Irwindale, California | |
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 Irwindale Speedway, 2006 | |
 Logo | |
| Nickname: Jardin de Roca[1] | |
 Show Irwindale Show Los Angeles County Show California Show the United States | |
| Coordinates:34°7′N117°58′W / 34.117°N 117.967°W /34.117; -117.967 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Los Angeles |
| Founded | 1860[1] |
| Incorporated | August 6, 1957[2] |
| Chartered | 1986 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| • Mayor | Larry G. Burrola |
| • City Manager | Julian Miranda |
| Area | |
• Total | 9.61 sq mi (24.88 km2) |
| • Land | 8.82 sq mi (22.84 km2) |
| • Water | 0.79 sq mi (2.04 km2) 8.19% |
| Elevation | 469 ft (143 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 1,472 |
| • Density | 166.9/sq mi (64.45/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes | 91010, 91702, 91706[6] |
| Area code | 626 |
| GNIS feature IDs | 1652728,2410119 |
| Sister city |  Salvatierra, Mexico |
| Website | www |
Irwindale is a city in theSan Gabriel Valley, inLos Angeles County, California. The population was 1,472 at the2020 census, 1,422 at the2010 census. TheZIP Codes serving the area are 91010, which is shared withDuarte, 91702, which is shared withAzusa, and 91706, which is shared withBaldwin Park.
Gravel pits in and near the city supplied most of the rock and sand to build thehighways of nearbyLos Angeles.[7]Huy Fong sriracha, a popular hot sauce, is made in the city. Since 2005, the city has hosted the annualRenaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California.
Most housing is in the southeastern portion of the city, near Arrow Highway and north of Cypress Street near Irwindale Avenue. There is also an isolated tract of housing on the southeastern corner of Meridian Street in the northwestern portion of the city.
Irwindale was part of theMexican land grants byAlta California GovernorJuan Alvarado ofRancho La Puente,Rancho Azusa de Dalton,Rancho Azusa de Duarte, andRancho San Francisquito.[8] The families of Gregorio Fraijo and Facundo Ayon settled here in the 1850s.[9] Significant economic growth did not arrive until the advent of the automobile, which drove up demand for the area's rocks and sand for the paving of roads. The city was incorporated on August 6, 1957.
Irwindale took advantage of urban redevelopment laws starting in 1976, and prospered in the following decade; it attracted a 200-acre (81 ha)Miller Brewing Company plant, the corporate headquarters ofHome Savings of America, and other companies.[10]
In the summer of 1987, city councilman Joe Breceda approachedAl Davis, owner of theNational Football League'sLos Angeles Raiders, about building a new stadium on the site of one of the disused pits. Davis agreed to a $115 million deal. He would take ownership of the new stadium provided the Raiders would play there for 19 years.[11] The deal included a $10 million nonrefundable signing bonus paid directly to Davis regardless of whether the plan would be executed.[12] In the event, both parties were served multiple lawsuits, theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers demanded strict environmental impact assessments, and theLos Angeles County Board of Supervisors demurred, and the project was canceled.[13] Davis pocketed the $10 million, and eventually moved the Raiders back toOakland.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.6 square miles (25 km2). 8.8 square miles (23 km2) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km2) of it (8.19%) is water.[3]
Irwindale, along with many surrounding cities in the San Gabriel Valley, is identified as aSuperfund site by theUnited States Environmental Protection Agency.[14] Groundwater contamination was first found through well sampling in 1979.[15] Contaminants include high levels ofvolatile organic compounds such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE), perchlorate, 1,4-dioxane, and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). More than 100 facilities are identified as contributors to this contamination in Irwindale, mainly through improper disposal and handling of chemicals over the years.[14]
This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. According to theKöppen Climate Classification system, Irwindale has awarm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.[16]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 1,518 | — | |
| 1970 | 784 | −48.4% | |
| 1980 | 1,030 | 31.4% | |
| 1990 | 1,050 | 1.9% | |
| 2000 | 1,446 | 37.7% | |
| 2010 | 1,422 | −1.7% | |
