Azusa, California
Encyclopedia
Azusa is a city in Los Angeles County
, California
, United States
. The population was 46,361 at the 2010 census, up from 44,712 at the 2000 census. Though sometimes assumed to be a compaction of the phrase "everything from A to Z in the USA" from an old Jack Benny
joke, the place name "Azusa" traces back to at least the 18th century. Azusa originally referred to the San Gabriel Valley
and river
, and likely derives from the Tongva
place name Asuksagna.
Azusa is located at 34°7′50"N 117°54′25"W (34.130657, -117.906869).
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 9.7 square miles (25.1 km²), over 99% of it land.
was 4,794.9 people per square mile (1,851.3/km²). The racial makeup of Azusa was 26,715 (57.6%) White, 1,499 (3.2%) African American, 562 (1.2%) Native American, 4,054 (8.7%) Asian, 87 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 11,270 (24.3%) from other races
, and 2,174 (4.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31,328 persons (67.6%).
The Census reported that 43,559 people (94.0% of the population) lived in households, 2,691 (5.8%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 111 (0.2%) were institutionalized.
There were 12,716 households, out of which 5,955 (46.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 6,310 (49.6%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 2,275 (17.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,014 (8.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 891 (7.0%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 104 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,238 households (17.6%) were made up of individuals and 761 (6.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.43. There were 9,599 families
(75.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.85.
The population was spread out with 12,407 people (26.8%) under the age of 18, 7,724 people (16.7%) aged 18 to 24, 13,185 people (28.4%) aged 25 to 44, 9,469 people (20.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,576 people (7.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.3 years. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.
There were 13,386 housing units at an average density of 1,384.4 per square mile (534.5/km²), of which 6,802 (53.5%) were owner-occupied, and 5,914 (46.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.6%. 22,805 people (49.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 20,754 people (44.8%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 44,712 people, 12,549 households, and 9,298 families residing in the city. The population density
was 5,023.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,939.7/km²). There were 13,013 housing units at an average density of 1,462.1 per square mile (564.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 52.35% White
, 3.78% Black
or African American
, 1.31% Native American
, 6.14% Asian
, 0.17% Pacific Islander
, 30.52% from other races
, and 5.73% from two or more races. 63.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
of any race.
There were 12,549 households out of which 43.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples
living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.41 and the average family size was 3.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 30.8% under the age of 18, 15.5% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 15.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,191, and the median income for a family was $40,918. Males had a median income of $30,845 versus $26,565 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $13,412. About 15.1% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.
, Azusa is located in the 24th Senate
District, represented by Democrat
Gloria Romero, and in the 57th Assembly
District, represented by Democrat Edward P. Hernandez
. Federally, Azusa is located in California's 32nd congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of D +17 and is represented by Democrat Judy Chu
. The city mayor
is Joseph Romero Rocha
.
On March 9, 2011, Azusa voters approved an agreement between Azusa Rock, Inc. and the City to address environmental issues associated with hillside mining in the area. The benefits of the proposed agreement has been questioned by several groups.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
operates the Monrovia Health Center in Monrovia
, serving Azusa.
Azusa was once home to the Lucky Lager
brewery. Built in 1949, the facility was purchased by Miller Brewery in the early 1970s. A decade later, Miller relocated its operations to the nearby city of Irwindale and the Azusa facility was eventually torn down.
Azusa was also home to a plant for rocket developer, Aerojet
. In 1980, it was announced that there was TCE
contamination in the groundwater
at Aerojet's facility in Azusa. The area was declared a Superfund Site in 1985. In 1997, additional chemical contamination, mostly NDMA and ammonium perchlorate
, was found in the site's groundwater. Aerojet was named as a Potentially Responsible Party for the groundwater contamination. Aerojet sold this facility in 2001 to Northrop Grumman Corporation.
, a private Christian university and Dhammakaya Open University
, a private Buddhist university.
