Tulare, California
Encyclopedia
Tulare is a city in Tulare County
, California
, United States
. The population was 59,278 at the 2010 census.
Just eight miles (13 km) south of Visalia
, it is part of the Census Bureau's designation of the Visalia Metropolitan Area. The city is named for the currently dry Tulare Lake
, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes
. The city's mission statement is: "To promote a quality of life making Tulare the most desirable community in which to live, learn, play, work, worship and prosper." The Stockton
seaport is only 170 miles (273.6 km) away, and the Sacramento
port is 207 miles (333.1 km) away. The Los Angeles
and San Francisco ports are each approximately 200 miles (321.9 km) away, making Tulare a hub or central location for product movement. Despite this, the expression "out in the tules (toolies)", referring to the tule rush
plant that lined the lakeshore, is still common in the dialect of old Californian families and means "beyond far away."
was 2,820.5 people per square mile (1,089.0/km²). The racial makeup of Tulare was 36,347 (61.3%) White, 2,328 (3.9%) African American, 694 (1.2%) Native American, 1,276 (2.2%) Asian, 80 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 15,713 (26.5%) from other races
, and 2,840 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 34,062 persons (57.5%).
The Census reported that 59,000 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 62 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 216 (0.4%) were institutionalized.
There were 17,720 households, out of which 8,991 (50.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,373 (52.9%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 3,190 (18.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,507 (8.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,543 (8.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 120 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,862 households (16.2%) were made up of individuals and 1,249 (7.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33. There were 14,070 families
(79.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.68.
The population was spread out with 19,757 people (33.3%) under the age of 18, 6,229 people (10.5%) aged 18 to 24, 16,247 people (27.4%) aged 25 to 44, 11,707 people (19.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 5,338 people (9.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.1 years. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.
There were 18,863 housing units at an average density of 897.5 per square mile (346.5/km²), of which 10,389 (58.6%) were owner-occupied, and 7,331 (41.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.5%. 33,367 people (56.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 25,633 people (43.2%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 43,994 people, 13,543 households, and 10,753 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,648.2 people per square mile (1,022.6/km²). There were 14,253 housing units at an average density of 858.0 per square mile (331.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.38% White, 5.02% African American, 1.40% Native American, 2.02% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 29.09% from other races
, and 5.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 65.59% of the population.
There were 13,543 households out of which 46.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples
living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 3.57.
In the city the population was spread out with 34.6% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.
The median income
for a household in the city was $33,637, and the median income for a family was $36,935. Males had a median income of $31,467 versus $23,775 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $13,655. About 16.9% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.1% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.
The Yokut people built Reed boat
s and fished in the what was to become Tulare Lake
in their homeland for centuries, until the invasion and settlement by the Spanish and American pioneers. When California became a state in 1850, Tulare did not yet exist as a town. Tulare was founded in 1872, by the Southern Pacific Railroad
. The town was named for Lake Tulare. The lake had been named for the tule rush plant (Schoenoplectus acutus),(Pictured left) species of bulrush that predominately lined the marshes and sloughs of its shore.
Transportation was the first impetus behind the establishment of the town. Tulare flourished as the headquarters of the railroad in the area. The town suffered through many difficult challenges, despite burning down and being rebuilt three times in its first fourteen years of existence, it was eventually incorporated in 1888. In 1891, the railroad moved its headquarters to Bakersfield, decimating the community. Although the railroad was gone, the community of Tulare struggled to became an agricultural center for California. Due to the inadequate 10 inch rainfall per year, water resources had to be found. In order to bring water to Tulare, citizens established the "Tulare Irrigation District" and issued $500,000 in bonds to build an extensive canal system carrying water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In 1903, When the bonds were paid off early, they celebrated by having a bond-burning celebration. Once the water system was established, Tulare burgeoned, becoming an invaluable center for farming and agriculture because of its central location.
The backbone of Tulare's economy continues to be its rich agricultural and dairy industry. Tulare is responsible for a significant part of Tulare County's 342,600 dairy cows, which help to produce more than 8.9 billion pounds of milk each year. The nation's largest single-site dairy complex, operated by Land O' Lakes, is located in Tulare.
