Shafter, California
Encyclopedia
Shafter is a city in Kern County
, California
, United States
. It is located 18 miles (29 km) west-northwest of Bakersfield
. The population was 16,988 at the 2010 census, up from 12,736 at the 2000 census. Wired telephone numbers in Shafter follow the format (661
) 746-xxxx and the ZIP Code is 93263.
The city is located along State Route 43
. Suburbs of Shafter include areas or communities named:
who commanded US Forces in Cuba
during the Spanish-American War
. Property was sold beginning in 1914 and the city incorporated in 1938.
The first post office opened in 1898, moved in 1902, closed in 1905. A new postal service started in 1914.
Also of historical note, Shafter is home to Minter Field, which began operations in June 1941 and saw heavy use during World War II. Approximately 7,000 troops were stationed at the airstrip which hosted up to 600 prisoners of war as well. Today it is publicly owned and administered by the Minter Field Airport District and serves as an industrial center and airport for crop dusters and private aircraft. The Minter Field Museum is maintained on location as well.
The Shafter Historical Society also maintains two other museums. The Green Hotel and the Shafter Depot Museum emphasize various aspects of the daily lives of Shafter residents in years past; both structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Aside from agriculture, Shafter is host to a variety of different industries and business. Elk Corporation Roofing company maintains a manufacturing plant in Shafter and Target maintains a 700 acres (2.8 km²) distribution center set upon 1700000 sq ft (157,935.2 m²) of concrete. Shafter is also home to the International Trade and Transportation Center (ITTC), built to facilitate easier Central Valley access to ports in Long Beach and Los Angeles via the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway.
In 2009, a Shafter High School senior, Anna Jelmini, received the key to the city for placing in the Junior Olympics. She also fell just short of meeting the standards for the 2008 Olympics.
Shafter is also home to Shafter High School, a member of the Kern High School District. Built by architects Edwin J. Symmes and Clarence Cullimore in the late 1920s. Officially founded in 1928, Shafter High School has a history as old as the town itself. Today, it is administered by Principal John Davis. The school has undergone many recent renovations including the construction of a new cafeteria and new classroom space to meet the needs of a growing student body. The school is also home to the historical Fred L. Starrh Performing Arts Center, a large theater building with a fully functional fly system
.
Shafter is also home to Kern Adventist Elementary. Kern Adventist Elementary is a small, one teacher Christian school. It has been in operation for over 92 years.
, the city has a total area of 27.9 mi2, all of it land.
was 607.9 people per square mile (234.7/km²). The racial makeup of Shafter was 8,150 (48.0%) White, 219 (1.3%) African American, 198 (1.2%) Native American, 111 (0.7%) Asian, 19 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 7,645 (45.0%) from other races
, and 646 (3.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13,634 persons (80.3%).
The Census reported that 16,323 people (96.1% of the population) lived in households, 148 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 517 (3.0%) were institutionalized.
There were 4,230 households, out of which 2,583 (61.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,562 (60.6%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 720 (17.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 365 (8.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 345 (8.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 34 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 446 households (10.5%) were made up of individuals and 203 (4.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.86. There were 3,647 families
(86.2% of all households); the average family size was 4.11.
The population was spread out with 6,121 people (36.0%) under the age of 18, 2,126 people (12.5%) aged 18 to 24, 4,666 people (27.5%) aged 25 to 44, 2,951 people (17.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,124 people (6.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25.9 years. For every 100 females there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.5 males.
There were 4,521 housing units at an average density of 161.8 per square mile (62.5/km²), of which 2,471 (58.4%) were owner-occupied, and 1,759 (41.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.9%. 9,552 people (56.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 6,771 people (39.9%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 12,736 people, 3,293 households, and 2,759 families residing in the city. The population density
was 708.4 people per square mile (273.5/km²). There were 3,624 housing units at an average density of 201.6 per square mile (77.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 29.0% White
, 2.0% Black
or African American
, 2.0% Native American
, 0.75% Asian
, 0.75% Pacific Islander
, 0.25% from other races
, and 0.25% from two or more races. 65.0% of the population is Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 3,293 households out of which 52.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples
living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.2% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.67 and the average family size was 3.98.
In the city the population was spread out with 36.6% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 104.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.0 males.
