Hemet, California

Hemet received its name from the company that founded the town, The Lake Hemet Land Company. The company drew its name from Hemet Valley, now called Garner Valley, located in the San Jacinto Mountains. Initially the company referred to the area as South San Jacinto, but changed the name to Hemet when the land company filed a plat map on November 11, 1893.[11]

The Hemet Maze Stone, 2012

Harvard Street c. 1907 Hemet Hotel in Background

Gibbel Hardware following the 1918 San Jacinto earthquake

The Sobaba People and Cahuilla tribe are the original inhabitants of the area of land that is presently named "Hemet" by American settlers. The tribe was moved to the Indian reservation near San Jacinto. During the early 19th century, the land was used for cattle ranching by Mission San Luis Rey, which named the area with the settler name Rancho San Jacinto. In 1842, José Antonio Estudillo received the Rancho San Jacinto Viejo Mexican land grant.[12]

In 1887, during the first major Southern California land boom, W.F. Whittier and E.L. Mayberry founded the Lake Hemet Water Company, and the Lake Hemet Land Company.[13] They named the town Hemet in November, 1893. In 1895, the Hemet Dam was completed on the San Jacinto River, creating Lake Hemet and providing a reliable water supply to the San Jacinto Valley. This water system was a major contribution to the valley's development as an agricultural area.[14]

By 1894, the area had a newspaper, the Hemet News, and "several general stores," the largest being Heffelfinger & Co, which occupied an entire block. There were "a drug store, an excellent barber shop, two blacksmith shops, harness shop, shoe repairing houses, two real estate offices and two lumber yards." "The most pretentious building" was the two-story Hotel Mayberry, "supplied with all the modern conveniences usually found in first-class hostelries, including stationary water, baths, etc., and a complete electric light system, the power for which is furnished by the company's private plant."[15]

Another important institution is the Hemet flouring mills, John McCool, proprietor. The mill, which is the only one in this section, occupies a fine brick building and has a capacity of 50 barrels of flour per day. The plant cost $20,000.[15]

Sunrise over Downtown Hemet, south down Harvard Street, 2014

Downtown Hemet, south down North Harvard Street, 2015

The City of Hemet was incorporated in January 1910. Out of 177 residents, 130 voted to incorporate, with 33 votes against. Those who voted against incorporation were landowners who feared increased taxation. The incorporation helped to serve the growing city, which was outgrowing its current infrastructure.[16] Served by a railroad spur from Riverside, the city became a trading center for the San Jacinto Valley's agriculture, which included citrus, apricots, peaches, olives and walnuts. The city has long hosted the Agricultural District Farmer's Fair of Riverside County, which began in 1936 as the Hemet Turkey Show, now located in Perris. During World War II, the city hosted the Ryan School of Aeronautics, which trained about 6,000 fliers for the Army Air Force between 1940 and 1944. Hemet-Ryan Airport exists today at the site of the flight school. In 1950, Hemet was home to 10,000 people, joining Corona and Riverside as the three largest cities in Riverside County.

Hemet was once a sundown town where African Americans were not allowed to live or stay overnight.[17]

In the 1960s, large-scale residential development began, mostly in the form of mobile home parks and retirement communities, giving Hemet a reputation as a working-class retirement area. In the 1980s, subdivisions of single-family homes began to sprout up from former ranchland, with "big-box" retail following. After a roughly decade-long lull in development following the major economic downturn of the early 1990s, housing starts in the city skyrocketed in the early 21st century. The area's affordability, its proximity to employment centers such as Corona, Riverside and San Bernardino, and its relatively rural character made it an attractive location for working-class families priced out of other areas of Southern California.