In 1940, famed aerobatic stunt pilot J.G. "Tex" Rankin secured a U.S. War Department contract to open and operate a civilian flying school to train United States Army Air Corps flight cadets. Rankin opened the Rankin Aeronautical Academy in Tulare in February 1941, where it operated throughout the duration of World War II. During its heyday Rankin Field
, as it was otherwise known as, trained 10,000 pilots in primary flight training, including 12 future Army Air Corps Aces, and 2 Medal of Honor recipients.
During World War II
, in response to west coast war-time hysteria, the U.S. Army temporarily assumed control of the Tulare County Fairgrounds, converting it to the Tulare Assembly Center, a temporary detention center for Japanese Americans. The Assembly Center was administered by the Wartime Civil Control Administration, under the Western Defense Command and the U.S. 4th Army. The first inmate was received on April 27, 1942, and the last inmate departed on September 4, 1942. The top population numbered 4978 citizens. In the latter part of 1942, internees began being moved to the ten more permanent internment prisons. The majority of internees from the Tulare Assembly Center were sent to the Gila River War Relocation Center
in Arizona. The temporary sites were largely located on fairgrounds or race tracks in completely public and visible locations.
Tulare is located in the 18th Senate
District, represented by Republican
Jean Fuller
, and in the 34th Assembly
District, represented by Republican Connie Conway
. Federally, Tulare is located in California's 21st congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of R +13 and is represented by Republican Devin Nunes
.
Tulare County school districts cover an extensive span, from single school districts, such as tiny Hot Springs with 20 students, to the Visalia Unified School District with over 25,000 students. In California, only Los Angeles
and Kern
Counties have more districts than Tulare County. Tulare County's school districts are scattered among thousands of acres of the country's most fertile and valuable agricultural land. Districts are also located in urban areas and a few '"nestled" in the Sierras on the eastern side of the county. Eighty-five percent are considered "small districts" with fewer than 2,500 students. Of the County's 46 districts, seventy percent of the districts have fewer than 1,000 students. There are four learning centers serving Special Education
students.
and warm summers, with a mean temperature of 80 degrees. The mean average rainfall is 10 inches.
Located directly between Fresno and Bakersfield, Tulare is in the heart of the Central Valley.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 21 square miles (54.4 km²), of which, 20.9 square miles (54.1 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.41%) is water.
, (1 hr), Bakersfield, (1 hr. 15 min.), and limited commercial service available from Visalia (15 min). The City of Tulare also owns and operates their own municipal airport, Mefford Field. Sixty private planes are based there.
offers frequent packages and personnel service to all points in the west. Local Tulare Transit offers a "fixed route" schedule, as well as a Dial-A-Ride service.
Bob Mathias Stadium - located at Tulare Union High School and named after TUHS graduate Olympian Bob Mathias, Bob Mathias Stadium was the site of the 1952 Olympic Trials for Decathlon
, as well as host to the 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1962 U.S. Decathlon Championships for Track and Field
. Bob Mathias Stadium also was the athletic birthplace of Olympians Bob Mathias and Sim Iness.
Historical Murals - a dozen historical murals are scattered throughout the city, depicting historical scenes relevant to Tulare and the state.
Mefford Field Airplane Display - next to State Highway 99 and adjacent to Mefford Field
, Tulare's city-owned airport, stands an historical display of two vintage military airplanes. A World War II
B-17 Bomber, named for Tulare's General Maurice Preston, serves as a WWII dedication, and a Vietnam era F-4 Phantom serves as a memorial for Tulare County residents killed in action during the Vietnam War
.
Olympic Cauldron - located at Bob Mathias Stadium, Tulare's 1960 Winter Olympics
Cauldron wa reproduced and placed at its original location. Tulare was part of the 1960 Winter Olympic Torch Run and housed the Olympic flame
during its travels.
The Preferred Outlets At Tulare - features stores like Nike, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Izod, Polo Ralph Lauren, PacSun, Volcom, Quiksilver, Eddie Bauer, etc. as well as Galaxy Theatres Tulare Stadium 10, the area's only Digital DLP Projection movie theatre.
Rankin Field - Rankin Field Weapons Range, owned and operated by the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Association, is located at the original site of Rankin Field, Tulare's WWII primary flight training school for military cadets. Several structures from the original Rankin Field still exist and are visible to passers-by, to include a large granite historical marker.
