La Mesa, California

La Mesa, California
General law city[1]
City of La Mesa

Flag
Motto: "Jewel of the Hills"[2]

Location of La Mesa in San Diego County, California.
La Mesa, California

Location in the United States

Coordinates: 32°46′17″N 117°1′22″W / 32.77139°N 117.02278°W / 32.77139; -117.02278Coordinates: 32°46′17″N 117°1′22″W / 32.77139°N 117.02278°W / 32.77139; -117.02278
Country  United States of America
State  California
County San Diego
Incorporated February 16, 1912[3]
Government
 • Type Council / manager[1]
 • Mayor Mark Arapostathis[4]
 • Vice mayor Guy McWhirter[4]
 • Councilmember Bill Baber[4]
 • Councilmember Kristine C. Alessio[4]
 • Councilmember Colin Parent[4]
Area[5]
 • Total 9.10 sq mi (23.58 km2)
 • Land 9.09 sq mi (23.55 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2)  0.44%
Elevation[6] 528 ft (161 m)
Population (2010)[7]
 • Total 57,065
 • Estimate (2016)[8] 59,948
 • Density 6,592.04/sq mi (2,545.32/km2)
Time zone Pacific (UTC−8)
 • Summer (DST) PDT (UTC−7)
ZIP codes 91941–91944
Area code 619
FIPS code 06-40004
GNIS feature IDs 1660859, 2411576
Website cityoflamesa.com

La Mesa is a city in Southern California, located 9 miles (14 km) east of Downtown San Diego in San Diego County. The population was 57,065 at the 2010 census, up from 54,749 at the 2000 census. Its civic motto is "the Jewel of the Hills."

History

La Mesa in Spanish means "the table", or alternately "the plateau", relating to its geography.[9] La Mesa was part of a larger tract, Mission San Diego de Alcalá, and was used by Spanish Missionaries.[10]

La Mesa was founded in 1869 and The City of La Mesa was incorporated on February 16, 1912, under the general laws of the state of California. As such, it does not have a city charter but operates under the laws of the state of California in all respects not specifically covered by any city ordinance.

Its official flower is the bougainvillea.[2]

Geography

La Mesa is located at 32°46′17″N 117°1′22″W / 32.77139°N 117.02278°W / 32.77139; -117.02278 (32.771450, -117.022797).[11] It is bordered by the city of San Diego on the west and north, Spring Valley and Lemon Grove on the south, and El Cajon on the east. It includes the neighborhood of Grossmont.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.1 square miles (24 km2). 9.1 square miles (24 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (0.44%) is water.

Climate

La Mesa is approximately 12 mi (19 km)) east of the Pacific Ocean. Because of this, La Mesa typically experiences more extreme temperatures than San Diego, which mostly lies significantly closer to the Pacific Ocean. La Mesa has a Semi-arid Steppe climate. La Mesa typically has hot, dry summers and warm winters with most of the annual precipitation falling between November and March. The city has dry weather with around 13" of annual precipitation. Summer temperatures are generally hot, with average highs of 78 °F-92 °F (26 °C–33 °C) and lows of 56 °F–68 °F (13 °C–20 °C). Winter temperatures are warm, with average high temperatures of 66 °F–77 °F (19 °C–25 °C) and lows of 46 °F–58 °F (8 °C–14 °C).

The climate in the San Diego area, like much of California, often varies significantly over short geographical distances resulting in micro-climates. In San Diego's case, this is mainly due to the city's topography (the Bay, and the numerous hills, mountains, and canyons). Frequently, particularly during the "May gray/June gloom" period, a thick "marine layer" cloud cover will keep the air cool and damp within a few miles of the coast, but will yield to bright cloudless sunshine approximately 5–10 miles (8–16 km) inland. This happens every year in May and June. Even in the absence of June gloom, inland areas tend to experience higher temperatures than areas closer to the coast.

