Alhambra, California
Encyclopedia
Alhambra is a city
(incorporated
on July 11, 1903) located in the western San Gabriel Valley
region of Los Angeles County, California
, United States, which is approximately eight miles from the Downtown Los Angeles
civic center. As of the 2010 census, the population was 83,089, down from 85,804 at the 2000 census. The city's ZIP code
s are 91801 and 91803 (plus 91802 for P.O. boxes).
's book Tales of the Alhambra
, not after the Alhambra
palace itself. Alhambra was founded as a suburb
of Los Angeles in 1903. Alhambra existed as an unincorporated area
during the mid-19th century. The first school in Alhambra was Ramona Convent Secondary School
built on hillside property donated by the prominent James de Barth Shorb family. Thirteen years before the city was incorporated, several prominent San Gabriel Valley
families interested in the Catholic education of their daughters established the school in 1890. The city's first public high school, Alhambra High School, was established in 1898, five years before the city's incorporation. The Alhambra Fire Department was established in 1906. On July 11, 1903, the City of Alhambra was incorporated.
Alhambra was originally promoted as a "city of homes," and many of Alhambra's homes have historical significance. They include styles such as Craftsman, Bungalow, Spanish Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Italian Beaux-Arts, and Arts & Crafts. Several residential areas have been designated as Historic Neighborhoods by the city, including the Bean Tract (formerly owned by early resident Jacob Bean), the Midwick Tract (site of the former Midwick Country Club), the Airport Tract (formerly the landing pad for Alhambra Airport), and the Emery Park area. There are also a large number of condominiums, rental apartments, and mixed-use residential/commercial buildings, especially in the Downtown area.
The main business district of Alhambra — at the intersection of Main & Garfield — has been a center of commerce since 1895. By the 1950s, it had taken on an upscale look and was "the" place to go in the San Gabriel Valley. While unfortunately, many of the classic historical buildings have been torn down over the years, the rebuilding of Main Street has led to numerous dining, retail and entertainment establishments. Alhambra has experienced waves of new immigrants, beginning with Italians in the 1950s, Mexicans in the 1960s, and Chinese in the 1980s. As a result, a very active Chinese business district has developed on Valley Boulevard
, including Chinese supermarkets, restaurants, shops, banks, realtors, and medical offices. The Valley Boulevard Corridor has become a national hub for many Asian-owned bank headquarters, although there are other nationally-recognized retailers.
The historic Garfield Theatre, on Valley Blvd and Garfield Avenue 1925-2001, was formerly a Vaudeville venue and is rumored to have hosted the Gumm Sisters, featuring a very young Judy Garland
. Faded from its original glory, for its last few years it was purchased and ran Chinese-language films, but in 2001 went out of business. Subsequently, developers have remodeled the dilapidated building turning it into a vibrant commercial center with many Chinese stores and eateries.
In 2003, actress Lana Clarkson
was shot to death in the Alhambra home of record producer Phil Spector
. Spector lived in Alhambra's largest and most notable residence, the Pyrenees Castle, built in 1926. In 2009, Spector was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with her death.
on the northwest, San Marino
on the north, San Gabriel
on the east, Monterey Park
on the south, and the Los Angeles districts of Monterey Hills
and El Sereno
on the west.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 7.6 square miles (19.7 km²), over 99% of which is land.
was 10,887.4 people per square mile (4,203.6/km²). The racial makeup of Alhambra was 23,521 (28.3%) White, 1,281 (1.5%) African American, 538 (0.6%) Native American, 43,957 (52.9%) Asian, 81 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 10,805 (13.0%) from other races
, and 2,906 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28,582 persons (34.4%).
The Census reported that 82,475 people (99.3% of the population) lived in households, 132 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 482 (0.6%) were institutionalized.
There were 29,217 households, out of which 9,357 (32.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13,679 (46.8%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 4,818 (16.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,097 (7.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,370 (4.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 183 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 6,479 households (22.2%) were made up of individuals and 2,301 (7.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82. There were 20,594 families
(70.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.30.
The population was spread out with 15,707 people (18.9%) under the age of 18, 7,876 people (9.5%) aged 18 to 24, 24,907 people (30.0%) aged 25 to 44, 22,687 people (27.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 11,912 people (14.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.
There were 30,915 housing units at an average density of 4,050.9 per square mile (1,564.1/km²), of which 11,916 (40.8%) were owner-occupied, and 17,301 (59.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.3%. 35,774 people (43.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 46,701 people (56.2%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 85,804 people, 29,111 households, and 20,668 families residing in the city. The population density
was 11,257.3 inhabitants per square mile (4,347.7/km²). There were 30,069 housing units at an average density of 3,945.0 per square mile (1,523.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 47.22% Asian
, 35.49% of the population Hispanic of any race, 16.25% from other races
, 13.8% White
, 1.67% Black
or African American
, 0.72% Native American
, 0.10% Pacific Islander
, and 4.01% from two or more races.
