Chapter 10: Florida

Santa Clarita and Florida

Florida is the 22nd largest state in the United States of America.  It borders Georgia and Alabama and is part of the South Atlantic Region.  It's eastern border is the Atlantic Ocean, its western border is the body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico, and its southern border is the Straits of Florida (named after the state of Florida).  The state is very much characterized by sedimentary soil and is different than the rest of the South Atlantic region because of its climate and location in the middle of all the separate bodies of water.

Santa Clarita Population and Florida Population

It's almost unfair to compare the populations of an entire state with a small city within another state, but with that being said, we can assume that Florida's population is very large.  As of 2012, it was recorded that Florida's population is 19,317,568 and growing!

 

 

 It's ranked the 4th most populous state in all of the US.  The population of SCV is 204,951 people.  The population of the entire state of California beats the total of Florida with 38.04 million in total in comparison to 19,317,568.  The density of Florida is 353.4/square mile.

Santa Clarita Tourism and Florida Tourism

Florida is one of the largest areas in the United States when it comes to tourism.   This is largely due to its tropical weather and climate condition.  The beaches are visited heavily during summer and spring making it ideal for the common "college spring break."  The combination of this and it being the home to a number of theme park really attract a number of people both nationally and internationally alike.

Although one can visit Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Santa Clarita, Florida boasts the fact that it is the home base for Walt Disney World, the chain of parks playing off of the internationally known company, Disney.  Each year alone, 16.97 million visitors come to Walt Disney World.  15.87 million visitors visit Disneyland in California, but unfortunately that's in Anaheim.  

Santa Clarita Climate and Florida Climate

As we recall, Santa Clarita is very much effected by its desert climate.  This makes it very dry year round with little precipitation. Florida couldn't be more opposite than this being that is described as having a tropical climate.  Florida averages its high temperature at the peak hot parts of the year at a low 90's temperature.  We already understand that Santa Clarita can get as hot as low 100's with records even hitting 117 degrees, wow!  Florida is very much more humid than SCV and its noticeable by the sticky sweat you feel when you spend a summer out there.  Two relatively similar beach experiences that differ greatly when it comes to climate.

Chapter 9: South Atlantic

Santa Clarita and Megalopolis

The Southern Atlantic States consist of Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, and Delaware.  Within this region of the US, there are also three subregions that it is further divided into.  These are Piedmont, The Southeastern Plain, and the Southeastern Coast.

Santa Clarita Climate and South Antlantic Climate

Both areas have different climates.  The Southern Atlantic region is plentiful when it comes to rain.  Summer is most often the wettest time of the year.  The summer storms are hot, humid, and rainy, the combination that not many enjoy.  There are small thunderstorms that usually progress rather quickly. 

  Santa Clarita's naturally dry climate makes it so these two are very distinguishable from each other.  Although both summers are hot, Santa Clarita's summer lacks the wetness and precipitation that the Southern Atlantic region has.  The average precipitation of the Southern Atlantic is 50 inches per year.

Santa Clarita Tourism and South Atlantic Tourism

The tourism in the Southern Atlantic is due to a number of different things, it varies state to state.  Georgia and the states above it have more aspects that date back to times of slavery and war.  Virginia's early significance and importance in the 13 original colonies also offer a good amount of rich, American history.

Being that the entire Southern Atlantic region is along the coast, it makes for very beautiful beaches to visit although temperatures can get cooler the higher one travels along the coast.  Florida is a bit of an exception in all aspects but will be discussed in greater detail in the next chapter.  SCV's largest and most well-known attraction would be its branch of the Six Flags company.  Within SCV, right off of the I-5 freeway, one can visit Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.  For the South Atlantic

Chapter 8: Appalachia

Santa Clarita and Appalachia

 

The main feature that defines the location of the Appalachian region is that of the formed mountains.  Both the Blue ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains contain the area.  Although Santa Clarita is surrounded by a number of distant mountains (which give it its "valley" property), it takes on the role of desert more and that's what distinguishes the two areas from each other more than anything.  One of the greatest differences between the two is the level of poverty.  Unfortunately, a number of areas within the Appalachian region are known to be poor.  In Santa Clarita, the median income is around $80,000 and that number increases largely when observed in a family setting.

Santa Clarita Population and Appalachia Population

For the number of states that are contained within it, you may be surprised at the population number of the Appalachian Region.  The population of SCV is 204,951 people while the combination of all the Appalachian Region is about 25,000,000!


The population of the entire state of California beats this by a good amount with 38.04 million in total.

Santa Clarita Climate and Appalachia Climate

The climate of the Appalachian region is very suitable for agriculture.  This is not the case for areas like Santa Clarita that are characterized by their dry desert climate.

 In the Appalachian Region, the average precipitation is about 40-45 inches, most of which is in the form of snow.  This is not the same in comparison the the desert-like climate that is in Santa Clarita with it only averaging 0-5 inches monthly. Certain parts of the more southern region can recieve as much as 81 inches per year.

