Yakima, Washington

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Yakima
Seal
Location of Yakima in Washington
Coordinates: 46°35′48.22″N, 120°31′46.76″W
Country	United States of America
State	Washington
County	Yakima
Incorporated	December 1, 1883
Government
- Mayor	Dave Edler
Area
- City	20.6 sq mi (53.4 km²)
- Land	20.1 sq mi (52.1 km²)
- Water	0.5 sq mi (1.2 km²)
Elevation	1,066 ft (325 m)
Population (2000)
- City	71,845
- Density	3,569.9/sq mi (1,378.0/km²)
- Metro	229,094
Time zone	PST (UTC-8)
- Summer (DST)	PDT (UTC-7)
Zip Code	98901, 98902, 98903, 98904, 98907, 98908, 98909
Website: http://www.ci.yakima.wa.us

Yakima (IPA: [ˈjæ.kɪ.mə]) is a city in central Washington and the county seat of Yakima County, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 71,845 and a metropolitan population of 229,094.^[1] Yakima is situated in the Yakima Valley, which is noted for being one of the best apple-producing areas in the world, as well as a prime location for the production of hops. The name originates from the Yakama Nation. The Yakama Indian Reservation is located to the south and southeast of the city of Yakima.

Contents 1 History 2 Geography 2.1 Yakima region 2.2 Bodies of water 2.3 Climate 3 Demographics 4 Sports teams and events 5 Transportation 5.1 Roads and highways 5.2 Airport 6 Economy 7 Education 8 Media 8.1 Radio 8.2 Television 8.3 Print 9 Trivia 10 Notable current and former residents 11 Sister cities 12 References 13 External links

[edit] History

The Yakama people were the first inhabitants of the Yakima Valley. In 1805 the Lewis and Clark Expedition came to the valley and discovered abundant wildlife and rich soil, prompting the settlement of homesteaders.^[2] A Catholic Mission was established in Ahtanum, southwest of present-day Yakima, in 1847.^[3] The arrival of settlers and their conflicts with the natives resulted in the Yakama Indian War of 1855. The U.S. Army established Fort Simcoe in 1856 near present-day Toppenish as a response to the uprising. The Yakamas were defeated and forced onto the Yakama Indian Reservation. Yakima County was created in 1865. When bypassed by the Northern Pacific Railroad in December 1884, over 100 buildings were moved with rollers and horse teams to the nearby site of the depot. The new city was dubbed North Yakima and was officially incorporated and named the county seat on January 27, 1886. The name was changed to Yakima in 1918. Union Gap was the new name given to the original site of Yakima.

[edit] Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 53.4 km² (20.6 mi²). 52.1 km² (20.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.2 km² (0.5 mi²) of it (2.33%) is water. Yakima is 344.392 meters above mean sea level.

[edit] Yakima region

Cities surrounding Yakima include Selah, White Swan, Moxee City, Tieton, Cowiche, Wiley City, Ahtanum, Wapato, and Toppenish. Two unincorporated areas, West Valley and Terrace Heights, are sometimes considered part of Yakima and rely on many city services, despite not being part of the city. The population of the Yakima metropolitan area according to the Census Bureau 2004 estimate is 229,094.

[edit] Bodies of water

The primary irrigation source for the Yakima Valley, the Yakima River, runs through Yakima from its source at Lake Keechelus in the Cascade Range to the Columbia River at Richland. In Yakima, the river is used for both fishing and recreation. A 10-mile walking and cycling trail, a park, and a wildlife sanctuary are located at the river's edge.

The Naches River forms the northern border of the city. Several small lakes flank the northern edge of the city, including Myron Lake, Lake Aspen, Bergland Lake (private) and Rotary Lake (also known as Freeway Lake). These lakes are popular with fishermen and swimmers during the summer.