There were 29,111 households out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples
living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.41.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,213, and the median income for a family was $43,245. Males had a median income of $33,847 versus $29,122 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $17,350. About 11.5% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.
In the state legislature
Alhambra is located in the 22nd Senate
District, represented by Democrat Gilbert Cedillo, and in the 49th Assembly
District, represented by Democrat Mike Eng
. Federally, Alhambra is located in California's 29th congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of D +12 and is represented by Democrat Adam Schiff
.
(I-10) runs through the city's southern portions, and the Long Beach Freeway (I-710) has its northern terminus at Valley Boulevard
in the far southwestern portions of the city. Major thoroughfares within the city include Atlantic and Valley boulevards, Mission Road, Fremont and Garfield avenues, and Main Street.
Public transportation in Alhambra is provided by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
(Metro) as well as the Alhambra Community Transit.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is considering proposals to a build high-speed rail system through Alhambra along the I=10, San Bernardino Freeway, corridor from the east city limits to west city limits. In late July 2010, the Authority told the city the options under consideration include building tracks down the center of the freeway and parallel to the freeway along Ramona Road. As proposed, there would be a 50 feet (15.2 m) deck set on top of 35 feet (10.7 m) posts placed every 100 feet (30.5 m). The proposal is part of the high-speed rail network currently planned for California. It is part of the line between Los Angeles Union Station and San Diego, through the Inland Empire. Residents and city leaders voiced opposition to the plan to route the high-speed trains through the city in public meetings.
. The regional newspaper is the Los Angeles Times
.
Around Alhambra is a local newsletter is published by the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce.
The Alhambra Source is a hyperlocal, online-only news site that aims to cover news and be a trilingual voice for local storytellers. It is a collaborative effort between Alhambra residents, professional journalists and web developers, University of Southern California
researchers and students. The Alhambra Source was launched in September 2010 as an offshoot of a larger research project of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
", a local icon, was opened in Alhambra in 1951. It is the original, family owned, outdoor restaurant of what is now a well-known small Southern California chain. The company has kept to its roots by keeping its retro neon signs featuring a chef’s toque and the words "World Famous Pastrami'. It was a prototype of today's fast food restaurants. Its customers consume 13 to 15 tons of pastrami per week.
On the western edge of town, the Ratkovich Company, which owns The Alhambra office complex, is moving forward with plans to build 351 condominium units on 10.5 acres (42,492 m²), as well as a parking structure after completing the recent LA Fitness gym — valued at $190 million.
(3,600), Alhambra Unified School District
(2,136), County of Los Angeles
(1,500), Southern California Edison
(800), City of Alhambra (650), Alhambra Hospital
(600), Empire Building Maintenance (420), Costco
(369), Southwest Administrators (285) and Target
(130).
The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America has its headquarters in Alhambra.
From 2002 to 2008, Alhambra was the host of the Summer Jubilee, a street carnival and music concert held every Saturday, until its postponement due to loss of funds caused by the late 2000s recession
.
, the Alhambra branch of Everest College
(formerly Bryman), and the Los Angeles Campus of Alliant International University
Alhambra is home to the University of Southern California
's Health Sciences Alhambra campus, site of the university's Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research (IPR) and USC's master's degree
program in public health
.
, and portions of Rosemead
and San Gabriel
are provided by the Alhambra Unified School District
, whose mission is "To ensure the educational success of all students by having a comprehensive educational program where students can learn and become productive members of a diverse society." Elementary and middle schools (K- 8) located in the city of Alhambra are: Martha Baldwin Elementary School, Fremont Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School, Granada Elementary School, Marguerita Elementary School, Park Elementary School, William Northrup Elementary School, Ramona Elementary School, and Emery Park Elementary School
The city is served by three Alhambra Unified School District
public high schools: Alhambra High School, founded in 1898; Mark Keppel High School
; and San Gabriel High School
(which despite its name is located within Alhambra). Alhambra Unified School District also includes Garfield Community Adult School.
Historic Ramona Convent Secondary School
is a Catholic
all girls college preparatory school for grades 7-12 in Alhambra. The first school in Alhambra, the first building was dedicated at Ramona Acres on January 29, 1890 on the hillside property that was later called Shorb, after the prominent family that donated the property. Ramona received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status from the U.S. Department of Education in 1983 and again in 1998.
Other sectarian schools in the city include St. Therese School (Catholic, grades K-8); St. Thomas More Elementary School (Catholic, K-8); All Souls Parish School (Catholic, K-8); and Emmaus Lutheran School (Lutheran, PK-8). Nonsectarian private schools include Oneanta Montessori School (grades PK-6), Sherman School (10-12), and Leeway School (3-12).