Chapter 7: Megalopolis

Santa Clarita and Megalopolis

The term, Megalopolis, derives from the Greek literal translation that means: very large city.  These areas are dense in terms of population, containing millions of people. which an extended urban area with millions of people. Merrimack Valley, Boston, Narragansett Basin, Connecticut River Valley, Albany and the Hudson River Valley, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C all make up Megalopolis.  Interestingly enough, the megalopolis population contains both the greatest wealth in the nation and the highest amount of poverty.  Originally, the location next to major waterways made it so these cities were able to prosper in trade and port.  Connecticut, Hudson, Delaware, Susquehanna and Potomac rivers all fall within the Megalopolis water system.  Much like how megalopolis relies on these rivers, Santa Clarita relies on the Castiac Lake water agency and Alluvium and Saugus Aquifers.  The acquisition of water isn't much of an issue for either area.

 Tourism

Although not originally something that was considered in the construction and development of both areas/communities, both have certain elements that would attract tourists.  Nowadays, New York dominates the megalopolis tourism game due to its large number of attractions.

It contains the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building, Times Square, along with a number of other important historical sites.  Being that Santa Clarita is pretty new, its largest and most well-known attraction would be its branch of the Six Flags company.  Within SCV, right off of the I-5 freeway, one can visit Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.

Santa Clarita Population and Megalopolis Population

The megalopolis population is untouchable in terms of numbers when comparing to any part of the US.  This is definitely seen as true when it comes to comparing Santa Clarita and Megalopolis.
  The population of SCV is 204,951 people while the combination of all Megalopolis surpasses almost 45,000,000!  The population of the entire state of California can't even match this with its 38.04 million in total.

Santa Clarita Climate and Megalopolis Climate

The two different areas are very much different in climate as well.  The Megalopolis climate can almost be characterized by its population as one that has high levels of precipitation.  This is not the same in comparison the the desert-like climate that is in Santa Clarita with it only averaging 0-5 inches monthly.  In Megalopolis, the average precipitation is about 40-45 inches which also reflects the much higher humidity level than that of Santa Clarita.

Chapter 6: The North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England

North Atlantic Provinces

Northern New England

Santa Clarita does not have much in common with the North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England and this can largely be attributed to each spot's location within the US and proximity to its respective coast.  It would be rare to see the temperature in the North Atlantic to rise over 88 degrees and as discussed in the climate section, the average summer temperature in Santa Clarita is in the high 90's.  We also have learned that snow is Santa Clarita is extremely rare unlike that of these regions.  The precipitation in each of the two spots is very different as well with Santa Clarita averaging 0-5 inches of precipitation monthly.  Due to its desert-like status, SCV is much drier than the North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England and this can be sen in both of their different humidities.  Santa Clarita, due to its location in California, is closest to the Pacific Ocean, while the North Atlantic Provinces and Northern New England rely largely on their location along the Atlantic Ocean.

Chapter 4: Population and Consumption

Santa Clarita Population:

 

In terms of city population, Santa is ranked 3rd in the Los Angeles County, 19th in all of California, and 105th in the entire United States of America.  The state of California is ranked 3rd in regards to area and 1st in the entire country when it comes to population.  About 1 out of every 8 Americans lives in the Golden State.  The population of SCV is 204,951.  The only two cities with larger populations than Santa Clarita in the Los Angeles County are Los Angeles with a population of 3.8 million and Long Beach with a population over 464,000 people.

Population Growth:

 The population has been very steady in its growth and has promoted the need to build more housing communities all around the SCV area.

With the rate that things are growing, it is expected to exceed 200,000 shortly before 2020.  This is about 50,000 more people than in the year of 2000.  The population density is 3,300/square mile.

Gender Population:

The current gender population of Santa Clarita is 88,211 males to 90,802 females.   The females account for 50.7% of the population and the males account for 49.3% of the population.

Racial Population:

The population of SCV is 204,951.  70% of which is White, 28% that is Hispanic of Latino, 3.2% African American, 0.6% Native American, 8.5% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 12% other races. 

33,745 residents are born outside of the US, 11.4% being Latin American and 3.7% being Asian.  The black race population is below state average.

Age Population:

 Santa Clarita has 28% of the population under 18 which is young in comparison to the rest of the United States.  24% are school ages between 5 and 19 and around 30% are betwen ages 25-44.

Chapter 3: Sustainability

Water:

Santa Clarita does a very good job at providing and maintaining water for its community.  The main suppliers of water are Alluvium and Saugus Aquifers (supplies about half of SCVs water) and the Castaic Lake Water Agency (supplies about the other half).  For residents and businesses in SCV, four different independent companies work to extract, pump, store, treat, blend, and supply water for the Santa Clarita Valley.

These companies are La County Water Works 36, Santa Clarita Water Division, and Valencia Water Company, and Newhall County Water District.  The valley is also responsible for helping pump water through the California Aqueduct that is over 700 miles long.

The city offers a number of programs to help reduce water usage, to promote efficient use of water, and to help minimize water pollution.

Wind Energy:

Currently, there are only a few Wind Turbine companies within the Santa Clarita division of the Los Angeles County. 

