Kershner, Jim (7 June 2001). "Playwrights Forum Festival kicks off Friday". Spokesmanreview.com. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  20. ^ "Seattle Seahawks: T.J. Houshmandzadeh". Seattle Seahawks. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  21. ^ "Senator Gloria Romero – Biography". Avenet.net. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  22. ^ "allmusic (((Stan Ridgway Overview)))". Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2009-12-14.
  23. ^ "Ross Robinson - the art of making timeless records". ryansrockshow.com. Retrieved 2009-12-14. [dead link]
  24. ^ "Paul Salopek - Twenty-third Parallel". http://twentythirdparallel.com/. Retrieved 2009-12-14. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ http://www.sanbag.ca.gov/commuter/pub-transit_operators.html
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