Santa Fe Trail - Cross-town pedestrian and equestrian trail, along the original rail bed for the Santa Fe Railroad. The trail stretches five miles through the city.
Sequoia National Park - The entrances to Sequoia National Park
and National Forests are about 45 minutes from Tulare. Sequoia Park is home to the biggest tree in the world, General Sherman
.
Tower Square Clock and Bell Tower - Located in the heart of Downtown Tulare, the 75-foot Heroismo clock and bell tower honors Tulare's rich Azorean/Portuguese
heritage in the community.
Tulare City Historical Museum - Has been noted as one of the best small town museums in California, showcasing the history and triumphs of the city.
The Tulare County Fair - The Tulare County Fairgrounds is site of the Tulare County Fair, held each September.
Tulare Union High School Auditorium and Administration Building - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
, the Tulare Community Auditorium as it is also referred to, serves as the main administration and auditorium for Tulare Union High School, built in 1890. The auditorium was constructed in 1937.
Tulare Water Tower - Famously designed to resemble a glass of milk complete with a striped red straw rising from the top. This pays homage to the towns prominent position as one of the leading dairy producers in California. Located at the campus of Tulare Union High School
, the water tower has become a local favorite and focal point.
The World Ag Expo - Held annually each winter in February at the International Agri-Center complex, it is the world's largest farming and agricultural equipment show and attracts guests and representatives from all over the globe. During the week of the show, the town's population nearly doubles in size and hotels are booked months in advance.
Sustainability Showcase Awards. The honor commends the City for its commitment to sustainability through extensive building retrofits, residential solar programs and forthcoming citywide Climate Action Plan.
In April 2011 the City of Tulare received the Climate Change Award for the city's Energy Efficient Strategy at the 2011 Green California Summit and Exposition.
http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/environment/9253-tulare-to-accept-award-for-green-energy-policy
In September 2011, the city of Tulare's Redevelopment Agency received a total of two awards for a single redevelopment project. The Tule Vista Housing Development received the first place American Planning Association 2011 Central Section Outstanding Planning Project award, as well as
the 2011 Award of Excellence from the California State Chapter of the American Planning Association. The two awards also went to Pacific West Communities and Tulare County Housing Authority, who worked in conjunction with the Tulare Redevelopment Agency on the project.
http://www.ci.tulare.ca.us/public_documents/minutes.asp?ID=3306
Tulare County, California
Tulare County is a county located in the Central Valley of the U.S. state of California, south of Fresno. Sequoia National Park is located in the county, as are part of Kings Canyon National Park, in its northeast corner , and part of Mount Whitney, on its eastern border...
, 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 59,278 at the 2010 census.
Just eight miles (13 km) south of Visalia
Visalia, California
Visalia is a Central California city situated in the heart of California’s agricultural San Joaquin Valley, approximately southeast of San Francisco and north of Los Angeles...
, it is part of the Census Bureau's designation of the Visalia Metropolitan Area. The city is named for the currently dry Tulare Lake
Tulare Lake
Tulare Lake, named Laguna de Tache by the Spanish, is a fresh-water dry lake with residual wetlands and marshes in southern San Joaquin Valley, California...
, once the largest freshwater lake west of the Great Lakes
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a collection of freshwater lakes located in northeastern North America, on the Canada – United States border. Consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface, coming in second by volume...
. The city's mission statement is: "To promote a quality of life making Tulare the most desirable community in which to live, learn, play, work, worship and prosper." The Stockton
Stockton
-Places:Australia:*Stockton, New South WalesNew Zealand:*Stockton, New ZealandUnited Kingdom:*Stockton, Cheshire*Stockton, Norfolk*Stockton, Warwickshire*Stockton, Wiltshire*Stockton-on-Tees*Stockton-on-Teme*Stockton-on-the-ForestUnited States:...
seaport is only 170 miles (273.6 km) away, and the Sacramento
Sacramento
Sacramento is the capital of the state of California, in the United States of America.Sacramento may also refer to:- United States :*Sacramento County, California*Sacramento, Kentucky*Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta...
port is 207 miles (333.1 km) away. The Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and San Francisco ports are each approximately 200 miles (321.9 km) away, making Tulare a hub or central location for product movement. Despite this, the expression "out in the tules (toolies)", referring to the tule rush
Schoenoplectus
Schoenoplectus is a genus of about 80 species of sedges with a cosmopolitan distribution. Note that the name bulrush is also applied to species in the unrelated genus Typha...
plant that lined the lakeshore, is still common in the dialect of old Californian families and means "beyond far away."