Climate data for La Mesa, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 90
(32)		 92
(33)		 96
(36)		 105
(41)		 100
(38)		 103
(39)		 106
(41)		 106
(41)		 109
(43)		 105
(41)		 97
(36)		 91
(33)		 109
(43)
Average high °F (°C) 67.0
(19.4)		 68.4
(20.2)		 68.8
(20.4)		 71.6
(22)		 73.3
(22.9)		 77.5
(25.3)		 82.8
(28.2)		 84.3
(29.1)		 83.3
(28.5)		 78.8
(26)		 73.1
(22.8)		 68.3
(20.2)		 74.77
(23.75)
Average low °F (°C) 44.5
(6.9)		 46.0
(7.8)		 47.6
(8.7)		 50.6
(10.3)		 54.3
(12.4)		 57.7
(14.3)		 61.5
(16.4)		 62.8
(17.1)		 61.0
(16.1)		 55.9
(13.3)		 49.2
(9.6)		 44.8
(7.1)		 52.99
(11.67)
Record low °F (°C) 26
(−3)		 31
(−1)		 34
(1)		 31
(−1)		 41
(5)		 47
(8)		 46
(8)		 49
(9)		 45
(7)		 30
(−1)		 30
(−1)		 29
(−2)		 26
(−3)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.62
(66.5)		 2.17
(55.1)		 2.42
(61.5)		 1.05
(26.7)		 0.31
(7.9)		 0.08
(2)		 0.05
(1.3)		 0.08
(2)		 0.21
(5.3)		 0.54
(13.7)		 1.42
(36.1)		 1.55
(39.4)		 12.5
(317.5)
Source: WRCC, Period of Record General Climate Summary Table[12]

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
19201,004—
19302,513150.3%
19403,92556.2%
195010,946178.9%
196030,441178.1%
197039,17828.7%
198050,30828.4%
199052,9315.2%
200054,7493.4%
201057,0654.2%
Est. 201659,948[8]5.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[13]

2010

The 2010 United States Census[14] reported that La Mesa had a population of 57,065. The population density was 6,259.6 people per square mile (2,416.8/km²). The racial makeup of La Mesa was 54.1% White, Hispanic or Latino of any race was 21.5%, 8.0% African American, 5.8% Asian, 0.8% Native American, 0.6% Pacific Islander, 11.6% from other races, and 5.8% from two or more races.

The Census reported that 56,408 people (98.8% of the population) lived in households, 124 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 533 (0.9%) were institutionalized.

There were 24,512 households, out of which 6,695 (27.3%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 9,330 (38.1%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,102 (12.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,335 (5.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,731 (7.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 243 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 8,004 households (32.7%) were made up of individuals and 2,924 (11.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30. There were 13,767 families (56.2% of all households); the average family size was 2.94.

The population was spread out with 11,164 people (19.6%) under the age of 18, 6,396 people (11.2%) aged 18 to 24, 16,792 people (29.4%) aged 25 to 44, 14,625 people (25.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 8,088 people (14.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.1 males.

There were 26,167 housing units at an average density of 2,870.3 per square mile (1,108.2/km²), of which 11,221 (45.8%) were owner-occupied, and 13,291 (54.2%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.2%. 26,713 people (46.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 29,695 people (52.0%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 54,749 people, 24,186 households, and 13,374 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,909.9 inhabitants per square mile (2,282.8/km²). There were 24,943 housing units at an average density of 2,692.5 per square mile (1,040.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 51.0% White, 6.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 5.5% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 9.5% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 26.6% of the population.

There were 24,186 households out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.8% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.7% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.9% 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 2.86.

In the city, the population was spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,693, and the median income for a family was $50,398. Males had a median income of $37,215 versus $30,413 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,372. About 5.2% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Current estimates

According to estimates by the San Diego Association of Governments (not adjusted for inflation). When adjusted for inflation (1999 dollars; comparable to Census data above), the median household income was $45,156.

