Corona, California


Corona is a city in Riverside County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 152,374, up from 124,966 at the 2000 census. The cities of Norco and Riverside lie to the north and northeast, Chino Hills and Yorba Linda to the northwest, and the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains to the southwest, and unincorporated Riverside County along the rest of the border, respectively. Corona is approximately southeast of Los Angeles and north-northwest of San Diego.
Corona, located along the western edge of Southern California's Inland Empire region, is known as the "Circle City" due to Grand Boulevard's circular layout. It is one of the most residential cities in the Inland Empire, but also has a large industrial portion on the northern half, being the headquarters of companies such as Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Monster Beverage Corporation, and supercar manufacturer Saleen.
Corona in 1860

History

Corona, originally named South Riverside, was founded at the height of the Southern California citrus boom in 1886, and is situated at the upper end of the Santa Ana River Canyon, a significant pass through the Santa Ana Mountains. The town of Corona was once the "Lemon Capital of the World". A museum there presents the lemon's former role in the local economy. The city derived its name from the unique layout of its streets, with a standard grid enclosed by the circular Grand Boulevard, in circumference. The street layout was designed by Hiram Clay Kellogg, a civil engineer from Anaheim who was an influential figure in the early development of Orange County.
Corona was established as a town by the South Riverside Land and Water Company. The company was incorporated in 1886; founding members included ex-Governor of Iowa Samuel Merrill, R.B. Taylor, George L. Joy, A.S. Garretson, and Adolph Rimpau. Originally a citrus growers' organization, it purchased the lands of Rancho La Sierra of Bernardo Yorba, and the Rancho Temescal grant and the colony of South Riverside was laid out. They also secured the water rights to Temescal Creek, its tributaries and Lee Lake. Dams and pipelines were built to carry the water to the colony. In 1889, the Temescal Water Company was incorporated, to supply water for the new colony. This company purchased all the water-bearing lands in the Temescal valley and began drilling artesian wells.
Originally located in San Bernardino County, the city was named "South Riverside" and received its post office in that name on either May 27 or August 11, 1887 with Charles H. Cornell as the town's first postmaster. In 1893, South Riverside became part of the new Riverside County. In 1896, the city was renamed "Corona" for its circular Grand Boulevard, where three international automobile races were held in 1913, 1914 and 1916.
The city of Corona has been popular among celebrities drawn to its upscale areas and relative privacy compared to Los Angeles. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz spent time at their ranch, located in north Corona, and played golf often at the Cresta Verde Golf Course in the northeastern section of the city. After their divorce, Mr. Arnaz continued to live in Corona.
In recent years Corona has been known as the "Gateway to the Inland Empire". Prior to the 1980s, the city was largely an agricultural community, dominated by citrus orchards, ranches, and dairy farms. High real estate prices in Los Angeles and Orange counties made the area's land desirable to developers and industrialists, and by the late 1990s Corona was considered a major suburb of Los Angeles.
Housing development in the city has been accelerated by access to the area via the SR 91, with many families leaving Orange County to larger, more affordable housing available in the city. The construction of the nearby SR 71 has linked Corona to the Pomona and San Gabriel valleys. Due to traffic caused by Corona's considerable growth, toll lanes have been built along the 91 freeway, with future toll lane expansions under construction and in the planning stages along Interstate 15. While there were talks to construct a proposed automobile and rail tunnel under Santiago Peak to connect Interstate 15 in Corona with Interstate 5 and SR 55 in Orange County to reduce commuter traffic on the crowded 91 freeway, this concept has been shelved indefinitely.
In 2002, the city government considered an initiative to secede from Riverside County and form an autonomous Corona County because the city government and some residents were dissatisfied with how services were handled in nearby areas. The effort was also considered by areas in other cities in the western part of the county as far south as Murrieta. Whether nearby cities such as Norco would have been included in the new county are unknown. The proposed county would have been bordered by San Bernardino County to the northwest, and by Orange County to the west, but it never came to fruition.

Historical markers

Geography and climate

Corona is located in western Riverside County, east of Orange County.
Corona is located at .
One of the most visible geographical features in Corona, visible from almost anywhere in the city, are the Santa Ana Mountains.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of, of which, of it is land and of it is water.
Corona experiences a warm Mediterranean climate and has mild to cool winters and hot summers. Most of the rainfall occurs during winter and early spring. Winter days are pleasant, with the average highs staying in the mid to upper 60s. But compared to other areas in Southern California, winter lows are colder, with common frost and chilly mornings. Snowfall within city limits is rare, however the nearby Santa Ana Mountains receive a dusting of snow a few times each winter. The spring brings pleasant weather, with little rain. Summertime is hot, with highs averaging in the low to mid 90s. During the hottest months, daytime temperatures in Corona can exceed 100 degrees. In early summer, Corona receives common overcast weather known as "May Gray" and "June Gloom". Summer thunderstorms are sporadic and usually happen between July and September from the North American Monsoons, bringing increased humidity and scattered thunderstorms. Fall brings sunny and slightly cooler weather with little rain, but can be windy due to the Santa Ana winds, blowing in 2 or 3 times a year from October to December.