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Tulare had a population of 59,278. 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 2,820.5 people per square mile (1,089.0/km²). The racial makeup of Tulare was 36,347 (61.3%) White, 2,328 (3.9%) African American, 694 (1.2%) Native American, 1,276 (2.2%) Asian, 80 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 15,713 (26.5%) 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 2,840 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 34,062 persons (57.5%).
The Census reported that 59,000 people (99.5% of the population) lived in households, 62 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 216 (0.4%) were institutionalized.
There were 17,720 households, out of which 8,991 (50.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,373 (52.9%) 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, 3,190 (18.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,507 (8.5%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,543 (8.7%) 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 120 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 2,862 households (16.2%) were made up of individuals and 1,249 (7.0%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33. There were 14,070 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...
(79.4% of all households); the average family size was 3.68.
The population was spread out with 19,757 people (33.3%) under the age of 18, 6,229 people (10.5%) aged 18 to 24, 16,247 people (27.4%) aged 25 to 44, 11,707 people (19.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 5,338 people (9.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.1 years. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.
There were 18,863 housing units at an average density of 897.5 per square mile (346.5/km²), of which 10,389 (58.6%) were owner-occupied, and 7,331 (41.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.5%. 33,367 people (56.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 25,633 people (43.2%) 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 43,994 people, 13,543 households, and 10,753 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 2,648.2 people per square mile (1,022.6/km²). There were 14,253 housing units at an average density of 858.0 per square mile (331.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 56.38% White, 5.02% African American, 1.40% Native American, 2.02% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 29.09% 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 5.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 65.59% of the population.
There were 13,543 households out of which 46.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% 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 20.6% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 3.57.
In the city the population was spread out with 34.6% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 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 $33,637, and the median income for a family was $36,935. Males had a median income of $31,467 versus $23,775 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 $13,655. About 16.9% of families and 20.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.1% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.
History
Reed boat
Reed boats and rafts, along with dugout canoes and other rafts, are among the oldest known types of boats. Often used as traditional fishing boats, they are still used in a few places around the world, though they have generally been replaced with planked boats. Reed boats can be distinguished from...
s and fished in the what was to become Tulare Lake
Tulare Lake
Tulare Lake, named Laguna de Tache by the Spanish, is a fresh-water dry lake with residual wetlands and marshes in southern San Joaquin Valley, California...
in their homeland for centuries, until the invasion and settlement by the Spanish and American pioneers. When California became a state in 1850, Tulare did not yet exist as a town. Tulare was founded in 1872, by the Southern Pacific Railroad
Southern Pacific Railroad
The Southern Pacific Transportation Company , earlier Southern Pacific Railroad and Southern Pacific Company, and usually simply called the Southern Pacific or Espee, was an American railroad....
. The town was named for Lake Tulare. The lake had been named for the tule rush plant (Schoenoplectus acutus),(Pictured left) species of bulrush that predominately lined the marshes and sloughs of its shore.
Transportation was the first impetus behind the establishment of the town. Tulare flourished as the headquarters of the railroad in the area. The town suffered through many difficult challenges, despite burning down and being rebuilt three times in its first fourteen years of existence, it was eventually incorporated in 1888. In 1891, the railroad moved its headquarters to Bakersfield, decimating the community. Although the railroad was gone, the community of Tulare struggled to became an agricultural center for California. Due to the inadequate 10 inch rainfall per year, water resources had to be found. In order to bring water to Tulare, citizens established the "Tulare Irrigation District" and issued $500,000 in bonds to build an extensive canal system carrying water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In 1903, When the bonds were paid off early, they celebrated by having a bond-burning celebration. Once the water system was established, Tulare burgeoned, becoming an invaluable center for farming and agriculture because of its central location.
The backbone of Tulare's economy continues to be its rich agricultural and dairy industry. Tulare is responsible for a significant part of Tulare County's 342,600 dairy cows, which help to produce more than 8.9 billion pounds of milk each year. The nation's largest single-site dairy complex, operated by Land O' Lakes, is located in Tulare.