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
(incorporated
Municipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
on July 11, 1903) located in the western San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Valley
The San Gabriel Valley is one of the principal valleys of Southern California, United States. It lies to the east of Los Angeles, to the north of the Puente Hills, to the south of the San Gabriel Mountains, and west of the Inland Empire. It derives its name from the San Gabriel River that flows...
region of Los Angeles County, California
Los Angeles County, California
Los Angeles County is a county in the U.S. state of California. As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 9,818,605, making it the most populous county in the United States. Los Angeles County alone is more populous than 42 individual U.S. states...
, United States, which is approximately eight miles from the Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles is the central business district of Los Angeles, California, United States, located close to the geographic center of the metropolitan area...
civic center. As of the 2010 census, the population was 83,089, down from 85,804 at the 2000 census. The city's ZIP code
ZIP Code
ZIP codes are a system of postal codes used by the United States Postal Service since 1963. The term ZIP, an acronym for Zone Improvement Plan, is properly written in capital letters and was chosen to suggest that the mail travels more efficiently, and therefore more quickly, when senders use the...
s are 91801 and 91803 (plus 91802 for P.O. boxes).
History
Alhambra is named after Washington IrvingWashington Irving
Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer and historian of the early 19th century. He was best known for his short stories "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle", both of which appear in his book The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. His historical works...
's book Tales of the Alhambra
Tales of the Alhambra
Tales of the Alhambra is a collection of essays, verbal sketches, and stories by Washington Irving.-Background:Shortly after completing a biography of Christopher Columbus in 1828, Washington Irving traveled from Madrid, where he had been staying, to Granada, Spain...
, not after the Alhambra
Alhambra
The Alhambra , the complete form of which was Calat Alhambra , is a palace and fortress complex located in the Granada, Andalusia, Spain...
palace itself. Alhambra was founded as a suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Los Angeles in 1903. Alhambra existed as an unincorporated area
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
during the mid-19th century. The first school in Alhambra was Ramona Convent Secondary School
Ramona Convent Secondary School
Ramona Convent Secondary School is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school for girls grades 7-12. Established in 1889 by the Sisters of the Holy Names, Ramona is one of the oldest continually operating schools in the same location in California and has graduated over 8,300 students...
built on hillside property donated by the prominent James de Barth Shorb family. Thirteen years before the city was incorporated, several prominent San Gabriel Valley
San Gabriel Valley
The San Gabriel Valley is one of the principal valleys of Southern California, United States. It lies to the east of Los Angeles, to the north of the Puente Hills, to the south of the San Gabriel Mountains, and west of the Inland Empire. It derives its name from the San Gabriel River that flows...
families interested in the Catholic education of their daughters established the school in 1890. The city's first public high school, Alhambra High School, was established in 1898, five years before the city's incorporation. The Alhambra Fire Department was established in 1906. On July 11, 1903, the City of Alhambra was incorporated.
Alhambra was originally promoted as a "city of homes," and many of Alhambra's homes have historical significance. They include styles such as Craftsman, Bungalow, Spanish Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Italian Beaux-Arts, and Arts & Crafts. Several residential areas have been designated as Historic Neighborhoods by the city, including the Bean Tract (formerly owned by early resident Jacob Bean), the Midwick Tract (site of the former Midwick Country Club), the Airport Tract (formerly the landing pad for Alhambra Airport), and the Emery Park area. There are also a large number of condominiums, rental apartments, and mixed-use residential/commercial buildings, especially in the Downtown area.
The main business district of Alhambra — at the intersection of Main & Garfield — has been a center of commerce since 1895. By the 1950s, it had taken on an upscale look and was "the" place to go in the San Gabriel Valley. While unfortunately, many of the classic historical buildings have been torn down over the years, the rebuilding of Main Street has led to numerous dining, retail and entertainment establishments. Alhambra has experienced waves of new immigrants, beginning with Italians in the 1950s, Mexicans in the 1960s, and Chinese in the 1980s. As a result, a very active Chinese business district has developed on Valley Boulevard
Valley Boulevard
Valley Boulevard is a street in Southern California, running east from Los Angeles to Pomona, where it becomes Holt Boulevard, and a continuation from Fontana to Colton. It generally parallels Interstate 10 and State Route 60, and is the original alignment of U.S. Route 60...
, including Chinese supermarkets, restaurants, shops, banks, realtors, and medical offices. The Valley Boulevard Corridor has become a national hub for many Asian-owned bank headquarters, although there are other nationally-recognized retailers.
The historic Garfield Theatre, on Valley Blvd and Garfield Avenue 1925-2001, was formerly a Vaudeville venue and is rumored to have hosted the Gumm Sisters, featuring a very young Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
. Faded from its original glory, for its last few years it was purchased and ran Chinese-language films, but in 2001 went out of business. Subsequently, developers have remodeled the dilapidated building turning it into a vibrant commercial center with many Chinese stores and eateries.
