Cabazon, California

Coordinates: 33°54′33″N 116°45′59″W / 33.90917°N 116.76639°W / 33.90917; -116.76639
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cabazon
One of the Cabazon dinosaurs
One of the Cabazon dinosaurs
Location in Riverside County and the state of California
Location in Riverside County and the state of California
Cabazon is located in the United States
Cabazon
Cabazon
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 33°54′33″N 116°45′59″W / 33.90917°N 116.76639°W / 33.90917; -116.76639
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyRiverside
Area
 • Total4.89 sq mi (12.67 km2)
 • Land4.89 sq mi (12.67 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0.52%
Elevation1,834 ft (559 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total2,629
 • Density537.30/sq mi (207.45/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
92230, 92282
Area code951
FIPS code06-09360
GNIS feature IDs1652679, 2407936

Cabazon (Spanish: Cabazón)[3][4] is an unincorporated community in Riverside County, California, United States. Cabazon is on the Pacific Crest Trail.[5] In the 21st century, the area has become a tourist stop, due to the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa and Desert Hills Premium Outlets. The population was 2,535 during the 2010 Census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined Cabazon as a census-designated place (CDP).

History[edit]

Cabazon was initially established as a settlement in the 1870s after the Southern Pacific Railroad built a railroad station there. The station was originally named Jacinto, but was renamed Cabezone after the Spanish name of a nearby Indian rancheria. The Spanish had named the latter after a chief of the Cahuilla Indians during the colonial period. He was named for his large head.

In the late 19th century, a workers' camp known as Hall's Siding, which included a hotel and dance hall, developed. It was abandoned after the railroad relocated its facilities. In 1884 a new town was laid out by the Scottish-owned Cabazon Land and Water Company, which established a fruit farm. Some lots were sold, but were later repurchased.

The large plot of land stayed intact until it was bought by a developer in 1910. The developer established a school and a post office, but was unable to attract many residents.[6]

Cabazon was incorporated as a city on November 1, 1955.[7] Under California law, incorporated cities could host cardrooms, while unincorporated areas could not.[7] Some businessmen hoped that cardrooms would attract new residents and businesses. During the next 16 years, the city struggled with scandal, political instability, and stalled growth, as cardroom operators vied with other landowners and residents for control of the city government.[7]

In its first seven years, a succession of 18 police chiefs and 21 City Council members served for short terms in the city.[8] One key dispute was between residents who hoped that Cabazon could be developed as a resort city like Palm Springs to the east, versus cardroom owners who wanted to keep Cabazon's population low so that the city government's operating expenses (and their taxes) would remain low and not impinge on their profits.[7]

In a popular tactic of small jurisdictions, the city turned then-U.S. Route 60 down Main Street into a speed trap; it raised as much as $19,000 per year by fines from speeding tickets. That revenue stream vanished when Interstate 10 was completed in California circa 1964, and US Route 60 was decommissioned.[7] A cardroom operator sued the City Council over its attempt to raise the license fee for cardrooms. This infuriated those landowners and residents who did not profit from the city's cardrooms. They sought to shut down the city so that the cardrooms would also be forced to shut down.[7]

On September 14, 1971, the city's electorate voted in a special election, 192 to 131 in favor of disincorporation.[7] The election results were upheld by the state courts,[7] and the city government disincorporated in 1972.[9]

With changing demographics and regional economy, locals in the early 21st century have intermittently discussed reincorporating the area.[8][10]

Esperanza Fire[edit]

In late October 2006, a major arson fire started near Cabazon.[11] During the course of five days, the Esperanza Fire burned over 40,000 acres (160 km2) and resulted in the deaths of five firefighters.[11] California State Route 243 was renamed as the "Esperanza Firefighters Memorial Highway" to honor them.[12]

Geography[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.9 square miles (13 km2). 4.9 square miles (13 km2) of it is land and 0.025 square miles (0.065 km2) of it is water.[13] The total area is 0.52% water. The Census Bureau definition of the area may not precisely correspond to the local understanding of the community.

Climate[edit]

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Cabazon has a hot desert climate, abbreviated "BWh" on climate maps.

