Gonzales, California
Gonzales is a city in Monterey County, California, United States. Gonzales is located 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Salinas,[8] at an elevation of 135 feet (41 m).[5] The population was 8,187 at the 2010 census, up from 7,525 at the 2000 census. Gonzales is a member of the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments. Gonzales won the Culture of Health Prize from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 2019.[9]
Gonzales, California | |
|---|---|
City | |
| City of Gonzales | |
 Gonzales water tower | |
 Location of Gonzales in Monterey County, California. | |
  Gonzales, California Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates: 36°30′24″N 121°26′40″W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  California |
| County | Monterey |
| Incorporated | January 14, 1947[1] |
| Government | |
| • State senator | Anna Caballero (D)[2] |
| • Assemblymember | Robert Rivas (D)[2] |
| • U. S. rep. | Jimmy Panetta (D)[3] |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.91 sq mi (4.93 km2) |
| • Land | 1.87 sq mi (4.84 km2) |
| • Water | 0.04 sq mi (0.10 km2) 1.93% |
| Elevation | 135 ft (41 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 8,187 |
| • Estimate (2019)[7] | 8,306 |
| • Density | 4,448.85/sq mi (1,717.75/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code | 93926 |
| Area code | 831 |
| FIPS code | 06-30392 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1659726 |
| Website | www |
History
Gonzales was founded by Dr. Mariano Gonzalez and his brother, Alfredo Gonzales on land that was originally Rancho Rincon de La Puente del Monte. The Rancho was given to their father, Teodoro Gonzalez in 1836 while he was serving as Alcalde of Monterey.
The brothers laid out the 50-block town on approximately 15,000 acres in 1874 in a grid of east to west and north to south streets. In 1872, they granted a 100-foot right-of-way through town to Southern Pacific Railroad, which subsequently built a depot for freight and passengers. The dominant commerce at the time was grain raising and cattle ranching. The Gonzalez brothers are also credited with constructing one of the first irrigation systems in the Salinas Valley. They built a dam and head gate on the nearby Salinas River and miles of canals throughout the area.
In the early 1900s, Gonzales became a predominantly Swiss dairy community when John B. Meyenberg brought his original milk processing procedures to the region. His Alpine Milk Company, later known as the Meyenberg Milk Products Company, opened its first plant in Gonzales in 1906.[11] At one time, there were 7,000 cows within five miles of town being milked.[10]
Prior to being nicknamed the "Wine Capital of Monterey County," Gonzales was known as "The Heart of the Salad Bowl" (due to its central location in the agricultural valley). Before that it was nicknamed "Little Switzerland" (due to the similarities of the valley landscape to Switzerland as well as the predominantly Swiss community at the time).[12]
Dairy farming gave way to orchards and row crops in the 1920s and prospered due to the rich soil and advancements in irrigation, machinery and transportation facilities. These improvements to agriculture technology turned the Salinas Valley into the nation's premier agricultural center. Today, there is only one dairy farm left near town.
The first school house was built in 1874. The first church, the Gonzales Baptist Church, was built in 1884 and still holds weekly worship services today.[13]
St. Theodore Catholic Church, named for Teodoro Gonzales, was built in 1883.
The town was officially incorporated January 10, 1947.[11]
Geography
Gonzales is located at 36°30′24″N 121°26′40″W.[5]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.0 square miles (5.2 km2), of which, 1.9 square miles (4.9 km2) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) of it (1.93%) is water.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 233 | — | |
| 1890 | 359 | 54.1% | |
| 1950 | 1,821 | — | |
| 1960 | 2,138 | 17.4% | |
| 1970 | 2,575 | 20.4% | |
| 1980 | 2,891 | 12.3% | |
| 1990 | 4,660 | 61.2% | |
| 2000 | 7,525 | 61.5% | |
| 2010 | 8,187 | 8.8% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 8,306 | [7] | 1.5% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] | |||
2010
At the 2010 census Gonzales had a population of 8,187. The population density was 4,178.5 people per square mile (1,613.3/km2). The racial makeup of Gonzales was 3,464 (42.3%) White, 81 (1.0%) African American, 124 (1.5%) Native American, 190 (2.3%) Asian, 14 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 3,958 (48.3%) from other races, 356 (4.3%) from two or more races and 7,276 (88.9%) Hispanic or Latino of any race.[13]
The census reported that 8,181 people (99.9% of the population) lived in households, 6 (0.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and no one was institutionalized.
