Laguna Niguel, California
Laguna Niguel, California | |
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Website | cityoflagunaniguel |
Laguna Niguel (
Laguna Niguel has its origins in the Rancho Niguel Mexican land grant, which was acquired in 1959 by the Laguna Niguel Corporation to develop one of California's first master-planned communities. As a predominantly residential city, Laguna Niguel serves as a bedroom community for the job centers of northern and central Orange County. Laguna Niguel has a median household income 31 percent above the Orange County average[7] and nearly double the U.S. average.[8] It is known for its mild coastal climate, low crime rate,[9] and its numerous parks and public trails.[10]
History
Early inhabitants and settlers
The first recorded inhabitants of the Laguna Niguel area were the
In 1842, the 13,316-acre (5,389 ha)
Laguna Niguel Corporation
The completion of
The name of the city was created from "Laguna", a reference to the tidal lagoon that once formed at the mouth of Aliso Creek, and the name of the Acjachemem village Niguili that once occupied the area. As the city would be developed in stages, ranchers and farmers signed annual leases with the Laguna Niguel Corporation to use the land until the planned communities were built.In contrast to a traditional
The Laguna Niguel Homeowner's Association was formed in 1966 as an advisory to the
Incorporation and conflict with Dana Point
In 1965 the Laguna Niguel Corporation had purchased George Capron's oceanfront property and began to develop the Niguel Shores neighborhood, known in its early days as the "Coastal Strip" and today as
Incorporated city
The population increased quickly during the last few decades of the 20th century, from 12,237 in 1980 to 61,891 in 2000. Growth since 2000 has been slower, with an estimate of 65,806 in 2015, due to the fact that the city has been fully built out.
In 1994 local residents first noticed damage to
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 14.9 square miles (39 km2). 14.8 square miles (38 km2) of it is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) of it (0.35%) is water.
Laguna Niguel consists of mostly hilly terrain, being located within the
The main watercourses in Laguna Niguel are Salt Creek, which flows through the southern part of the city, and Sulphur Creek, which drains much of the northern half. Sulphur Creek is a tributary of Aliso Creek, which flows through the wide and deep Aliso Canyon before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Laguna Niguel Lake, formed by damming Sulphur Creek, is the largest body of water in the city.[26] Although Laguna Niguel is located very close to the Pacific, it does not border it, the result of a controversy over the coastline with Dana Point in 1989 (see #History).
Climate
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Like much of coastal Southern California, Laguna Niguel has pleasant weather year-round. On average, August is the hottest month and December the coolest. The highest recorded temperature was 108 °F (42 °C), which occurred in 1963, and the lowest temperature was 21 °F (−6 °C), which was recorded in 1949. Precipitation is sparse in Laguna Niguel, as only five months out of the year receive rainfall greater than one inch, with an annual average of 14.2 inches (360 mm). The highest monthly rainfall on average occurs in February and is 3.4 inches (86 mm).[28]
Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods include Bear Brand Ranch, San Marin, El Niguel Heights and Golf Course, Ocean Ranch, Laguna Crest, Laguna Sur. Coronado Pointe, South Peak, Crest de Ville, Niguel Coast, Palmilla, Beacon Hill, Monarch Point, and the Highlands, which offer city, canyon, and ocean views. Other neighborhoods include Rancho Niguel, Marina Hills, Concord Hill, Niguel West, Niguel Summit, Kite Hill, Rolling Hills, and San Joaquin Hills.
Roads
Interstate 5 travels along the eastern border of Laguna Niguel, forming the border with Mission Viejo. I-5 has two interchanges in the city: Avery Parkway and Crown Valley Parkway.
In addition to the highways listed above, Alicia Parkway and Crown Valley Parkway are major north-south thoroughfares and the Street of the Golden Lantern/Moulton Parkway is a major east-west thoroughfare. Minor thoroughfares include Camino del Avion, Marina Hills Drive, Aliso Creek Road, Niguel Road, Cabot Road, La Paz Road, and Pacific Park Drive (Oso Parkway at the Laguna Hills-Laguna Niguel border).
