Victor Valley - Victorville - Apple Valley - Adelanto - Hesperia
Victor Valley
Today the High Desert's romantic past, natural beauty and pro-business attitude have transformed the region into one of the fastest growing areas in the Southwest. Located approximately 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles, the High Desert of San Bernardino County lies beneath Lake Arrowhead's snowcapped mountains, along the mysterious Mojave River. The four seasons here show a myriad of colors, from the green fields of summer to the golden leaves of autumn. A virtually smog-flee climate offers quality living conditions for those interested in either a rural or resort lifestyle. An abundance of crystalline water feeds the region from underground lakes. Lake Silverwood and Spring Valley Lake provide inviting playgrounds for the skiing enthusiast or fisherman. Winter snow skiing is a short 30 minute drive to the Wrightwood ski areas and less than an hour drive to the ski resorts at Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.
Comprising this economically dynamic desert center are the communities of Apple Valley, Adelanto, Barstow, Hesperia, Victorville, EL Mirage, Newberry Springs, Lucerne Valley, Oak Hills, Phelan and Lenwood. The region's population is approaching 300,000 with a land area more than double the size of the Los Angeles basin.
Today, the film industry continues to use the High Desert area because of its convenience and diverse natural beauty. Some of the recent movies filmed in the Victor Valley are: Mel Gibson's Maverick, Ordinary People, Face Off, The Jazz Singer, Kalifornia, and the television series Jag. Roy Rogers, the "King of the Cowboys," and his wife Dale Evans live in Apple Valley and operate their world famous museum just a few miles away in the city of Victorville.
Expansive ranches, country club and Lake front condominiums, golf course townhomes, and affordable, executive family homes constitute the valley's housing in an area providing a vast array of western scenery amid hundreds of acres of unspoiled nature.
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Victorville
It's hard to imagine somewhere so close to Los Angeles where nature still has an impact. The skies are clear, the air is fresh, and the city resonates with a vitality lost on its more famous neighbors just over the hill. Victorville is a city of the '90s that has retained its old fashioned values. The schools are good, the work force is in place. It's a land of opportunity. If you're just starting out, or starting again, this is a great place to start.
Why is this Valley different from all other Valleys? Perhaps it's the 330 yearly days of sunshine, the opportunities for business and pleasure, the low crime rate and the high living standards. Maybe it's a combination of parks and perks, the million-acre backyard. . . the room to move. Whatever the reasons, people really do love Victorville... it's the nature of the place.
The business climate is ideal in Victorville, the commercial / industrial hub of the High Desert.
Located on one of the most heavily-traveled freight routes, easy access is provided to the entire U.S. and the international port terminals of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Roadway and Yellow Freight have established prime distribution facilities in the Valley. Land costs are on a level reminiscent of years gone by. Victorville is a healthy place to live, the employment picture is good and the retail business forecast is 'robust." All roads do lead to Victorville. It's good for business.
No longer a sleepy little town, Victorville has awakened to the sounds of housing starts, and retail is ready. Spurred by its success, further expansion of the 120,000 square-foot Victor Valley Mall is already planned. Walmart, Circuit City and K Mart are already in place. Out of 52 cities in California's Inland Empire --including San Bernardino, Riverside and Redlands -- Victorville is sixth in retail sales. And counting. The projections are all positive, the future growth is here, and the spirit of expansion is everywhere.
Do you remember when a young family could afford to buy a house? Any house? Welcome to Victorville, a harmonious blend of values of the past and growth for the future. This is a dynamic housing market in which affordability is the cornerstone. It's a concept as old as civilization, but seemingly ignored elsewhere: Throughout the city affordable housing is springing up, specifically designed to preserve the open spaces. It's called lntelligent Planning, and the result is a true sense of neighborhood, where you know the people next door and the word "Community" has a specific, personal meaning.
As any community with a diverse population, Victorville offers a complete menu of indoor and outdoor activities. From a championship golf course and great tennis courts to soccer, baseball and football played in a gym, it's here. Outdoor sports: unlimited. Water skiing, boating and other water sports are close at hand; major ski resorts are as close as 45 minutes away. Beaches: an hour and a half. Spectator sports are an added plus. Victorville is a city of good people, good sports.
