Westminster, California
City
Asian Garden Mall (Phuoc Loc Tho), Tet 2008
Asian Garden Mall (Phuoc Loc Tho), Tet 2008
Flag of Westminster, California
Flag
Official seal of Westminster, California
Seal
Motto: 
"The City of Progress Built on Pride."[1]
Location of Westminster within Orange County, California.
Location of Westminster within Orange County, California.
Westminster, California is located in the United States
Westminster, California
Westminster, California
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 33°45′5″N 117°59′38″W / 33.75139°N 117.99389°W / 33.75139; -117.99389
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
CountyOrange[2]
Incorporated (city)March 27, 1957[3]
Government
 • TypeCouncil-Manager
 • MayorChi Charlie Nguyen
 • Vice MayorNamQuan Nguyen
 • City council[4]
  • Amy Phan West
  • Carlos Manzo
  • Kimberly Ho (R)
 • City managerEddie Manfro[5]
Area
[6]
 • Total10.04 sq mi (26.00 km2)
 • Land10.04 sq mi (26.00 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0%
Elevation
[2]
39 ft (12 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total90,911
 • Rank90th in California (2020)
 • Density9,100/sq mi (3,500/km2)
Time zoneUTC−8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−7 (PDT)
ZIP Codes
92683–92685
Area codes657/714
FIPS code06-84550
GNIS feature IDs1652811, 2412236
Websitewww.westminster-ca.gov

Westminster is a city in western Orange County, California, United States. Westminster was founded in 1870 by Rev. Lemuel Webber as a Presbyterian temperance colony and was incorporated in 1957.

Westminster is bordered by the city of Seal Beach on the west, by Garden Grove on the north and east, and by Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley on the south. Santa Ana, the county seat of Orange County, is east of Westminster.

Westminster has one of the largest Vietnamese populations in the US. They settled largely in Little Saigon,[7] and the city is known as the "capital" of overseas Vietnamese with 39,799 Vietnamese Americans, or 43.8% of the total population, as of the 2020 United States Census.[8]

In the court case Mendez v. Westminster (1947), a Hispanic man sued the Westminster School District for forcing his daughter, Sylvia Mendez, to attend a school for Mexican children. They eventually won and thus began the process of desegregation. Sylvia Mendez was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama on February 15, 2011.

Westminster won the All-America City Award in 1996.[9]

History

Westminster was originally part of Rancho Las Bolsas. In 1872, Californio ranchero Ramón Yorba (pictured) was patented for half of the rancho, along with Juan José Murillo.

Westminster was founded in 1870 by Rev. Lemuel Webber as a Presbyterian temperance colony. The name is derived from the Westminster Assembly of 1643, which established the basic tenets of the Presbyterian faith. During the early years of its history, farmers refused to harvest grapes since they associated grapes with alcohol.

Westminster was incorporated in 1957, at which time it had 10,755 residents. Originally, the city was named Tri-City because it was to be the amalgamation of three cities: Westminster, Barber City, and Midway City. Midway City ultimately refused incorporation, leaving only Barber City to be absorbed into the newly incorporated Westminster. The former Barber City was located in the western portion of the current city of Westminster.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.0 square miles (26 km2), all land. The San Diego Freeway and a short segment of the Garden Grove Freeway pass through Westminster.

Westminster is bordered by the city of Seal Beach on the west, by Garden Grove on the north and east, and by Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley on the south. Santa Ana, the county seat of Orange County, is east of Westminster, although a small portion of Garden Grove lies between the two cities. Westminster borders the unincorporated area of Midway City, except for a small portion where Midway City borders Huntington Beach on the south. The Little Saigon district of the town is mostly situated between Hazard Avenue and Bolsa Avenue.[10]

Climate

Climate data for Westminster
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 69.1
(20.6)		 70.0
(21.1)		 71.1
(21.7)		 73.9
(23.3)		 75.0
(23.9)		 79.0
(26.1)		 82.9
(28.3)		 84.0
(28.9)		 82.9
(28.3)		 80.1
(26.7)		 73.9
(23.3)		 70.0
(21.1)		 76.0
(24.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 46.9
(8.3)		 48.0
(8.9)		 50
(10)		 52.0
(11.1)		 55.9
(13.3)		 60.1
(15.6)		 63.0
(17.2)		 64.0
(17.8)		 63.0
(17.2)		 57.9
(14.4)		 51.1
(10.6)		 46.0
(7.8)		 54.8
(12.7)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.18
(81)		 3.05
(77)		 2.78
(71)		 0.67
(17)		 0.25
(6.4)		 0.11
(2.8)		 0.02
(0.51)		 0.12
(3.0)		 0.34
(8.6)		 0.36
(9.1)		 1.17
(30)		 1.79
(45)		 13.84
(351.41)
Source: www.intellicast.com, September 2017[11]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1890585—
19001,590171.8%
19104,550186.2%
19207,99775.8%
193014,82285.3%
194016,1158.7%
195023,43345.4%
196033,66343.7%
197060,07678.5%
198071,13318.4%
199078,1189.8%
200088,20712.9%
201089,7011.7%
202090,9111.3%