In 2003, actress Lana Clarkson
Lana Clarkson
Lana Jean Clarkson was an American actress and fashion model. Clarkson was a native of Los Angeles County. She played roles in science fiction and fantasy movies. She was murdered by songwriter and producer Phil Spector, who was convicted of the crime on April 13, 2009.-Early life:Born in Long...
was shot to death in the Alhambra home of record producer Phil Spector
Phil Spector
Phillip Harvey "Phil" Spector is an American record producer and songwriter, later known for his conviction in the murder of actress Lana Clarkson....
. Spector lived in Alhambra's largest and most notable residence, the Pyrenees Castle, built in 1926. In 2009, Spector was convicted of second-degree murder in connection with her death.
Geography
Alhambra is bordered by South PasadenaSouth Pasadena, California
South Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 25,619, up from 24,292 at the 2000 census. It is located in in the West San Gabriel Valley...
on the northwest, San Marino
San Marino, California
San Marino is a small, affluent city in Los Angeles County, California. Incorporated in 1913, the City founders designed the community to be uniquely residential, with expansive properties surrounded by beautiful gardens, wide streets, and well maintained parkways...
on the north, San Gabriel
San Gabriel, California
San Gabriel is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is named after the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, founded by Junipero Serra. The city grew outward from the mission and in 1852 became the original township of Los Angeles County. San Gabriel was incorporated in 1913...
on the east, Monterey Park
Monterey Park, California
Monterey Park is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, east of downtown Los Angeles. The city's motto is "Pride in the past, Faith in the future"...
on the south, and the Los Angeles districts of Monterey Hills
Monterey Hills, Los Angeles, California
Monterey Hills is a small, diverse, middle-class community within the city of Los Angeles, California located about 4 miles ENE of downtown Los Angeles and about 3 miles from Pasadena off of the 110 Freeway. It is surrounded by El Sereno to the southeast, Hermon to the east, Montecito Heights to...
and El Sereno
El Sereno, Los Angeles, California
El Sereno is a district in Eastern Los Angeles, California.El Sereno sits atop the Monterey Hills that separate the Los Angeles Basin from the San Gabriel Valley, and is the easternmost district in the city of Los Angeles...
on the west.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 7.6 square miles (19.7 km²), over 99% of which is land.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Alhambra had a population of 83,089. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 10,887.4 people per square mile (4,203.6/km²). The racial makeup of Alhambra was 23,521 (28.3%) White, 1,281 (1.5%) African American, 538 (0.6%) Native American, 43,957 (52.9%) Asian, 81 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 10,805 (13.0%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2,906 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28,582 persons (34.4%).
The Census reported that 82,475 people (99.3% of the population) lived in households, 132 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 482 (0.6%) were institutionalized.
There were 29,217 households, out of which 9,357 (32.0%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13,679 (46.8%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 4,818 (16.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 2,097 (7.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,370 (4.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 183 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 6,479 households (22.2%) were made up of individuals and 2,301 (7.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82. There were 20,594 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(70.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.30.
The population was spread out with 15,707 people (18.9%) under the age of 18, 7,876 people (9.5%) aged 18 to 24, 24,907 people (30.0%) aged 25 to 44, 22,687 people (27.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 11,912 people (14.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.3 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.
There were 30,915 housing units at an average density of 4,050.9 per square mile (1,564.1/km²), of which 11,916 (40.8%) were owner-occupied, and 17,301 (59.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.3%. 35,774 people (43.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 46,701 people (56.2%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 85,804 people, 29,111 households, and 20,668 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 11,257.3 inhabitants per square mile (4,347.7/km²). There were 30,069 housing units at an average density of 3,945.0 per square mile (1,523.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 47.22% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 35.49% of the population Hispanic of any race, 16.25% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 13.8% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.67% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.72% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.10% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 4.01% from two or more races.
There were 29,111 households out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 16.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.41.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.3% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 34.0% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 89.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,213, and the median income for a family was $43,245. Males had a median income of $33,847 versus $29,122 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $17,350. About 11.5% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.
| Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | 800 | --- |
| 1940 | 38,900 | 4762.5% |
| 1950 | 51,400 | 32.1% |
| 1960 | 54,800 | 6.6% |
| 1970 | 62,100 | 13.3% |
| 1980 | 64,600 | 4.0% |
| 1990 | 82,100 | 27.0% |
| 2000 | 85,804 | 4.5% |
| 2010 | 83,089 | -3.1% |
Government
The city is governed by a five-member city council; one member of the council is chosen as mayor. Council members are nominated by district and elected for four-year terms. Half of the council seats are up for election in each even-numbered year.In the state legislature
California State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
Alhambra is located in the 22nd Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Democrat Gilbert Cedillo, and in the 49th Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
District, represented by Democrat Mike Eng
Mike Eng
Michael "Mike" F. Eng was elected to the California State Assembly in November 2006 and represents the 49th District. He is an American politician and member of the Democratic Party...