In 1940, famed aerobatic stunt pilot J.G. "Tex" Rankin secured a U.S. War Department contract to open and operate a civilian flying school to train United States Army Air Corps flight cadets. Rankin opened the Rankin Aeronautical Academy in Tulare in February 1941, where it operated throughout the duration of World War II. During its heyday Rankin Field
Rankin Field
Rankin Field is a former airport and military airfield located approximately southeast of Tulare, California. It was a United States Army Air Forces basic flying training facility during World War II...
, as it was otherwise known as, trained 10,000 pilots in primary flight training, including 12 future Army Air Corps Aces, and 2 Medal of Honor recipients.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, in response to west coast war-time hysteria, the U.S. Army temporarily assumed control of the Tulare County Fairgrounds, converting it to the Tulare Assembly Center, a temporary detention center for Japanese Americans. The Assembly Center was administered by the Wartime Civil Control Administration, under the Western Defense Command and the U.S. 4th Army. The first inmate was received on April 27, 1942, and the last inmate departed on September 4, 1942. The top population numbered 4978 citizens. In the latter part of 1942, internees began being moved to the ten more permanent internment prisons. The majority of internees from the Tulare Assembly Center were sent to the Gila River War Relocation Center
Gila River War Relocation Center
The Gila River War Relocation Center was an internment camp built by the War Relocation Authority for internment of Japanese Americans during the Second World War. It was located about southeast of Phoenix, Arizona....
in Arizona. The temporary sites were largely located on fairgrounds or race tracks in completely public and visible locations.
Politics
In the 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...
Tulare is located in the 18th 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 Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Jean Fuller
Jean Fuller
Jean Fuller is a U.S. politician who serves in the California State Senate. A Republican, she was previously a member of the California Assembly and the Superintendent of Schools for the Bakersfield City School District....
, and in the 34th 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 Republican Connie Conway
Connie Conway
Connie Conway is a Republican politician from California. She is currently in the California State Assembly and is the Assemblymember from the 34th district which takes in many parts of California's Central Valley and High Desert areas. Prior to serving in the Assembly, Conway served as a Tulare...
. Federally, Tulare is located in California's 21st congressional district
California's 21st congressional district
California's 21st congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California that covers all of Tulare County and the eastern half of Fresno County.The district is currently represented by Republican Devin Nunes.-Demographics:...
, 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 R +13 and is represented by Republican Devin Nunes
Devin Nunes
Devin Nunes is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2003. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district, located in the San Joaquin Valley, includes all of Tulare County, as well as much of eastern Fresno County. He is also the author of the book Restoring the Republic, published by...
.
Education
The Tulare County Office of Education services 46 Tulare County School Districts with over 93,000 students.Tulare County school districts cover an extensive span, from single school districts, such as tiny Hot Springs with 20 students, to the Visalia Unified School District with over 25,000 students. In California, only Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and Kern
Kern
Kern may refer to:* Kern , the process of adjusting the spacing between characters in a proportional font* Kern , a light infantry unit in Medieval Irish armies...
Counties have more districts than Tulare County. Tulare County's school districts are scattered among thousands of acres of the country's most fertile and valuable agricultural land. Districts are also located in urban areas and a few '"nestled" in the Sierras on the eastern side of the county. Eighty-five percent are considered "small districts" with fewer than 2,500 students. Of the County's 46 districts, seventy percent of the districts have fewer than 1,000 students. There are four learning centers serving Special Education
Special education
Special education is the education of students with special needs in a way that addresses the students' individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials,...
students.
High school districts
There is one high school district: Tulare Joint Union. There are three high schools in the Tulare Joint Union High School District: Tulare Union, Tulare Western and Mission Oak.Higher education
Tulare students have two local area community colleges from which to choose from: College of the Sequoias in nearby Visalia, and Porterville College in nearby Porterville. College of the Sequoias recently began the construction on the new Tulare Center for Agriculture and Technology campus, located in Tulare. The Tulare Center is forecasted to be a full 10,000 student college by 2040.Climate
The climate of this agricultural community is pleasant, with cool winters with a mean temperature of 45 degrees,and warm summers, with a mean temperature of 80 degrees. The mean average rainfall is 10 inches.