[edit] Climate

Yakima Climate Monthly Averages
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high (°F)	37	46	56	64	73	80	88	86	78	64	48	38	63
Average low (°F)	21	26	30	35	42	49	53	52	44	35	28	23	36
Average precipitation (in)	1.28	0.77	0.65	0.52	0.53	0.67	0.19	0.32	0.34	0.54	1.02	1.34	8.28
Average snowfall (in)	8.1	3.0	1.3	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.1	2.8	8.3	23.7
Source: Western Regional Climate Center

[edit] Demographics

City of Yakima Population by year [4]
1890	1,535
1900	3,154
1910	14,082
1920	18.539
1930	22,101
1940	27,221
1950	38,486
1960	42,284
1970	45,588
1980	49,826
1990	54,843
2000	71,845
est. 2005	81,214

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 71,845 people, 26,498 households, and 16,826 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,378.0/km² (3,569.9/mi²). There were 28,643 housing units at an average density of 549.4/km² (1,423.2/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.77% White, 1.99% African American, 2.00% Native American, 1.20% Asian, 0.14% Pacific Islander, 21.97% from other races, and 3.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 33.70% of the population.

There were 26,498 households out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.4% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,475, and the median income for a family was $34,798. Males had a median income of $29,647 versus $23,629 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,920. About 17.1% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.3% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Sports teams and events

• The Yakima Bears are a Northwest League (Class A minor leauge baseball) team that plays at Yakima County Stadium. The team was restablished in 1990 after being inactive since 1966.
• The Yakama Sun Kings are a Continental Basketball Association team that playes home games at the Yakima SunDome. The team was moved from Topeka, Kansas in 1990 and renamed the Sun Kings. CBA champions: '95/'00/'03/'06
• The Yakima Mavericks are a Football team in the Evergreen Football League that plays at Zaepfel Stadium.
• The Yakima Reds are a Soccer team in the USL Premier Development League that plays at Marquette Stadium.
• The Yakima Beetles American Legion baseball team, 3-time World Champions.
• The Yakima Valley Community College Yaks. (various sports)

The Yakima SunDome currently is the host of the 2A/1A girls' high school state volleyball championships in the fall and the 1A/1B boys' & girls' high school state basketball championships in the winter. Yakima County Stadium presently hosts the 2B/1B boys' high school state baseball championships each spring.

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Roads and highways

Interstate 82 is the primary way of reaching Yakima, but U.S. Highway 12 crosses through the city from White Pass. U.S. Highway 97 joins I-82 from Yakima for approximately 40 miles north to Ellensburg. State Route 24 terminates at Yakima and is the primary means of reaching Moxee City and many of the area's agricultural areas to the east. State Route 821 terminates near Yakima and is also called Canyon Road because it passes through the Yakima River canyon. It is an alternate route to Ellensburg which bypasses the I-82 summit at Manastash Ridge.

[edit] Airport

Yakima's airport, McAllister Field, operates commercial air flights via Horizon Airlines to Seattle and Delta Connection operated by SkyWest to Salt Lake City [Seasonal; Begins June 7, 2007]. Numerous private aircraft call the Yakima Airport home and several freight companies operate out of the airport. It is also a popular test site for Military Jets.

[edit] Economy

Yakima's growth in the 20th century was fueled primarily by agriculture. The Yakima Valley produces many fruit crops, including apples, peaches, pears, cherries, and melons. Many vegetables are also produced, including peppers, corn and beans. Many of the city's residents have come to the Valley out of economic necessity and to participate in the picking, processing, marketing and support services for the agricultural economy. While jobs in agriculture have decreased, the population growth has continued, increasing unemployment, crime rates, and poverty. While city officials have attempted to lure new businesses to Yakima, they have largely failed to do so.

Largest employers in the Yakima area [5]
Employer	Type	Persons employed
1. Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital	Hospital	1,500
2. Yakima School District	Education	1,453
3. DSHS - Division of Vocational Rehabilitation	Social Services	1,400
4. Yakima County	Local government	1,200
5. Tree Top, Inc.	Fruit processing	1,150
6. Yakima Regional Medical Center	Hospital	841
7. City of Yakima	Local government	711
8. Washington Beef, LLC	Beef processing	620
9. Yakama Legends Casino	Casino	619
10. Shields Bag & Printing Co.	Printing/Packaging	575
11. Wal-Mart	Department store	545
12. Borton & Sons Fruit & Cold Storage	Fruit growing & shipping	524
13. Snokist Growers	Cannery	521
14. Yakima Training Center	Military	512
15. EPIC	Social services	500
15. Washington State DOT	Government	500