| 2020 | 1,472 | 3.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[17] 1860–1870[18][19] 1880-1890[20] 1900[21] 1910[22] 1920[23] 1930[24] 1940[25] 1950[26] 1960[27][28] 1970[29] 1980[30] 1990[31]2000[32] 2010[33] 2020[34] | |||
Irwindale first appeared as a city in the1960 U.S. census[27] as part of the East San Gabriel Valley census county division.[28]
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[35] | Pop 2010[36] | Pop 2020[34] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 129 | 87 | 53 | 8.92% | 6.12% | 3.60% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 5 | 5 | 15 | 0.35% | 0.35% | 1.02% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0.41% | 0.14% | 0.07% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 15 | 28 | 50 | 1.04% | 1.97% | 3.40% |
| Native Hawaiian orPacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.07% | 0.00% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 9 | 2 | 2 | 0.62% | 0.14% | 0.14% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 5 | 9 | 15 | 0.35% | 0.63% | 1.02% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,277 | 1,288 | 1,336 | 88.31% | 90.58% | 90.76% |
| Total | 1,446 | 1,422 | 1,472 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
The2020 United States census reported that Irwindale had a population of 1,472. The population density was 166.8 inhabitants per square mile (64.4/km2). The racial makeup of Irwindale was 370 (25.1%)White, 31 (2.1%)African American, 80 (5.4%)Native American, 52 (3.5%)Asian, 5 (0.3%)Pacific Islander, 571 (38.8%) fromother races, and 363 (24.7%) from two or more races.Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,336 persons (90.8%).[37]
The census reported that 1,443 people (98.0% of the population) lived in households, 29 (2.0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.[37]
There were 412 households, out of which 191 (46.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 190 (46.1%) were married-couple households, 30 (7.3%) werecohabiting couple households, 122 (29.6%) had a female householder with no partner present, and 70 (17.0%) had a male householder with no partner present. 53 households (12.9%) were one person, and 25 (6.1%) were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.5.[37] There were 331families (80.3% of all households).[38]
The age distribution was 359 people (24.4%) under the age of 18, 147 people (10.0%) aged 18 to 24, 389 people (26.4%) aged 25 to 44, 380 people (25.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 197 people (13.4%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males.[37]
There were 424 housing units at an average density of 48.1 units per square mile (18.6 units/km2), of which 412 (97.2%) were occupied. Of these, 277 (67.2%) were owner-occupied, and 135 (32.8%) were occupied by renters.[37]
In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $113,250, and theper capita income was $38,924. About 4.7% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line.[39]
The2010 United States census[40] reported that Irwindale had a population of 1,422. The population density was 147.9 inhabitants per square mile (57.1/km2). The racial makeup of Irwindale was 833 (58.6%)White (6.1% Non-Hispanic White),[41] 12 (0.8%)African American, 29 (2.0%)Native American, 34 (2.4%)Asian, 8 (0.6%)Pacific Islander, 448 (31.5%) fromother races, and 58 (4.1%) from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 1,288 persons (90.6%).
The Census reported that 1,372 people (96.5% of the population) lived in households, 50 (3.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 374 households, out of which 194 (51.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 189 (50.5%) wereopposite-sex married couples living together, 88 (23.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 32 (8.6%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 32 (8.6%)unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 1 (0.3%)same-sex married couples or partnerships. 48 households (12.8%) were made up of individuals, and 22 (5.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.67. There were 309families (82.6% of all households); the average family size was 3.93.
The population was spread out, with 373 people (26.2%) under the age of 18, 154 people (10.8%) aged 18 to 24, 397 people (27.9%) aged 25 to 44, 347 people (24.4%) aged 45 to 64, and 151 people (10.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.
There were 390 housing units at an average density of 40.6 per square mile (15.7/km2), of which 261 (69.8%) were owner-occupied, and 113 (30.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 2.6%. 992 people (69.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 380 people (26.7%) lived in rental housing units.