. Federally, Alhambra is located in California's 29th congressional district
California's 29th congressional district
California's 29th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California based in Los Angeles County. The district takes in Alhambra, San Gabriel, Burbank, Glendale, South Pasadena, Temple City, Monterey Park, and Pasadena in Greater Los Angeles.The district is...
, which has a Cook PVI
Cook Partisan Voting Index
The Cook Partisan Voting Index , sometimes referred to as simply the Partisan Voting Index , is a measurement of how strongly an American congressional district or state leans toward one political party compared to the nation as a whole...
of D +12 and is represented by Democrat Adam Schiff
Adam Schiff
Adam Bennett Schiff is the U.S. Representative for . He has served in Congress since 2001. He is a member of the Democratic Party...
.
Infrastructure
The San Bernardino FreewaySan Bernardino Freeway
The San Bernardino Freeway, formerly known as the Ramona Freeway is a freeway in Los Angeles and Orange Counties in the southern part of the U.S. state of California. It refers to the following two segments:...
(I-10) runs through the city's southern portions, and the Long Beach Freeway (I-710) has its northern terminus at Valley Boulevard
Valley Boulevard
Valley Boulevard is a street in Southern California, running east from Los Angeles to Pomona, where it becomes Holt Boulevard, and a continuation from Fontana to Colton. It generally parallels Interstate 10 and State Route 60, and is the original alignment of U.S. Route 60...
in the far southwestern portions of the city. Major thoroughfares within the city include Atlantic and Valley boulevards, Mission Road, Fremont and Garfield avenues, and Main Street.
Public transportation in Alhambra is provided by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is the California state-chartered regional transportation planning agency and public transportation operating agency for the County of Los Angeles formed in 1993 out of a merger of the Southern California Rapid Transit District and the...
(Metro) as well as the Alhambra Community Transit.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority is considering proposals to a build high-speed rail system through Alhambra along the I=10, San Bernardino Freeway, corridor from the east city limits to west city limits. In late July 2010, the Authority told the city the options under consideration include building tracks down the center of the freeway and parallel to the freeway along Ramona Road. As proposed, there would be a 50 feet (15.2 m) deck set on top of 35 feet (10.7 m) posts placed every 100 feet (30.5 m). The proposal is part of the high-speed rail network currently planned for California. It is part of the line between Los Angeles Union Station and San Diego, through the Inland Empire. Residents and city leaders voiced opposition to the plan to route the high-speed trains through the city in public meetings.
Media
The local newspaper is the San Gabriel Valley TribuneSan Gabriel Valley Tribune
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune is the daily newspaper located in West Covina, California that serves the San Gabriel Valley. The Tribune is a member of the Los Angeles Newspaper Group, a division of MediaNews Group...
. The regional newspaper is the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
.
Around Alhambra is a local newsletter is published by the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce.
The Alhambra Source is a hyperlocal, online-only news site that aims to cover news and be a trilingual voice for local storytellers. It is a collaborative effort between Alhambra residents, professional journalists and web developers, University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
researchers and students. The Alhambra Source was launched in September 2010 as an offshoot of a larger research project of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Economy
"The HatThe Hat
The Hat is a Southern California fast-food restaurant specializing in pastrami sandwiches. This iconic eatery, once local only to the San Gabriel Valley, has been offering its "World Famous Pastrami" to Southern California residents since 1951. Its customers consume 13 to 15 tons of pastrami per...
", a local icon, was opened in Alhambra in 1951. It is the original, family owned, outdoor restaurant of what is now a well-known small Southern California chain. The company has kept to its roots by keeping its retro neon signs featuring a chef’s toque and the words "World Famous Pastrami'. It was a prototype of today's fast food restaurants. Its customers consume 13 to 15 tons of pastrami per week.
On the western edge of town, the Ratkovich Company, which owns The Alhambra office complex, is moving forward with plans to build 351 condominium units on 10.5 acres (42,492 m²), as well as a parking structure after completing the recent LA Fitness gym — valued at $190 million.
Top employers
According to the "City Alhambra 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report", for the year ending in June 2009, the top employers in the city are (number of workers): Los Angeles County Department of Public WorksLos Angeles County Department of Public Works
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works is responsible for the construction and operation of Los Angeles County's roads, building safety, sewerage, and flood control...
(3,600), Alhambra Unified School District
Alhambra Unified School District
The Alhambra Unified School District is a school district based in Alhambra, California, United States.AUSD serves the City of Alhambra, most of the City of Monterey Park, and parts of the Cities of San Gabriel and Rosemead. District headquarters is located at 1515 W...