Azusa is home to St. Frances of Rome Elementary School, serving grades k-8, which is part of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, under the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
Azusa is served by the Azusa Unified School District. Its schools include:
Azusa is to be the eastern terminus of the first phase of a planned extension, the "Foothill Extension," of the Metro Gold Line light rail
service, which currently operates between Los Angeles Union Station
and eastern Pasadena
. Like the current Gold Line, it would operate along former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway right-of-way purchased by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority
in 1993. MTA plans to extend the line to the end of its reserved right-of-way in Montclair
, just across the San Bernardino County
line.
In October 2009, the MTA Board unanimously voted to include the Foothill Extension in its long-range plan, and approved funding for the construction and operation of the Foothill Extension's first phase to Azusa. The terminus of this extension will be at the second of two stops in Azusa. The first stop will be the Alamada Station, just west of Alameda Avenue and east of Azusa Avenue, a main thoroughfare. The second stop will be at the planned northern extension of Citrus Avenue at Azusa's eastern border. This phase of the extension is scheduled to break ground in June 2010, and is expected to be completed and opened in 2013.
There is no passenger rail service to Azusa, although Metrolink's
San Bernardino Line stops in nearby Covina
and Baldwin Park
several times each day. The Jack Benny Program which aired from the 1930's to 1950's had a running joke where a train announcer (Mel Blanc) would announce the next train for Anaheim, Azusa, and Cucamonga, all three then small towns without rail service.
after a city election where the citizens approved an advisory measure to merge the fire department with the County in order to obtain paramedic
and EMT
services for the city. The LA County Consolidated Fire Department services Azusa from Fire Station 32 (605 N Alameda) and Fire Station 97 (Sierra Madre Blvd along the foothills), with backup assistance from Fire Station 152, 153, and 154 (Covina
), Fire Station 29 (Baldwin Park
), Station 44 (Duarte
), and Station 48 (Irwindale
).
Fire Station 32, which was Azusa's own fire station, houses 1 front line paramedic squad with an average of 12.29 calls per 24 hour shift, and 1 front line engine with an average of 7.05 calls per 24 hour shift. Fire Station 32 also houses a reserve engine (E-532), a urban search and rescue
trailer, and MA-32.
Fire Station 97 houses 1 front line engine, and 1 front line patrol.
Fire Station 32 is also home to Explorer
Post 16, a youth program for 15-21 year olds that are interested in a career in the fire service. The Post meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. The program is a joint with the Boy Scouts of America
. Once becoming certified, the Explorer is then allowed to "Ride-Along," with different fire stations throughout the county.
The Azusa Police Department was home to the very first Chevrolet Camaro
police car ever built. Originally produced at the now-closed GM Assembly Plant in Van Nuys (with a custom turbocharging system donated by race-car legend Gale Banks
), it inspired the California Highway Patrol
and the Michigan State Police
to order a few Camaro police specials for their fleets. The Camaro was finally retired from active service in 2000. At that time it was the only Camaro police car of the original mid-1980s design to remain in service in any California police force.
The city has been home to the Azusa 13
gang since the 1960s. Over 50 gang members were indicted in 2011 for harassing and intimidating blacks. The gang taxes drug sales in the area and funnels money to the Mexican Mafia
.
: Zacatecas
, Mexico
Club
Sport
Founded
League
Venue
Logo
SoCal Legends
Basketball
2005
Continental Basketball Association
Azusa Pacific University
on the long-running radio comedy
The Jack Benny Program
involved a character voiced by Mel Blanc
announcing the arrival or departure of a train to or from "Anaheim
, Azusa, and Cuc-a-monga
." In Benny's day, the Santa Fe offered passenger service through Azusa and Cucamonga.
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...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 46,361 at the 2010 census, up from 44,712 at the 2000 census. Though sometimes assumed to be a compaction of the phrase "everything from A to Z in the USA" from an old Jack Benny
Jack Benny
Jack Benny was an American comedian, vaudevillian, and actor for radio, television, and film...
joke, the place name "Azusa" traces back to at least the 18th century. Azusa originally referred to the 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...
and river
San Gabriel River (California)
The San Gabriel River flows through southern Los Angeles County, California in the United States. Its main stem is about long, while its farthest tributaries extend almost altogether...
