Valley Center, California
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valley Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County, California, United States. The population was 7,323 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] Geography
Valley Center is located at (33.240485, -117.014262)GR1.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 75.8 km² (29.3 mi²), all land.
[edit] Demographics
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 7,323 people, 2,415 households, and 1,919 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 96.6/km² (250.1/mi²). There were 2,517 housing units at an average density of 33.2/km² (86.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.69% White, 0.52% African American, 2.84% Native American, 1.35% Asian, 0.19% Pacific Islander, 6.45% from other races, and 2.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.47% of the population.
There were 2,415 households out of which 38.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.4% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.5% were non-families. 15.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.33.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 29.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $64,649, and the median income for a family was $68,388. Males had a median income of $50,440 versus $35,199 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,071. About 5.8% of families and 6.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Community character and culture
Valley Center is a community in transition from a small rural town to a suburban "bedroom" community. This transition has been underway for several years. This has resulted in some agriculture, such as large fruit orchards, giving way to housing development. The growth of Valley Center has been slowed by lower densities including a minimum of 2 acres being required for most parcels. However, with San Diego County's GP2020 plan, currently being discussed, the densities in a few areas of Valley Center will be changed from a minimum of 2 acres per parcel to much higher densities. This would allow the population to expand, particularly in the town's central area. Even with current growth it is reasonable to characterize the town as "semi-rural".
Once a year, parts of the city are closed down for an event known as Western Days. This event is traditionally held over the Memorial Day weekend and consists of a community parade, a gathering at the Valley Center Community Center and a rodeo.
[edit] Agriculture
Traditionally, the town and the surrounding areas have largely been dedicated to agricultural uses. Various commercial crops include oranges, lemons, and avocados. More recently farmers have taken up other crops such as ornamental floral products such as lavender. Additionally, there is a thriving animal farming industry including egg-producing hens, llamas, and a large milk dairy. Miscellaneous Valley Center agricultural links:
- The Lavender Fields Publicly open for visitors, selling live plants and lavender products
- Hilldale Farm Llama Ranch
- Tierra Miguel Organic and Educational Farm
[edit] Notable Valley Centerites
- Billy Cundiff -NFL kicker
- J.J. Cale-Guitarist/Singer
- Gary Cooper-Cowboy Actor
- Irene Ryan-Granny on Beverly Hillbillies
- Steve Reeves-Hercules Actor
- June Allyson-Actress
- Dick Powell-Actor
- Benji- Acting Dog
- Fred Astaire Actor/Dancer
- Jack Haley- Actor/Tin Man in Wizard of OZ
- Bill Murray- Actor
- Sean Salisbury-Televison sports analyst
[edit] Points of interest
- Pikake Botanical Gardens
- Bates Nut Farm Local farm hosting country events, it is regionally famous for its pumpkin patch around Halloween time.
- Valley View Casino sits on a hill overlooking the local middle school.
- Fat Ivors BBQ restaurant located at 27961 Valley Center Rd.. It was recently burned down accidentally, but has since been rebuilt.
- Lake Wohlford Local lake that allows public fishing; allows small boats.
- Hellhole Canyon Open Space Preserve
- Valley Center History Museum Home of the Famous Grizzly Bear, 29200 Cole Grade Rd, (760)749-2993
[edit] External links
- Maps and aerial photos
- 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
- Valley Center Directory Find local Valley Center businesses, dining, real estate, and resources.
- Valley Center Roadrunner Weekly newspaper published for the Valley Center, Pala and Pauma Valley California areas.
- Valley Center Runners Resource Website A webpage dedicated to the strong running community in Valley Center with events, pictures and meeting/running schedules.
- Valley Center Chamber of Commerce
- My Valley Center Community Website
