Redwood City, California

City of Redwood City
—  City  —
The skyline of downtown Redwood City

Logo
Motto: Climate Best by Government Test
Location in San Mateo County and the state of California
Coordinates:
Country  United States
State  California
County San Mateo
Incorporated March 27, 1868
Government
 • Mayor Jeff Ira
Area[1]
 • Total 34.625 sq mi (89.677 km2)
 • Land 19.420 sq mi (50.297 km2)
 • Water 15.205 sq mi (39.380 km2)  43.91%
Elevation 20 ft (6 m)
Population (2010)
 • Total 76,815
 • Density 3,955.5/sq mi (1,527.2/km2)
Time zone PST (UTC-8)
 • Summer (DST) PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP code 94059, 94061-94065
Area code(s) 650
FIPS code 06-60102
GNIS feature ID 0277584
Website http://redwoodcity.org/

Redwood City is a California charter city located on the San Francisco Peninsula in Northern California, approximately 27 miles (43 km) south of San Francisco, and 24 miles (39 km) north of San Jose. Redwood City's history spans from its earliest inhabitation by the Ohlone people, to its tradition as a port for lumber and other goods, to its place as the county seat of San Mateo County. Today the city is known as the home of several technology companies such as Oracle and Electronic Arts. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 76,815. The Port of Redwood City is the only deepwater port on San Francisco Bay south of San Francisco.

Contents

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.6 square miles (90 km2), of which 19.4 square miles (50 km2) is land and 15.2 square miles (39 km2) (43.91%) is water. A major watercourse draining much of Redwood City is Redwood Creek, to which several significant sloughs connect, the largest of which is Westpoint Slough.

Redwood City's sphere of influence includes the districts of Emerald Lake Hills and North Fair Oaks, which, however, are largely outside the city boundaries and are counted individually for the U.S. census. Palomar Park, just north of Emerald Hills and east of San Carlos' Crestview area, is another Redwood City neighborhood that is formally part of unincorporated San Mateo County. The neighborhood of Redwood Shores is part of Redwood City, although it is not possible to travel by road from one to the other without passing through the neighboring city of San Carlos. Although Redwood City is mainly middle-class, the eastern section of Redwood City highly resembles working-class North Fair Oaks and East Palo Alto in demographic make-up and income level.

El Camino Real, a northwest/southeast arterial street and Woodside Road, a north-northeast/south-southwest arterial, run through Redwood City. Locally, the former is regarded as north/south and the latter east/west, as El Camino connects Redwood City to San Francisco and San Jose and Woodside Road runs from San Francisco Bay to the Santa Cruz Mountains. The actual geography is as stated.

Climate

The National Weather Service, which maintains both a forecast center and a cooperative office in Redwood City, reports that December is the coolest month and July is the warmest month. The record highest temperature of 110°F (43.3°C) was recorded on July 14 and 15, 1972. The record lowest temperature of 16°F (-8.8°C) was recorded on January 11, 1949. Annually, there are an average of 21.6 days with highs of 90°F (32°C) or higher and 2.8 days with highs of 100°F (38°C) or higher; there are an average of 10.4 days with lows of 32°F (0°C) or lower.

The normal annual precipitation is 20.16 inches (51.20 cm). The most rainfall in one month was 12.42 inches (31.55 cm) in February 1998. The record 24-hour rainfall of 4.88 inches (12.4 cm) was on October 13, 1962. There are an average of 62.1 days with measurable precipitation. Snow flurries have been observed on rare occasions; there was some minor snow accumulation in May 1935, January 1962, and February 1976.

Climate data for Redwood City, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °F (°C) 64.0
(17.5)
67.0
(18.5)
69.5
(20.0)
71.5
(21.1)
75.5
(23.3)
81.5
(27.5)
84.5
(29.85)
84.5
(29.85)
80.5
(27.0)
75.5
(25.5)
68.5
(19.5)
63.5
(17.0)
75.5
(23.5)
Average low °F (°C) 44.2
(6.5)
45.5
(7.0)
47.5
(8.5)
48.3
(9.4)
55.5
(12.5)
60.0
(15.0)
61.5
(15.5)
63.5
(16.5)
61.5
(15.5)
55.5
(12.5)
48.5
(8.0)
43.5
(6.5)
55.5
(12.5)
Precipitation inches (mm) 4.20
(106.7)
4.04
(102.6)
3.57
(90.7)
1.07
(27.2)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
2.62
(66.5)
2.93
(74.4)
20.16
(512.1)
Source: "Climatography of the United States," National Climatic Data Center (www.ncdc.noaa.gov)

Demographics

2010

The 2010 United States Census[2] reported that Redwood City had a population of 76,815. The population density was 2,218.5 people per square mile (856.6/km²). The racial makeup of Redwood City was 46,255 (60.2%) White, 1,881 (2.4%) African American, 511 (0.7%) Native American, 8,216 (10.7%) Asian, 795 (1.0%) Pacific Islander, 14,967 (19.5%) from other races, and 4,190 (5.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 29,810 persons (38.8%). Among the Hispanic population, 21,132 (27.5%) are Mexican, 384 (0.5%) are Puerto Rican, 167 (0.2%) are Cuban, and 8,127 (10.6%) are other Hispanic or Latino.