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1970 | 4,644 | — | |
1980 | 12,237 | 163.5% | |
1990 | 44,400 | 262.8% | |
2000 | 61,891 | 39.4% | |
2010 | 62,979 | 1.8% | |
2020 | 64,355 | 2.2% | |
U.S. Decennial Census[21] |
2020
The
2010
The
The Census reported that 62,731 people (99.6% of the population) lived in households, 248 (0.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.[30]
There were 24,232 households, out of which 8,085 (33.4%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 14,077 (58.1%) were
The population was spread out, with 14,216 people (22.6%) under the age of 18, 4,722 people (7.5%) aged 18 to 24, 14,667 people (23.3%) aged 25 to 44, 21,177 people (33.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 8,197 people (13.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.[30]
There were 25,312 housing units at an average density of 1,700.5 per square mile (656.6/km2), of which 17,453 (72.0%) were owner-occupied, and 6,779 (28.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.9%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.4%. 45,029 people (71.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 17,702 people (28.1%) lived in rental housing units.[30]
During 2009–2013, Laguna Niguel had a median household income of $99,771, with 6.3% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[5]
2000
As of the
There were 23,217 households, out of which 38.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. Of all households 20.6% were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.10.[31]
In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 32.9% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.[31]
According to the Census Bureau's 2008 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $98,072, and the median income for a family was $150,963.
Government and politics
Year | Democratic | Republican | Third Parties
|
---|---|---|---|
2020[33] | 51.41% 20,469 | 46.71% 18,596 | 1.88% 749 |
2016[34] | 46.11% 14,954 | 47.83% 15,511 | 6.06% 1,967 |
2012[35] | 40.39% 12,832 | 57.67% 18,321 | 1.94% 615 |
2008[36] | 46.13% 15,076 | 52.03% 17,002 | 1.84% 602 |
2004[37] | 37.83% 11,701 | 61.23% 18,937 | 0.94% 290 |
2000[38] | 36.54% 10,232 | 60.06% 16,820 | 3.40% 951 |
1996[39] | 33.45% 8,220 | 56.91% 13,984 | 9.64% 2,368 |
1992[40] | 28.91% 7,416 | 45.01% 11,547 | 26.08% 6,689 |
The City Council consists of five members, elected from the city at-large, who serve staggered four-year terms. Annually, the City Council appoints a Mayor and a Mayor Pro Tempore from its own membership to serve a one-year term. The City Council currently consists of:[2]
- Kelly Jennings (Mayor)
- Rischi Paul Sharma (Mayor Pro Tempore)
- Ray Gennaway (Council Member)
- Stephanie Oddo (Council Member)
- Sandy Rains (Council Member)
The City Hall is located at 30111 Crown Valley Parkway.[41]
County, state and federal
In the Orange County Board of Supervisors Laguna Niguel is part of the 5th District and represented by Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett.
In the
In the United States House of Representatives, Laguna Niguel is in California's 49th congressional district, represented by Democrat Mike Levin.[43]
According to the California Secretary of State, as of February 10, 2019, Laguna Niguel has 40,461 registered voters. Of those, 16,071 (39.72%) are registered Republicans, 11,615 (28.71%) are registered Democrats, and 10,843 (26.80%) have no political party preference/are independents.[44]
Laguna Niguel is historically a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. In 2020, however, Joe Biden became the first Democratic presidential nominee to win the city since its incorporation.
Economy
As a
# | Employer | # of employees |
---|---|---|
1 | United States Government
|
2,000 |
2 | Costco | 595 |
3 | Capistrano Unified School District | 337 |
4 | Walmart | 301 |
5 | Lifetime Fitness
|
282 |
6 | Whole Foods Market | 256 |
7 | Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel | 210 |
8 | The Home Depot
|
186 |
9 | Albertsons | 154 |
10 | Vons | 141 |
Education
The city is served by the Capistrano Unified School District.