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Apple Valley
Living in Apple Valley
Clear air, low population density, low crime rates, excellent schools, and a suburban, semi-rural lifestyle are some of the reasons that attract families to Apple Valley. Spacious custom homes on large lots typify this premier residential community. Currently, the median cost of new homes is $120,000, making home ownership very affordable. Over 70% of the Town's housing stock is owner-occupied.
Lots to See and Do
Recreational opportunities abound in Apple Valley. Twelve parks are currently maintained by the Apple Valley Recreation and Parks District, an independent special district with its own elected board of directors. The completion of the development of Brewster Park will result in eight lighted ball fields, and the Apple Valley Community Center offers a myriad of recreational programs to children, adults and seniors. Both the Apple Valley Country Club and Jess Ranch are flanked by 18-hole golf courses. This equestrian-oriented community is also home to Clear View Farms, specializing in breeding thoroughbred race horses. Conveniently located just ten minutes from professional baseball and 45 minutes to an hour away from snow skiing, beaches, mountain resorts, and desert wilderness areas, Apple Valley is the ideal community for people with active lifestyles and a broad range of interests.
Schools & Education
Serving over 12,000 students the Apple Valley Unified School District is the leader among school districts in technology and academic excellence. The district currently has nine elementary schools, two middle schools , one continuation high school, one comprehensive high school and a second high school under construction. A few of the District's academic excellence awards include Vista Compana Middle School as a "California Distinguished School," a Golden Bell Award- winning special education program for secondary students, elementary magnet schools in mathematics/science and visual and performing arts, the 1997 California Teacher of the Year, an extensive advance placement program ....
Quality Health Care
Apple Valley is home to the largest medical community in the High Desert . Anchoring the Town's position as the High Desert's leader in health care is the $40 million expansion of St. Mary Regional Medical Centre providing advanced levels of service in cardiology, radiology, surgery, emergency care and patient care. Also home to such state-of-the-art facilities as the Apple Valley Radiology and Oncology Center, Apple Valley has emerged as the leader in advanced health care systems, from pediatric services to radiology to neurosurgery.
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Adelanto
Adelanto is positioned right on the crest of a wave of growth that is crashing down on the High Desert of Southern California. Recent studies indicate that population in the region is expected to grow from 200,000 currently to over 500,000 by the year 2010. In fact, from 1980 to 1990, Adelanto's population grew almost 300%.
This dynamic growth pattern is due in part to the massive migration from the high-cost, densely-populated coastal regions. More importantly, however, the growth has been encouraged by a welcoming attitude on the part of Adelanto, accelerated fast-tracking of development projects, low fees, and reasonable land costs. People in southern California are tired of the pollution, crowds, and inadequate quality of life that exists in many of the more populated areas of the state. The High Desert region that Adelanto represents offers new opportunity, economic development and an affordable quality of life.
Geometric population growth patterns would gravely concern most town planners, city residents, and business people. In Adelanto, however, this phenomenon is not a problem, it is a welcomed opportunity. The entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Adelanto has driven this flourishing community to aggressively prepare for the future rather that just react to it when it arrives. New businesses and economic developments are expanding all over Adelanto. Shopping centers, office developments, recreational opportunities, industrial parks, schools and even a new baseball stadium that hosts a California League Class A professional baseball team are all part of this exciting growth.
But it is important to keep in mind that all this development has not occurred indiscriminately. Adelanto has carefully orchestrated it's master plan with a keen eye focused on the overall objective of developing Adelanto into a city of the future that boasts 21st Century technological solutions for the problems facing our nation.
The City of Adelanto: An Overview
Adelanto. In Spanish, the word means "to go forward," or "to progress." Throughout its history, our city has demonstrated a strong commitment to live up to its name. Adelanto was founded in 1915 by E.H. Richardson, the inventor of what became the Hotpoint Electric Iron. He sold his patent and purchased land for $75,000. He had planned to develop one of the first master planned communities in Southern California. Richardson subdivided his land into one-acre plots, which he hoped to sell to veterans with respiratory ailments suffered during World War I. He also hoped to build a respiratory hospital. While Richardson never fully realized his dream, it was his planning that laid the foundation for what is currently the city of Adelanto.
