About California City, Location and Population

California City consists of 206 square miles in the upper Mojave Desert. It is located in the Fremont Valley, adjacent to the Antelope Valley, at an average elevation of 2400 feet, with the El Paso and Rand Mountains to the North and the Tehachapi Mountains to the West. It is about a 15-minute drive north of Mojave and Edwards Air Force Base.

Climate, Air, and Water Quality

The climate is typical desert, with hot summers and moderate winters. Temperature extremes can run as high as 112 degrees in July and as low as 20 degrees in January. Low humidity provides a pleasant, year-round climate which allows everyone to enjoy their favorite outdoor sports. Average annual rainfall for the valley is 3.94 inches and the average temperature ranges from 46 degrees to 88 degrees maximum with daily sunshine being the norm rather than the exception.

California City is known for its clear skies. Located in the clean air corridor of East Kern County, the city is also known for its pure and abundant water. Since California City was incorporated as early as the mid 1960's, our City Fathers insured that toxic waste disposal was not allowed. We are fortunate that we have plentiful, good-quality water.

Recreation

Centrally located, California City is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hunting, hiking, rafting, rock hounding, and horseback riding can all be enjoyed close by. Lake Isabella and Kern River to the northwest are very picturesque and great for family camping. Off-road vehicles are welcome in areas designated by the Bureau of Land Management. Snow skiing can be found in the nearby Greenhorn Mountains and at Mammoth. As you can see, it's easier to become a participant than a spectator in California City.

The Community is the fastest growing off road vehicle recreation area in the State, with 9 city owned parks and miles of BLM riding trails. A favorite of flying sports enthusiasts throughout the U.S., the California City Airport hosts one of the largest skydiving clubs in the country.

City Government

California City is a high desert community ready for growth and eager to welcome business. It is proud of it's progressive City Council, Planning Commission, Redevelopment Agency, City Administration and various support groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the California City Economic Development Corporation.

California City is a master-planned, general law city featuring a council/city manager form of government with a large Central Park Lake, a Sports Arena, a Community Center, Marina, Championship and Par 3 Golf Courses, Pro Clubhouse, Airport Terminal and City Hall.

Medical Facilities

The California City Medical Center is open six days a week and there is a dental office and pharmacy available to serve the residents' needs. In addition, a 24hour ambulance service and Med-Evac is dispatched from the California City Police Department.

Lifestyle

• Low crime rate (lower insurance costs)
• Inexpensive home prices
• Lower sales tax
• Clean air
• Unsurpassed recreational amenities

Transportation

• Three major highways: 58, 14 and 395
• Dial-A-Ride - Local bus transit
• Cargo airport in California City
• Santa Fe Rail nearby

Dial-a-ride is the local on-call transportation system. It provides service 6 days a week to all property owners. The Kern County Transit and Orange Belt AMTRAK Bus Services are available for out-of-town trips. The California City Municipal Airport provides flights to major cities for those who need to travel by plane. It has a 6,030 foot, night-lighted runway with restaurant and terminal facilities.

Banking

• Sierra National Bank
• Bank of Mojave
• AltaOne Federal Credit Union

Utilities

• Electricity: Southern California Edison 1-800-990-7788
• Southern California Gas Company
• Benz (propane)
• Proflame (propane)
• Telephone: Verizon Residential 1-800-483-4000
• Water & Sewage: City of California City; Dept. of Building & Safety
  1-760-373-8661

Water is provided through careful planning of city-owned wells and the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency aqueduct system (AVEKWA). There are also numerous independent telephone companies available for additional long-distance service. There are several choices for Cable TV. Sewer and trash collection are provided by City Hall.

• Robert P. Ulrich Elementary School
• New California City Middle School (grades 6-8)
• Mojave High School

Edwards Air Force Base offers evening classes which are open to the public. To further your education, you can attend Antelope Valley Junior College in Lancaster, California State University in Bakersfield, or Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest and aboard Edwards Air Force Base.

Clubs and Organizations

There are clubs and organizations for every lifestyle and interest with active branches of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kiwanis and Moose. Search and Rescue, Police Explorers and Teen Job Bank as well as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, R-C Car Club, youth soccer, football and Little League are available for family members. The Community Center encompasses all social aspects of life in California City. Many special interest groups such as the Art and Drama Association, East Kem Historical Museum Society, East Kern Art Society and local rockhound groups satisfy personal and creative needs.

• Aspen Mall
• Village Center
• Aloha Plaza
• Victor Plaza
• Antelope Valley Press (newspaper)
• Mojave Desert News (newspaper)
• California City Sky Dive Center
• California City Air and Space Museum
• Silver Saddle Ranch and Club
• Desert Tortoise Natural Area

Aspen Mall is the original shopping area for California City. The Village Center and Victor and Aloha Plazas are welcome newcomers. In our four shopping centers, you will find all the basic necessities and services needed for everyday living: market, hair-stylist, manicurist, florist, mini-mart and deli, cleaners, clothes boutique, children's clothing store, pet store, veterinary services, auto parts, building supplies, pharmacy and several fine restaurants and coffee shops.

Experience the local events through the the Antelope Valley Press and the Mojave Desert News.

California City has the largest skydiving club in the west--the Southern California Skydiving Club, located at the California City Airport. Gliders are also a popular sport. You can learn to glide or go for a ride in one. Renowned sailplane, hot air balloons and skydiving activities draw an international crowd year-round. While there, stop by the California City Air and Space Museum and watch it grow!

The Silver Saddle Ranch and Club is a special resort that combines the benefits of property ownership with membership in a private club. The resort's entertainment facilities include horseback riding, swimming and windsurfing on the two-acre lake, trap and skeet shooting, tennis, volleyball and archery, plus a western-theme saloon with live entertainment and a full-service restaurant.

The Desert Tortoise Natural Area, a Bureau of Land Management preserve with interpretative center, is a place where visitors can learn about the area's wildlife and habitat and perhaps catch a glimpse of a desert tortoise.

City Recreational Program

The City has a unique and exciting recreation program for all residents and land owners. The Central Park encompasses many facilities for the enjoyment of all age groups. These include a Community Center, an 18-acre lake, lakeside pavilions, a sports arena and marina. The marina features an outdoor swimming pool, picnic facilities with restrooms, children's playgrounds, horse shoe pits, shuffleboard, fishing and boating. For sports enthusiasts, we have fun and fitness trails, baseball diamonds, tennis, basketball and handball courts with all the necessary sports equipment. Want to try your luck at golf? Then give the 18-hole, night-lighted, Par 3 Golf Course a shot.A complete city recreational program for children of all ages is available, as are city-sponsored jazzercise and karate classes, a weight room and game room. In addition, the thriving Senior Citizen's Center has a very active membership.

Senior Citizens

Many come to California City to enjoy year-round sunshine and easy-to-afford homes.

Many events take place during the year, but a few take precedent over all. Tortoise Days arrive the first weekend in May, midsummer brings the Fourth of July celebration with fireworks over the lake, and the old-fashioned Pioneer Days arrive in October. These are all held at Central Park, where everyone enjoys fun, good food, and comaraderie. Booths with various foods as well as arts and crafts from the local and surrounding areas are available. The last event of the year is the City's Anniversary of Incorporation held in December.