Geography
Tulare is located at 36°12′24"N 119°20′33"W (36.206601, -119.342404).Located directly between Fresno and Bakersfield, Tulare is in the heart of the Central Valley.
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 21 square miles (54.4 km²), of which, 20.9 square miles (54.1 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.41%) is water.
Transportation
Tulare is located on California’s central corridor Highway 99; Interstate 5 (40 min west) is California’s longest freeway, nearly 1000 miles (1,609.3 km) north and South.Air
National/International commercial air service available from: FresnoFresno
Fresno is the fifth largest city in California.Fresno may also refer to:-Places:Colombia* Fresno, TolimaSpain* Fresno, a ghost village in Nidáliga, Valle de Sedano, Burgos* Aldea del Fresno, Madrid* Fresno de la Vega, Ribera del Esla, León...
, (1 hr), Bakersfield, (1 hr. 15 min.), and limited commercial service available from Visalia (15 min). The City of Tulare also owns and operates their own municipal airport, Mefford Field. Sixty private planes are based there.
Bus
GreyhoundGreyhound
The Greyhound is a breed of sighthound that has been primarily bred for coursing game and racing, and the breed has also recently seen a resurgence in its popularity as a pedigree show dog and family pet. It is a gentle and intelligent breed...
offers frequent packages and personnel service to all points in the west. Local Tulare Transit offers a "fixed route" schedule, as well as a Dial-A-Ride service.
Points of interest
Adohr Cow Statue -the Adohr Milkmaid and Cow was a series of statues commissioned to advertise Adohr Farms Creameries. Tulare's located on the grounds of Morningstar Foods, is the only remaining sculpture of its kind in the United States.Bob Mathias Stadium - located at Tulare Union High School and named after TUHS graduate Olympian Bob Mathias, Bob Mathias Stadium was the site of the 1952 Olympic Trials for Decathlon
Decathlon
The decathlon is a combined event in athletics consisting of ten track and field events. The word decathlon is of Greek origin . Events are held over two consecutive days and the winners are determined by the combined performance in all. Performance is judged on a points system in each event, not...
, as well as host to the 1949, 1950, 1952, and 1962 U.S. Decathlon Championships for Track and Field
Track and field
Track and field is a sport comprising various competitive athletic contests based around the activities of running, jumping and throwing. The name of the sport derives from the venue for the competitions: a stadium which features an oval running track surrounding a grassy area...
. Bob Mathias Stadium also was the athletic birthplace of Olympians Bob Mathias and Sim Iness.
Historical Murals - a dozen historical murals are scattered throughout the city, depicting historical scenes relevant to Tulare and the state.
Mefford Field Airplane Display - next to State Highway 99 and adjacent to Mefford Field
Mefford Field
Mefford Field is a public airport located three miles southeast of Tulare, serving Tulare County, California, USA. This general aviation airport covers and has one runway.- History:...
, Tulare's city-owned airport, stands an historical display of two vintage military airplanes. A World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
B-17 Bomber, named for Tulare's General Maurice Preston, serves as a WWII dedication, and a Vietnam era F-4 Phantom serves as a memorial for Tulare County residents killed in action during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
.
Olympic Cauldron - located at Bob Mathias Stadium, Tulare's 1960 Winter Olympics
1960 Winter Olympics
The 1960 Winter Olympics, officially known as the VIII Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event held between February 18 and 28, 1960 in Squaw Valley, California, United States. In 1955 at the 50th IOC meeting, the organizing committee made the surprise choice to award Squaw Valley as...
Cauldron wa reproduced and placed at its original location. Tulare was part of the 1960 Winter Olympic Torch Run and housed the Olympic flame
Olympic Flame
The Olympic Flame or Olympic Torch is a symbol of the Olympic Games. Commemorating the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus, its origins lie in ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics. The fire was reintroduced at the 1928...
during its travels.
The Preferred Outlets At Tulare - features stores like Nike, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Banana Republic, Izod, Polo Ralph Lauren, PacSun, Volcom, Quiksilver, Eddie Bauer, etc. as well as Galaxy Theatres Tulare Stadium 10, the area's only Digital DLP Projection movie theatre.
