San Gabriel, California: Difference between revisions
→City government: new mayor |
→Demographics: suburban Chinatown |
||
| Line 129: | Line 129: | ||
The median income for a household in the city was $85,807, and the median income for a family was $96,262. Males had a median income of $61,642 versus $59,302 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $46,807. About 9.5% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over. |
The median income for a household in the city was $85,807, and the median income for a family was $96,262. Males had a median income of $61,642 versus $59,302 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $46,807. About 9.5% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over. |
||
Hot climate |
|||
=="Suburban Chinatown"== |
|||
San Gabriel has seen a mushrooming of Chinese retail and commercial development in the last several years, kindled by a surge of the latest immigrants from China. The city has emerged as much more than just another "ethnic enclave", attracting "foodies" from all over the United States to the "high-end" restaurants, as well as second- and third-generation Chinese Americans to its diverse array of stores and eateries.<ref name="dragon">http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/31/local/me-sangabriel31</ref>A drive down San Gabriel's stretch of Valley Boulevard, also called the "Valley Corridor" by the community, and which Mui prefers to call the "Golden Mile," uncovers a burgeoning Asian commercial district with more than 100 Asian restaurants and high rising, Mediterranean-style shopping plazas featuring noodle shops next to appointment-only jewelry stores selling $40,000 watches. <ref name="dragon"/> The new [[Hilton]] hotel was carefully planned to serve a community where at least half of the 40,000 residents are Asian, menus and floor plans are printed in English and Chinese. This Hilton hotel is considered to be the only one in the continental United States with an entirely equipped Chinese kitchen, which meets the needs of the several Chinese weddings held at the hotel each weekend.<ref name="dragon"/> |
|||
With its au courant boutiques, giant Asian supermarkets and boundless dining choices embodying all aspects of Chinese cuisine, there are those that say San Gabriel has become what [[Monterey Park]] and [[Alhambra]] used to be: the paramount destination for local and visiting Chinese. "San Gabriel is the epicenter of where the Chinese community is today," said Carl Chu, a Taiwanese American and author of "Finding Chinese Food in Los Angeles, who declares that "the only place to find authentic Peking duck -- not deep-fried -- in Southern California is in San Gabriel." <ref name="dragon"/> |
|||
==Government and infrastructure== |
==Government and infrastructure== |
||
Revision as of 04:15, 9 November 2010
City of San Gabriel | |
|---|---|
 Seal | |
 Location of San Gabriel in Los Angeles County, California | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Los Angeles |
| Incorporated (city) | 1913-04-24[1] |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | David Gutierrez (acting)[2] |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.13 sq mi (10.69 km2) |
| • Land | 4.13 sq mi (10.69 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0.00% |
| Elevation | 420 ft (128 m) |
| Population (2000)[3] | |
| • Total | 39,804 |
| • Density | 9,639.3/sq mi (3,721.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP Code | 91775, 91776, 91778[4] |
| Area code | 626[5] |
| FIPS code | 06-67042 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1656614 |
| Website | http://www.sangabrielcity.com/ |
San Gabriel is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is named after the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, one of the original Spanish missions in California and a California State historical landmark, and establishes San Gabriel as the birthplace of the Los Angeles region. It is from San Gabriel that the City of Los Angeles and the greater metropolitan area were established. It is located in the mid-west portion of the City within the City's historic center,and also is the location of several other historic buildings and sites exhibiting Spanish, Native American and early American history. The city's motto is "A city with a mission". Since its founding, San Gabriel has opened its doors to people of all races and cultures.
History
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish to Alta California, the area that now comprises San Gabriel was inhabited by the Tongva ethnic group, which came to be called the Gabrieleno by the Spanish. The Tongva name for the San Gabriel region was Shevaa.[6]
Spanish colonial history of the City of San Gabriel dates back to 1771 with the founding of the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, a California State historical landmark. The founding of the mission establishes San Gabriel as the birthplace of the modern Los Angeles region. The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, "Pride of the California Missions," founded by Father Junipero Serra, is the third of twenty-one California Missions, and has long been a center for culture and art.