, and likely derives from the Tongva
Tongva language
-Collected by C. Hart Merriam :Numbers# Po-koo /bo'kʰøː/# Wěh-hā /ʋɛj'χɒː/# Pah-hā /pa'χɒː/# Wah-chah /ʋa'ʃɒχ/# Mah-har /ma'χɒʁ/# Pah-vah-hā /pa'va'χɒː/# Wah-chah-kav-e-ah /ʋa'ʃa'kʰav̥eʲa/...
place name Asuksagna.
Geography
The city is located at the entrance to the San Gabriel Canyon (hence the city's nickname, The Canyon City) and on the east side of the San Gabriel River.Azusa is located at 34°7′50"N 117°54′25"W (34.130657, -117.906869).
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 9.7 square miles (25.1 km²), over 99% of it land.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Azusa had a population of 46,361. 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 4,794.9 people per square mile (1,851.3/km²). The racial makeup of Azusa was 26,715 (57.6%) White, 1,499 (3.2%) African American, 562 (1.2%) Native American, 4,054 (8.7%) Asian, 87 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 11,270 (24.3%) 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 2,174 (4.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 31,328 persons (67.6%).
The Census reported that 43,559 people (94.0% of the population) lived in households, 2,691 (5.8%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 111 (0.2%) were institutionalized.
There were 12,716 households, out of which 5,955 (46.8%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 6,310 (49.6%) 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, 2,275 (17.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,014 (8.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 891 (7.0%) 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 104 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,238 households (17.6%) were made up of individuals and 761 (6.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.43. There were 9,599 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...
(75.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.85.
The population was spread out with 12,407 people (26.8%) under the age of 18, 7,724 people (16.7%) aged 18 to 24, 13,185 people (28.4%) aged 25 to 44, 9,469 people (20.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,576 people (7.7%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.3 years. For every 100 females there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.8 males.
There were 13,386 housing units at an average density of 1,384.4 per square mile (534.5/km²), of which 6,802 (53.5%) were owner-occupied, and 5,914 (46.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.6%. 22,805 people (49.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 20,754 people (44.8%) 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 44,712 people, 12,549 households, and 9,298 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 5,023.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,939.7/km²). There were 13,013 housing units at an average density of 1,462.1 per square mile (564.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 52.35% 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...
, 3.78% 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...
, 1.31% 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...
, 6.14% 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...
, 0.17% 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...
, 30.52% 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 5.73% from two or more races. 63.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
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...
of any race.
There were 12,549 households out of which 43.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% 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, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.9% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.41 and the average family size was 3.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 30.8% under the age of 18, 15.5% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 15.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,191, and the median income for a family was $40,918. Males had a median income of $30,845 versus $26,565 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 $13,412. About 15.1% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
In the California State LegislatureCalifornia 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...
, Azusa is located in the 24th 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
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
Gloria Romero, and in the 57th 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 Edward P. Hernandez
Edward P. Hernandez
Edward P. Hernández is a California State Senate member representing the 24th district since 2010. Previously he served in the California Assembly, representing the 57th Assembly District from 2006 until he was term-limited in 2010. The district includes the cities of Azusa Baldwin Park Covina, La...
. Federally, Azusa is located in California's 32nd congressional district
California's 32nd congressional district
California's 32nd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California based in Los Angeles County. The district covers East Los Angeles and includes El Monte, Monterey Park and West Covina in Greater Los Angeles....
, 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 +17 and is represented by Democrat Judy Chu
Judy Chu
Judy May Chu, Ph.D. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2009. She is a member of the Democratic Party....
. The city mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
is Joseph Romero Rocha
Joseph Rocha
Joseph Rocha is the current mayor of Azusa, California.Rocha has been a member of the Azusa City Council since 1997 and was elected Mayor in 2007. He ran for re-election in 2009 unopposed. Rocha graduated from Azusa High School and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science...