Rankin Field - Rankin Field Weapons Range, owned and operated by the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff's Association, is located at the original site of Rankin Field, Tulare's WWII primary flight training school for military cadets. Several structures from the original Rankin Field still exist and are visible to passers-by, to include a large granite historical marker.
Santa Fe Trail - Cross-town pedestrian and equestrian trail, along the original rail bed for the Santa Fe Railroad. The trail stretches five miles through the city.
Sequoia National Park - The entrances to Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia National Park is a national park in the southern Sierra Nevada east of Visalia, California, in the United States. It was established on September 25, 1890. The park spans . Encompassing a vertical relief of nearly , the park contains among its natural resources the highest point in the...
and National Forests are about 45 minutes from Tulare. Sequoia Park is home to the biggest tree in the world, General Sherman
General Sherman (tree)
The General Sherman is a giant sequoia tree located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park in Tulare County, California. By volume, it is the largest known living single stem tree on Earth...
.
Tower Square Clock and Bell Tower - Located in the heart of Downtown Tulare, the 75-foot Heroismo clock and bell tower honors Tulare's rich Azorean/Portuguese
Portuguese
Portuguese is an adjective referring to matters related to Portugal. It may refer to:* Portuguese language, natively spoken in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, East Timor and other countries**including Portuguese dialects...
heritage in the community.
Tulare City Historical Museum - Has been noted as one of the best small town museums in California, showcasing the history and triumphs of the city.
The Tulare County Fair - The Tulare County Fairgrounds is site of the Tulare County Fair, held each September.
Tulare Union High School Auditorium and Administration Building - Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, the Tulare Community Auditorium as it is also referred to, serves as the main administration and auditorium for Tulare Union High School, built in 1890. The auditorium was constructed in 1937.
Tulare Water Tower - Famously designed to resemble a glass of milk complete with a striped red straw rising from the top. This pays homage to the towns prominent position as one of the leading dairy producers in California. Located at the campus of Tulare Union High School
Tulare Union High School
Tulare Union High School is a public school for secondary education in Tulare, California, USA. The school's mascot is The Redskins. This high school is administered within the Tulare Joint Union High School District, along with Tulare Western High School and Mission Oak High School,...
, the water tower has become a local favorite and focal point.
The World Ag Expo - Held annually each winter in February at the International Agri-Center complex, it is the world's largest farming and agricultural equipment show and attracts guests and representatives from all over the globe. During the week of the show, the town's population nearly doubles in size and hotels are booked months in advance.
Honors
In December 2010 the City of Tulare was recognized with an honorable mention by the California Sustainability Alliance'sSustainability Showcase Awards. The honor commends the City for its commitment to sustainability through extensive building retrofits, residential solar programs and forthcoming citywide Climate Action Plan.
In April 2011 the City of Tulare received the Climate Change Award for the city's Energy Efficient Strategy at the 2011 Green California Summit and Exposition.
http://www.thebusinessjournal.com/environment/9253-tulare-to-accept-award-for-green-energy-policy
In September 2011, the city of Tulare's Redevelopment Agency received a total of two awards for a single redevelopment project. The Tule Vista Housing Development received the first place American Planning Association 2011 Central Section Outstanding Planning Project award, as well as
the 2011 Award of Excellence from the California State Chapter of the American Planning Association. The two awards also went to Pacific West Communities and Tulare County Housing Authority, who worked in conjunction with the Tulare Redevelopment Agency on the project.
http://www.ci.tulare.ca.us/public_documents/minutes.asp?ID=3306
Notable residents
- Jack AkerJack AkerJackie Delane Aker is an American former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. Aker was used exclusively in relief. He appeared in 495 games, none as a starter, and was one of the American League's best closers of his era. He is of Potawatomi Indian ancestry...
, born in Tulare - former 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 - Bryan AllenBryan Allen (cyclist)Bryan L. Allen is self-taught hang glider pilot and bicyclist. He achieved fame when he piloted the aircraft that won the first two Kremer prizes for human-powered flight, the Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross...
- Pedal-powered aircraft pilot - Bonnie BryantBonnie Bryant (golfer)Bonnie Bryant is an American professional golfer who played on the LPGA Tour. She is the only player in LPGA Tour history to win a tournament left-handed....