The abandonment by retailers and other businesses of Yakima's downtown core is symbolic of the city's overall economic downturn. In the last five years, three major department stores and an entire shopping mall have closed for business. While several theories to "revitalize" the city's downtown have been put forth by civic leaders, none has proven effective. Presently, a hotel has been constructed in the place of the abandoned mall. The retail core of the city has now shifted to the city of Union Gap, where a renovated shopping mall and other new retail businesses are flourishing. While some see big-box retail leaving the downtown area as a loss, others see it as an opportunity to recast the downtown area as a center for events, services, entertainment and smaller, more personal shopping experiences. A bright spot in the economy of the Yakima Valley is the burgeoning wine industry, due in part to the Yakima Valley soil, which is very similar to the soil conditions of France. Over forty wineries dot the Yakima Valley, covering more than 11,000 acres (45 km²).

The Japanese Army conducts training annually in Yakima. Japanese soldiers train in Yakima because it allows for large-scale live fire maneuvers not available in Japan.

While there has been an economic downturn in downtown Yakima in recent years, the first phase of the Downtown Futures Initiative is nearly complete. The DFI has provided for a street to storefront remodel along Yakima Avenue throughout the entire downtown core, and includes new pedestrian-friendly lighting, water fountains, planters, banner poles, new trees and hanging baskets, all of which complement the new paver-inlaid sidewalks.

The early 2000s have seen the return to the downtown of the Sports Center Tavern, a local landmark, as well as the opening of The Hilton Garden Inn, The Speakeasy Bar, Grill & Nightclub, Kana Winery, Donitelia Winery, Yakima Cellars Winery, Seasons Performance Hall, Essencia Bakery, De Siga Gallery, and The Barrel House. Developers are aiming for an early 2008 completion for condominiums in the Bon Marche building of the former Yakima Mall.^[6]

The events held downtown include Yakima Downtown New Year's Eve, a Cinco de Mayo celebration, Yakima Live music festival, Yakima Summer Kickoff Party, Fresh Hop Ale Fest, a weekly Farmers' Market, and the Hot Shots 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

A new osteopathic medical school, named Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences is constructing an 80,000-square-foot facility on a 30-acre campus.^[7] The school will admit its first 100 students in 2007.

[edit] Education

The city of Yakima is served in the field of education by six high schools (four public, two private). The two main high schools are Eisenhower High School (Ike) and Davis High School. They are both division 4A high schools with Ike numbering at about 1900 students and Davis at about 1700.

The next biggest school is West Valley High School, a division 3A school with the total student population numbering at about 1100.

On the outskirts of the east side is East Valley High School, a 2A School numbering at about 800 or so students.

Yakima also boasts two smaller private schools. LaSalle High School, located in Union Gap, is a Catholic High School in the 2B division and enrolls about 200 students. Riverside Christian High School is a private Christian school that enrolls students from Kindergarten to Twelfth Grade. Riverside Christian is also a 2B school with students in grades 9-12 numbering about 150. There is also a rivalry between the two small private schools of Yakima, Riverside Christian and LaSalle, in athletics.

There is also a number of alternative high schools in Yakima offered to students for various reasons.

[edit] Media

[edit] Radio 88.5 FM - KYVT, College radio 89.5 FM - KSOH, Christian radio 90.3 FM - KNWY, National Public Radio 91.1 FM - KYPL, Christian radio 91.9 FM - KDNA, Noncommercial Spanish Language Public Radio 92.9 FM - KDBL, Country 94.5 FM - KATS, Active Rock 96.9 FM - KZTA, Regional Mexican 98.7 FM - KLES, Spanish Contemporary 99.3 FM - KQSN, Spanish Oldies 99.7 FM - KHHK, Urban Contemporary 100.9 FM - KARY, Oldies 104.1 FM - KXDD, Country 105.7 FM - KRSE, Modern adult contemporary 107.3 FM - KFFM, Contemporary Hit Radio 930 AM - KYAK, Christian radio 980 AM - KUSA, Talk radio 1020 AM - KYXE, Regional Mexican 1280 AM - KIT, Talk radio 1390 AM - KBBO, Sports radio 1460 AM - KUTI, Classic country

[edit] Television Channel 23 - KNDO, NBC Channel 27 - KCWK, CW Channel 29 - KIMA, CBS Channel 35 - KAPP, ABC Channel 41 - KCYU, FOX Channel 43 - KCJT, HispanaVision Channel 47 - KYVE, PBS [edit] Print Yakima Herald-Republic Yakima Valley Business Times