Arts and culture

Farmer's Market

There is a Farmer's Market in La Mesa Village every Friday afternoon.[16]

Flag Day Parade

On June 14, 1997, with the help of Councilmember Ruth Sterling, the City of La Mesa inaugurated its First Annual Flag Day Parade.[17]

La Mesa Walkway of the Stars

The “Walkway of the Stars” is a pedestrian walkway that has been transformed into an urban park in downtown La Mesa. The vision for a place to recognize La Mesa's extraordinary volunteers was provided by Councilmember Ruth Sterling. The park’s theme honors the city’s outstanding volunteers who have provided 10,000 or more hours of service to the city of La Mesa. “Walkway of the Stars” is located between the Allison Avenue municipal parking lot and La Mesa Boulevard.[18]

Oktoberfest

At the beginning of each October, La Mesa holds its biggest event of the year, Oktoberfest, attended by approximately 200,000 people over the three nights of the event.[19]

Back to the 50s Car Show

The Back to the '50s Car Show is an annual summer event where classic car enthusiasts come to display their vehicles. The event is held every Thursday evening during the months of June through August in La Mesa Village along La Mesa Boulevard. Admission to the event is free.[20]

Sundays At Six

Sundays At Six is a free concert series that is offered every year in the months of June and July. For 6 Sundays free concerts are performed in Harry Griffen Park from 6pm - 7pm. The concerts began in 2002. Sundays @ 6 was conceived by Mayor Mark Arapostathis.

Other events

Other annual events include Christmas in the Village, and Antique Street Fair.[21]

Grossmont Center

The city's major mall, Grossmont Center, opened in 1961.[22]

Government

City government

La Mesa is a general law city which uses a council-manager system of government with a directly-elected mayor. The city council consists of a mayor and four councilmembers, all of whom are elected from the city at large and serve four-year terms. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.[1]

State and federal representation

In the California State Legislature, La Mesa is in the 38th Senate District, represented by Republican Joel Anderson, and in the 79th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Shirley Weber.[23]

In the United States House of Representatives, La Mesa is in California's 53rd congressional district, represented by Democrat Susan Davis.[24]

Education

The schools in La Mesa are operated by two districts. The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District operates most of the elementary and middle schools in the city, while the Grossmont Union High School District operates Helix High School and the Gateway day schools.

Elementary schools

Middle/junior high schools

High schools

K through 12

Notable people

La Mesa is the hometown of NBA player Bill Walton, football stars Alex Smith and Reggie Bush, actor Dennis Hopper, MasterChef winner Claudia Sandoval, true-crime author Cathy Scott, baseball players Aaron Boone and Brooks Conrad, singer of rock band Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, NHL Hockey forward Willie O'Ree, thrash metal band Megadeth founder and guitarist/singer Dave Mustaine, and ambient musician Steve Roach.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "City Council". La Mesa, CA. Retrieved February 19, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "La Mesa Fast Facts". City of La Mesa California. Archived from the original on June 10, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  3. ↑ "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.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "City Council". La Mesa, CA. Retrieved February 19, 2015.
  5. ↑ "2016 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved Jul 19, 2017.
  6. ↑ "La Mesa". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  7. ↑ "La Mesa (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
  8. 1 2 "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved June 9, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Profile for La Mesa, California, CA". ePodunk. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  10. ↑ City of La Mesa history
  11. ↑ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  12. ↑ "LA MESA, CALIFORNIA". Western Regional Climate Center. Retrieved 2016-02-09.
  13. ↑ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  14. ↑ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - La Mesa city". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  15. ↑ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  16. ↑ La Mesa, CA - Official Website - Farmer's Market
  17. ↑ "Ruth Sterling". City of La Mesa. Archived from the original on June 10, 2014. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  18. ↑ La Mesa, CA - Official Website
  19. ↑ Oktoberfest website
  20. ↑ "La Mesa Car Show".
  21. ↑ La Mesa Village Merchants Association
  22. ↑ Engstrand, Iris Wilson (2005). San Diego: California's Cornerstone. Sunbelt Publications. p. 172.
  23. ↑ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  24. ↑ "California's 53rd Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.


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