The median income
for a household in the city was $29,515, and the median income for a family was $31,457. Males had a median income of $31,605 versus $21,603 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $10,961. About 22.5% of families and 29.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.8% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.
Kern County, California
Spreading across the southern end of the California Central Valley, Kern County is the fifth-largest county by population in California. Its economy is heavily linked to agriculture and to petroleum extraction, and there is a strong aviation and space presence. Politically, it has generally...
, 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...
. It is located 18 miles (29 km) west-northwest of Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield is a city near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley in Kern County, California. It is roughly equidistant between Fresno and Los Angeles, to the north and south respectively....
. The population was 16,988 at the 2010 census, up from 12,736 at the 2000 census. Wired telephone numbers in Shafter follow the format (661
Area code 661
North American area code 661 covers the majority of California's Kern County, as well as part of Los Angeles County, Santa Barbara County, and Tulare County...
) 746-xxxx and the ZIP Code is 93263.
The city is located along State Route 43
California State Route 43
State Route 43 is a north–south state highway in the U.S. State of California, routed along the southern San Joaquin Valley connecting the towns of Shafter, Wasco, Hanford, and Selma, running roughly parallel to SR 99...
. Suburbs of Shafter include areas or communities named:
- Myricks CornerMyricks Corner, CaliforniaMyricks Corner is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California. It is located northwest of Shafter, at an elevation of 351 feet ....
- North ShafterNorth Shafter, CaliforniaNorth Shafter is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California. It is located north of Shafter, at an elevation of 351 feet ....
- Smith's Corner
- Thomas LaneThomas Lane, CaliforniaThomas Lane is an unincorporated community in Kern County, California. It is located south-southwest of Shafter, at an elevation of 335 feet ....
History
The city of Shafter began as a loading dock along the Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way. The community was named for General William Rufus ShafterWilliam Rufus Shafter
William Rufus Shafter was a Union Army officer during the American Civil War who received America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Battle of Fair Oaks. Shafter also played a prominent part as a major general in the Spanish-American War...
who commanded US Forces in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
during the Spanish-American War
Spanish-American War
The Spanish–American War was a conflict in 1898 between Spain and the United States, effectively the result of American intervention in the ongoing Cuban War of Independence...
. Property was sold beginning in 1914 and the city incorporated in 1938.
The first post office opened in 1898, moved in 1902, closed in 1905. A new postal service started in 1914.
Also of historical note, Shafter is home to Minter Field, which began operations in June 1941 and saw heavy use during World War II. Approximately 7,000 troops were stationed at the airstrip which hosted up to 600 prisoners of war as well. Today it is publicly owned and administered by the Minter Field Airport District and serves as an industrial center and airport for crop dusters and private aircraft. The Minter Field Museum is maintained on location as well.
The Shafter Historical Society also maintains two other museums. The Green Hotel and the Shafter Depot Museum emphasize various aspects of the daily lives of Shafter residents in years past; both structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Economy
Much of Shafter's economy is based on agriculture and ag-related industry. Local crops include cotton, almonds, pistachios and alfalfa as well as some carrots, potatoes and other vegetables. Cotton and potatoes have a special historical significance for the town of Shafter as leading industries in different periods of the town's development.Aside from agriculture, Shafter is host to a variety of different industries and business. Elk Corporation Roofing company maintains a manufacturing plant in Shafter and Target maintains a 700 acres (2.8 km²) distribution center set upon 1700000 sq ft (157,935.2 m²) of concrete. Shafter is also home to the International Trade and Transportation Center (ITTC), built to facilitate easier Central Valley access to ports in Long Beach and Los Angeles via the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway.
In 2009, a Shafter High School senior, Anna Jelmini, received the key to the city for placing in the Junior Olympics. She also fell just short of meeting the standards for the 2008 Olympics.