Hemet Panorama at night from the entrance of Simpson Park

From the Hemet Library Heritage Room History Collection:

• 1850: California becomes state
• 1858: Hemet established as a farm settlement
• 1887: Lake Hemet Water Company & Hemet Land Company formed
• 1888: Rail service from Perris to the San Jacinto Valley
• 1892: Post office established
• 1893: Riverside County formed from San Diego & San Bernardino Counties
• 1893: First elementary school built on North Alessandro Street
• 1894: First high school built at Buena Vista and Acacia
• 1895: Lake Hemet Dam completed
• 1899: Earthquake (estimated magnitude ~6.5) destroyed most brick buildings in downtown
• 1910: City of Hemet incorporated
• 1914: Santa Fe depot opened at present site
• 1918: The 6.7 Mw San Jacinto earthquake caused significant structural damage and ground failure.
• 1921: Opening of the Hemet Theater
• 1923: First performance of the Ramona Pageant
• 1940: Ryan School of Aeronautics opened
• 1943: Hemet Community Hospital opened
• 1950: Eastern Municipal Water District created
• 1959: Hemet Police Department built
• 1966: Hemet Unified School District formed from several existing districts
• 1970: More than 10,000 residents for the first time
• 1971: Paradise Valley Ranch acts as infirmary for contained outbreak of Mad Cow Disease. Conflicting reports mention suicide of a Susie Roberts who went insane after prolonged diagnosis of the disease.
• 1972: New Hemet high school opened
• 1974: Kushimoto, Japan became first sister city.
• 1983: Ebeltoft, Denmark became second sister city.
• 1987: Depot abandoned by Santa Fe railroad—offered to sell to City of Hemet
• 1987: Bácum, Mexico became third sister city
• 1988: Save Our Station (S.O.S.) purchased Santa Fe Depot
• 1989: Marumori, Japan became fourth sister city.
• 1991: Domenigoni and Diamond Valleys named sites for M.W.D. reservoir
• 1995: Metropolitan Water District started 800,000 ac·ft reservoir
• 1996: Domenigoni Parkway opened
• 1998: Hemet Museum opened in Santa Fe depot
• 1999: M.W.D. Diamond Valley Lake completed
• 2000: Diamond Valley Lake dedicated
• 2003: Public library moved to East Latham Avenue
• 2010: Centennial as an incorporated city

The 2010 United States Census[22] reported that Hemet had a population of 78,657. The population density was 2,824.6 people per square mile (1,090.6/km²). The racial makeup of Hemet was 53,259 (67.7%) White (51.8% Non-Hispanic White),[23] 5,049 (6.4%) African American, 1,223 (1.6%) Native American, 2,352 (3.0%) Asian, 284 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 12,371 (15.7%) from other races, and 4,119 (5.2%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 28,150 persons (35.8%).

The census reported that 78,043 people (99.2% of the population) lived in households, 155 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 459 (0.6%) were institutionalized.

There were 30,092 households, out of which 9,700 (32.2%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13,174 (43.8%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 4,349 (14.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,623 (5.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2,002 (6.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 208 (0.7%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 9,119 households (30.3%) were made up of individuals, and 5,754 (19.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59. There were 19,146 families (63.6% of all households); the average family size was 3.24.

The population was spread out, with 20,340 people (25.9%) under the age of 18, 6,814 people (8.7%) aged 18 to 24, 17,323 people (22.0%) aged 25 to 44, 16,776 people (21.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 17,404 people (22.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.3 males.

There were 35,305 housing units at an average density of 1,267.8 per square mile (489.5/km²), of which 18,580 (61.7%) were owner-occupied, and 11,512 (38.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 5.0%; the rental vacancy rate was 17.5%. 45,459 people (57.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 32,584 people (41.4%) lived in rental housing units.