.
On March 9, 2011, Azusa voters approved an agreement between Azusa Rock, Inc. and the City to address environmental issues associated with hillside mining in the area. The benefits of the proposed agreement has been questioned by several groups.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
Health services to over 10 million residents in the Los Angeles County are provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Mental health services are provided by the County Department of Mental Health...
operates the Monrovia Health Center in Monrovia
Monrovia, California
Monrovia is a city located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 36,590 at the 2010 census, down from 36,929 at the 2000 census...
, serving Azusa.
Economy
According to the City's 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Azusa Unified School District | 1,600 |
| 2 | Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman Northrop Grumman Corporation is an American global aerospace and defense technology company formed by the 1994 purchase of Grumman by Northrop. The company was the fourth-largest defense contractor in the world as of 2010, and the largest builder of naval vessels. Northrop Grumman employs over... |
1,100 |
| 3 | Azusa Pacific University Azusa Pacific University Azusa Pacific University is a private, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian university located near Los Angeles in suburban Azusa, California. It was founded in 1899, with classes opening on March 3, 1900 in Whittier, California. It began offering degrees in 1939... |
900 |
| 4 | City of Azusa | 522 |
| 5 | 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... |
311 |
| 6 | Berger Bros. | 300 |
| 7 | Pacific Precision Metals | 250 |
| 8 | TruWood Products | 160 |
| 9 | Wynn's | 150 |
| 10 | Rain Bird Rain Bird Rain Bird Corporation is a large privately held manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services, based in Azusa, California.-History:... |
132 |
| 11 | California Amforge | 106 |
| 12 | Vulcan Vulcan Materials Company Vulcan Materials Company , based in Birmingham, Alabama is principally engaged in the production, distribution and sale of construction materials. Vulcan is the largest producer of construction materials, primarily gravel, crushed stone, and sand, and employs approximately 9,700 people at over 356... |
100 |
| 13 | Naked Juice Naked Juice Naked Juice is an American brand of natural fruit juice drinks produced by the Naked Juice Company of Monrovia, California; operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of PepsiCo. The first of these drinks were produced in 1983 and sold in California under the name "Naked Juice", referring to their... |
75 |
| 14 | Morris National | 70 |
| 15 | Physicians Formula | 70 |
| 16 | Heppner Hardwoods | 63 |
| 17 | Stoelting | 37 |
Azusa was once home to the Lucky Lager
Lucky Lager
Lucky Lager is a beer that has a strong cult following on Vancouver Island. At one time Lucky was actually brewed on Vancouver Island in Victoria but in 1982 Labatt Breweries of Canada moved off the Island and proceeded to tear down the brewery to prevent any competition on the Island...
brewery. Built in 1949, the facility was purchased by Miller Brewery in the early 1970s. A decade later, Miller relocated its operations to the nearby city of Irwindale and the Azusa facility was eventually torn down.
Azusa was also home to a plant for rocket developer, Aerojet
Aerojet
Aerojet is an American rocket and missile propulsion manufacturer based primarily in Rancho Cordova, California with divisions in Redmond, Washington, Orange, Gainesville and Camden, Arkansas. Aerojet is owned by GenCorp. They are the only US propulsion company that provides both solid rocket...
. In 1980, it was announced that there was TCE
Trichloroethylene
The chemical compound trichloroethylene is a chlorinated hydrocarbon commonly used as an industrial solvent. It is a clear non-flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It should not be confused with the similar 1,1,1-trichloroethane, which is commonly known as chlorothene.The IUPAC name is...
contamination in the groundwater
Groundwater
Groundwater is water located beneath the ground surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. A unit of rock or an unconsolidated deposit is called an aquifer when it can yield a usable quantity of water. The depth at which soil pore spaces or fractures and voids in rock...
at Aerojet's facility in Azusa. The area was declared a Superfund Site in 1985. In 1997, additional chemical contamination, mostly NDMA and ammonium perchlorate
Ammonium perchlorate
Ammonium perchlorate is an inorganic compound with the formula NH4ClO4. It is the salt of perchloric acid and ammonia. It is a powerful oxidizer, which is why its main use is in solid propellants...
