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Bell, California

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City of Bell
City
Location of Bell in California
Location of Bell in California
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyLos Angeles
Incorporated (city)1927-11-07[1]
Area
 • Total
2.64 sq mi (6.84 km2)
 • Land2.48 sq mi (6.42 km2)
 • Water0.17 sq mi (0.43 km2)  6.27%
Elevation
141 ft (43 m)
Population
 (2000)[2]
 • Total
36,664
 • Density14,802.5/sq mi (5,715.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP Code
90201, 90202, 90270[3]
Area code323[4]
FIPS code06-04870
GNIS feature ID1660322
Websitecityofbell.org/

Bell is a city in Los Angeles County, California. Its population was 36,664 in the 2000 census.[5] Bell is located on the west bank of the Los Angeles River and is a suburb of the city of Los Angeles. At 2.5 square miles, Bell is number thirteen[6] in the list of the 25 smallest cities in the United States that have a population of at least 25,000[5] (ranked from smallest to largest in area).

In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Bell's land area at 1245 out of 1257 cities (defined as incorporated areas) and two unincorporated areas that had a population of at least 25,000 in year 2000. Ten cities in the list of 1267 cities had no land area data (e.g., Goleta, California).

City residents voted to become a charter city in a special municipal election on November 29, 2005. Fewer than 400 voters turned out for that special election.[7]

Early history

The City of Bell has a Native American history dating back thousands of years. The Gabrieliño Indians migrated to the place we call Bell in 500 B.C. Spaniards have been living in this area of California since the mid-1500s. Among the early Spanish settlers was one of California’s first families, the Lugos. While stationed at Mission San Antonio de Padua near Salinas, California, Francisco Lugo’s first California son, Antonio Maria Lugo was born in 1775. [8] That son became Don Antonio Maria Lugo, Spanish aristocrat and soldier, who settled on 30,000 acres of land that encompasses what is now the City of Bell. In 1810, the King of Spain formally granted the land to Lugo, the land grant was a reward for his military service. [9] Lugo also became the mayor of a little town called Los Angeles, from 1816-1819, [10] and the acreage became known as Rancho San Antonio. The grant was confirmed by the Mexican governor in 1838. By 1865, the Lugo family fortune dwindled and most of the Rancho was sold for less than a dollar per acre. The Lugo family did manage to retain its home, built about 1810, andit is the oldest house in Los Angeles County. The original adobe house on Gage Avenue.[11]

Between 1870 and 1890 settlers arrived to the area and among those was the city’s founder. In 1876, the pioneer residents for whom the city is named, James George Bell and his wife Susan Abia Hollenbeck Bell, and their two children, Maude Elizabeth and Alphonzo Sr. moved from Los Angeles where they lived for a short period with Susan's brother, John Hollenbeck, into their Victorian style home — the Bell House, now a historic landmark located at 4401 East Gage Avenue.[11] On April 6, 2000, the Bell House was dedicated as a California State Historical Resource. [8]

James George Bell House 1876

They acquired about 360 acres (1.5 km2) of land and in the next decade, helped in its development as a small farming and cattle raising community. The Bell Family lived at the Hollenbeck’s “Town House” on 4th and Breed Street until they moved in the “ranch” Bell House in 1876. The Bell House was an early Victorian style farm house. In 1898, the town’s name was changed from Rancho San Antonio, to Bell in honor its pioneer founders.[11]

At the turn of the twentieth century, the Bell area was a sparsely settled countryside with a scattering of houses, including the Bell family's home. Between 1900 and 1915, more people settled into the area. More homes, schools, churches and a library were built, and several small businesses were established by 1913. The citizens agreed to provide all facilities and services for the library, except for the books.