Economy

Businesses headquartered in Corona include:
According to the City's 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city are:
#Employer# of Employees
1Corona-Norco Unified School District5,399
2Corona Regional Medical Center1,113
3Kaiser Permanente995
4All American Asphalt840
5City of Corona805
6Fender650
7Monster Energy607
8TWR Framing600
9Thermal Structures500
10Veg-Fresh Farms425
11Core-Mark421

Demographics

2010

The 2010 United States Census reported that Corona had a population of 152,374. The population density was 3,914.0 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Corona was 90,925 White, 8,934 African American, 1,153 Native American, 16,205 Asian, 552 Pacific Islander, 28,003 from other races, and 7,759 from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 66,447 persons ; 33.7% of Corona's population are Mexican-American, 2.1% Puerto Rican, 1.4% Cuban, 1.3% Salvadoran, 1.2% Guatemalan, 0.8% Peruvian, 0.5% Argentine, 0.3% Honduran, 0.2% Nicaraguan, and 0.2% Ecuadorian. Among Asian-Americans, 2.3% of Corona's population were Filipino, 2.1% Vietnamese, 1.7% Korean, 1.4% Indian-Americans, 1.1% Chinese, 0.7% Japanese, 0.4% Pakistani, 0.2% Thai, and 0.1% Bangladeshi. The second largest group of Corona's population is made up of Caucasian-Americans; the largest groups of whites were 11.1% German-American, 7.0% English, 6.9% Irish, 4.0% Italian, 2.7% French, 1.6% Polish, 1.5% Dutch, 1.4% Norwegian, 1.3% Scottish, 1.3% Swedish and 1.3% Arab.
The Census reported that 151,863 people lived in households, 229 lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 282 were institutionalized.
There were 44,950 households, out of which 22,735 had children under the age of 18 living in them, 27,357 were opposite-sex married couples living together, 5,971 had a female householder with no husband present, 3,004 had a male householder with no wife present. There were 2,690 unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 360 same-sex married couples or partnerships. 6,455 households were made up of individuals, and 2,224 had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.38. There were 36,332 families ; the average family size was 3.72.
The population was spread out, with 45,674 people under the age of 18, 15,504 people aged 18 to 24, 44,215 people aged 25 to 44, 35,801 people aged 45 to 64, and 11,180 people who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.5 males.
There were 47,174 housing units at an average density of 1,211.8 per square mile, of which 30,210 were owner-occupied, and 14,740 were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.3%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.3%. 103,170 people lived in owner-occupied housing units and 48,693 people lived in rental housing units.
During 2009–2013, Corona had a median household income of $77,123, with 10.8% of the population living below the federal poverty line.

2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 124,996 people, 37,839 households, and 30,384 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,555.5 people per square mile. There were 39,271 housing units at an average density of 1,117.3 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 75.0% White, 6.4% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 7.5% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 17.5% from other races, and 5.3% from two or more races. 25.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 37,839 households, out of which 49.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 14.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.3 and the average family size was 3.6.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 33.4% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 35.1% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 5.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $98,615, and the median income for a family was $83,505. Males had a median income of $44,752 versus $31,884 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,001. About 6.0% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 7.3% of those age 65 or over.

Neighborhoods

North Corona

The north part of the city of Corona borders the city of Norco. This area is primarily residential and commercial. The makeup is primarily middle and upper-middle income, with most housing being built after the late 1990s, and is known for being well maintained and safe. Prominent areas include Corona Hills and Corona Ranch.

Downtown/North Main

Most of the City's downtown area lies north of State Route 91, and is home to the former Fender Museum. The area has office and apartment buildings. The new North Main renovation project added multiple new retail shops, bars, and restaurants to the area. Downtown is also the location of the North Main Corona Metrolink station, which is one of two Metrolink stations in the city.

Central Corona

The central city area includes the inner circle of Grand Avenue as well as all areas south of State Route 91 and north of Ontario Avenue. This is the oldest area of the city by far, with most housing having been built around 1910. This part of the city has a mixed Hispanic and white population, and consists of many restored historic residences.

South Corona

South Corona is the newest part of Corona and is located south of Ontario Avenue. Most of the housing was built after the early 2000s. This area has the highest rated schools in the city.

Sierra Del Oro

Sierra Del Oro is the western portion of Corona, comprising the neighborhoods situated along Green River Road, extending all the way towards State Route 91 and the Orange/Riverside county line. This area holds many apartment complexes geared towards commuters, along with the West Corona Metrolink station. The Corona Auto Center is located at the base of the foothills. In December 2016, construction of the Foothill Parkway expansion was completed, allowing a direct street link between Sierra Del Oro and South Corona.

Dos Lagos

Dos Lagos is located near the southern city limits of Corona, straddling Interstate 15. The area is mostly dominated by upscale apartment complexes, newer homes, a shopping center, and a large golf course.

Coronita

is an unincorporated, census-designated area in Riverside County enclosed in western Corona. An annexation attempt in 1986 by the city failed.