The Mission San Gabriel Arcángel served a central role in Spanish colonial society, with many of the area's first Mexican settlers being baptized at the mission, including Pio Pico, who was born and baptized at the mission in 1801. He became governor of California twice, in 1832 and in 1845 and the city of Pico Rivera was named honoring him as the last Mexican governor of California.
By 1852, after American occupation, San Gabriel became one of the first townships in the County of Los Angeles. In 1853, with a contingent of Army Engineers passing through searching for the best route to build the railroad, Geologist William P. Blake observed, that the once-extensive vineyards were falling to decay, with fences broken down and animals roaming freely through it. But the bells were ringing, and the church was in use.
Prophetically, Blake wrote, "I believe that when the adaptation of that portion of California to the culture of the grape and the manufacture of wine becomes known and appreciated, the state will become celebrated not only for its gold and grain, but for it fruits and wines.[7]
When the 1860 census was taken, there were only 586 persons listed. The city was incorporated as a general law city on April 24, 1913. At the time, the city's population was 1,500. [[2]
Geography
San Gabriel is located at 34°5′39″N 118°5′54″W / 34.09417°N 118.09833°WInvalid arguments have been passed to the {{#coordinates:}} function (34.094176, -118.098449).Template:GR
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.7 km² (4.1 mi²), all land.
The city is bordered on the north by San Marino, on the east by Temple City and Rosemead, to the south by Rosemead and to the west by Alhambra.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 39,804 people, 12,587 households, and 9,566 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,721.2/km² (9,639.3/mi²). There were 12,909 housing units at an average density of 1,206.8/km² (3,126.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 33.40% White, 1.06% African American, 0.83% Native American, 48.91% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 12.36% from other races, and 3.34% from two or more races. Those identifying as Hispanic or Latino (of any race) were 30.71% of the population.
There were 12,587 households out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.1% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 3.52.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $85,807, and the median income for a family was $96,262. Males had a median income of $61,642 versus $59,302 for females. The per capita income for the city was $46,807. About 9.5% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.
"Suburban Chinatown"
San Gabriel has seen a mushrooming of Chinese retail and commercial development in the last several years, kindled by a surge of the latest immigrants from China. The city has emerged as much more than just another "ethnic enclave", attracting "foodies" from all over the United States to the "high-end" restaurants, as well as second- and third-generation Chinese Americans to its diverse array of stores and eateries.[8]A drive down San Gabriel's stretch of Valley Boulevard, also called the "Valley Corridor" by the community, and which Mui prefers to call the "Golden Mile," uncovers a burgeoning Asian commercial district with more than 100 Asian restaurants and high rising, Mediterranean-style shopping plazas featuring noodle shops next to appointment-only jewelry stores selling $40,000 watches. [8] The new Hilton hotel was carefully planned to serve a community where at least half of the 40,000 residents are Asian, menus and floor plans are printed in English and Chinese. This Hilton hotel is considered to be the only one in the continental United States with an entirely equipped Chinese kitchen, which meets the needs of the several Chinese weddings held at the hotel each weekend.[8]
With its au courant boutiques, giant Asian supermarkets and boundless dining choices embodying all aspects of Chinese cuisine, there are those that say San Gabriel has become what Monterey Park and Alhambra used to be: the paramount destination for local and visiting Chinese. "San Gabriel is the epicenter of where the Chinese community is today," said Carl Chu, a Taiwanese American and author of "Finding Chinese Food in Los Angeles, who declares that "the only place to find authentic Peking duck -- not deep-fried -- in Southern California is in San Gabriel." [8]
Government and infrastructure
In the state legislature San Gabriel is located in the 21st Senate District, represented by Democrat Carol Liu, and in the 49th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Mike Eng. Federally, San Gabriel is located in California's 29th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +12[9] and is represented by Democrat Adam Schiff.