Education
Shafter is home to the Richland School District which oversees operation of four schools: Golden Oak Elementary School (K-6), Redwood Elementary School (K-6), Sequoia Elementary School (K-6) and Richland Junior High School. The district operates under the leadership of superintendent Dr. Ken Bergevin. Class sizes in grades K-3 average 20 students, grades 4-8 average 30 students, but may have as many as 33. The district boast four libraries as well as a strong marching band program and other special programs for its students. As with many districts in the region, one of the biggest challenges facing the district is to meet state and national testing standards with large segments of migrant and English-learning populations among its student body.Shafter is also home to Shafter High School, a member of the Kern High School District. Built by architects Edwin J. Symmes and Clarence Cullimore in the late 1920s. Officially founded in 1928, Shafter High School has a history as old as the town itself. Today, it is administered by Principal John Davis. The school has undergone many recent renovations including the construction of a new cafeteria and new classroom space to meet the needs of a growing student body. The school is also home to the historical Fred L. Starrh Performing Arts Center, a large theater building with a fully functional fly system
Fly system
A fly system, flying system or theatrical rigging system, is a system of lines , blocks , counterweights and related devices within a theatre that enable a stage crew to quickly, quietly and safely fly components such as curtains, lights, scenery, stage effects and, sometimes, people...
.
Shafter is also home to Kern Adventist Elementary. Kern Adventist Elementary is a small, one teacher Christian school. It has been in operation for over 92 years.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited 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 27.9 mi2, all of it land.
Climate
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Shafter had a population of 16,988. 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 607.9 people per square mile (234.7/km²). The racial makeup of Shafter was 8,150 (48.0%) White, 219 (1.3%) African American, 198 (1.2%) Native American, 111 (0.7%) Asian, 19 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 7,645 (45.0%) 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 646 (3.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13,634 persons (80.3%).
The Census reported that 16,323 people (96.1% of the population) lived in households, 148 (0.9%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 517 (3.0%) were institutionalized.
There were 4,230 households, out of which 2,583 (61.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,562 (60.6%) 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, 720 (17.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 365 (8.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 345 (8.2%) 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 34 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 446 households (10.5%) were made up of individuals and 203 (4.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.86. There were 3,647 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...
(86.2% of all households); the average family size was 4.11.
The population was spread out with 6,121 people (36.0%) under the age of 18, 2,126 people (12.5%) aged 18 to 24, 4,666 people (27.5%) aged 25 to 44, 2,951 people (17.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,124 people (6.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25.9 years. For every 100 females there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.5 males.
There were 4,521 housing units at an average density of 161.8 per square mile (62.5/km²), of which 2,471 (58.4%) were owner-occupied, and 1,759 (41.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2%; the rental vacancy rate was 6.9%. 9,552 people (56.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 6,771 people (39.9%) 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 12,736 people, 3,293 households, and 2,759 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 708.4 people per square mile (273.5/km²). There were 3,624 housing units at an average density of 201.6 per square mile (77.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 29.0% 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...
, 2.0% 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...
, 2.0% 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...
, 0.75% 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...
, 0.75% 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...
, 0.25% 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...
, and 0.25% from two or more races. 65.0% of the population is Hispanic
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 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 3,293 households out of which 52.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% 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, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.2% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.67 and the average family size was 3.98.
In the city the population was spread out with 36.6% under the age of 18, 11.7% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 104.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.0 males.
The median income
Income
Income is the consumption and savings opportunity gained by an entity within a specified time frame, which is generally expressed in monetary terms. However, for households and individuals, "income is the sum of all the wages, salaries, profits, interests payments, rents and other forms of earnings...
for a household in the city was $29,515, and the median income for a family was $31,457. Males had a median income of $31,605 versus $21,603 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 $10,961. About 22.5% of families and 29.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.8% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.
Notable residents
- Anna Jelmini - Track and field athlete
- Larsen JensenLarsen JensenLarsen Alan Jensen is a former American freestyle swimmer. He is a two-time Olympic medalist.-Career:...
- Olympic medalist - SwimmingSwimming (sport)Swimming is a sport governed by the Fédération Internationale de Natation .-History: Competitive swimming in Europe began around 1800 BCE, mostly in the form of the freestyle. In 1873 Steve Bowyer introduced the trudgen to Western swimming competitions, after copying the front crawl used by Native... - Dean FlorezDean FlorezDean Raymond Florez was a California State Senator from the 16th Senate District from 2002 until the end of his second term in November of 2010.Florez was born and reared in the Central Valley....
- CA state senator, candidate Lt. Governor - Gary Bellamy - American actor & singer
External links
- Official website
- http://www.richland.k12.ca.us/index.cfm