Hacienda Heights, California

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Hacienda Heights is an unincorporated census-designated place in Los Angeles County, California, USA. As of the 2000 census, the community had a total population of 53,122.

In 2003, voters were asked to decide whether the community should incorporate and become a city. Proponents argued that a new city would be able to better control development and provide increased police and fire service, while opponents argued that the new city would increase taxes and redevelop residential neighborhoods for revenue-generating businesses. Most of the prime commercial land had already been annexed by the City of Industry to escape taxes levied by the County on unincorporated areas. Ultimately the measure failed by about a 2-1 margin.

Contents 1 Education 2 Geography 3 Demographics 4 Landmarks 5 Well Known People from Hacienda Heights

[edit] Education

The two high schools in Hacienda Heights are Los Altos High School and Glen A. Wilson High School. There is an intense rivalry between the schools, especially in football. Teams from Los Altos and Wilson play each other every year, with the winner taking home "the Wheel." In which Los Altos usually dominates.

Both Los Altos and Wilson made the Newsweek 2006 list of Best High Schools, with Wilson being ranked #701, while Los Altos is ranked at #880.

[edit] Geography

Hacienda Heights is located at 34°0′2″N, 117°58′10″W (34.000578, -117.969434)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 29.5 km² (11.4 mi²). 29.5 km² (11.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.09% is water.

[edit] Demographics

Hacienda Heights CDP Population by year [1]

2000 53,122 1990 52,354 1980 49,422 1970 35,969

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 53,122 people, 15,993 households, and 13,418 families residing in the community. The population density was 1,802.3/km² (4,668.8/mi²). There were 16,358 housing units at an average density of 555.0/km² (1,437.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the community was 41.03% White, 1.55% African American, 0.72% Native American, 36.09% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 16.60% from other races, and 3.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 38.25% of the population.

There were 15,993 households out of which 37.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.8% were married couples living together, 12.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 12.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.32 and the average family size was 3.58.

The population is spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 95.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $41,485, and the median income for a family was $44,827. Males had a median income of $24,238 versus $18,563 for females. The per capita income for the community was $21,893. About 7.3% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Landmarks

One of the largest Buddhist temples in the Western Hemisphere, the Hsi Lai Temple (meaning "Coming West") , is located in Hacienda Heights, and the site of a minor fundraising involving then Vice President Al Gore. (References on this issue: Los Angeles Times Sept. 11, 1998; June 8, 1999; June 21, 2000 and Feb.7, 2001: After Hsi Lai Temple agreed to pay tax for 'improper' political donations. The case has been closed since then.) Hsi Lai Temple encompasses 15 acres and a floor area of 102,432 sq. ft. The temple's Ming (1368-1644 C.E.) and Qing (1644-1911 C. E.) Dynasty architecture is faithful to the traditional style of buildings, gardens, and statuary of traditional ancient Chinese monasteries. Hsi Lai Temple was built to serve as a spiritual and cultural center for those interested in learning Buddhism and Chinese culture.

[edit] Well Known People from Hacienda Heights

Shaun Cody, defensive tackle for the 2004 National Champions USC, and later the Detroit Lions, graduated from Los Altos High School.

American model Caprice Bourret, also known from The Surreal Life on VH1, was originally from Hacienda Heights.

Basketball player Scott Williams, who spent most of this time with the Chicago Bulls, attended Glen A. Wilson High School.

Actor Brian Tee from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift attended Glen A. Wilson High School.

Online host Joe Tucker, runs the beer site RateBeer.com and was originally from Hacienda Heights.

Duathlete Kenny Souza attended Glen A. Wilson High School. He finished fourth overall in the 2006 Race Across America (RAAM).

Four-time Olympian swimmer Jill Sterkel attended Glen A. Wilson High School.

Michael Smith, Clippers basketball announcer and former NBA and Spanish League professional, graduated from Los Altos High School.