According to the 2010 United States census, Irwindale had a median household income of $63,250, with 10.4% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[42]
Mapping L.A. reported that in 2000,Mexican (71.0%) andGerman (4.4%) were the most common ancestries.Mexico (60.0%) andCosta Rica (19.3%) were the most common foreign places of birth.[43]
With relatively few residents, Irwindale consists mostly ofrock quarries, which are the major revenue source for the city. TheIrwindale Event Center is also located in the city, as is theSanta Fe Dam Recreation Area near theSan Gabriel River, a plant of theMiller Brewing Company, and a plant of theHuy Fong Foodssriracha sauce company.
According to the city's 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[44] the top employers in the city are:
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern California Edison | 2,528 |
| 2 | Ready Pac Foods | 1,900 |
| 3 | MillerCoors | 530 |
| 4 | Asplundh Tree Expert Company | 400 |
| 5 | Mariposa Horticultural Enterprise | 382 |
| 6 | R Ranch Markets | 344 |
| 7 | Biosense Webster | 390 |
| 8 | Charter Communications | 331 |
| 9 | Best Overnite Express | 268 |
| 10 | Superior Communications | 243 |
Molson Coors has announced it will cease production at its Irwindale brewery by September 2020, cutting all 470 jobs.[45]
The city of Irwindale offered a low interest loan toHuy Fong Foods in 2010 to locate itssriracha factory in Irwindale. Huy Fong took the loan and contributed $250,000 a year to the city as part of the deal. Huy Fong built a $40-million factory planned to generate about $300 million a year in sales. Shortly after Huy Fong paid off the loan early and stopped contributing to the city, Huy Fong became involved in lawsuits brought by its neighbors and the city of Irwindale, who complain of the odors ofjalapeño pepper andgarlic generated by the plant. The city's suit led to a court order for the plant to cease most operations.[46][47] After some changes, the lawsuits were dropped in 2018 and production returned to past levels.[48]
Irwindale Chamber of Commerce views the sand and gravel mining industry as a significant part of the city's strength.[49]
On March 25, 2015, advocacy groups and concerned residents stood outside city hall and protested the opening of a newhazardous waste site, owned by CleanTech Environmental Inc.[50] The protesting groups were most concerned with the facility's placement adjacent to an ecological reserve and landmark, theSanta Fe Dam Recreational Area. Protesting groups included theCalifornia League of Conservation Voters, California Latino Environmental Advocacy Network,Communities for a Better Environment, and East Yard Communities.
In an interview, CleanTech owner Bob Brown affirms that the facility will not pose an environmental concern. The building of the facility was planned to prevent storm runoff, and all waste management occurs inside the facility, not outside.[50] He also cites the fact that recycling oil reduces California'scarbon footprint and allows the waste to be turned into other products.
CleanTech's corporate offices have resided in Irwindale for over 15 years,[51] and the new facility is expected to recycle 1.5 million gallons of used oil a year.[50]
Irwindale's City Council is composed of five members, elected at-large and to a four-year term. Elections were held in November of odd-numbered years until the 2015 election. Effective with the 2018 California General Election, it will be held on a Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
In thestate legislature Irwindale is located in the:
In theUnited States House of Representatives, Irwindale is inCalifornia's 31st congressional district, represented byDemocrat Gil Cisneros.[52]
Irwindale is a full-service city. Its public services include a library, a skate park, a teen center, a senior center, a gymnasium, and a swimming pool.[53] The city also offers its residents a vision and prescription drug benefit program, providing access to generic medication at a $3 or $10 copay depending on age. The city states that the program is meant to mitigate impacts on residents from mining activities, but theCalifornia State Auditor has criticized the city for spending approximately $1 million annually on a relatively small number of resident prescriptions, and of failing to coordinate coverage with other insurers.[54]
TheLos Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Monrovia Health Center inMonrovia, serving Irwindale.[55]
Public transit in Irwindale is served byFoothill Transit.[56] On theLos Angeles Metro Rail system, there is theIrwindale station on theMetro A Line.
Irwindale has its own police department,[57] and contracts with theLos Angeles County Fire Department for their services.
Places adjacent to Irwindale, California | |
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