Acre after acre of deciduous fruit trees once grew in the city. Famous throughout the state for fresh fruit and cider, the orchards thrived until the depression, when they were replaced by poultry ranches. As the wartime emergency developed early in 1941, the Victorville Army Air Field was established on land within the Adelanto sphere of influence. In September 1950, it was named George Air Force Base in honor of the late Brigadier General Harold H. George.
Adelanto continued as a "community services district" until 1970, when the city incorporated, and Adelanto became San Bernardino County's smallest city. The city became a charter city in November 1992. Major companies have brought a solid tax base to the city, and the population has grown approximately 50 percent over the past six years. The city limits encompass approximately 52 square miles. Its sphere of influence extends that figure to approximately 77 square miles. The city's population is approximately 15,000, but estimates from independent developers range as high as 17,000.
Elevation ranges from 2,894 to 3,100. Winter night temperatures reach as low as 15 degrees, and snow falls approximately twice each year. There are approximately 32 days in the year when the temperature is over 100 degrees.
Prevailing winds form the southwest prevent smog from hovering in the High Desert.
Business, Industry and Employment
Adelanto's pro-growth, pro-business philosophy makes the city an ideal location for business and industry.
Thriving industrial parks offer site-ready parcels of land at a very competitive price. Additionally, the Redevelopment Agency will grant the client deferred payment and no-interest loans. With environmental impact reports already complete, manufacturers can look forward to moving in and starting operations in a fraction of the time required by other cities. Adelanto is home to several large trucking companies, providing manufacturers with competitive transportation services for shipping products. Additionally, Southern California International Airport is located just minutes from Adelanto's business centers, opening the doors for a wide variety of transportation options.
Since 1989, more than 80 companies have selected Adelanto as the premier Southern California location to do business. A wide variety of products, from luxury sport- fishing boats to balsa wood gliders, are currently manufactured in Adelanto. And the High Desert's rapidly-growing population provides employers with a qualified labor pool.
The city has issued 782 business licenses. In 1996, the city issued 151 residential building permits, and 30 commercial building permits.
Major Adelanto Employers
- Roadway Express 700
- Adelanto School District 500
- Commercial Wood Products 209
- Northwest Pipe 180
- Cabo Yachts 150
- Molded Fiberglass West 110
- National Arnold Magnetics 110
- Spedecut Abrasives 100
- International Carbonic 45
- Label House 38
Housing
Adelanto offers a wide variety of affordable housing options, making it an ideal location for families of all sizes.
Excellent schools and nearby shopping, entertainment and services enhance the city's attractiveness to those wishing to relocate to the clean, smog-free High Desert.
While employment opportunities in the High Desert continue to increase, Adelanto's proximity to the 1-15 freeway provides for an easy commute to the San Bernardino area. A Metrolink station located in San Bernardino opens the door for commuters wishing to travel to the Los Angeles area.
Recreation
Adelanto is the proud home of the High Desert Mavericks Baseball Club, an affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. During the spring and summer, Mavs fans of all ages can experience the excitement of professional baseball in a fun, community-oriented environment. The Mavericks won the California League Championship in 1991, 1993 and again in 1997. The stadium was completed in 1991, and is one of the most impressive facilities in minor league baseball.
Off-season, the stadium is used for events ranging from concerts to championship boxing tournaments. A 250-seat conference center is available for functions including meetings, luncheons and lectures. Overlooking the field, its expansive view makes it an ideal location for weddings and parties.
Adelanto is home to an annual motorcycle grand prix, sponsored by the Desert Vipers Motorcycle Club. The Adelanto Grand Prix is held on the first weekend in February each year. It is a two- day event covering city streets, existing desert trails and a man-made motocross course. The 17-year-old race attracts over 2,000 riders, and an estimated 20,000 spectators each year.
Richardson Park, a 17-acre recreational facility located next to City Hall, provides residents with tennis and basketball courts, a soccer field, baseball diamonds and childrens' play areas. Play areas are also located at Westside Park and Adelanto Elementary Schools, and at Howard Ley Park in north Adelanto. Mgrdichian Park offers residents of South Adelanto a 6.7 acre park for recreation.
For outdoor enthusiasts, snow and water skiing and fishing are located less than an hour's drive from Adelanto.