Steps are being made to begin development and the integration of this renewable type of energy, but as of now, SCV does not use wind energy.

Solar Energy:

Santa Clarita is really pushing for the integration and implementation of Solar Energy throughout the city.   There are 10 different companies working within the city that can all be found here:

http://greensantaclarita.com/green-store/local-solar-retailers-and-installers/

Solar energy usage would be very beneficial in Santa Clarita because it averages more sun every day than the average throughout the United States of America.  Schools and businesses throughout the valley are now implementing solar panels to act as shade for their parking lots that both collect energy and cool down cars.

Geothermal Energy

Santa Clarita has not focused much of geothermal energy because they are currently weighing the costs with the benefits.  Recent meetings within the city have suggested it would be a great investment because the energy would both be clean and free, on the other hand, it is initially very expensive and can cost very large amounts of money to dig out land and lay down pipe.  Those to reasons alone typically discourage many from beginning the collection of geothermal energy.

Chapter 2: The Nonhuman World

Physiography:

As stated in post 1: Santa Clarita in indeed a desert.  The large amount of modernization and construction of living communities sometimes makes it seems the opposite.  Its dry hills are characterized by their large amounts of brush.  This being said, the dryness in combination with the sheer number of dry brush makes the area very susceptible for wildfires. 

There were instances of large dry fires in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2004, 2007, 2008, and 2009.  The dryness and heat is often attributed to its closeness in proximity to the Mojave Desert.   It's location also makes it so the San Andreas Fault and San Gabriel fault run through it.  These features help attribute its name of the Santa Clarita Valley (SCV).  The elevation of SCV is 1,207 ft and the total area is 62.16 square miles, 62.095 square miles of that being land, and the rest being occupied by water.

Climate:

The average high temperature for the year in SCV is 78.3 degrees with the average low temperature being about 44.1 degrees.  This makes for a very comfortable and enjoyable climate that encourages many to remain active outdoors during all times of the year. 

 

In the hotter parts of the year, the temperature stays close to around the 90's and low 100's.  Winters aren't especially cold, with the temperatures varying anywhere between high-40's to mid-70's (on average).  Snow is extremely rare being that the temperature very rarely drops below freezing.  The total precipitation for the year is 13.96 inches.

Location:

Santa Clarita is located in Southern California, 31.4 miles north of Los Angeles, 37 minutes via car.  CSUN is a 25 minute car ride from Santa Clarita, putting it 16.1 miles away.   Santa Clarita is part of the overall Los Angeles County and is in the Pacific time zone.  It contains all of the zip codes 91310, 91321-91322, 91350-91351, 91354-91355, 91380-91387, 91390 and has the telephone area code of 661.

Its coordinates are 34°25′00″N 118°30′23″W.  Its borders are the I-5 freeway and the SR-14 freeway.

The largest mountains next to it are the Alamo Mountains and Mt. San Antonio.

Chapter 1: Regions and Ecoregions

Welcome to Santa Clarita!

If you're looking for a nice area to live in southern California, look no further than Santa Clarita.  As of recently, Santa Clarita has adopted the name of Awesometown because Santa Clarita is where awesome lives.  Those who live there are both proud and entertained at the city's new image.  Santa Clarita is often abbreviated as SCV.

 Santa Clarita is located in Southern California, 31.4 miles north of Los Angeles, 37 minutes via car.  CSUN is a 25 minute car ride from Santa Clarita, putting it 16.1 miles away.  In total, the city of Santa Clarita is 62.16 square miles, 62.095 square miles of that being land, and the rest being occupied by water.

In terms of city population, Santa is ranked 3rd in the Los Angeles County, 19th in all of California, and 105th in the entire United States of America.  The state of California is ranked 3rd in regards to area and 1st in the entire country when it comes to population.  About 1 out of every 8 Americans lives in the Golden State.  The population of SCV is 204,951.  70% of which is White, 28% that is Hispanic of Latino, 3.2% African American, 0.6% Native American, 8.5% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 12% other races.

Santa Clarita is a large city, that contains all of the separate communities of Canyon Country, Valencia, Saugus, and Newhall.  Its very close to the I-5 Golden State and the Atelope Valey SR-14 freeway.

Santa Clarita is close the the San Fernando fault zone, so it is at risk for earthquakes and has been effected by the 1971 San Fernando earthquake and the 1994 Northridge earthquakes. 

Santa Clarita is the "homebase" for both Mannkind and Princess Cruises.  It is very well known internationally for its theme park, Magic Mountain, that has a number of world record rollercoasters.  The colleges within SCV are The Master's College, College of the Canyons, and the California Institute of Arts.

Santa Clarita, although it may not appear to be so, is a desert.  It has a lot of dry hills with brush.  These type of conditions often make it very possible for fires to occur, which is one of the greatest dangers for the area.  The dryness and heat is often attributed to its closeness in proximity to the Mojave Desert. In the hotter parts of the year, the temperature stays close to around the 90's and low 100's.  Winters aren't especially cold, with the temperatures varying anywhere between high-40's to mid-70's (on average).  Snow is extremely rare being that the temperature very rarely drops below freezing.