Mendocino County, California

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Mendocino County, California
County
County of Mendocino
Mendocino California.jpg The Sun House.jpg
Point Arena Lighthouse.jpg CarRedwoodLeggett01-05.jpg
Calif Western June 6th 2010 024xRP - Flickr - drewj1946.jpg MacKerricher Beach.jpg
Images, from top down, left to right: The community of Mendocino, the historic Grace Hudson Sun House, Point Arena Lighthouse, the Chandelier Tree, the "Skunk Train", A beach in MacKerricher State Park
Official seal of Mendocino County, California
Seal
Nickname(s): "Mendo"
Location in the state of California
Location in the state of California
California's location in the United States
California's location in the United States
Country  United States
State  California
Region California North Coast
Incorporated February 18, 1850[1]
County seat Ukiah
Largest city Ukiah
Government
 • Body Mendocino County Board of Supervisors
Area
 • Total 3,878 sq mi (10,040 km2)
 • Land 3,506 sq mi (9,080 km2)
 • Water 372 sq mi (960 km2)
Highest elevation[2] 6,958 ft (2,121 m)
Population (April 1, 2010)[3]
 • Total 87,841
 • Estimate (2014)[3] 87,869
 • Density 23/sq mi (8.7/km2)
Time zone Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8)
 • Summer (DST) Pacific Daylight Time (UTC-7)
Area code 707
Website www.co.mendocino.ca.us

Mendocino County is a county located on the north coast of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 census, the population was 87,841.[4] The county seat is Ukiah.[5]

Mendocino County comprises the Ukiah, CA Micropolitan Statistical Area. It is located north of the San Francisco Bay Area and west of the Central Valley.

The county is noted for its distinctive Pacific Ocean coastline, Redwood forests, wine production, microbrews, and liberal views about the use of cannabis and support for its legalization. It is estimated that roughly one-third of the economy is based on the cultivation of marijuana.[6]

The notable historic and recreational attraction of the "Skunk Train" connects Fort Bragg with Willits in Mendocino County via a steam-locomotive engine, along with other vehicles.

History

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Mendocino County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood. Due to an initially minor white American population, it did not have a separate government until 1859 and was under the administration of Sonoma County prior to that.[7] Some of the county's land was given to Sonoma County between 1850 and 1860.

The county derives its name from Cape Mendocino (most of which is actually located in adjacent Humboldt County), which was probably named in honor of either Antonio de Mendoza, Viceroy of New Spain, 1535–1542 (who sent the Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo Expedition to this coast in 1542), or Lorenzo Suárez de Mendoza, Viceroy from 1580 to 1583. Mendocino is the adjectival form of the family name of Mendoza.[7]

Neither Spanish nor Mexican influence extended into Mendocino County beyond establishing two Mexican land grants in southern Mendocino County: Rancho Sanel in Hopland, in 1844 and Rancho Yokaya that forms the majority of the Ukiah Valley, in 1845.[7]

In the 19th century, despite the establishment of the Mendocino Indian Reservation and Nome Cult Farm in 1856, the county witnessed many of the most serious atrocities in the extermination of the Californian Native American tribes who originally lived in the area, like the Yuki, the Pomo, the Cahto, and the Wintun. The systematic occupation of their lands, the reduction of many of their members into slavery and the raids against their settlements led to the Mendocino War in 1859, where hundreds of Indians were killed. Establishment of the Round Valley Indian Reservation in March 30, 1870, did not prevent the segregation that continued well into the 20th century. Other tribes from the Sierra Nevada mountains were also located to the Round Valley Indian Reservation during the "California Trail Of Tears", where the Natives were forced to march in bad conditions to their new home in Round Valley.[8] Many of these tribes thrown together were not friends with the other tribes they were forced to live with on the reservation, resulting in tensions still evident today.

Geography

A vineyard in Mendocino county

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,878 square miles (10,040 km2), of which 3,506 square miles (9,080 km2) is land and 372 square miles (960 km2) (9.6%) is water.[9]

Rivers

Aerial view of the mouth of the Noyo River on the Pacific Ocean at Fort Bragg

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Beaches

A Beach Near Elk

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National and state protected areas

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Demographics

2011

Places by population, race, and income

2010

Historical population
Census Pop.
1850 55
1860 3,967 7,112.7%
1870 7,545 90.2%
1880 12,800 69.6%
1890 17,612 37.6%
1900 20,465 16.2%
1910 23,929 16.9%
1920 24,116 0.8%
1930 23,505 −2.5%
1940 27,864 18.5%
1950 40,854 46.6%
1960 51,059 25.0%
1970 51,101 0.1%
1980 66,738 30.6%
1990 80,345 20.4%
2000 86,265 7.4%
2010 87,841 1.8%
Est. 2014 87,869 0.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[17]
1790–1960[18] 1900–1990[19]
1990–2000[20] 2010–2014[4]