Temescal Valley

is an unincorporated but census-designated area in Riverside County at the southernmost end of Corona city limits, and is included in the city's sphere of influence. It includes the neighborhoods of Sycamore Creek, Trilogy, The Retreat and Horsethief Canyon Ranch. In 2013, the City of Corona applied for annexation of the area through the Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission. On September 26, 2013, however, the Commission formally denied the City of Corona's request for annexation. The contract between Corona and the County to provide its emergency services to the northern-third of Temescal Valley persists.
Although the arguments of the opponents of annexation included the fear of being "Coronians" and losing the area's identity, Temescal Valley's ZIP Code remains associated with Corona.

Home Gardens

is a census-designated place within the City of Corona's sphere of influence. The neighborhood is largely populated by Hispanic and Caucasian communities. Home Gardens is one of Corona's largest neighborhoods with a population estimate of approximately 12,000 residents. It is also one of the city's lowest-income areas. The neighborhood is served by Magnolia Avenue, a major thoroughfare which leads into the City of Riverside. Bus service is provided by the Riverside Transit Agency and Corona Cruiser.

El Cerrito

is located on the southeastern part of the city, just a few exits north of the Dos Lagos neighborhood on I-15. El Cerrito is mostly a rural/suburban area with many dirt roads in alleyways and no ranches. El Cerrito is home to El Cerrito Sports Park, a large park consisting of one baseball field and a popular destination for Little League Baseball and local school softball teams. El Cerrito is served by Ontario Avenue/Temescal Canyon Road.

Eagle Glen

Eagle Glen is located between South Corona and El Cerrito, and is the neighborhood around Wilson Elementary and Eagle Glen. It is close to Wilson Elementary, El Cerrito Middle School and Santiago High School, all of which are California distinguished schools. Eagle Glen is also home to a golf course.

Government

Federal:
State:
Local:

Transportation

The city is served by the Chino Valley, Ontario, and Riverside freeways.
The city is also linked with the 91 Line and Inland Empire–Orange County Line of the Metrolink commuter rail system, providing service to Los Angeles, Perris, San Bernardino, and Oceanside from North Main Corona Metrolink Station in the Downtown area and West Corona Metrolink Station in Corona's West Side.
The city's downtown area is circled by Grand Boulevard, which is unique for being perfectly circular. The street is approximately in diameter.
Corona's public transportation includes the following bus lines: RTA route 1 from West Corona to UC Riverside, RTA route 3 from Corona Regional Medical Center to Swan Lake in nearby Eastvale, RTA route 214 from Downtown Corona to The Village shopping center in Orange, RTA route 206 from Downtown Corona to Temecula, OCTA bus route from Anaheim to South Corona Walmart, and the Corona Cruiser blue and red lines.
There is a proposal to erect a new four-lane freeway along or near Cajalco Road to connect Interstates 15 and 215, although the plan remains controversial. In addition, there is a possibility of constructing a tunnel under the Santiago Peak Mountains to the Eastern Transportation Corridor of the FastTrak toll-road company system in Orange, due to increased commuter traffic on State Route 91, which needs to be reduced by another freeway between Orange and Riverside counties.
Corona Municipal Airport serves the city and has a runway. On January 20, 2008, two small passenger aircraft collided over Corona, killing all four men aboard the planes and another man on the ground. In the past ten years, there have been five fatal plane crashes around Corona.

Healthcare

Corona is served by the following three hospitals:
The city of Corona is a part of the Corona-Norco Unified School District.
There are five high schools in Corona: Corona, Centennial, Lee V. Pollard, Orange Grove, Santiago.
There are five middle schools in Corona: Auburndale, Citrus Hills, Corona Fundamental, El Cerrito, Raney.
There are also 28 elementary schools in the city: John Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Cesar Chavez, Corona Ranch, Coronita, Dwight Eisenhower, Foothill, Ben Franklin, Garretson, Home Gardens, Jefferson, Lincoln Alternative, William McKinley, Orange, Parkridge, Prado View, Promenade, Riverview, Ronald Reagan, Sierra Vista, Stallings, Temescal Valley, Dr. Bernice Todd, Vandermolen, Vicentia, Victress Bower, George Washington and Woodrow Wilson.
Private schools include St. Edward Catholic School and Crossroads Christian School.

Nonprofit associations

The World Mosquito Control Association is located in Corona.

Utilities

provides most of the city's electricity and a small part of the city is serviced by Corona Department of Water and Power. Waste Management Inc. provides waste disposal for the city.

Cemetery

The Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery is a for-profit cemetery established in 1892. Notable burials include USC Trojans athletic director Jess Hill.

Corrections

of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has a "Corona, CA" mailing address, but is in the City of Chino.

Arts and culture

Performing arts

The Arts Alive Council is a non-profit organization created with the purpose to "foster, promote, and increase the public knowledge and appreciation of the arts and cultural activities in the greater Corona Area." Members include the Corona Symphony Orchestra, Circle City Chorale, Christian Arts and Theater, and Corona Dance Academy.
Off Broadway Corona Theater is a non-profit organization. They produce two to three theatrical productions each year that are presented at the Corona Civic Center Auditorium.

Notable people

The following are Corona's sister cities as designated by Sister Cities International.