2020

Westminster city, California – Racial and Ethnic Composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity Pop 2000[12] Pop 2010[13] Pop 2020[14] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 31,962 22,972 17,962 36.24% 25.61% 19.76%
Black or African American alone (NH) 764 700 853 0.87% 0.78% 0.94%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 293 132 146 0.33% 0.15% 0.16%
Asian alone (NH) 33,511 42,414 46,513 37.99% 47.28% 51.16%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 393 324 415 0.45% 0.36% 0.46%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 101 113 250 0.11% 0.13% 0.27%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) 2,045 1,870 2,427 2.32% 2.08% 2.67%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 19,138 21,176 22,345 21.70% 23.61% 24.58%
Total 88,207 89,701 90,911 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

2010

At the 2010 census Westminster had a population of 89,701. The population density was 8,926.5 inhabitants per square mile (3,446.5/km2). The racial makeup of Westminster was 32,037 (35.7%) White (25.6% Non-Hispanic White),[15] 849 (0.9%) African American, 397 (0.4%) Native American, 42,597 (47.5%) Asian, 361 (0.4%) Pacific Islander, 10,229 (11.4%) from other races, and 3,231 (3.6%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 21,176 persons (23.6%). A total of 36,058 residents were of Vietnamese ancestry (40.2% of city residents), the highest concentration of Vietnamese Americans of any community in the United States.[16]

The census reported that 89,031 people (99.3% of the population) lived in households, 381 (0.4%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 289 (0.3%) were institutionalized.

There were 26,164 households, 10,759 (41.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 14,986 (57.3%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,681 (14.1%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,810 (6.9%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,114 (4.3%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 151 (0.6%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,247 households (16.2%) were one person and 2,170 (8.3%) had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 3.40. There were 20,477 families (78.3% of households); the average family size was 3.74.

The age distribution was 20,920 people (23.3%) under the age of 18, 8,568 people (9.6%) aged 18 to 24, 24,065 people (26.8%) aged 25 to 44, 23,356 people (26.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 12,792 people (14.3%) who were 65 or older. The median age was 38.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

There were 27,650 housing units at an average density of 2,751.5 per square mile, of the occupied units 15,135 (57.8%) were owner-occupied and 11,029 (42.2%) were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.5%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.3%. 51,408 people (57.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 37,623 people (41.9%) lived in rental housing units.

During 2009–2013, Westminster had a median household income of $52,633, with 16.7% of the population living below the federal poverty line.[15]

2000

At the 2000 census there were 88,207 people in 26,406 households, including 20,411 families, in the city. The population density was 8,724.2 inhabitants per square mile (3,368.4/km2). There were 26,940 housing units at an average density of 2,664.5 per square mile (1,028.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 45.79% White, 0.99% African American, 0.61% Native American, 38.13% Asian, 0.46% Pacific Islander, 10.19% from other races, and 3.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 21.70%.[17]

Of the 26,406 households 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.4% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.7% were non-families. 16.9% of households were one person and 7.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 3.32 and the average family size was 3.71.

The age distribution was 25.9% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 32.6% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.

The median household income was $49,450 and the median family income was $54,399. Males had a median income of $37,157 versus $28,392 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,218. About 10.7% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.0% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

In the California State Legislature, Westminster is in the 36th Senate District, represented by Republican Janet Nguyen, and in the 70th Assembly District, represented by Republican Tri Ta.[18]

In the United States House of Representatives, Westminster is in California's 45th congressional district, represented by Republican Michelle Steel.[19]

It has a city council form of local government.[20]

Westminster city vote
by party in presidential elections
Year Democratic Republican Third Parties
2020[21] 44.66% 18,738 53.81% 22,577 1.53% 644
2016[22] 54.80% 16,785 39.43% 12,078 5.77% 1,767
2012[23] 50.00% 14,607 47.59% 13,902 2.41% 704
2008[24] 42.08% 13,069 56.03% 17,402 1.89% 586
2004[25] 34.71% 10,501 64.16% 19,413 1.13% 341
2000[26] 42.73% 11,453 53.87% 14,439 3.40% 912
1996[27] 41.33% 9,945 48.34% 11,630 10.33% 2,486
1992[28] 32.35% 8,935 43.48% 12,011 24.17% 6,677
1988[29] 32.88% 9,058 65.83% 18,133 1.29% 356
1984[30] 25.76% 7,246 73.09% 20,561 1.15% 323
1980[31] 25.40% 6,805 65.52% 17,553 9.08% 2,432