The 2010 United States Census reported that Mendocino County had a population of 87,841. The racial makeup of Mendocino County was 67,218 (76.5%) White, 622 (0.7%) African American, 4,277 (4.9%) Native American, 1,450 (1.7%) Asian, 119 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 10,185 (11.6%) from other races, and 3,970 (4.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19,505 persons (22.2%).[21]

2000

As of the census[22] of 2000, there were 86,265 people, 33,266 households, and 21,855 families residing in the county. The population density was 25 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 36,937 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 80.8% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 4.8% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 8.6% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. 16.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 12.2% were of German, 10.8% English, 8.6% Irish, 6.1% Italian and 5.6% American ancestry according to Census 2000. 84.4% spoke English and 13.2% Spanish as their first language.

There were 33,266 households out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the county the population was spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,996, and the median income for a family was $42,168. Males had a median income of $33,128 versus $23,774 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,443. About 10.9% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government

As of 2015, the district attorney of Mendocino County is C. David Eyster,[23] the elected sheriff-coroner is Thomas D. Allman,[24] and the chief executive officer is Carmel J. Angelo.[25]

Mendocino County is legislatively governed by a board of five supervisors, each with a separate district.[26] The first district is represented by Carre Brown,[27] and serves the central-eastern region of the county, including Potter Valley, Redwood Valley, Calpella, and Talmage. The second district, represented by John McCowen,[27] serves Ukiah. The third district, in the northeastern quadrant of the county from Willits north to Laytonville and Covelo, is represented by Tom Woodhouse.[27] The fourth district covers the northwestern quadrant of the county, including the coast from Caspar northwards through Fort Bragg; its supervisor is Dan Gjerde,[27] who previously served on the Fort Bragg City Council. The supervisor for the fifth district is Dan Hamburg;[27] his district covers the southern portion of the county, including the coast from Mendocino to Gualala, the Anderson Valley, the western outskirts of Ukiah, and portions of the Russian River valley near Hopland. Hamburg also previously served as a county supervisor, and also served one term as a Congressman in Washington, D.C.

Politics

Voter registration statistics

Cities by population and voter registration

Overview

Mendocino County vote
by party in presidential elections
Year GOP Dem Others
2012 27.5% 9,658 66.0% 23,193 5.5% 2,286[29]
2008 26.8% 10,721 69.6% 27,843 4.0% 1,620
2004 33.7% 12,955 63.5% 24,385 2.8% 1,089
2000 35.7% 12,272 48.3% 16,634 16.0% 5,504
1996 29.9% 9,765 45.7% 14,952 24.4% 7,975
1992 21.8% 7,958 50.2% 18,344 28.0% 10,236
1988 41.9% 12,979 55.4% 17,152 2.6% 816
1984 52.1% 16,369 45.9% 14,407 2.1% 646
1980 44.1% 12,432 38.2% 10,784 17.7% 5,008
1976 45.5 9,784 49.5% 10,653 5.0% 1,072
1972 51.0% 11,128 43.3% 9,435 5.7% 1,251
1968 46.4% 8,305 44.3% 7,935 9.3% 1,664
1964 34.7% 6,322 65.1% 11,869 0.2% 36
1960 49.3% 9,301 50.2% 9,476 0.5% 94
1956 56.9% 10,327 42.8% 7,767 0.2% 43
1952 60.9% 10,897 38.1% 6,813 1.1% 191
1948 50.5% 6,368 44.1% 5,553 5.4% 682
1944 45.9% 4,655 53.8% 5,452 0.4% 36
1940 42.5% 5,345 56.1% 7,055 1.3% 169
1936 35.8% 3,670 62.7% 6,432 1.6% 164
1932 35.2% 3,365 61.4% 5,867 3.3% 319
1928 63.4% 4,810 34.6% 2,628 2.0% 150
1924 56.5% 3,465 12.0% 739 31.5% 1,933
1920 65.8% 4,443 26.5% 1,789 7.7% 517

Mendocino is a strongly Democratic county in Presidential and congressional elections.[30] The last Republican to win a majority in the county was Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984.

Federally, Mendocino County is in California's 2nd congressional district, represented by Democrat Jared Huffman.[31]

In the state legislature Mendocino is in the 2nd Senate District, represented by Democrat Mike McGuire,[32] and the 2nd Assembly District, represented by Democrat Jim Wood.[33]

As of April 2008, the California Secretary of State reports that Mendocino County has 47,168 registered voters. Of those, 22,264 (47.2%) are registered Democratic; 11,422 (24.2%) are registered Republican; 4,179 (8.9%) are registered with other political parties, and 9,303 (19.7%) declined to state a political party.