The Victor Valley Museum provides insight into the valley's colorful past, as well as displays of the desert's unusual flora and fauna. The Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Victor Valley's most famous residents. Both museums are located within minutes of Adelanto.
Calico Ghost Town is a restored old-west mining town offering visitors a glimpse into that colorful era. Calico is located within an hour's drive from Adelanto.
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Hesperia
The city of Hesperia, celebrating 12 years as an incorporated city, is blossoming as a well cared for garden oasis. It sends out invitations for businesses to take advantage of the abundance of opportunities available in our desert community.
With a population of more than 63,000, Hesperia is one of the largest of the growing High Desert cities, with available low priced land and business incentives for attracting industrial, manufacturing and distribution companies.
The opportunities for businesses in Hesperia are overwhelming, new projects are continuously under development with the ultimate goal of job creation and economic stability. Lower development costs and increased incentives equal successful growth, as Hesperia makes tremendous leaps forward.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The development of the nearly 500,000-square-foot Heilig-Meyers Southwestern U.S. facility represents a success for the entire San Bernardino County High Desert region,. The project anchors Hesperia's Westside Business Corridor, and will contribute to the economic success of the city by attracting significant additional business activity.
The project received statewide honors from the California Redevelopment Association and the California Association for Local Economic Development. The associations recognized the quality and innovation of the city's efforts to attract the project to Hesperia, the way the project met its stated goals and its positive impact on the community through the creation of jobs.
This award-winning project has created a benchmark and it has set an example for future regional distribution centers.
Three recent participants in Hesperia's business expansion program are Dial Precision, Double Eagle Transportation and C&M Wood. All three of these businesses made wise decisions to expand or relocate to Hesperia by utilizing our incentive programs.
--Dial Precision, a worldwide manufacturer of precision parts for diesel turbochargers, doubled its manufacturing facility and its. staff in Hesperia with the additions of twin 10,000 square foot buildings. Through the Business Expansion Program (BEP), the redevelopment agency provided assistance in the expansion process.
The project provides a textbook example of Hesperia's commitment to business success.
Double Eagle Transportation Inc., using assistance through the Business Expansion Program, decided to relocate its existing operation to Hesperia. The company's 8,000 square foot truck terminal, maintenance, repair and washing facility in the Scarborough Industrial Park opens the middle of May. Through the use of the BEP, the agency pays all the city and agency related fees during construction, based on certain commitments agreed to in writing by Double Eagle.
C&M Wood, a worldwide distributor of famished wood components for Venetian blinds, will expand its location to nearly 120,000 square feet. The facility will employ almost 300 people.
The $2.4 million expansion, made possible by assistance from the BEP, will enable C&M Wood to grow in its present location. like the other businesses that took advantage of redevelopment incentive programs, C&M Wood plans to continue operations in Hesperia.
The Hesperia Redevelopment Agency works diligently to attract new businesses to the High Desert as well as cultivating existing businesses to grow. Together, a group of business owners, city staff and chamber of commerce representatives formed a cohesive ad hoc committee to develop business retention strategies.
The committee's goals are to combine the strategies into proposed programs for presentation to city council for potential future adoption.
QUALITY OF LIVING
Hesperia also meets the needs of its residents.
Two housing projects are underdevelopment. A plan to redevelop and reconstruct Old Town Village Square in Old Town Hesperia -will bring a 328-bed, senior-care facility by Health Care Developers. The facility will include 48 assisted-living beds and 48 special-care beds in a secured home like environment for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. This project is currently under construction.
The Santa Fe Apartments, developed by Opportunity Builders of Salinas, will bring affordable housing to Hesperia. The complex will provide 89 affordable units of multi family rental housing, with a 2,200 square foot community building, play area and swimming pool. Opportunity Builders is a nonprofit development company that provides low income individuals with decent, safe and affordable housing.
Drive through pharmacies are a new concept for Southern California and Hesperia will have the first of its kind in the High Desert thanks to Rite Aid and Lundin Development Co.
The City Council recently approved participation by Lundin Development in the retail expansion program as the company proposed to build two 16,000-squarefoot Rite Aid stores in this community.
The upscale drug and merchandise stores will create approximately 50 new jobs for local residents while providing Hesperia with great products and the unique drive through prescription service. Now that is progress.
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