In the fifteen years following World War I, from 1920 to 1935, an explosive growth in population occurred in the Bell area. Old and new residents built new businesses, established schools, and founded community organizations such as the Bell Chamber of Commerce and the Woman's Club. An area-wide sanitation district was formed in 1923 to provide sewer facilities. In 1924, George O. Wheeler founded the Industrial Post, the local newspaper which now serves the communities of Bell, Cudahy, and Maywood. In 1925, the Alcazar Theater to show "talking pictures", was opened. It has since been demolished.[12] In 1926, Bell High School was opened.[13]

Cityhood

Bell was incorporated as a city in 1927 and has continued to grow and develop. Since its incorporation, the City of Bell has acquired land for public parks and the recreational program. The city also has constructed an adequate sewer system, widened all major streets, built a City Hall, and provided Fire Department buildings, with the cooperation of Los Angeles County, the City of Maywood and the County Of Los Angeles, the City of Bell constructed an indoor public swimming pool at Bell High School. A local government now supervises this growth and provides the services needed by the ever-increasing populace.

James George Bell House

The City's Chamber of Commerce is located at the historic James George Bell House, which serves as a meeting place and in addition, a museum showcasing artifacts from the City's founding family and period furniture. The House is open to the general public with free admission.

On March 6, 2007, the City of Bell held its first contested election for City Council in almost a decade.[citation needed]

Oscar controversy

In March 2000, Bell gained worldwide publicity, as the media announced that a shipment of 55 Oscar statuettes were stolen from a trucking company loading dock in the City of Bell. In addition to the Los Angeles and Bell police departments, FBI art-theft experts were investigating. It was the second Oscar mishap, as earlier that month 4,000 ballots were misrouted. Coincidentally, the missing Oscar ballots were found by the Post Office in a Bell processing center. AMPAS Executive Director Bruce Davis was quoted as jokingly warning Billy Crystal (host of that year's Oscar Ceremony) not to go near Bell, because it "seems to be a Bermuda Triangle for Oscar things."[14]

2010 Official corruption scandal

Main article: 2010 City of Bell salary controversy

In July 2010, when two Los Angeles Times’ reporters, Jeff Gottlieb and Ruben Vives, were investigating possible malfeasance in the neighboring city of Maywood, it was revealed that city officials were receiving unusually large salaries, perhaps the highest in the nation. The salaries came into the public eye after a Los Angeles Times investigation, based on California Public Records Act requests, showed the city payroll was swollen with six to seven figure salaries. [15] The city manager Robert Rizzo received $787,637 a year (almost double the salary of the President of the United States). Including benefits, he received $1.5 million in the last year.[16] Rizzo's assistant was earning $376,288 a year, more than the top administrator for Los Angeles County.[7] The police chief was paid $457,000, 33% more the Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck.[7] All three resigned following news reports and public outcry. All but one of the members of the city council were receiving $100,000 for their part-time work, salaries which were authorized by a special election, giving the city Charter status. Council members in cities similar to Bell in size make an average of $4,800 a year, prosecutors have noted.[7]

Although she has resigned from her role in Bell as part time Assistant City Manager, where Angela Spaccia was collecting $376,288 a year, more than the top administrator for Los Angeles County, Spaccia was continuing her employment as the interim city manager for Maywood. [17] She did resign July 30, 2010, from her position in Maywood, who had been paying Bell $10,000 a month for Spaccia's services, for several months. A spokeswoman for Maywood, Magdalena Prado, said Spaccia's resignation will not affect a $50,833-a-month contract with Bell to run Maywood's municipal/financial operations, and parks and recreation. [18]

Allegations about problems in the 2009 election also have been examined by the FBI and California Secretary of State office.[19] The city's high property taxes are also being investigated.

The revelations about the salary amounts paid to city officials in Bell have to led media inquires into salaries paid in other cities.[20]

Government and infrastructure

The Bell Police Department provides law enforcement for the tiny City of Bell. Police Chief Randy Adams has resigned under pressure and has been replaced. Patrol is part of the Bell Police Department's Field Services Division and is responsible for manning the streets in marked police vehicles. There are 47 members in Bell Police Department.[21] The City of Bell is now negotiating with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department to take over the policing contract.

Fire protection in Bell is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. The LACFD operates Station #163 at 6320 Pine Avenue in Bell as a part of Battalion 3.[22]

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Whittier Health Center in Whittier, serving Bell.[23]

In the state legislature Bell is located in the 30th Senate District, represented by Democrat Ronald S. Calderon, and in the 50th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Hector De La Torre. Federally, Bell is located in California's 34th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of D +23[24] and is represented by Democrat Lucille Roybal-Allard.