, was found in the site's groundwater. Aerojet was named as a Potentially Responsible Party for the groundwater contamination. Aerojet sold this facility in 2001 to Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Education
Azusa is home to Azusa Pacific UniversityAzusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a private, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian university located near Los Angeles in suburban Azusa, California. It was founded in 1899, with classes opening on March 3, 1900 in Whittier, California. It began offering degrees in 1939...
, a private Christian university and Dhammakaya Open University
Dhammakaya Open University
Dhammakaya Open University is an unaccredited Theravada Buddhist school offering instruction by distance-learning. Founded in 2003, it is based in Azusa, California but distributes its courses internationally via liaison centres at branches of the Dhammakaya Foundation. It offers courses in...
, a private Buddhist university.
Azusa is home to St. Frances of Rome Elementary School, serving grades k-8, which is part of St. Frances of Rome Catholic Church, under the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
Azusa is served by the Azusa Unified School District. Its schools include:
- Azusa High School
- Gladstone High School
- Sierra (Continuation) High School A model continuation school
- Azusa Adult School
- Eleven traditional elementary schools - Dalton, Ellington, Gladstone Street, Hodge, Lee, Magnolia, Mountain View, Murray, Paramount, Powell, and Valleydale
- Three intermediate schools - Center, Foothill, and Slauson
- One Kindergarten-only elementary school - Longfellow
- One elementary-intermediate combo school (grades K-8) to be constructed by approximately 2010
Transportation
Azusa lies mostly along the Foothill Freeway (I-210) between the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) and the Orange Freeway (State Route 57).Azusa is to be the eastern terminus of the first phase of a planned extension, the "Foothill Extension," of the Metro Gold Line light rail
Light rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
service, which currently operates between Los Angeles Union Station
Union Station (Los Angeles)
Los Angeles Union Station is the main railway station in Los Angeles, California. The station has rail services by Amtrak and Amtrak California and Metrolink; light rail/subways are the Metro Rail Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line. Bus rapid transport runs on the Silver Line...
and eastern Pasadena
Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
. Like the current Gold Line, it would operate along former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway right-of-way purchased by the 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...
in 1993. MTA plans to extend the line to the end of its reserved right-of-way in Montclair
Montclair, California
Montclair is a city in San Bernardino County, California, United States. The population was 36,664 at the 2010 United States Census.The current mayor is Paul M. Eaton.-Description:...
, just across the San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County, California
San Bernardino County is a county in the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 census, the population was 2,035,210, up from 1,709,434 as of the 2000 census...
line.
In October 2009, the MTA Board unanimously voted to include the Foothill Extension in its long-range plan, and approved funding for the construction and operation of the Foothill Extension's first phase to Azusa. The terminus of this extension will be at the second of two stops in Azusa. The first stop will be the Alamada Station, just west of Alameda Avenue and east of Azusa Avenue, a main thoroughfare. The second stop will be at the planned northern extension of Citrus Avenue at Azusa's eastern border. This phase of the extension is scheduled to break ground in June 2010, and is expected to be completed and opened in 2013.
There is no passenger rail service to Azusa, although Metrolink's
Metrolink (Southern California)
Metrolink is a commuter rail system serving Los Angeles and the surrounding area of Southern California; it currently consists of six lines and 55 stations using of track....
San Bernardino Line stops in nearby Covina
Covina, California
Covina is a small city in Los Angeles County, California about east of downtown Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Valley region. The population was 47,796 at the 2010 census, up from 46,837 at the 2000 census...
and Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park, California
Baldwin Park is a city located in the central San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 75,390, down from 75,837 at the 2000 census.- History :...
several times each day. The Jack Benny Program which aired from the 1930's to 1950's had a running joke where a train announcer (Mel Blanc) would announce the next train for Anaheim, Azusa, and Cucamonga, all three then small towns without rail service.