The Census reported that 75,268 people (98.0% of the population) lived in households, 408 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 1,139 (1.5%) were institutionalized.

There were 27,957 households, out of which 10,045 (35.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13,642 (48.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,139 (11.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,461 (5.2%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,818 (6.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 288 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 7,411 households (26.5%) were made up of individuals and 2,401 (8.6%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69. There were 18,242 families (65.3% of all households); the average family size was 3.26.

The population was spread out with 18,193 people (23.7%) under the age of 18, 5,981 people (7.8%) aged 18 to 24, 24,819 people (32.3%) aged 25 to 44, 19,710 people (25.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 8,112 people (10.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.7 years. For every 100 females there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

There were 29,167 housing units at an average density of 842.4 per square mile (325.2/km²), of which 14,160 (50.6%) were owner-occupied, and 13,797 (49.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.9%. 37,757 people (49.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 37,511 people (48.8%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

In 2000, there were 75,402 people, 27,423 households and 17,898 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,958.6 people per square mile (2,679.3/km²). There were 29,568 housing units at an average density of 2,848.9 per square mile (876.5/km²). 47.1% spoke English, 39.6% Spanish, 2.4% Chinese or Mandarin, other Indo-European 1.7%, and other language 0.5%, as their first language from estimate census 2009.

There were 27,680 households out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.2% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.62 and the average family size was 4.80.

In the city the population was spread out with 30.6% under the age of 18, 14.7% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 17.4% from 45 to 64, and 7.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.4 males.

According to a 2009 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $69,679, and the median income for a family was $77,964. Nevertheless, because of the extremely high cost of living in Redwood City, certain jobs (especially in the service industry) pay over $50,000 a year in Redwood City, and in other parts of the country these jobs would be classified as low-income. Disposable income is relatively constant when Redwood City is compared with the rest of the country, however.[3] Males had a median income of $47,345 versus $44,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,042. About 8.4% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over.

Politics

In the state legislature Redwood City is located in the 11th Senate District, represented by Democrat Joe Simitian, and in the 21st Assembly District, represented by Democrat Rich Gordon. Federally, Redwood City is located in California's 12th and 14th congressional districts, which have Cook PVIs of D +22 and D +18 respectively.[4] The 12th is represented by former State Senator Jackie Speier, who won the April 2008 special congressional election to complete the rest of the term made vacant by the death of Democrat Tom Lantos. The 14th is represented by Democrat Anna Eshoo.

Downtown

In an attempt to revitalize Redwood City's downtown, city officials decided to look into development. In August 2006, a new 20-screen theatre and various shops opened in a prime downtown location. The theatre complex boasts restaurant and retail space at street level and a 2-level underground parking structure.[5]

In addition to the new 20-screen theatre, major improvements were made to the historical courthouse located on Broadway. In the late 30's an addition was built in front of the original structure, obscuring the view. It was torn down as part of the revitalization project. The building has been replaced with a large courtyard flanked by water fountains on either side, leading to the main steps of the courthouse. The courthouse's glass dome is lit at night and changes colors every 11 seconds.

Landmarks

Education

Redwood City has one community college, Cañada College, and several public high schools in the Sequoia Union High School District: the comprehensive Sequoia High School, the charter schools Summit Preparatory Charter High School and Everest Public High School, and the continuation school Redwood High School. Many students from Redwood City attend Woodside High School in the neighboring town of Woodside.

The Peninsula Library System has four branches in the city: Downtown, Fair Oaks, Redwood Shores, and Schaberg.[7]

Motto

Redwood City's slogan, emblazoned on arches across Broadway at the east and west entrances to downtown, is "Climate Best By Government Test." This is based on a climatological survey conducted by the United States and German governments prior to World War I. The area centered on Redwood City tied for the world's best climate with the Canary Islands and North Africa's Mediterranean Coast.[8]

Independence Day parade

Redwood City's Independence Day parade sponsored by the Peninsula Celebration Association,[9] held continuously since 1939, has been billed variously as 'The largest Independence Day Parade in California,' 'West of the Mississippi,' 'in North America,' claims which may or may not be accurate. The first verifiable written records of celebrations date to 1861, and to 1887 for a parade.

Law enforcement

The Scott Peterson trial was held in Redwood City.

In 1976, Patty Hearst was held at the San Mateo County jail, as it was the most secure facility in the Bay Area at the time. Hearst, the heiress and granddaughter of the legendary newspaper publisher William Randolph Hearst, was kidnapped by a radical group, the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), and made national headlines when she joined the group in a series of crimes.[10]

Author Ken Kesey spent time in the San Mateo County jail in 1967 for possession of marijuana. During his incarceration he wrote Kesey’s Jail Journal.[11]

Sports

Through the late 1980s the San Francisco 49ers football team held workout practices at Red Morton Park, located near the Redwood City Veteran's Memorial Center.