Economy

Top employers

According to the city's 2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[32] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of employees
1 Westminster School District 1029
2 Kindred Hospital-Westminster 450
3 Walmart 346
4 Target 325
5 City of Westminster 320
6 Macy's 300
7 Honda World 217
8 Westminster High School 200
9 J. C. Penney Co 185

Business sector

Westminster Mall Entrance

The city's major shopping mall is Westminster Mall, which consists of more than 180 stores. The mall is located south of the 405 freeway, between Goldenwest Street and Edwards Street. Westminster's Little Saigon community is home to the Asian Garden Mall (Phước Lộc Thọ), a large Asian mall.

Since joining the Sequential Brands company, the DVS Shoes footwear brand relocated from Torrance, California to Westminster. The company's headquarters is located on Fenwick Lane.[33]

Education

Four school districts have boundaries that cover parts of Westminster:

Landmarks

  • A memorial for the victims of the Pan Am plane involved in the Tenerife Disaster of March 27, 1977, is located in Westminster.
  • The Vietnam War Memorial is located Sid Goldstein Freedom Park, next to the Westminster Civic Center. The project was initiated by Westminster City Councilman Frank G. Fry in 1997 and completed in 2003.[34]
  • Final resting place for frontman Bradley Nowell of the band Sublime. Nowell died of a heroin overdose in his San Francisco hotel room on May 25, 1996.
  • A statue is dedicated to Trần Hưng Đạo, with the road Bolsa Avenue given an alternative name "Đại Lộ Trần Hưng Đạo", translating to "Trần Hưng Đạo Boulevard".

Notable people and groups

References

  1. ↑ "Westminster, California". Retrieved November 3, 2008.
  2. 1 2 "Westminster". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  3. ↑ "California Cities by Incorporation Date". California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions. Archived from the original (Word) on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Mayor and City Council Members". City of Westminster. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
  5. ↑ "City Manager". City of Westminster. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  6. ↑ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  7. ↑ "History of Westminster". City of Westminster. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Census Bureau Tables - T01001: Total Population". Census.gov. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  9. ↑ "AAC Winners by State and City". National Civic League. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  10. ↑ "City Boundaries". Orange County GIS. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Westminster historic weather averages". Intellicast. Retrieved September 30, 2017.
  12. ↑ "P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Westminster city, California". United States Census Bureau.
  13. ↑ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Westminster city, California". United States Census Bureau.
  14. ↑ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Westminster city, California". United States Census Bureau.
  15. 1 2 "Westminster (city) QuickFacts". Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  16. ↑ "2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Westminster city". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 15, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  17. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  18. ↑ "California Districts". UC Regents. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  19. ↑ "California Districts". UC Regents. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  20. ↑ Do, Anh (August 28, 2019). "Infighting threatens Westminster's leadership and its Vietnamese American council majority". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  21. ↑ "Current Election Results | OC Vote". www.ocvote.com.
  22. ↑ "certified statement of the votes cast at the Presidential Election November 8, 2016" (PDF). Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  23. ↑ "SOV.xls" (PDF). www.ocvote.com. 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  24. ↑ "SOV.xls" (PDF). www.ocvote.com. 2008. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  25. ↑ "SOV.xls" (PDF). www.ocvote.com. November 29, 2004. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  26. ↑ "SOV.xls" (PDF). Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  27. ↑ California. Secretary of State (March 30, 1968). "Statement of vote". Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary – via Internet Archive.
  28. ↑ California. Secretary of State (March 30, 1968). "Statement of vote". Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary – via Internet Archive.
  29. ↑ Statement of the Vote. Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary. 1968.
  30. ↑ Statement of the Vote. Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary. 1968.
  31. ↑ Statement of the Vote. Sacramento, Calif. : The Secretary. 1968.
  32. ↑ City of Westminster CAFR
  33. ↑ "Contact Us". DVS Shoes. December 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Vietnam War Memorial in Westminster". letsgoseeit.com.
  35. ↑ "Jeromy Burnitz Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  36. ↑ "Mike Burns Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  37. ↑ "Mark Eaton". Basketball-Reference.Com. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  38. ↑ "Ryan Klesko Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  39. ↑ Karnow, p. 457.
  40. ↑ "Indo-china: The Privileged Exiles". Time. May 12, 1975. Archived from the original on October 16, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
  41. ↑ "2021 Football Roster". gohuskies.com. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
  42. ↑ Fawthrop, Tom (February 22, 2011). "Vang Pao obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
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