In 2000, Mendocino County voters approved Measure G, which calls for the decriminalization of marijuana when used and cultivated for personal use.[34] Measure G passed with a 58% majority vote, making it the first county in the United States to declare prosecution of small-scale marijuana offenses the "lowest priority" for local law enforcement. Measure G does not protect individuals who cultivate, transport or possess marijuana for sale. However, Measure G was passed at the local government level affecting only Mendocino County, and therefore does not affect existing state or federal laws. The city of Berkeley has had a similar law (known as the Berkeley Marijuana Initiative II) since 1979 which has generally been found to be unenforceable.[35]

In 2008, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors placed Measure B on the June 3 county-wide ballot. After three months of hard-fought campaigning and national attention, voters narrowly approved "B", which repealed the provisions of 2000's Measure G.[36][37] However, opponents of Measure B intend to continue the challenge in court, as the wording of Measure B relies heavily on S.B. 420's state limitations which were recently ruled unconstitutional by the California supreme court. On July 3, the Sheriff and District Attorneys offices announced that they would not be enforcing the new regulations for the time being, citing pending legal challenges and conflicts with existing state law.[38]

In April, 2009, Sheriff Tom Allman issued his department's medical marijuana enforcement policy, which includes the provisions of Measure B and also cites the California Supreme Court Ruling narrowly defining "caregiver" in the state's medical marijuana law.[39]

In 2004, Measure H was passed in Mendocino County with a 57% majority, making it the first county in the United States to ban the production and cultivation of genetically modified organisms.

On Nov. 4, 2008 Mendocino County voted 63.2% against Proposition 8 which amended the California Constitution to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Crime

The following table includes the number of incidents reported and the rate per 1,000 persons for each type of offense.

Cities by population and crime rates

Education

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Community colleges

Transportation

US 101 in the Mendocino County

Major highways

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Public transportation

Bus

The Mendocino Transit Authority provides local and intercity bus service within Mendocino County. Limited service also connects with transit in Sonoma County. Greyhound Bus Lines currently serves Ukiah.

Amtrak's operates connecting bus service to Ukiah, Willits and Laytonville.[42]

The historic Skunk Train is a heritage railway that connects Fort Bragg, California with Willits using steam locomotives.

Airports

  • Ukiah Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport owned by the City of Ukiah. It is located south of downtown Ukiah.
  • Little River Airport is a general aviation airport serving the Mendocino coast.
  • Willits Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport serving the Willits / Little Lake Valley area. Located in the Brooktrails subdivision area west of Willits.
  • Round Valley Airport is a general aviation airport serving the Covelo / Round Valley area.

For commercial service, passengers in Mendocino County need to go to Eureka, one county to the north in Humboldt County, or to Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, one county to the south. More comprehensive service is available from Sacramento to the east or San Francisco, well to the south.

Emergency services for the largely unincorporated county are coordinated through Howard Forest Station, a local Cal Fire station just south of Willits.

Communities

Ecological staircase trail in Jug Handle state nature reserve
Islands off the Mendocino coast

Cities

Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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Indian reservations

Mendocino County has nine Indian reservations lying within its borders, the fourth most of any county in the United States (after San Diego County, California; Sandoval County, New Mexico; and Riverside County, California).

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In popular culture

Kate McGarrigle's song "(Talk to Me of) Mendocino," is one of the songs on the McGarrigles' 1975 debut album; it has been covered by Linda Ronstadt on her 1982 album Get Closer, and by the English singer-songwriter John Howard on his 2007 E.P.

See also

Notes

  1. Other = Some other race + Two or more races
  2. Native American = Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander + American Indian or Alaska Native
  3. 3.0 3.1 Percentage of registered voters with respect to total population. Percentages of party members with respect to registered voters follow.
  4. Only larceny-theft cases involving property over $400 in value are reported as property crimes.

Footnotes

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  8. http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2007/09/19/18448509.php
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  10. 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 10.14 10.15 10.16 U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B02001. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  11. 11.0 11.1 U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B03003. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-26.
  12. 12.0 12.1 U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19301. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  13. 13.0 13.1 U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19013. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  14. 14.0 14.1 U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B19113. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  15. 15.0 15.1 U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  16. U.S. Census Bureau. American Community Survey, 2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B01003. American FactFinder. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
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  28. 28.00 28.01 28.02 28.03 28.04 28.05 28.06 28.07 28.08 28.09 28.10 28.11 28.12 28.13 28.14 28.15 28.16 California Secretary of State. February 10, 2013 - Report of Registration. Retrieved 2013-10-31.
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  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 40.7 40.8 40.9 Office of the Attorney General, Department of Justice, State of California. Table 11: Crimes – 2009. Retrieved 2013-11-14.
  41. 41.0 41.1 41.2 United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Crime in the United States, 2012, Table 8 (California). Retrieved 2013-11-14.
  42. amtrak.com Thruway map

Further reading

External links

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