Redwood City, California
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Categories: Cities in California | Cities in the San Francisco Bay Area | Communities in San Mateo County, California | County seats in California
Redwood City is a suburb located on the San Francisco Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Redwood City is the county seat of San Mateo County. It was originally part of the Rancho de las Pulgas. As of the 2006 census, the city had a total population of 79,000. The Port of Redwood City is the only deepwater port on San Francisco Bay south of San Francisco.
GeographyAccording to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.6 square miles (89.5 km²), of which, 19.5 square miles (50.5 km²) of it is land and 15.1 square miles (39.1 km²) of it (43.66%) is water. A major watercourse draining much of Redwood City is Redwood Creek, to which several significant sloughs connect, the largest of which is Westpoint Slough. Redwood City's sphere of influence includes the districts of Emerald Lake Hills and North Fair Oaks, which however are largely outside the city boundaries and are counted individually for the U.S. census. Palomar Park, just north of Emerald Hills and east of San Carlos' Crestview area, is another Redwood City neighborhood that is formally part of unincorporated San Mateo County. The neighborhood of Redwood Shores is part of Redwood City, although it is not possible to travel by road from one to the other without passing through the neighboring city of San Carlos. Although Redwood City is mainly upper middle-class, the eastern section of Redwood City highly resembles East Palo Alto in demographic make-up and income level. El Camino Real, a northwest/southeast arterial street and Woodside Road, a north-northeast/south-southwest arterial, run through Redwood City. Locally, the former is regarded as north/south and the latter east/west, as El Camino connects Redwood City to San Francisco and San Jose and Woodside Road runs from San Francisco Bay to the Santa Cruz Mountains. The actual geography is as stated. ClimateThe National Weather Service, which maintains both a forecast center and a cooperative office in Redwood City, reports that December is the coolest month and July is the warmest month. The record highest temperature of 110°F (43.3°C) was recorded on July 14 and 15, 1972. The record lowest temperature of 16°F (-8.8°C) was recorded on January 11, 1949. Annually, there are an average of 21.6 days with highs of 90°F (32°C) or higher and 2.8 days with highs of 100°F (38°C) or higher; there are an average of 10.4 days with lows of 32°F (0°C) or lower. The normal annual precipitation is 20.16 inches (51.20 cm). The most rainfall in one month was 12.42 inches (31.55 cm) in February 1998. The record 24-hour rainfall of 4.88 inches (12.4 cm) was on October 13, 1962. There are an average of 62.1 days with measurable precipitation. Snow flurries have been observed on rare occasions; there was some minor snow accumulation in May 1935 and February 1976. DemographicsAs of the census[2] of 2006, there were 79,000 people, 29,870 households, and 17,902 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,871.3 people per square mile (1,494.5/km²). There were 29,870 housing units at an average density of 1,484.8/sq mi (573.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 65.16% White, 4.24% African American, 1.61% Native American, 10.31% Asian, 1.98% Pacific Islander, 15.57% from other races, and 6.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 39.84% of the population. There were 28,060 households out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.2% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.20. In the city the population was spread out with 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 37.4% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males. According to a 2006 estimate, the median income for a household in the city was $71,628, and the median income for a family was $86,015. Nevertheless, because of the extremely high cost of living in Redwood City, certain jobs (especially in the service industry) pay over $50,000 a year in Redwood City, and in other parts of the country these jobs would be classified as low-income. Disposable income is relatively constant when Redwood City is compared with the rest of the country, however.[8] Males had a median income of $50,345 versus $41,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,042. About 3.9% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.3% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over. PoliticsIn the state legislature Redwood City is located in the 11th Senate District, represented by Democrat Joe Simitian, and in the 21st Assembly District, represented by Democrat Ira Ruskin. Federally, Redwood City is located in California's 12th and 14th congressional districts, which have Cook PVIs of D +22 and D +18 respectively[9]. The 12th is currently vacant with the recent death of Democrat Tom Lantos and the 14th is represented by Democrat Anna Eshoo. DowntownIn an attempt to revitalize Redwood City's downtown, city officials decided to look into development. In August 2006, a new 20-screen theatre and various shops opened in a prime downtown location. The theatre complex boasts restaurant and retail space at street level and a 2-level underground parking structure.[10] In addition to the new 20-screen theatre, major improvements were made to the historical courthouse located on Broadway. In the late 30's an addition was built in front of the original structure, obscuring the view. It was torn down as part of the revitalization project. The building has been replaced with a large courtyard flanked by water fountains on either side, leading to the main steps of the courthouse. The courthouse's glass dome is lit at night and changes colors every 20 seconds. Uncomfortable monikerRedwood City is sometimes referred to colloquially as "Deadwood City" by San Francisco Bay Area natives[11], and particularly by Redwood City residents;[12] it is both a term of (ironic) endearment and derision. As a judgment it was more reflective of an earlier time, when the city's downtown was in decline. Several major projects are underway in the area.[13] Some projects include the restoration of the historical courthouse and a new cinema complex, including shops, at the intersection of Middlefield Road and Jefferson Avenue. Landmarks
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