Irwindale, California

Irwindale is a city in the San Gabriel Valley, in Los Angeles County, California. The population was 1,422 at the 2010 census, down from 1,446 at the 2000 census. The ZIP Codes serving the area are 91010, which is shared with Duarte, 91702, which is shared with Azusa, and 91706, which is shared with Baldwin Park.

Irwindale, California
City in California
City of Irwindale
Nickname(s): 
Jardin de Roca[1]
Location of Irwindale in Los Angeles County, California.
Irwindale, California
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 34°7′N 117°58′W
Country United States
State California
County Los Angeles
Founded1860[1]
IncorporatedAugust 6, 1957[2]
Chartered1986
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager
 • MayorAlbert F. Ambriz[3]
Area
 • Total9.61 sq mi (24.88 km2)
 • Land8.82 sq mi (22.84 km2)
 • Water0.79 sq mi (2.04 km2)  8.19%
Elevation469 ft (143 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total1,422
 • Estimate 
(2019)[6]
1,446
 • Density163.95/sq mi (63.30/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
91010, 91702, 91706[7]
Area code626
FIPS code06-36826
GNIS feature IDs1652728, 2410119
Websitewww.irwindaleca.gov

With relatively few residents, Irwindale consists mostly of rock quarries, which are the major revenue source for the city. The Irwindale Event Center is also located in the city, as is the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area near the San Gabriel River, a plant of the Miller Brewing Company, and a plant of the Huy Fong Foods sriracha sauce company.

The city became the new permanent site for the annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire of Southern California in 2005, after it moved from its previous home at the Glen Helen Regional Park in Devore. Irwindale, a full-service city, has police and library services. There is a skate park, a teen center, a senior center, and a public gymnasium. The majority of the housing is found on the southeastern portion of the city, near Arrow Highway and north of Cypress Street near Irwindale Avenue. There is also a tract of housing on the southeastern corner of Meridian St in the northwestern portion of the city, being distant from the rest of the housing.

History

Irwindale was part of the Mexican land grants by Alta California Governor Juan Alvarado of Rancho La Puente, Rancho Azusa de Dalton, Rancho Azusa de Duarte, and Rancho San Francisquito.[8] The families of Gregorio Fraijo and Fecundo 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 of Home Savings of America, and other companies.[10]

Huy Fong Sriracha controversy

The City of Irwindale offered a low interest loan to Huy Fong Foods in 2010 to locate its sriracha 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 of jalapeño pepper and garlic generated by the plant. The city's suit led to a court order for the plant to cease most operations.[11][12]

Sand and gravel mining

Irwindale is dominated by 17 gravel pits,[13] which it was obligated to fill. Irwindale Chamber of Commerce views the sand and gravel mining industry as a significant part of the city's strength.[14] In the summer of 1987, city councilman Joe Breceda approached Al Davis, owner of the National Football League's Los Angeles Raiders, about building a new stadium on the site of one of the disused pits.

Davis, long and vocally displeased with the Raiders' home at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, agreed to a $115 million deal. He would take ownership of the new stadium provided the Raiders would play there for 19 years.[15] Controversially, the deal included a $10 million nonrefundable signing bonus paid directly to Davis regardless of whether the plan would be executed.[16] In the event, both parties were served multiple lawsuits, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers demanded strict environmental impact assessments, and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors demurred, and the project was canceled.[17] Davis pocketed the $10 million, and eventually moved the Raiders back to Oakland.

In September 2002, the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB) asked the Office of Mine Reclamation (OMR) to review depth and mine slope conditions of the sand and gravel pits in Irwindale.[18]

Environmental concerns

Irwindale, along with many surrounding cities in the San Gabriel Valley, is identified as a Superfund site by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.[19] Groundwater contamination was first found through well sampling in 1979.[20] Contaminants include high levels of volatile 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.[19]

CleanTech Environmental Inc. Controversy

On March 25, 2015, advocacy groups and concerned residents stood outside city hall and protested the opening of a new hazardous waste site, owned by CleanTech Environmental Inc.[21] The protesting groups were most concerned with the facility's placement adjacent to an ecological reserve and landmark, the Santa Fe Dam Recreational Area. Protesting groups included the California 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.[21] He also cites the fact that recycling oil reduces California's carbon footprint and allows the waste to be turned into other products.

CleanTech's corporate offices have resided in Irwindale for over 15 years,[22] and the new facility is expected to recycle 1.5 million gallons of used oil a year.[21]

Geography

Irwindale is located at 34°7′N 117°58′W (34.112, -117.964).[23] According to the United 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.