City government
Five Councilmembers are elected by the voters to serve a four-year term. The Mayor is appointed annually by the Council in a rotation among its members. The City Council is also the Redevelopment Agency Board of Directors. The current members of the City Council are:
- David R. Gutierrez--Acting Mayor
- Kevin B. Sawkins-- Vice-Mayor
- Juli Costanzo-- Council member
- Mario De La Torre-- Council member
- Vacancy-- Council member[10]
The city's first Chinese American mayor was Chi Mui in 2006. He symbolized San Gabriel's rise as the new center of the region's Chinese community. [11] Albert Y.M. Huang-- Mayor, submitted resignation October 19, 2010. [12]
County services
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Monrovia Health Center in Monrovia, serving San Gabriel.[13]
Scandals
On Friday October 15, 2010, Mayor Albert Y.M. Huang was arrested on suspicion of battery, robbery and assault, two felonies and a misdemeanor. He was released on $100,000 bail. He resigned from the office of Mayor and from the council on October 19, 2010, at the city council meeting that evening. He declared his innocence even though he was observed driving away from the scene of the altercation at approximately 45 mph, with a woman clinging to his car.[14][15] According to the police, a security guard from a nearby business saw Huang and the female subject fighting and detained them until police could arrive.[16] Huang resigned after he was arrested and posted bail.[17]
In 1989, Vice-Mayor Frank Blaszcak lost his City Council seat by nine votes after a free-for-all campaign that included allegations of drug dealing and mooning residents at a City Council meeting.[18][19] Blaszcak ultimately hired renowned attorney Melvin Belli and sued eleven well-known city developers and real estate brokers and cleared his name.[citation needed]
Economy
Top employers
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:[20]
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Gabriel Valley Medical Center | 860 |
| 2 | 99 Ranch Market | 180 |
| 3 | Landwin | 180 |
| 4 | Shun Fat Supermarket | 143 |
| 5 | Live Oak Rehabilitation Center | 136 |
| 6 | Hawaii Supermarket | 120 |
| 7 | Alderwood Manor Convalescent Hospital | 101 |
| 8 | Park Uniforn Rental | 100 |
| 9 | Vista Cove Care Center | 99 |
| 10 | Mission Lodge Sanitarium | 98 |
| 11 | Fernview Convalescent Hospital | 88 |
| 12 | Country Villa Broadway | 76 |
| 13 | Marco's Auto Body | 70 |
| 14 | O'Donnell Chevrolet-Buick | 67 |
| 15 | China Times Printing | 53 |
| 16 | San Gabriel Nursery & Florist | 52 |
Transportation
The California High Speed Rail Authority representatives are appearing before the San Gabriel City Council on Tuesday, October 19, 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 425 South Mission Drive, second floor, to discuss proposals by this State agency to route a high speed rail line through the San Gabriel Valley. This week, the City distributed more than 1200 notices to residents, businesses, and community organizations; published a newspaper advertisement; and posted announcements on the City’s cable channel (Channel 3) and website. Printed materials are also available at City facilities and the public library. [21] The public is invited to learn more about this project including proposed alternative alignments through the San Gabriel Valley, design options, the environmental review process, and the project schedule.[21]
Education
San Gabriel is served by the San Gabriel Unified School District. "It is the mission of the San Gabriel School District, in partnership with the Community, to prepare its students for their future as productive citizens and lifelong learners..." [3] The 2009 API school reports has recognized the San Gabriel Unified school district as one of the top school districts in California. Joined by nearby city districts such as San Marino Unified School District, which is the top performing school district in California, followed by La Cañada Flintridge, and Palo Alto, Gabrielino High School consistently ranks as achieving one of the highest API scores possible among public high schools in California.cn
Elementary schools
There are five public elementary schools in San Gabriel, all of which are named after former Presidents.:
- Calvin Coolidge Elementary School.
- McKinley Elementary School
- Roosevelt Elementary School
- Washington Elementary School
- Wilson Elementary School
Each of its public schools have been honored as a California Distinguished School.[citation needed] Two other elementary schools within the city limits, Dewey Elementary, and Marshall Elementary, are operated by the Garvey School District, in the southern portion of San Gabriel.
