Monterey, California

and its kelp

rookery at the marina

The City of Monterey is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in central California. It is located in Monterey County. As of 2000, the population was 29,674. The city calls itself "The Cradle of History."

Monterey was the capital of California from 1777 to 1849, under the flags of Spain, Mexico, and the United States. It was also the site of the July 7, 1846 Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War. It was on this date that John D. Sloat, commodore in the United States Navy, raised the U.S. flag over the Monterey Customs House and claimed California for the United States.

For much of the city's history it was famous for the successful fishery in Monterey Bay. That changed in the 1950s, when the local fishery business collapsed. The famous Cannery Row has now been turned into a tourist attraction, with restaurants and shops in the historical site.

In June 1967 the city was the venue of the Monterey Pop Festival.

The city is now famous for its abundant sea habitat, including kelp seaweed forests, sea otters and sea lions. It has one of the largest aquariums in North America, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and hosts several important marine science laboratories. Monterey's geographic location gives scientists access to the deep sea within hours. Just miles off the shores of Monterey is Monterey Canyon, an underwater canyon two miles deep.

The Larkin House, a part of the Monterey State Historic Park and a National Historic Landmark, was built in the Mexican period by Thomas Oliver Larkin and is an early example of Monterey Colonial architecture. The Old Customhouse, the Old Town Historic District, and the Royal Presidio Chapel are also National Historic Landmarks.

Other famous tourist attractions nearby:

• Carmel-by-the-Sea
• 17 mile scenic drive
• Pebble Beach golf resort

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 30.4 km² (11.7 mi²). 21.9 km² (8.4 mi²) of it is land and 8.5 km² (3.3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 28.05% water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 29,674 people, 12,600 households, and 6,476 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,357.5/km² (3,516.9/mi²). There are 13,382 housing units at an average density of 612.2/km² (1,586.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 80.83% White, 2.52% African American, 0.57% Native American, 7.43% Asian, 0.29% Pacific Islander, 3.91% from other races, and 4.45% from two or more races. 10.86% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 12,600 households out of which 21.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.5% are married couples living together, 8.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 48.6% are non-families. 37.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.13 and the average family size is 2.82.

In the city the population is spread out with 16.6% under the age of 18, 13.1% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 96.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $49,109, and the median income for a family is $58,757. Males have a median income of $40,410 versus $31,258 for females. The per capita income for the city is $27,133. 7.8% of the population and 4.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 6.5% of those under the age of 18 and 4.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

External links

• City of Monterey Official Municipal Web Site
• Monterey Visitors Guide and Business Directory
• Central California Coast Information

• Monterey Custom House

• SantaCruz.Indymedia.org Santa Cruz Independent Media Center