During 2009–2013, Hemet had a median household income of $32,774, with 23.3% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[23]

As of 2008, the census estimated there were 75,163 people, over 29,341 households, and 18,031 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,713.4 people per square mile (1,723.9/km²). There were 33,486 housing units at an average density of 1,208.8 per square mile (768/km²).[24] As of 2009, The racial makeup of the city was 60% white, 2.4% black or African American, 4.9% Asian or Pacific Islander, 4.9% from other races and 28.2% of the population were Hispanic or Latino.[25] 12.6% were of German, 10.5% English, 7.8% Irish and 4.3% American ancestry.[24]

There were 29,341 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 33.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.2.[24]

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.1% under the age of 19, 6.2% from 20 to 24, 11.9% from 25 to 34, 10.6% from 35 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 54, and 25.7% who were 65 or older. The median age was 38 years.[25]

The median income for a household in the city was $34,974, and the median income for a family was $41,559. Males had a median income of $40,719 versus $30,816 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,046. About 14.5% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.5% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.[24] As of 2009, about 22,300 residents of the city were employed with 4,700 unemployed (an unemployment rate of 17.4%).[25]

According to the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, the top employers in the city are the following.[26]

Hemet was heavily impacted by the housing crisis which followed the financial crisis of 2007–2008.[27] Rent remains affordable, but the three-hour commute by Metrolink to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles has impeded Hemet's growth as a bedroom community.[28]

The city of Hemet is expanding upon its entertainment venues. The three largest venues are the Ramona Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater, a Regal Cinemas and the Historic Hemet Theatre, built in 1921. A development being planned for the area is a downtown transit village, with the center of it being a Metrolink station. It will be north of the downtown core, and will consist of residences, shops, and parks. The station itself could feature a railroad museum, a heritage trail, and a farmer's market and market hall.[30]

The Historic Hemet Theater was once the oldest continually run single-screen theater in the nation. However, the theater was forced to close down in January 2010 due to water damage from a fire that destroyed adjacent store fronts. The musty smell forced the theater to stay closed for a year, which created financial struggles. As of 2011 The Foundation was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3 for the purpose of supporting community projects. In July 2013 the Historic Hemet Theater Foundation negotiated a five-year lease/option to purchase the theater. Since then the Foundation has restored[31] the Theater back to operation and is in the process of raising funds in order to purchase and restore the Hemet Historical Treasure.

Weston Park was established in 1921 and was dedicated to John B. Weston, who was president of the board of trustees from 1914 to 1920. It contains shuffleboard courts, restrooms, playground, basketball court, and turf area for passive uses and games. It is located in the downtown area west of Santa Fe Street, and has an area of 4 acres (20,000 m²).[9]

Dedicated to James Simpson, Hemet City Council 1947–48, and mayor 1950 to 1966. Simpson Park is a wilderness park located in the Santa Rosa Hills southeast of Hemet with sheltered picnic area and tables, barbecues, restrooms, and hiking trails. At an elevation of 2,500 feet (760 m), it provides an expansive view of the San Jacinto Valley, as well as the nearby cities and towns of Winchester, Menifee and Temecula, and it has an area of 438 acres (1.8 km²).[9]

Dedicated to Mary Henley, born in Hemet and served as Hemet City Clerk from October 1951 to March 1975, and is the first Hemet Park named after a real person. The park contains two playground areas, half basketball court, picnic tables, shade structures, restrooms and a large turf area. There is a marked walking path/sidewalk of 0.75 miles (1.2 km) around the perimeter of the park. It has an area of 16 acres (65,000 m²), and was established in 1993.[9]

Gibbel Park contains a large children's play area, ball field, a half basketball court, restrooms, two lighted tennis courts, a lawn bowling green, horseshoe pits, picnic areas, and a large turf area for passive uses. The park also features a memorial of military branches of the United States. It has an area of 11 acres (45,000 m²), and was established in 1970.[9]

The Valley Wide Community Sports Park opened in September 2009. The park, part of the eastern recreation area of Diamond Valley Lake, hosts eight baseball fields, eight lighted baseball fields, eight soccer fields, four basketball courts, six tennis courts, seven volleyball courts, two pickle ball courts, fitness trails, three play areas, four restrooms, and three picnic areas. The park is also adjacent to an aquatic center.[32]

Hemet High School, Western Center Academy, West Valley High School and Tahquitz High School in Hemet and Hamilton High School in Anza.