Public safety
The City of Azusa has its own Police Department, and maintained its own fire department until 1982. The city fire department merged with Los Angeles County Fire DepartmentLos Angeles County Fire Department
The Los Angeles County Fire Department , serves unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, as well as 58 cities and towns that choose to have the county provide fire and EMS services, including La Habra. It should not be confused with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, which serves the city of...
after a city election where the citizens approved an advisory measure to merge the fire department with the County in order to obtain paramedic
Paramedic
A paramedic is a healthcare professional that works in emergency medical situations. Paramedics provide advanced levels of care for medical emergencies and trauma. The majority of paramedics are based in the field in ambulances, emergency response vehicles, or in specialist mobile units such as...
and EMT
Emergency medical technician
Emergency Medical Technician or Ambulance Technician are terms used in some countries to denote a healthcare provider of emergency medical services...
services for the city. The LA County Consolidated Fire Department services Azusa from Fire Station 32 (605 N Alameda) and Fire Station 97 (Sierra Madre Blvd along the foothills), with backup assistance from Fire Station 152, 153, and 154 (Covina
Covina, California
Covina is a small city in Los Angeles County, California about east of downtown Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Valley region. The population was 47,796 at the 2010 census, up from 46,837 at the 2000 census...
), Fire Station 29 (Baldwin Park
Baldwin Park, California
Baldwin Park is a city located in the central San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 75,390, down from 75,837 at the 2000 census.- History :...
), Station 44 (Duarte
Duarte, California
Duarte is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 21,321, down from 21,486 at the 2000 census....
), and Station 48 (Irwindale
Irwindale, California
Irwindale is a city in the San Gabriel Valley, in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 1,422 at the 2010 census, down from 1,446 at the 2000 census....
).
Fire Station 32, which was Azusa's own fire station, houses 1 front line paramedic squad with an average of 12.29 calls per 24 hour shift, and 1 front line engine with an average of 7.05 calls per 24 hour shift. Fire Station 32 also houses a reserve engine (E-532), a urban search and rescue
Urban search and rescue
Urban search and rescue involves the location, extrication, and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in confined spaces due to natural disasters, structural collapse, transportation accidents, mines and collapsed trenches.USAR teams in different countries may be organised in a...
trailer, and MA-32.
Fire Station 97 houses 1 front line engine, and 1 front line patrol.
Fire Station 32 is also home to Explorer
Exploring (Learning for Life)
Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America, for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years old...
Post 16, a youth program for 15-21 year olds that are interested in a career in the fire service. The Post meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month. The program is a joint with the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
. Once becoming certified, the Explorer is then allowed to "Ride-Along," with different fire stations throughout the county.
The Azusa Police Department was home to the very first Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car. It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang...
police car ever built. Originally produced at the now-closed GM Assembly Plant in Van Nuys (with a custom turbocharging system donated by race-car legend Gale Banks
Gale Banks
Gale Banks is a hot rodder, drag racer, and automotive mechanical and electrical engineer who grew up in Lynnwood, California. From 1966 through 2007, his cars, trucks and dragsters have set numerous drag racing and land-speed records, as certified by the NHRA and FIA respectively...
), it inspired the California Highway Patrol
California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol is a law enforcement agency of the U.S. state of California. The CHP has patrol jurisdiction over all California highways and also acts as the state police....
and the Michigan State Police
Michigan State Police
The Michigan State Police is the state police agency for the state of Michigan. The MSP is a full service law enforcement agency with its sworn members having full police powers statewide....
to order a few Camaro police specials for their fleets. The Camaro was finally retired from active service in 2000. At that time it was the only Camaro police car of the original mid-1980s design to remain in service in any California police force.