Climate

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Irwindale has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.[24]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
19601,518—
1970784−48.4%
19801,03031.4%
19901,0501.9%
20001,44637.7%
20101,422−1.7%
Est. 20191,446[6]1.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[25]

2000

As of the census[26] of 2000, there were 1,446 people, 365 households, and 293 families residing in Irwindale. The population density was 155.7 inhabitants per square mile (60.1/km2). There were 378 housing units at an average density of 40.7 per square mile (15.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 47.0% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 44.5% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. 88.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 365 households, out of which 46.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 15.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.96 and the average family size was 4.35.

In Irwindale the population was spread out, with 33.4% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $45,000, and the median income for a family was $46,827. Males had a median income of $34,375 versus $32,016 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,144. About 17.7% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.8% of those under age 18 and 21.8% of those age 65 or over.

2010

The 2010 United States Census[27] reported that Irwindale had a population of 1,422. The population density was 147.9 people per square mile (57.1/km2). The racial makeup of Irwindale was 833 (58.6%) White (6.1% Non-Hispanic White),[28] 12 (0.8%) African American, 29 (2.0%) Native American, 34 (2.4%) Asian, 8 (0.6%) Pacific Islander, 448 (31.5%) from other races, and 58 (4.1%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino 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%) were opposite-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 309 families (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.[29]

Government and infrastructure

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 the state legislature Irwindale is located in the:

In the United States House of Representatives, Irwindale is in California's 32nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Grace Napolitano.[30]

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Monrovia Health Center in Monrovia, serving Irwindale.[31]

Public transit in Irwindale is served by Foothill Transit; FT: Maps and Schedules.[32]

Public safety

Irwindale has its own police department (Anthony Miranda is the police chief, as of 2014),[33] while contracting with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for their services (Fire Station #48 is on Arrow Highway 1/2 mile west of Irwindale Avenue), but for basic paramedic services, Fire Station #29 on Los Angeles Street in neighboring Baldwin Park can be summoned, as well as Station #32 in nearby Azusa.

Irwindale was contemplating disbanding the police department and contracting with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (either from the San Dimas or Temple City regional stations); the decision was to keep the police department intact.

Economy

Top employers

According to the City's 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[34] 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.[35]

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See also

References
  1. "About Irwindale". Irwindale, CA. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  2. "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  3. "city of Irwindale Council Members". Retrieved 2007-12-12.
  4. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  5. "Irwindale". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  6. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  7. "USPS - ZIP Code Lookup - Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  8. Ogden Hoffman, 1862, Reports of Land Cases Determined in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Numa Hubert, San Francisco
  9. "History". City of Irwindale website. Retrieved 2008-11-12.
  10. Cummings, Judith (September 12, 1987). "From Rocks to Riches: Tiny Suburb That Landed a Pro Team". New York Times.
  11. Shyong, Frank (November 9, 2013). "Sriracha creator adds heat to clash with Irwindale over factory smell". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  12. Shyong, Frank (November 27, 2013). "Effect on Sriracha supply unclear after partial shutdown ordered". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 27, 2013.
  14. "Irwindale Business Directory". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  15. Cummings, Judith (August 27, 1987). "Talking Deals: Raiders' Town: First and Long". New York Times.
  16. Reilly, Rick (September 14, 1987). "The Talk Of The Town: Meet Irwindale, Calif., home-to-be of the Raiders". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013.
  17. Peter Y. Hong & Richard Winton (February 8, 1999). "Irwindale's Fumble of Raider Bid Still Stings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  18. Report on Reconnaissance of Irwindale Mines, Irwindale, California (PDF), retrieved 2013-01-28
  19. "Superfund Site Overview San Gabriel Valley (all Areas), Pacific Southwest, US EPA". yosemite.epa.gov. Retrieved 2015-04-28.
  20. Ward, Mike (April 28, 1985). "Contamination Found in 8 More Wells; 4 Are Closed". Los Angeles Times.
  21. Tompkins, Courtney (26 March 2015). "Pasadena Star News". Protests and Demonstrations. Ppasadena Star News. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  22. "About - CleanTech Environmental, Inc". cleantechenv.com. Retrieved 2015-04-30.
  23. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  24. "Irwindale, California Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.
  25. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  26. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  27. "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Irwindale city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  28. Bureau, U.S. Census. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau.
  29. "2010 United States Census".
  30. "California's 32nd Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  31. "Monrovia Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 27, 2010.
  32. http://www.foothilltransit.org/ Foothill Transit: homepage . accessed 8/22/2010
  33. "City of Irwindale". Retrieved 2012-01-28.
  34. "City of Irwindale CAFR".
  35. Hancock, Edith (January 8, 2020). "Molson Coors to close California brewery, cutting 470 jobs". The drinks business. Retrieved 2020-01-09.
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