(2,136), County of Los Angeles
Los Angeles County, California
Los Angeles County is a county in the U.S. state of California. As of 2010 U.S. Census, the county had a population of 9,818,605, making it the most populous county in the United States. Los Angeles County alone is more populous than 42 individual U.S. states...
(1,500), Southern California Edison
Southern California Edison
Southern California Edison , the largest subsidiary of Edison International , is the primary electricity supply company for much of Southern California, USA. It provides 14 million people with electricity...
(800), City of Alhambra (650), Alhambra Hospital
AHMC
AHMC, also known as AHMC Healthcare, is a hospital corporation based in the Greater San Gabriel Valley of California.-Hospitals:AHMC owns and operates the following hospitals:*Anaheim Regional Medical Center*Garfield Medical Center...
(600), Empire Building Maintenance (420), Costco
Costco
Costco Wholesale Corporation is the largest membership warehouse club chain in the United States. it is the third largest retailer in the United States, where it originated, and the ninth largest in the world...
(369), Southwest Administrators (285) and Target
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
(130).
Landmarks
- Alhambra Place Shopping Center (Photofun Shoppe - Main Street and Garfield Avenue)
- Edwards Stadium Cinemas (Edwards Alhambra Renaissance Stadium 14 & IMAX)
- Garfield Theatre (Valley BoulevardValley BoulevardValley Boulevard is a street in Southern California, running east from Los Angeles to Pomona, where it becomes Holt Boulevard, and a continuation from Fontana to Colton. It generally parallels Interstate 10 and State Route 60, and is the original alignment of U.S. Route 60...
and Garfield Ave.Garfield Avenue (Los Angeles County)Garfield Avenue is a major north-south street in Los Angeles County, California, US.The avenue lies between Atlantic Boulevard and Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard. It begins as Garfield Avenue as a minor street north of Grevelia Street in South Pasadena...
) - Gateway Plaza Monument (Valley Blvd. and Fremont Ave.)
- The HatThe HatThe Hat is a Southern California fast-food restaurant specializing in pastrami sandwiches. This iconic eatery, once local only to the San Gabriel Valley, has been offering its "World Famous Pastrami" to Southern California residents since 1951. Its customers consume 13 to 15 tons of pastrami per...
sign (Valley BoulevardValley BoulevardValley Boulevard is a street in Southern California, running east from Los Angeles to Pomona, where it becomes Holt Boulevard, and a continuation from Fontana to Colton. It generally parallels Interstate 10 and State Route 60, and is the original alignment of U.S. Route 60...
and Garfield Ave.Garfield Avenue (Los Angeles County)Garfield Avenue is a major north-south street in Los Angeles County, California, US.The avenue lies between Atlantic Boulevard and Rosemead/Lakewood Boulevard. It begins as Garfield Avenue as a minor street north of Grevelia Street in South Pasadena...
) - Dupuy's Pyrenees Castle (Grandview Dr.)
- Pasadena Model Railroad Club
- Ramona Convent
- Renaissance Plaza (Main Street and Garfield Avenue)
- Twohey's Restaurant sign (Huntington DriveHuntington DriveHuntington Drive is a major east–west street in Southern California. It runs from the merge of Soto Street and Mission Road near the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Los Angeles east through the El Sereno section of Los Angeles, South Pasadena, San Marino, Alhambra, San Gabriel, Arcadia,...
and Atlantic Blvd.) - Wing Lung Bank, was the largest glass tile mural in N. America until 2008.
The Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America has its headquarters in Alhambra.
Annual events
Each year, Valley Boulevard hosts the San Gabriel Valley Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, which runs from Del Mar to Garfield Avenue. The event is of such significance to the majority Asian American demographic in Alhambra that it is broadcast live on Chinese radio, KWRM AM 1370, broadcast locally on KSCI-18, and later on worldwide cable and satellite TV.From 2002 to 2008, Alhambra was the host of the Summer Jubilee, a street carnival and music concert held every Saturday, until its postponement due to loss of funds caused by the late 2000s recession
Late 2000s recession
The late-2000s recession, sometimes referred to as the Great Recession or Lesser Depression or Long Recession, is a severe ongoing global economic problem that began in December 2007 and took a particularly sharp downward turn in September 2008. The Great Recession has affected the entire world...
.
Education
Alhambra is home to the Los Angeles campus of Platt CollegePlatt College
Platt College may refer to one of the following educational institutions:*Platt College , a vocational school in Aurora, Colorado*Platt College , a vocational school in Alhambra and Ontario, California...
, the Alhambra branch of Everest College
Everest College
Everest College is a system of for-profit colleges in the United States and the Canadian province of Ontario. The schools are owned and operated by Corinthian Colleges, Inc. which also owns Everest University, Everest Institute, Heald College, and WyoTech...