Elementary schools
- Moulton Elementary School
- Marian Bergeson Elementary
- Crown Valley Elementary School
- Hidden Hills Elementary School
- Laguna Niguel Elementary School
- John S. Malcom Elementary School
- George White Elementary School
- Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (K-8)
Middle schools
- Niguel Hills Middle School
- Aliso Viejo Middle School(in Aliso Viejo)
- Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts (K-8)
High schools
- Aliso Niguel High School (in Aliso Viejo)
- Dana Hills High School (in Dana Point)
Colleges
- Saddleback College (in Mission Viejo - Served by the South Orange County Community College District)
- Chapman University (in Orange)
- Soka University of America (in Aliso Viejo)
- University of California, Irvine (in Irvine)
- California State University, Fullerton (in Irvine)
- California State University, Fullerton (in Fullerton)
- Southern California Institute of Technology, SCIT (in Anaheim)
- Pepperdine University (in Irvine)
Private schools
- St. Anne School[46]
Infrastructure
Emergency services
Laguna Niguel is protected by
Utilities
Electricity in Laguna Niguel is provided by
Transportation
Roads
Laguna Niguel is served by
Buses
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) operates the 85, 87, 187 and 490 bus routes in Laguna Niguel. The 490 bus line provides connecting service to the Metrolink train station.[51]
Rail
The
Bicycling
Most major arterial roads in Laguna Niguel are marked with bike lanes. There are about 60 miles (97 km) of such lanes in the city. There are also several dedicated bikeways which link Laguna Niguel's extensive public park system (see #Parks and open space).[10][54]
Parks and open space
Laguna Niguel is known throughout Orange County for its extensive park and trail system. Over one-third of Laguna Niguel is public open space, a legacy of the original 1959 Gruen plan,[10] and is divided between 31 city parks and 4 county parks.[55] Laguna Niguel's major roads are designated as "scenic highways" within landscape corridors, which includes parks, decorative medians, and grade-separated recreational paths. The 227-acre (92 ha) Laguna Niguel Regional Park is centrally located and includes an extensive trail network, ball courts and Laguna Niguel Lake, a popular fishing and boating venue.[56] Crown Valley Park, visited by about 240,000 people per year, has the city's main public sports facilities.[57] Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, which borders Laguna Niguel on the west, consists of over 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) of canyons, grasslands and riparian forests along Aliso Creek.[58] Aliso and Wood Canyons is part of the larger South Coast Wilderness, 22,000 acres (8,900 ha) of preserved open space in the San Joaquin Hills that also includes the larger Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park outside the city limits. The interconnected city and regional park systems provide a significant refuge for wildlife in an area of Orange County otherwise filled with suburban sprawl.[59]
There are about 80 miles (130 km) of non-motorized trails in Laguna Niguel for hiking, biking and horseback riding.[60] Major hiking trails include the Aliso Summit trail, which hugs the rim of Aliso Canyon on the western edge of Laguna Niguel,[61] and the Colinas Bluff Trail on the eastern border, overlooking San Juan Capistrano.[62] The Laguna Ridge Trail passes through Badlands County Park, which exposes the namesake geological formations, and approaches the summit of Niguel Hill, the highest point in the city.[63] The paved Salt Creek Trail, a popular Class I bikeway, follows Salt Creek and Niguel Road from Dana Point to Laguna Niguel Regional Park. The Aliso Creek and Oso Creek trails are mostly outside Laguna Niguel, but link the city via greenbelts to other parts of south Orange County. The Aliso Creek Trail is also known as the "Forest to the Sea Trail", as it is planned to connect the Santa Ana Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest to the Pacific Ocean at Laguna Beach.[10]
Notable people
- Josh Allen, quarterback for the Buffalo Bills
- Erik Apple, mixed martial arts fighter
- Gavyn Bailey, singer-songwriter
- Patricia Bates, member of the California State Senate
- Daniel L. Fapp, cinematographer
- McKayla Maroney, 2012 Summer Olympics medalist
- Cady McClain, actress, singer and author
- Frank Rosenthal, professional gambler, former casino boss, and reputed Chicago Outfit associate
- Mimi Walters, member of the U.S. House of Representatives
- Rachel Wood, soccer player
Sister cities
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.
- ^ a b "Mayor & City Council". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
- ^ "Laguna Niguel". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Laguna Niguel (city) QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 8, 2022.
- ^ 2011 Business and Community Directory, Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce, p. 7.