Middle school
Jefferson Middle School is located in the San Gabriel Unified School District. In l968 the school was restructured as the only intermediate school in the elementary school district with a seven and eighth grade student population. Jefferson became part of the San Gabriel Unified School District in 1993-94. The five K-6 elementary schools serve as feeder schools. It is recognized as a California Distinguished School.[22]
High Schools
Gabrielino High School has been named by US News and World Report as one of "America's Best Public High Schools". This puts it in the top 2.8% of the schools in the nation.[23]
Del Mar High School, "Where Second Chances Happen", provides an alternative educational opportunity for the students of the San Gabriel Unified School District. It was opened in 2005 and the newly constructed Del Mar High School opens in September, 2010. [4]
San Gabriel High School is located in the Alhambra Unified School District, which serves residents from Alhambra, Rosemead, San Gabriel, and San Marino.
San Gabriel Mission High School, a Catholic, all girls high school, grades 9-12. It was named after and is located in the same block as the historical Mission San Gabriel Arcángel.
Private schools
There are several private schools in the City of San Gabriel including:
- Saint Anthony School, Grades Pre-K through 8th. A Tradition of Excellence in Catholic education since 1948. [5]
- San Gabriel Mission Elementary School [6]
- San Gabriel Academy is a coeducational Seventh-day Adventist college preparatory school, grades K-12. [7]
- Clairbourn School is a coeducational preparatory day school, pre-K through 8th grade in an environment harmonious with the teachings of Christian Science. [8]
- Little Flower Montessori School, Grades Pre-K through 5th.
- San Gabriel Christian School-- Is an accredited member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school provides a strong Christian education program for over 600 students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade. <http://www.sgucandcs.org/#/s-g-christian-school>
Famous natives and notable residents
- Hank Aguirre
- Susan Atkins
- Judge Roy Bean
- Francisco Dumetz
- Ken Gushi
- Curly Howard
- Ward Kimball
- Dee Luong
- Bill Mumy
- Danny Patterson
- General George S. Patton
- Pio Pico last Mexican Governor of California
- Luis J. Rodriguez
- Kurt Vollers
- Joanna Wang
External links
- San Gabriel official website
- A panoramic picture of San Gabriel Square
- San Gabriel Mission Playhouse website
References
- ^ "Incorporation Dates of California Cities" (DOC). Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ "City of San Gabriel - City Council". Retrieved 2010-06-23.
- ^ "San Gabriel city, California - Fact Sheet - American FactFinder". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Munro, Pamela, et al. Yaara' Shiraaw'ax 'Eyooshiraaw'a. Now You're Speaking Our Language: Gabrielino/Tongva/Fernandeño. Lulu.com: 2008.
- ^ Gally, Sid (2010-03-09). "Past on Parade: What was the San Gabriel Valley like in 1853?". Pasadena Star-News. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ a b c d http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/31/local/me-sangabriel31
- ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
- ^ http://www.sangabrielcity.com/cityhall/electcitycouncil.shtml
- ^ http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/31/local/me-sangabriel31
- ^ http://www.sangabrielcity.com/cityhall/electcitycouncil.shtml
- ^ "Monrovia Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 27, 2010.
- ^ [1]
- ^ KCal news, October 19, 2010.
- ^ http://www.alhambrasource.org/news/san-gabriel-mayor-arrested-alleged-robbery-assault-battery
- ^ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/19/san-gabriel-mayor-albert-_n_768540.html
- ^ Newton, Edmund (1989-05-25). "Controversial Council Member Loses Seat by 9 Votes in San Gabriel". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-12-04.
- ^ Martinez, Al (1989-03-30). "Quarter Moon in San Gabe". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-12-04.
- ^ City of San Gabriel CAFR
- ^ a b http://www.sangabrielcity.com/
- ^ "Jefferson Middle School". Jefferson.sgusd.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
- ^ "Gabrielino High School - Homepage". Gabrielino.sgusd.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