(formerly Bryman), and the Los Angeles Campus of Alliant International University
Alliant International University
Alliant International University is a private, non-profit higher education institution based in San Diego, California. It offers programs in six California cities and four locations outside the United States...
Alhambra is home to the University of Southern California
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, research university located in Los Angeles, California, United States. USC was founded in 1880, making it California's oldest private research university...
's Health Sciences Alhambra campus, site of the university's Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research (IPR) and USC's master's degree
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
program in public health
Public health
Public health is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals" . It is concerned with threats to health based on population health...
.
Primary and secondary schools
Public schools in Alhambra, Monterey ParkMonterey Park, California
Monterey Park is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States, east of downtown Los Angeles. The city's motto is "Pride in the past, Faith in the future"...
, and portions of Rosemead
Rosemead, California
Rosemead is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 53,764. Rosemead is part of a cluster of cities, along with Arcadia, Temple City, Monterey Park, San Marino, and San Gabriel, in the west San Gabriel Valley with a growing Asian...
and San Gabriel
San Gabriel, California
San Gabriel is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is named after the Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, founded by Junipero Serra. The city grew outward from the mission and in 1852 became the original township of Los Angeles County. San Gabriel was incorporated in 1913...
are provided by the Alhambra Unified School District
Alhambra Unified School District
The Alhambra Unified School District is a school district based in Alhambra, California, United States.AUSD serves the City of Alhambra, most of the City of Monterey Park, and parts of the Cities of San Gabriel and Rosemead. District headquarters is located at 1515 W...
, whose mission is "To ensure the educational success of all students by having a comprehensive educational program where students can learn and become productive members of a diverse society." Elementary and middle schools (K- 8) located in the city of Alhambra are: Martha Baldwin Elementary School, Fremont Elementary School, Garfield Elementary School, Granada Elementary School, Marguerita Elementary School, Park Elementary School, William Northrup Elementary School, Ramona Elementary School, and Emery Park Elementary School
Alhambra Unified School District
The Alhambra Unified School District is a school district based in Alhambra, California, United States.AUSD serves the City of Alhambra, most of the City of Monterey Park, and parts of the Cities of San Gabriel and Rosemead. District headquarters is located at 1515 W...
public high schools: Alhambra High School, founded in 1898; Mark Keppel High School
Mark Keppel High School
Mark Keppel High School is a four-year California Distinguished School located in the city of Alhambra, California in the Alhambra Unified School District. The school is on the southern edge of Alhambra, adjacent to the City of Monterey Park, and borders the Interstate 10 Freeway...
; and San Gabriel High School
San Gabriel High School
San Gabriel High School is a secondary school in the Alhambra Unified School District. The school is located at 801 S Ramona St, San Gabriel, CA 91776....
(which despite its name is located within Alhambra). Alhambra Unified School District also includes Garfield Community Adult School.
Historic Ramona Convent Secondary School
Ramona Convent Secondary School
Ramona Convent Secondary School is a private, Catholic, college preparatory school for girls grades 7-12. Established in 1889 by the Sisters of the Holy Names, Ramona is one of the oldest continually operating schools in the same location in California and has graduated over 8,300 students...
is a Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
all girls college preparatory school for grades 7-12 in Alhambra. The first school in Alhambra, the first building was dedicated at Ramona Acres on January 29, 1890 on the hillside property that was later called Shorb, after the prominent family that donated the property. Ramona received Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status from the U.S. Department of Education in 1983 and again in 1998.
Other sectarian schools in the city include St. Therese School (Catholic, grades K-8); St. Thomas More Elementary School (Catholic, K-8); All Souls Parish School (Catholic, K-8); and Emmaus Lutheran School (Lutheran, PK-8). Nonsectarian private schools include Oneanta Montessori School (grades PK-6), Sherman School (10-12), and Leeway School (3-12).
Famous natives and residents
- Ron CeyRon CeyRonald Charles Cey |Washington]]) is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics . Cey batted and threw right-handed...
, baseball player - Scott Conner, member of black metal band XasthurXasthurXasthur was a Californian one-man black metal band formed in 1995 by Scott Conner, who goes by the pseudonym "Malefic". Although similar in terms of low-fi production and the wearing of corpse paint, musically and lyrically Xasthur's focus is usually not on paganism, Satanism or anti-Christian...
- Clive CusslerClive CusslerClive Eric Cussler is an American adventure novelist and marine archaeologist. His thriller novels, many featuring the character Dirk Pitt, have reached The New York Times fiction best-seller list more than seventeen times...
, novelist - Amy Kim GanterAmy Kim GanterAmy Kim Ganter , is an American author and illustrator of original English-language manga.-Career:Ganter is a winner in the fourth Rising Stars of Manga competition, winning the third-place prize of $1,000 and a trophy for her story The Hopeless Romantic and the Hapless Girl...