- ^ "QuickFacts Orange County, California". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "US Household Income". Department of Numbers. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Chianis, Alexia (November 18, 2013). "The 50 Safest Cities in California". SafeWise. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Open Space/Parks/Conservation". General Plan for the City of Laguna Niguel. City of Laguna Niguel. August 4, 1992. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ a b c "History and Statistics". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e "Niguel Shores - A History" (PDF). Niguel Shores Community Association. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- ^ "Facts, Figures and MNWD's History". Moulton Niguel Water District. Archived from the original on July 31, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
- ^ a b Yee, Christopher (February 11, 2015). "Laguna Niguel: Looking back at our heritage". Orange County Register. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Lemas, Matt (August 22, 2015). "The Ziggurat: How a white elephant became a county landmark". Orange County Register. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "Chet Holifield Federal Building, Laguna Niguel, CA". U.S. General Services Administration. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ISSN 0279-0483.
- ^ Olvera, Carlos N. (January 4, 2014). "It's History: A Rough Road to Cityhood". Dana Point Times. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Walker, Doris I.. "Laguna Niguel". Included in: Orange County Historical Commission. (2004). A Hundred Years of Yesterdays: A Centennial History of the People of Orange County and Their Communities. pp. 169-172.
- ^ a b "Census of Population and Housing". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ^ Ourlian, Robert; Messina, Frank (March 20, 1998). "Laguna Niguel Slide Destroys 7 Dwellings". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Ourlian, Robert (April 12, 1998). "Niguel Summit Project Troubled From Start". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Garvey, Megan (September 12, 1998). "Niguel Summit Landslide Case Settled". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Fry, Hannah (May 12, 2022). "Laguna Niguel residents return to ruins: '30 years' worth of memories' consumed by fire". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
- ^ a b c d USGS Topo Maps for United States (Map). Cartography by United States Geological Survey. ACME Mapper. Retrieved October 29, 2009.
- ^ County of Orange, California City Boundaries (Map). Cartography by Kevin Velasco, Orange County Public Works GIS Mapping Unit. Orange County Department of Public Works. October 25, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "Average Weather for Laguna Niguel, CA - Temperature and Precipitation". Weather.com. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
- ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Laguna Niguel city, California". www.census.gov. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Laguna Niguel city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
- ^ a b c d "U.S. Census website". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "US Census: Incomes in Laguna Niguel". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 11, 2020. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ "Precinct results" (PDF). www.ocvote.com. 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2020.
- ^ "Certified statement of the votecast at the Presidential Election" (PDF). November 8, 2016.
- ^ "Certified statement of the votecast at the General Election" (PDF). November 6, 2012.
- ^ "Orange County Statement of Votes" (PDF).
- ^ "Orange County Statement of Votes" (PDF). November 29, 2004.
- ^ "Orange County Statement of Votes, General Election" (PDF). November 7, 2000.
- ^ California. Secretary of State (March 30, 1968). "Statement of vote". Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary – via Internet Archive.
- ^ California. Secretary of State (March 30, 1968). "Statement of vote". Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary – via Internet Archive.
- ^ "City Hall". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
- ^ "Statewide Database". UC Regents. Archived from the original on February 1, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
- ^ "California's 49th Congressional District - Representatives & District Map". Civic Impulse, LLC.
- ^ "CA Secretary of State – Report of Registration – February 10, 2019" (PDF). ca.gov. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
- ^ "City of Laguna Niguel Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved August 24, 2023.
- ^ "St. Anne School". St. Anne School. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
- ^ "Fire and Emergency Medical Services". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Police Services". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Local Hospitals". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Utility Companies". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "OC Bus System Map" (PDF). Orange County Transportation Authority. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station". Metrolink. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Laguna Niguel-Mission Viejo". TrainWeb. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ Orange County Bikeways Map (PDF) (Map). Orange County Transportation Authority. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "City of Laguna Niguel Parks & Recreational Facilities Map". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Laguna Niguel Regional Park". OC Parks. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Crown Valley Community Park". City of Laguna Niguel. Archived from the original on August 10, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park". OC Parks. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Laguna Coast Wilderness Park". OC Parks. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Trails-Hiking and Biking". City of Laguna Niguel. Archived from the original on August 19, 2016. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Aliso Summit Trail". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Colinas Bluff Trail". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Laguna Ridge Trail". City of Laguna Niguel. Retrieved July 26, 2016.
- ^ "Sister City Directory – SOCAL Sister Cities".
- Orange County Register. Retrieved October 6, 2020.