Climate data for Cabazon, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 60.7
(15.9)
68.5
(20.3)
74.5
(23.6)
83.7
(28.7)
90.4
(32.4)
95.1
(35.1)
99.4
(37.4)
98.2
(36.8)
94.4
(34.7)
88.9
(31.6)
75.7
(24.3)
61.4
(16.3)
99.4
(37.4)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 54.7
(12.6)
62.4
(16.9)
67.9
(19.9)
75.4
(24.1)
83.8
(28.8)
91.2
(32.9)
95.8
(35.4)
94.5
(34.7)
89.4
(31.9)
80.4
(26.9)
65.7
(18.7)
55.2
(12.9)
76.5
(24.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 45.3
(7.4)
51.2
(10.7)
56.0
(13.3)
61.3
(16.3)
68.9
(20.5)
75.7
(24.3)
80.4
(26.9)
79.0
(26.1)
73.9
(23.3)
64.6
(18.1)
52.4
(11.3)
44.3
(6.8)
62.8
(17.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 35.8
(2.1)
40.0
(4.4)
44.0
(6.7)
47.1
(8.4)
53.9
(12.2)
60.2
(15.7)
65.0
(18.3)
63.4
(17.4)
58.3
(14.6)
48.8
(9.3)
39.1
(3.9)
33.4
(0.8)
49.1
(9.5)
Record low °F (°C) 28.9
(−1.7)
33.1
(0.6)
36.6
(2.6)
41.7
(5.4)
49.2
(9.6)
56.0
(13.3)
60.2
(15.7)
59.8
(15.4)
53.6
(12.0)
42.9
(6.1)
34.3
(1.3)
25.5
(−3.6)
25.5
(−3.6)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.65
(67)
2.71
(69)
2.46
(62)
1.14
(29)
0.49
(12)
0.29
(7.4)
0.46
(12)
0.35
(8.9)
0.28
(7.1)
0.49
(12)
1.45
(37)
2.95
(75)
15.72
(398.4)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 1.1
(2.8)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0.6
(1.5)
1.7
(4.3)
Average rainy days 5 5 5 3 1 0 1 1 1 2 3 5 32
Source: Weatherbase[14]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
20002,229
20102,53513.7%
20202,6293.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[15]

2010[edit]

At the 2010 census Cabazon had a population of 2,535. The population density was 518.0 inhabitants per square mile (200.0/km2). The racial makeup of Cabazon was 1,751 (69.1%) Caucasian (42.3% Non-Hispanic Caucasian),[16] 135 (5.3%) African American, 90 (3.6%) Native American, 38 (1.5%) Asian, 14 (0.6%) Pacific Islander, 358 (14.1%) from other races, and 149 (5.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,135 persons (44.8%).[17]

The census reported that 2,526 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households, 9 (0.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.

There were 792 households, 350 (44.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 317 (40.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 181 (22.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 81 (10.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 81 (10.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 8 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 157 households (19.8%) were one person and 54 (6.8%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.19. There were 579 families (73.1% of households); the average family size was 3.68.

The age distribution was 798 people (31.5%) under the age of 18, 275 people (10.8%) aged 18 to 24, 577 people (22.8%) aged 25 to 44, 674 people (26.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 211 people (8.3%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 31.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.

There were 932 housing units at an average density of 190.5 per square mile, of the occupied units 459 (58.0%) were owner-occupied and 333 (42.0%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.6%. 1,382 people (54.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 1,144 people (45.1%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States Census, Cabazon had a median household income of $33,333, with 22.1% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[18]

2000[edit]

At the 2000 census there were 2,229 people, 721 households, and 511 families in the CDP. The population density was 564.3 inhabitants per square mile (217.9/km2). There were 846 housing units at an average density of 214.2 per square mile (82.7/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 70.9% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 4.2% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 13.4% from other races, and 6.1% from two or more races.[19] Of the 721 households 37.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 20.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.5% of households were one person and 9.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.9 and the average family size was 3.5.

The age distribution was 30.5% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median household income was $20,598 and the median family income was $24,583. Males had a median income of $29,236 versus $19,444 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,068. About 28.9% of families and 32.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.9% of those under age 18 and 33.1% of those age 65 or over.

Major landmarks[edit]

Dinny the Dinosaur

Roadside attraction[edit]

Claude Bell's giant dinosaur sculptures are icons of roadside America. The site features two sculptures: a 150-ton building in the shape of a larger-than-life-sized Brontosaurus (begun in 1964, completed in 1975), and a 100-ton Tyrannosaurus rex structure (built in 1981).[20][21] The dinosaurs, nicknamed "Dinny" and "Mr. Rex," respectively, were installed to attract customers to Claude Bell's Wheel Inn Cafe.