[edit] Trivia

• Approaching the city from the west on Interstate 82, there is a sign that reads "Welcome to Yakima: The Palm Springs of Washington". While this is not an official city slogan and the sign is privately owned, the sign has been known to cause both laughter and embarrassment among area residents, as Palm Springs evokes images of beautiful, up-scale environs -- most would not describe Yakima this way. The name is actually a reference to Yakima's climate, one of the hottest regions of Washington state. In the 1950s the city marketed itself with highway signs and promotional materials as "The Fruit Bowl of the Nation," a slogan that more accurately describes this very diverse agricultural center that produces some of nearly all non-citrus fruits grown in North America.

• It was while flying to Yakima (from Chehalis) that Kenneth Arnold saw what he described as "saucers that flew erratically". He later made what is generally considered the first widely reported UFO sighting in the United States. It was also with this sighting that the term "flying saucer" was coined.

[edit] Notable current and former residents

• Oleta Adams, singer
• Phil Beachler, Inventor of the baby jogger. Started Racing Strollers, Inc. in Yakima.
• Glen Bonner, NFL Football player(1974-75)
• Yakima Cannut, Hollywood stuntman
• Raymond Carver, author
• Charles Carter, Olympic and Professional Boxer
• Beverly Cleary, author
• Harlond Clift, Major League Baseball player(1934-45)
• Cary Conklin, NFL Football player(1992-1995)
• Dr. Dan Doornink,NFL football player(1978-1985)
• William O. Douglas, U.S. Supreme Court associate justice
• Dave Edler, Former Major League Baseball Player, City of Yakima Mayor, Pastor
• Scott Hatteberg, Major League Baseball player
• Joe Hipp, Professional Boxing (former NABF Heavyweight Champion 1994)
• Damon Huard, NFL Football player(1998-Current)
• Bob Ivers, Actor, local TV personality
• Basil James, Jockey (won the 1942 Preakness)
• Harry Jefferson, NASCAR Winston Cup driver(1973-77)
• Sam Kinison, actor/comedian
• Hub Kittle, Major League Baseball player and coach.
• Jake Kupp, NFL Football player(1964-1975)and 1969 Pro Bowl player
• Craig Kupp, NFL Football player(1991)Phoenix Cardinals
• Kyle MacLachlan, actor
• Kent MacLachlan, actor
• Debbie Macomber - author
• Phil Mahre, Olympics medal-winning skiier and twin brother of Steve Mahre
• Steve Mahre, Olympic medal-winning skier and twin brother of Phil Mahre
• Mitch Meluskey, Major League Baseball player
• Colleen Miller, actress
• Arvo Ojala, Hollywood actor and quick-draw artist
• Jim Pomeroy, Motocross racer, elected to AMA Hall of Fame in 1999.
• Kris Sainsbury Celebrity, hustler, baller, co-founder of the westside.
• Will Sampson, actor/artist
• Kurt Schulz, NFL football player
• Mel Stottlemyre, Major League Baseball player for the Yankees, Mets and Astros
• Mel Stottlemyre Jr., Major League Baseball player and son of Mel Stottlemyre Sr.
• Todd Stottlemyre, Major League Baseball player with the Blue Jays, Athletics and Cardinals, son of Mel Stottlemyre Sr. and brother of Mel Stottlemyer Jr.
• Christopher Wiehl, actor and brother of Lis Wiehl
• Lis Wiehl, TV legal analyst, former federal prosecutor and sister of Christopher Wiehl
• Chief Yowlachie (Daniel Simmons), actor

[edit] Sister cities

• Morelia, Mexico
• Itayanagi, Japan
• Derbent, Russia
• Keelung, Taiwan
• Burley Idaho, USA

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official City Website
• Yakima Herald-Republic, the area's principal newspaper
• Yakima Visitor & Convention Bureau, the official Yakima Valley visitor information organization
• Yakima Valley Museum
• Photographs of the area from the library and local museum presented online
• Maps and aerial photos Coordinates: 46.596728° -120.529657°
  • Street map from Google Maps, or Yahoo! Maps, or Windows Live Local
  • Satellite image from Google Maps, Windows Live Local, WikiMapia
  • Topographic map from TopoZone
  • Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

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