The United States Postal Service operates the Bell Post Office at 6327 Otis Avenue and the Bandini Station Post Office at 5555 Bandini Boulevard.[25][26]

Every winter, The City of Bell hosts its annual "Bell Family Holiday Parade & Festival" which starts at Debs Park and ends at the Bell Community Center.

Geography

Bell is located at 33°58′42″N 118°10′58″W / 33.97833°N 118.18278°W / 33.97833; -118.18278 (33.978414, -118.182908).Template:GR

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 km² (2.4 mi²). 5.3 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.4 km² (0.2 mi²) of it (6.44%) is water.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19307,884—
194011,26442.9%
195015,43037.0%
196019,45026.1%
197021,83612.3%
198025,45016.6%
199034,36535.0%
200036,6646.7%
source: [27]

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 36,664 people, 8,918 households, and 7,615 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,708.1/km² (14,802.5/mi²). There were 9,215 housing units at an average density of 1,434.6/km² (3,720.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 48.45% White, 1.28% Black or African American, 1.28% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 43.09% from other races, and 4.78% from two or more races. Bell also has a small Lebanese community. [28] 90.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 8,918 households out of which 57.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.0% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.6% were non-families. 11.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.05 and the average family size was 4.27.

In the city the population was spread out with 35.3% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 14.1% from 45 to 64, and 5.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 26 years. For every 100 females there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,946, and the median income for a family was $30,504. The per capita income income of $24,800 in 2008, according to the city’s latest annual report. More than a quarter of its residents live below the poverty line, according to City-Data.com, [29] including 29.7% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

J&F Design, the company that owns the Bobby Jack Brand clothing brand, is headquartered in Bell.[30][31]

Education

Primary and secondary schools

Public schools

Bell is served by Los Angeles Unified School District.

Bell is served by several schools.

Kindergarten schools:

Elementary schools:

Middle schools:

K-8 schools:

High schools:

All residents are zoned to Bell High School in Bell.[33][34] The high school population is 98% Hispanic, .02% Black, `and a small population of Lebanese, and Asian and Pacific Islanders.[13] The Mission of Bell High School is to: educate all students to the highest degree of their abilities socially, academically, and technologically so that they become contributing members of society. They are the home of the "Might Eagles".[35]

Any student who lives in the Bell or Huntington Park zones may apply to Maywood Academy High School; Maywood Academy, which opened in 2005 and moved into its permanent campus in 2006, does not have its own attendance boundary because it lacks American football, track and field, and tennis facilities.[36]

South Region Middle School 2 will open in Bell in 2010.[37]

Public libraries

Bell California Public Library
Bell Library

County of Los Angeles Public Library operates the Bell Library at 4411 East Gage Avenue.[38]

Parks and recreation

The City of Bell has several recreational facilities. The Bell Community Center hosts many events such as anniversaries, baptisms, birthdays, conferences, company parties, receptions, and seminars. Treder Park, located at the community center, has a gazebo, a pavilion with barbecues, and picnic tables.[39] Camp Little Bear Park and Lodge is a park designed for children 12 and under. The park includes a three-in-one area for junior players with basketball, handball, and four square courts. The park also has an outdoor amphitheatre for films, a miniature golf course, an indoor lodge with classrooms and computers, picnic pavilions, play equipment, rock climbing, and a small soccer (football) turf field.[40]