There were 1,906 households, 1,252 (65.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,256 (65.9%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 309 (16.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 139 (7.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 120 (6.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 11 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 155 households (8.1%) were one person and 66 (3.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 4.29. There were 1,704 families (89.4% of households); the average family size was 4.45.
The age distribution was 2,856 people (34.9%) under the age of 18, 957 people (11.7%) aged 18 to 24, 2,355 people (28.8%) aged 25 to 44, 1,529 people (18.7%) aged 45 to 64, and 490 people (6.0%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 27.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.4 males.
There were 1,989 housing units at an average density of 1,015.2 per square mile, of the occupied units 1,019 (53.5%) were owner-occupied and 887 (46.5%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 2.1%. 4,186 people (51.1% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 3,995 people (48.8%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
At the 2000 census there were 7,525 people in 1,695 households, including 1,501 families, in the city. The population density was 5,429.4 people per square mile (2,090.2/km2). There were 1,724 housing units at an average density of 1,243.9 per square mile (478.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 34.78% White, 0.80% Black or African American, 1.41% Native American, 2.05% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 55.99% from other races, and 4.81% from two or more races. 86.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[14] Of the 1,695 households 61.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.0% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 11.4% were non-families. 9.3% of households were one person and 4.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 4.42 and the average family size was 4.61.
The age distribution was 37.8% under the age of 18, 13.1% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 12.7% from 45 to 64, and 5.7% 65 or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.3 males.
The median household income was $41,582 and the median family income was $41,773. Males had a median income of $31,743 versus $27,115 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,438. About 15.0% of families and 20.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.6% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.
Media
Local radio stations include KHIP-FM - 104.3 and KKMC-AM - 880. Television service for the community comes from the Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz designated market area (DMA). Local newspapers include the Salinas Californian, the Monterey County Herald and the Gonzales Tribune, first published in 1890, and at one time the paper with the largest circulation in Monterey County.
Wine-growing area
Gonzales is an important wine cultivation area. Wineries located in Gonzales include Constellation Brands, Robert Talbott, Pisoni Vineyards, Boekenoogen Winery McIntyre Vineyards, Mer Soleil and Salinas Valley Vineyards.[15]
Water tower
The white golf ball-shaped tank of the water tower at Gonzales is supported by three tubular green legs and reaches about 125 ft (38 m) high.[16][17][18]
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, Gonzales has a hot-summer mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps. Summer daytime temperatures average around 35 °C (95 °F), but nights are cool year-round.[19]
| Climate data for Gonzales | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 86 (30) |
86 (30) |
93.0 (33.9) |
100.0 (37.8) |
106.0 (41.1) |
111.9 (44.4) |
116.1 (46.7) |
115.0 (46.1) |
114.1 (45.6) |
116.1 (46.7) |
93.9 (34.4) |
90.0 (32.2) |
116.1 (46.7) |
| Average high °F (°C) | 61 (16) |
63.0 (17.2) |
66.0 (18.9) |
71.8 (22.1) |
79.7 (26.5) |
88 (31) |
95.5 (35.3) |
94.8 (34.9) |
90.7 (32.6) |
81.0 (27.2) |
69.4 (20.8) |
61.9 (16.6) |
76.9 (24.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 46.8 (8.2) |
49.1 (9.5) |
51.4 (10.8) |
55.2 (12.9) |
61.2 (16.2) |
67.3 (19.6) |
72.9 (22.7) |
72.3 (22.4) |
69.4 (20.8) |
61.9 (16.6) |
53.2 (11.8) |
47.7 (8.7) |
59.0 (15.0) |
| Average low °F (°C) | 32.7 (0.4) |
35.2 (1.8) |
36.7 (2.6) |
38.8 (3.8) |
43 (6) |
46.6 (8.1) |
50.4 (10.2) |
49.8 (9.9) |
48.4 (9.1) |