- LPGALPGAThe LPGA, in full the Ladies Professional Golf Association, is an American organization for female professional golfers. The organization, whose headquarters is in Daytona Beach, Florida, is best known for running the LPGA Tour, a series of weekly golf tournaments for elite female golfers from...
golfer - Max ChoboianMax ChoboianMax John Choboian was an American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback who played professionally in the American Football League . Born in Tulare, California, he played only one season in the AFL for the Denver Broncos and started seven games. He died of lung cancer.-External links:...
- Professional football player for the Denver Broncos - Matt CraftonMatt CraftonMatthew Crafton is an American race car driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He currently drives the #88 Menards Toyota Tundra for ThorSport Racing.-Early career:...
- NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver - Zac DilesZac Diles-Houston Texans:Diles was selected in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft. As a rookie in 2007 Diles played mostly on special teams. In 2008 he started 8 games as the Texans strong-side linebacker and made 66 tackles. In 2009 he moved to weakside linebacker and made 64 tackles and forced two...
- Professional football player for the Houston TexansHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing... - Dominique DorseyDominique DorseyDominique Ramone Dorsey is a professional American and Canadian football running back and kick returner who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was originally signed by the Roughriders as an undrafted free agent in...
- Professional football player, running back for the Saskatchewan RoughridersSaskatchewan RoughridersThe Saskatchewan Roughriders are a Canadian Football League team based in Regina, Saskatchewan. They were founded in 1910. They play their home games at 2940 10th Avenue in Regina, which has been the team's home base for its entire history, even prior to the construction of Mosaic Stadium at Taylor...
of the Canadian Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football.... - Virgil GreenVirgil GreenVirgil Leo Green is an American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nevada.-Pre-draft:...
-Professional football player for the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Sim InessSim InessSimeon Garland Iness was an American discus thrower and Olympic gold medalist....
- Olympic discus gold medalist - Odell JonesOdell JonesOdell Jones was a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Seattle Mariners , Texas Rangers , Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball....
- MLB player for the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh PiratesThe Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, Seattle MarinersSeattle MarinersThe Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
, Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, and the Milwaukee BrewersMilwaukee BrewersThe Milwaukee Brewers are a professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, currently playing in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League... - Vic LombardiVic LombardiVictor Alvin Lombardi was a pitcher in Major League Baseball. He pitched from 1945-1950 with the Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was the starting pitcher in two games of the 1947 World Series for the Dodgers.-External links:**** at Find a Grave...
- Professional baseball player - Bob MathiasBob MathiasRobert Bruce "Bob" Mathias was an American decathlete, two-time Olympic gold medalist, actor and United States Congressman representing the state of California.-Early life and athletic career:...
- Olympic decathlon gold-medalist/Congressman - Mike MorganMike MorganMichael Thomas Morgan is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He competed for twelve different teams over 25 years, and is one of only 29 players in baseball history to date to have played Major League baseball over four decades...
- professional baseball player - Lois NeilsonLois NeilsonLois Neilson was an American silent movie actress who became actor and comedian Stan Laurel's first wife.She was born in Tulare, California. She and Laurel both appeared in Do You Love Your Wife? in 1919....
, born in Tulare - American silent movie actress: first wife of actor and comedian Stan LaurelStan LaurelArthur Stanley "Stan" Jefferson , better known as Stan Laurel, was an English comic actor, writer and film director, famous as the first half of the comedy team Laurel and Hardy. His film acting career stretched between 1917 and 1951 and included a starring role in the Academy Award winning film... - Maurice A. PrestonMaurice A. PrestonGeneral Maurice Arthur Preston was a United States Air Force four star general who served as Commander in Chief, United States Air Forces in Europe from 1966 to 1968....
- Air Force Four-Star General, Commander of USAFE - James Stallworth - World high school record holder for the long jump
- Donald Turnupseed - driver who collided with the car of actor James DeanJames DeanJames Byron Dean was an American film actor. He is a cultural icon, best embodied in the title of his most celebrated film, Rebel Without a Cause , in which he starred as troubled Los Angeles teenager Jim Stark...
- Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr. was an American naval officer and the youngest man to serve as Chief of Naval Operations. As an admiral and later the 19th Chief of Naval Operations, Zumwalt played a major role in U.S. military history, especially during the Vietnam War. A highly-decorated war veteran,...
- Chief of Naval Operations 1970-1974