Some residents grew up with them along the highway in southern California; others may remember them from various films and videos, notably in Pee-wee's Big Adventure.[22] Developers purchased the dinosaurs in 2005 from the Bell family for $1.2 million.[23]

Outlet shopping center[edit]

Cabazon is a stop for outlet shopping; Desert Hills Premium Outlets[24] and Cabazon Outlets[25] each operate outlet malls.[26]

Native American hotel and casino[edit]

Cabazon is the territory of the federally recognized Morongo Band of Mission Indians, which have developed the Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa. Its 27-story hotel tower dominates the San Gorgonio Pass.[27][28] This is one of the largest Native American casinos in the United States.[28]

In addition, they partnered for tribal business with Arrowhead Mountain Springwater to develop a huge water-bottling facility on the eastern edge on Cabazon in 2003. Its construction earned a LEED Silver rating.[29]

Library[edit]

The Cabazon Library, opened in 2013, is part of the Riverside County Library System, operated under contract by Library Systems and Services, LLC.[30]

Government[edit]

In the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Cabazon is in 5th district, represented by Democrat Yxstian Gutierrez.[31]

In the California State Legislature, Cabazon is in the 23rd Senate District, represented by Republican Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, and in the 42nd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Jacqui Irwin.[32]

In the United States House of Representatives, Cabazon is in California's 25th congressional district, represented by Democrat Raul Ruiz.[33]

Transportation[edit]

The Amtrak Thruway 39 provides daily connections to Fullerton station and Palm Springs.[34]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  2. ^ "Cabazon". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved December 17, 2014.
  3. ^ Voice of America - Incendios forestales en el sur de California
  4. ^ MedioTiempo - Noquea Mora a Ruvalcaba en seis rounds en casino Morongo
  5. ^ "Pacific Crest Trail Towns - HikerFeed".
  6. ^ David W. Kean, Wide Places in the California Roads: The Encyclopedia of California's Small Towns and the roads that lead to them (Volume 1 of 4: Southern California Counties), p. 30.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Hillinger, Charles (November 21, 1971). "Cabazon: It's A Town Dying of Gambling". Los Angeles Times. p. AA. Available through ProQuest NewsStand.
  8. ^ a b Gold, Scott (August 16, 2000). "Living With an Ill-Timed Choice to Recall City Hall". Los Angeles Times. p. A3. Available through ProQuest NewsStand.
  9. ^ Kean, Wide Places in the California Roads, Vol. 1, p. 31
  10. ^ Moore, Steve (June 4, 2004). "Some Cabazon residents want city". The Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on September 26, 2007. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  11. ^ a b De Atley, Richard K (March 20, 2007). "Hearing testimony lays trail to wildfire". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  12. ^ "California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Routes 241 through 248". www.cahighways.org. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  13. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  14. ^ "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on October 13, 2013.
  15. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  16. ^ Bureau, U.S. Census. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  17. ^ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA – Cabazon CDP". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  18. ^ https://www.census.gov. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  19. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  20. ^ "The Cabazon Dinosaurs - The Big Waste of Space Photologue". www.bigwaste.com. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  21. ^ Associated Press, Cabazon, California. Eugene Register-Guard, April 12, 1970. "Cement brontosaurus just beginning: Claude Kenneth Bell and his 'monster'." Hosted by Google Newspapers. Retrieved on January 2, 2010.
  22. ^ Kine, Starlee (October 9, 2005). "In the Belly of the Beast". The New York Times Magazine. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  23. ^ Powers, Ashley (August 27, 2005). "Adam, Eve and T. Rex". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  24. ^ Reserved., Simon Property Group, L.P. and/or Its Affiliates, 1999-2018. All Rights. "Welcome To Desert Hills Premium Outlets®". www.premiumoutlets.com. Retrieved April 11, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ "Cabazon Outlets". Cabazon Outlets. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  26. ^ Wells, Devona (June 19, 2004). "Shopping for outlet malls". The Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on November 26, 2004. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  27. ^ DeCarlo, Paul (September 24, 2004). "Tribe shows fire skills". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  28. ^ a b Shikes, Jonathan (April 30, 2005). "Beyond the buffet". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  29. ^ "Arrowhead Bottled Water Facility Earns LEED Silver". GreenBiz.com. July 29, 2004. Archived from the original on February 14, 2005. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
  30. ^ "Cabazon Library opens with February 13 event Archived 2014-08-19 at the Wayback Machine, Blog, 13 February 2013
  31. ^ "Supervisor Jeff Hewitt - Riverside County, District 5". August 9, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  32. ^ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved December 16, 2014.
  33. ^ "California's 25th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
  34. ^ https://www.pacificsurfliner.com/destinations/thruway/palm-springs/

External links[edit]