Paradise, California

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Paradise is an incorporated town in Butte County, in the northwest foothills of California's Central Valley, in the Sierra. The town is considered part of the Chico Metropolitan Area. The population was 26,408 at the 2000 census. Paradise is some 15 miles (24 km) northeast of Chico and 100 miles (160 km) north of Sacramento.

The State of California, Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development defines Feather River Hospital as a General Acute Care Hospital in Paradise with Basic emergency care as of 08/22/2006. The facility is located at (NAD83) latitude/longitude 39°45′25″N, 121°34′16″W.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Transportation
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Geography

The town of Paradise is spread out on a wide ridge which rises between deep canyons on either side. These canyons are formed by the west branch of the Feather River to the east, and Butte Creek to the west, which forms a magnificent canyon that could be referred to as a "mini-Grand Canyon". "The Ridge", as it is known by locals, extends northwards from Paradise to include the unincorporated town of Magalia and smaller communities such as Stirling City to the far north. Elevations in the town range from around 1500 to 2300 feet, steadily increasing as one travels northwards. The town is approximately 8 miles east of the city of Chico, and 10 miles north of the Oroville area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 47.3 km² (18.2 mi²), all land.

Paradise is located at 39°45′42″N, 121°36′31″W (39.761708, -121.608716)^GR1.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 26,408 people, 11,591 households, and 7,244 families residing in the town. The population density was 558.7/km² (1,447.1/mi²). There were 12,374 housing units at an average density of 261.8/km² (678.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 93.73% White, 0.19% Black or African American, 1.07% Native American, 1.04% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.21% from other races, and 2.64% from two or more races. 4.27% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 11,591 households out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the town the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,863, and the median income for a family was $41,228. Males had a median income of $35,419 versus $25,231 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,267. About 9.7% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Transportation

There are not many options for transportation within Paradise other than driving an automobile. One notable exception is the Paradise Memorial Trail, which is a paved pedestrian and bicycle path which runs through town on the path of the former railroad tracks leading up the ridge. However, aside from points along this path, the very 'hilly' nature of the town, coupled with the large spacing of commercial areas and large land area make Paradise difficult to navigate on foot or on a bicycle.

The main road through town, and Paradise's link with Chico is known as The Skyway, or simply "Skyway". Skyway begins in the Valley, at the Highway 99 Freeway in Chico, and runs up the ridge as a 4-lane divided highway until it reaches Paradise. Through the town it is a four-lane undivided highway, and it becomes a 2-lane road as it continues up the Ridge to Magalia and numerous smaller communities to the north. Paradise is connected to Oroville via Highway 191, otherwise known as Clark Road upon entering the town.

Paradise is also served by the "B Line", Butte County's regional bus service.

Paradise Skypark, (FAA identifier: Q88), is located parallel to State Route 191 and south of the town at 39°42′59″N, 121°42′59″W.

[edit] See also

Paradise is home to Radio Paradise, a listener-supported internet radio station and community web site.

Actor and painter Gary Burghoff of M.A.S.H. resides in Paradise. Olympian Jack Yerman, winner of the 1600 meter relay in 1960 (Rome, Italy), also resides in Paradise with his wife Margo.