The city has been home to the Azusa 13
Azusa 13
Azusa 13 is a street gang based in Azusa in the eastern San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles. Started in the 1960's, it is now one of the most aggressive Sureño street gang.- Criminal activities :...
gang since the 1960s. Over 50 gang members were indicted in 2011 for harassing and intimidating blacks. The gang taxes drug sales in the area and funnels money to the Mexican Mafia
Mexican Mafia
The Mexican Mafia , also known as La Eme , 13 is a Mexican American criminal organization, and is one of the oldest and most powerful prison gangs in the United States.-Foundation:...
.
Sister cities
Azusa has one sister cityTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
: Zacatecas
Zacatecas, Zacatecas
Zacatecas is a city and municipality in Mexico and the capital of the state of Zacatecas. It is located in the north central part of the country. The city had its start as a Spanish mining camp in the mid 16th century. Prior to this, the area's rich deposits in silver and other minerals were known...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
Professional sports teams
SoCal Legends
The Southern California Legends, known commonly as the SoCal Legends, were a team in the Continental Basketball Association.The Legends are owned and coached by former NBA player Gary Grant. They played their home games at Azusa Pacific University's Felix Events Center...
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
Continental Basketball Association
The Continental Basketball Association was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, which has been on hiatus since the 2009 season.- History :...
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a private, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian university located near Los Angeles in suburban Azusa, California. It was founded in 1899, with classes opening on March 3, 1900 in Whittier, California. It began offering degrees in 1939...
In popular culture
A popular running gagRunning gag
A running gag, or running joke, is a literary device that takes the form of an amusing joke or a comical reference and appears repeatedly throughout a work of literature or other form of storytelling....
on the long-running radio comedy
Radio comedy
Radio comedy, or comedic radio programming, is a radio broadcast that may involve sitcom elements, sketches and various types of comedy found on other media. It may also include more surreal or fantastic elements, as these can be conveyed on a small budget with just a few sound effects or some...
The Jack Benny Program
The Jack Benny Program
The Jack Benny Program, starring Jack Benny, is a radio-TV comedy series that ran for more than three decades and is generally regarded as a high-water mark in 20th-century American comedy.-Cast:*Jack Benny - Himself...
involved a character voiced by Mel Blanc
Mel Blanc
Melvin Jerome "Mel" Blanc was an American voice actor and comedian. Although he began his nearly six-decade-long career performing in radio commercials, Blanc is best remembered for his work with Warner Bros...
announcing the arrival or departure of a train to or from "Anaheim
Anaheim, California
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city population was about 365,463, making it the most populated city in Orange County, the 10th most-populated city in California, and ranked 54th in the United States...
, Azusa, and Cuc-a-monga
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Rancho Cucamonga is a suburban city in San Bernardino County, California. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 165,269, up from 127,743 at the 2000 census. L. Dennis Michael was elected as Mayor on November 2, 2010. Jack Lam is the City Manager...
." In Benny's day, the Santa Fe offered passenger service through Azusa and Cucamonga.
Notable residents
- Hank AguirreHank AguirreHenry John "Hank" Aguirre was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played with the Cleveland Indians , Detroit Tigers , Los Angeles Dodgers , and Chicago Cubs...
, 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 - Rocky Dennis, born with afflicted with craniodiaphyseal dysplasiaCraniodiaphyseal dysplasiaCraniodiaphyseal dysplasia is an extremely rare autosomal recessive bone disorder that causes calcium to build up in the skull, disfiguring the facial features and reducing life expectancy....
and subject of the motion picture MaskMask (film)Mask is a 1985 American biographical drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring Cher, Sam Elliott, and Eric Stoltz. Dennis Burkley and Laura Dern are featured in supporting roles. Cher received the 1985 Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actress....
. - Shinya KimuraShinya kimuraShinya Kimura is a Japanese born custom bike builder and founder of Zero Engineering and Chabott Engineering, he originated the "zero style" custom bike.-Zero Engineering:...
, motorcycle builder - Judson ScottJudson ScottJudson Earney Scott is an American stage, film and television actor. He has appeared in a number of science fiction productions, especially within the Star Trek franchise, as well as V and three episodes of The X-Files....
, actor
External links
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