Greg Camarillo, current Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, was born in Redwood City.[12]

Don Mossi, Major League Baseball player, lived at 1925 Vera Avenue in Redwood City. During the 1960s, the home was lent to players from the San Francisco Giants while Mossi was on the road.

Julian Edelman, the wide receiver for the New England Patriots, was born in Redwood City.

Jeff Clark, one of the most famous big wave surfers who surfed mavericks alone for 15 years and was credited with starting the Mavericks surf competition was born here.

Daniel Nava, outfielder for the Boston Red Sox, was born in Redwood City.

Media

Harold and Maude was filmed at various Northern California locations. There is a scene of Maude liberating a "poor tree that can't breathe" which was filmed in front of the San Mateo County Government Center in downtown.

The courthouse scenes of Mrs. Doubtfire were filmed at the Redwood City courthouse.

Several DreamWorks animated films (i.e. Over The Hedge, Madagascar, Shark Tale, Shrek 2, Shrek, etc.) were made by PDI/Dreamworks (the Northern California branch of Dreamworks Animation), which moved to Redwood City from nearby Palo Alto (Park Drive) in October 2002.

Video game publisher Electronic Arts is based in the Redwood Shores neighborhood of Redwood City.

The MMOG Roblox is based in Redwood City.

Economy

Oracle, Electronic Arts, BroadVision, Informatica, Ampex, Support.com, Shutterfly, Openwave, iPass, Saba Software, and BigBand Networks are among the companies based in Redwood City.

All Nippon Airways operates an office in Suite 350 at 555 Twin Dolphin Drive in Redwood City.[13] Until 1999 Sega operated its United States headquarters in Redwood City; during that year the headquarters moved to San Francisco.[14] Shutterfly is based in Redwood City.

Largest employers

  1. Oracle - 6,700
  2. Electronic Arts - 3,146
  3. San Mateo County - 2,200
  4. Kaiser Permanente - 2,044
  5. Sequoia Hospital - 1,013
  6. Redwood City School District - 1,000
  7. BroadVision - 759
  8. Sequoia Union High School District - 700
  9. City of Redwood City - 607
  10. Informatica - 400
  11. PDI/Dreamworks - 400
  12. Stanford Hospital and Clinics - 400
  13. Cañada College - 380
  14. Ampex - 300
  15. Graniterock - 300

Sister cities

Gallery

See also

Notes

  1. ^ U.S. Census
  2. ^ All data are derived from the United States Census Bureau reports from the 2010 United States Census, and are accessible on-line here. The data on unmarried partnerships and same-sex married couples are from the Census report DEC_10_SF1_PCT15. All other housing and population data are from Census report DEC_10_DP_DPDP1. Both reports are viewable online or downloadable in a zip file containing a comma-delimited data file. The area data, from which densities are calculated, are available on-line here. Percentage totals may not add to 100% due to rounding. The Census Bureau defines families as a household containing one or more people related to the householder by birth, opposite-sex marriage, or adoption. People living in group quarters are tabulated by the Census Bureau as neither owners nor renters. For further details, see the text files accompanying the data files containing the Census reports mentioned above.
  3. ^ [1]
  4. ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. http://www.clcblog.org/blog_item-85.html. Retrieved 2008-02-10. 
  5. ^ ""On Broadway" Retail-Cinema Project". http://www.redwoodcity.org/cds/redevelopment/downtown/tomorrow/cinema.html. Retrieved 2007-10-21. 
  6. ^ "State Historical Landmark #816". http://www.donaldlaird.com/landmarks/counties/800-899/816.html. Retrieved 2007-10-21. 
  7. ^ "Peninsula Library System - Redwood City Libraries". http://www.plsinfo.org/library-hours?tid=27&keys=. 
  8. ^ "Climate Best By Government Test". http://www.ci.redwood-city.ca.us/about/local_history/exhibits/climate_best/climate_best.html. Retrieved 2010-06-29. 
  9. ^ "Peninsula Celebration Association". http://www.parade.org. Retrieved 2007-10-21. 
  10. ^ "Redwood City recovers from Peterson trial". December 14, 2004. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6713118/. Retrieved 2007-10-21. 
  11. ^ "Ken Kesey’s journal from jail published". January 20, 2004. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3949414/. Retrieved 2007-12-10. 
  12. ^ http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=9495
  13. ^ "ANA City Offices/Ticketing Offices North America/Hawaii/Guam." All Nippon Airways. Retrieved on December 22, 2008.
  14. ^ Angwin, Julie and Laura Evenson. "Sega Expected to Move HQ To S.F. From Redwood City." San Francisco Chronicle. Thursday June 11, 1998. Retrieved on January 13, 2009.
  15. ^ "The City of Redwood City Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce". http://www.redwoodcitychamber.com/the-city-of-redwood-city.php. Retrieved 16 May 2010. 

External links