, author - Sam HanksSam HanksSam Hanks was an American racecar driver who won the 1957 Indianapolis 500. He was a barnstormer, and raced midget and Champ cars.-Racing career:...
, racecar driver - James JannardJames JannardJames "Jim" Jannard is an American designer and businessman, and founder of eyewear and apparel company Oakley, Inc. and RED Digital Cinema.He sold Oakley in mid 2007 for over $2 billion and placed 376th in Forbes Magazine ranking of World's Billionaires in 2010, with a net worth of $3.0 billion.He...
, fashion designer - Kazu KibuishiKazu KibuishiKazu Kibuishi is an American graphic novel author and illustrator. He is best known for being the creator and editor of the comic anthology Flight and for creating the webcomic Copper. He is also the author and illustrator of the ongoing Amulet series...
, graphic novel illustrator - Ralph KinerRalph KinerRalph McPherran Kiner is an American former Major League Baseball player and has been an announcer for the New York Mets since the team's inception. Though injuries forced his retirement from active play after 10 seasons, Kiner's tremendous slugging outpaced nearly all of his National League...
, Hall of Fame Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player - Kenny LogginsKenny LogginsDuring the next decade, Loggins recorded so many successful songs for film soundtracks that he was referred to as, King of the Movie Soundtrack.He began with "I'm Alright" , "Mr. Night", and "Lead the Way" from Caddyshack...
, musician - Jacqueline NguyenJacqueline NguyenJacqueline Hong-Ngoc Nguyen is a judge from Los Angeles County, California and a former federal prosecutor. She is currently a United States district judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and a nominee to the U.S...
, Judge of the United States District Court for the Central District of California - Frank PastoreFrank PastoreFrank Pastore is a former professional baseball pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds from 1979 until 1985, and for the Minnesota Twins in 1986. He then began a long schooling, earning degrees in business administration, philosophy of religion and ethics, political philosophy, and American government...
, baseball player - Philip Wang, Wesley Chan, and Ted FuWong Fu ProductionsWong Fu ProductionsShort films by Wong Fu Productions prior to the group's graduation from the University of California, San Diego, included a logo with the Chinese characters for "Wong Fu" . The last film to feature this logo was License Plate, released on August 18, 2006. Films produced after the...
, filmmakers - Jonathan Ke Quan, actor, stunt coordinator
- Norman RockwellNorman RockwellNorman Percevel Rockwell was a 20th-century American painter and illustrator. His works enjoy a broad popular appeal in the United States for their reflection of American culture. Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life scenarios he created for The Saturday Evening...
, artist - Dorothy Howell Rodham, homemaker, mother of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonHillary Diane Rodham Clinton is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the...
- Tex SchrammTex SchrammTexas Earnest "Tex" Schramm, Jr. was the original president and general manager of the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys franchise. Schramm became the head of the Cowboys when the former expansion team started operations in 1960.-Early life and career:Despite his name, Schramm was not born...
, business executive - Phil SpectorPhil SpectorPhillip Harvey "Phil" Spector is an American record producer and songwriter, later known for his conviction in the murder of actress Lana Clarkson....
, music producer - Mickey ThompsonMickey ThompsonMarion Lee "Mickey" Thompson was an American off-road racing legend. He won many championships as a racer, and later formed sanctioning bodies SCORE International and Mickey Thompson Entertainment Group . He also raced in dragsters and land speed record automobiles.Thompson was born in Alhambra,...
, racecar driver - Cheryl TiegsCheryl TiegsCheryl Rae Tiegs is an American model and actress.- Early years :Tiegs was born in Breckenridge, Minnesota but raised in Alhambra, California, and she graduated from Alhambra High School in 1965. She also attended the California State University, Los Angeles and became a little sister to the Sigma...
, model - Mitch VogelMitch VogelMitch Vogel is a United States former child actor who left show business as at the age of 20. He was best known for his 1970-73 Bonanza role, where he played the teen orphan Jamie Hunter Cartwright...
, former child actor - Verne WinchellVerne WinchellVernon Hedges "Verne" Winchell was the founder of Winchell's Donuts.On October 8, 1948 he opened his first donut shop in Temple City, California and earned the nickname "The Donut King" while making a fortune with a chain of Winchell's-branded donut shops in the western United States during the...
, businessman - Alexander FostSo You Think You Can Dance (season 8)So You Think You Can Dance is an American television reality program and dance competition airing on the Fox network. The show's eighth season premiered on May 26, 2011. It features the return of Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe as permanent judges and Cat Deeley as host. Also returning is the...
, dancer, Season 8 finalist of So You Think You Can DanceSo You Think You Can Dance (season 8)So You Think You Can Dance is an American television reality program and dance competition airing on the Fox network. The show's eighth season premiered on May 26, 2011. It features the return of Mary Murphy and Nigel Lythgoe as permanent judges and Cat Deeley as host. Also returning is the...