Acacia Middle School, Diamond Valley Middle School, Dartmouth Middle School, Western Center Academy, and Rancho Viejo Middle School.

Bautista Creek Elementary, Cawston Elementary, Fruitvale Elementary, Harmony Elementary, Hemet Elementary, Jacob Wiens Elementary, Little Lake Elementary, McSweeny Elementary, Ramona Elementary, Valle Vista Elementary, Whittier Elementary and Winchester Elementary.

Cottonwood School of Aguanga & Hamilton School of Anza.

Advanced Path Studies School (credit recovery), Alessandro High School – continuation (grades 10–12), Baypoint Preparatory Academy (grades K-12), Family Tree Learning Center (grades K–8), Helen Hunt Jackson School for independent studies, Hemet Academy of applied academics and technology (grades 9–12), Hemecinto Alternative Educational Center (grades 6–9), and Western Center Academy (grades 6–12). River Springs Charter School K-12.

Dwelling Place Learning Academy (DPLA)[34] is a Private Christian Academy. DPLA is K–5th grade with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16-to-1; their curriculum is based in the Weaver Curriculum (Unit Study). DPLA will add at least one grade a year until the 12th grade to become a K-12 school. DPLA began on August 17, 2015 and was incorporated as a 501(C)(3) in the State of California.

St. Johns Christian School[35] has been a private Christian school since 1983, offering classes for children between 18 months and the 8th grade. St. Johns School was ranked the #1 Preschool in the 23rd Annual Press-Enterprise Best of Inland Empire Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Hemet News was a newspaper published from about 1894 until 1999.[15][36]

Hemet and nearby San Jacinto are situated in the Los Angeles designated market area and are able to receive most of the Los Angeles and Riverside/San Bernardino area television stations via cable and satellite providers. Over the air signals with limited reception include KCAL-TV 9 (Independent) Los Angeles; KVCR-TV 24 (PBS) San Bernardino; KFMB-TV 8 (CBS), KUSI 9 (Independent) and KNSD 39 (NBC) from San Diego; two ABC stations KABC 7 L.A. and KESQ-TV 42 from Palm Springs, California; KOCE 50 (PBS) and KVEA 52 (Telemundo) from Orange County, California. A local TV station based in Hemet and nearby Perris is KZSW 27 (Independent) of Temecula.

Commercial air service is provided by the Palm Springs International Airport and Ontario International Airport. Hemet-Ryan Airport, which is a municipal airport owned by Riverside County, is located in the city but has no commercial service.

Public transit in Hemet is provided by the RTA, which has stops at various locations including Florida Avenue and Lincoln Avenue, and the Hemet Valley Mall. Routes in the Hemet area include: 27, 31, 32, 33, 42, 74, 79, 212, 217.[37]

Expansion of the Metrolink commuter rail service from Perris to Hemet has been discussed,[38] with stations planned for West Hemet and Downtown Hemet.[39][40]

Two California State Highways cross the city. California State Route 74 runs along most of Florida Avenue, the main corridor of east and west transportation in Hemet, and California State Route 79 also follows Florida Avenue for a few miles in the city. Highway 79 is slated for re-alignment when the Mid County Parkway project begins. Streets in Hemet are arranged mostly in a standard grid. Almost all major streets that go east-west are avenues, and almost all streets going north-south are streets. Exceptions are Sanderson Avenue, Lyon Avenue, Palm Avenue and Cawston Avenue. Major streets in Hemet are Florida Avenue, Sanderson Avenue, San Jacinto Street, Stetson Avenue, and State Street.[41]

The railroad to Hemet was operated by AT&SF Railway from 1888 to 1987. It was used for loading and shipping oranges that grew in the region. In 1987, it was abandoned because of a lack of demand for transportation. Today the railroad line is mostly abandoned. Tracks are usually used for storing rail cars for a short time while they are not needed by Class I railroads.