43 (6) |
37.0 (2.8) |
33.4 (0.8) |
41.2 (5.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | 10.0 (−12.2) |
17.1 (−8.3) |
18.0 (−7.8) |
21.0 (−6.1) |
26.1 (−3.3) |
28.0 (−2.2) |
35.1 (1.7) |
30.9 (−0.6) |
32.0 (0.0) |
25.0 (−3.9) |
15.1 (−9.4) |
10.0 (−12.2) |
10.0 (−12.2) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.3 (83) |
3.1 (79) |
2.9 (73) |
1.3 (32) |
0.4 (11) |
0.1 (2) |
0.0 (1) |
0.0 (1) |
0.2 (5) |
0.7 (19) |
1.7 (42) |
2.8 (72) |
16.5 (420) |
| Average precipitation days | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 54 |
| Source: [19] | |||||||||||||
Economy
Largest employers
According to the City of Gonzales, the largest employers in the city are:[20]
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taylor Farms | 600 |
| 2 | Gonzales Unified School District | 283 |
| 3 | Growers Express | 200 |
| 4 | Jackpot Harvesting | 187 |
| 5 | Constellation Brands | 100 |
| 6 | Silva Farms | 100 |
| 7 | Green Valley Farm Supply | 75 |
| 8 | Gonzales Packing Company | 66 |
| 9 | Ramsay Highlander | 55 |
People from Gonzales
Gonzales is the birthplace of Thomas Tavernetti, a key figure in the establishment of the University of California, Davis. He is honored at U.C. Davis with the Tavernetti Bell that is rung on football game days.
Gonzales is also the birthplace of John Blume, the “Father of Earthquake Engineering.”
Gonzales became home to John B. Meyenberg and the Western states' first condensary. Meyenberg was the first person to perfect a successful process for the concentration of milk without the addition of sugar. His patent for evaporated milk was secured a few years before his arrival in Gonzales in 1904.[21][22]
Gonzales is the hometown to Aidan C., also locally known as "Headband Aidan" or "Aiden", and is currently one of the two Gonzales Youth Commissioners.[23]
Schools
- La Gloria Elementary (K-4)
- Fairview Middle School (5-8)
- Gonzales High School (9-12)
- Somavia Continuation School
Sister city
San Jose de Tateposco, Jalisco, Mexico
See also
References
- "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.
- "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
- "California's 20th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
- "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Gonzales, California
- "Gonzales (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 2, 2012. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
- "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
- Durham, David L. (1998). California's Geographic Names: A Gazetteer of Historic and Modern Names of the State. Clovis, Calif.: Word Dancer Press. p. 901. ISBN 1-884995-14-4.
- "Gonzales Wins National "Culture of Health" Prize | City of Gonzales". gonzalesca.gov. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- "Monterey County Historical Society, Local History Pages--Gonzales, California". Mchsmuseum.com. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- FocusMX.com. "Gonzales, California - OUR COMMUNITY". Ci.gonzales.ca.us. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Gonzales city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
- "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- "HRM Rex Goliath".
HRM Rex Goliath is based in the town of Gonzales within the Monterey AVA.
- "Gonzales Round Municipal Tank". www.waymarking.com. April 22, 2009. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
- "Gonzales Water Tower". www.waymarking.com. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
- "Gonzales Water Tower". Wikimapia. Retrieved February 25, 2012.
- "Gonzales, California Travel Weather Averages (Weatherbase)". Weatherbase.com. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- "Gonzales, CA Economic Development - Largest Employers List". Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- "John B Meyenberg of St. Louis patents... November 25 in History". Brainyhistory.com. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
- "Government | City of Gonzales". gonzalesca.gov. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
External links
Municipalities and communities of Monterey County, California, United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cities |  Monterey County map | |
| CDPs | ||
| Unincorporated communities |
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| Ghost towns | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county | |
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Authority control  |
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