Ernest Debs Park, also referred to as the "Casa de Futbol" ("House of Soccer" in Spanish), has a soccer field with sport turf and a shaded outdoor fitness area with cardio, resistance, and strengthening equipment. The park also has one full and two half basketball courts, benches, pavilions, picnic tables, and table games.[41] Veterans Memorial Park has one junior (half) and two full-court basketball courts, batting cages, a baseball diamond with stadium seating and scoreboards, tree-shaded benches, a clubhouse with computer access, large picnic pavilions, tree-shaded picnic tables, a playground for ages 2 through 12, a rose garden in honor of U.S. soldiers, and a snack bar.[42] The Y.O.T.L.O.T. ("Youth of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow") Teen Center is a facility for teenagers. The center has air hockey, computer access, foosball, game systems, a pool table, a snack bar, and a stage. The Bell SK8 ("Skate") Park is located adjacent to the teen center.[43]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Incorporation Dates of California Cities". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  2. ^ "United States - Fact Sheet - American FactFinder". Retrieved 2007-01-17.
  3. ^ "USPS - ZIP Code Lookup - Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results". Retrieved 2007-01-17.
  4. ^ "Number Administration System - NPA and City/Town Search Results". Retrieved 2007-01-18.
  5. ^ a b "Cities with 25,000 population or more: C-1. Area and Population". County and City Data Book: 2007. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2010-07-23.
  6. ^ "Smallest Cities in the United States". Geography.about.com. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  7. ^ a b c d Vives, Ruben (2010-07-21). "Bell council seeks resignations of 3 city officials". latimes.com. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  8. ^ a b "Timeline". Bell.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
  9. ^ "Timeline". Bell.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
  10. ^ http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/score_lessons/foot_prinOn April 6, 2000, the Bell House was dedicated as a California State Historical Resource.ts/Files/lugo_era_history.htm
  11. ^ a b c www.cityofbell.org/
  12. ^ "Cinemas Around the World - United States - California". CinemaTour. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  13. ^ a b "LAUSD School Profile". Search.lausd.k12.ca.us. 2009-09-16. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  14. ^ Waiting For Oscar, Hollywood Counts Down - CBS News
  15. ^ Rogers, John. "DA probes voter fraud allegations in Calif. city". PhillyBurbs.com. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
  16. ^ "Former Bell city manager's compensation totaled $1.5 million a year, records show". latimes.com. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
  17. ^ Lifsher, Marc (2010-07-29). "Bell city scandal: 3 former Bell administrators won't collect pensions until California clears them". latimes.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03.
  18. ^ http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-maywood-20100731,0,3283530.story
  19. ^ Winton, Richard; Jeff Gottlieb and Andrew Blankstein. "L.A. County D.A. expands probe into Bell government", Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2010.
  20. ^ Allen, Sam. "California's city officials scramble to limit damage from Bell scandal". latimes.com. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
  21. ^ cityofbell.org
  22. ^ "Hometown Fire Stations." Los Angeles' County Fire Department. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  23. ^ "Whittier Health Center." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 18, 2010.
  24. ^ "Will Gerrymandered Districts Stem the Wave of Voter Unrest?". Campaign Legal Center Blog. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
  25. ^ "Post Office Location - BELL." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  26. ^ "Post Office Location - BANDINI STATION." United States Postal Service. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  27. ^ "CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING (1790-2000)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2010-07-30.
  28. ^ Winton, Richard (2010-07-28). "Bell city scandal: L.A. County D.A. expands probe into Bell city government". latimes.com. Retrieved 2010-08-03. {{cite web}}: Text "+Local+News%29" ignored (help)
  29. ^ Palmeri, Christopher. "California City in Pay Probe Has Higher Tax Than Beverly Hills". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2010-07-29.
  30. ^ "About Bobby Jack, the company, and Han L. Lee." Bobby Jack Brand.
  31. ^ "PRODUCTS RECALLS." [sic] San Francisco Chronicle. Sunday December 18, 2005. Retrieved on November 12, 2009.
  32. ^ "Project Details". Laschools.org. 2010-02-26. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  33. ^ "Bell city, California." U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved on July 2, 2010.
  34. ^ "Proposed Changes to South East HS Area Schools." Los Angeles Unified School District. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.
  35. ^ "Official Bell High School Page". Bell.k12.ca.us. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  36. ^ "School History." Maywood Academy High School. Retrieved on July 2, 2010.
  37. ^ "Project Details". Laschools.org. 2010-02-26. Retrieved 2010-07-26.
  38. ^ "Bell Library." County of Los Angeles Public Library. Retrieved on December 6, 2008.
  39. ^ "Bell Community Center." City of Bell. Retrieved on March 23, 2010.
  40. ^ "Camp Little Bear Park and Lodge." City of Bell. Retrieved on March 23, 2010.
  41. ^ "Debs Park." City of Bell. Retrieved on March 23, 2010.
  42. ^ "Veterans Memorial Park." City of Bell. Retrieved on March 23, 2010.
  43. ^ "Y.O.T.L.O.T. Teen Center." City of Bell. Retrieved on March 23, 2010.
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