Acton, California
Encyclopedia
Acton was founded in 1887 by gold miners who were working in the Red Rover Mine. It was named after Acton, Massachusetts
by one of the miners. Two of the best-known gold mines located in Acton were the Red Rover mine and the Governors mine. Mining of gold
, copper
, and titanium ore
continued into the early 1900s.
Acton was once considered for the State capital of California
. California Governor Henry T. Gage (1899–1903) owned the Governor Mine, hence the name, and sought to relocate the capital to Acton. This effort ultimately failed and the capital was not moved from Sacramento
.
In the late 1880s, Acton started to become more of a ranching and farming community.
In 1889, Acton's first hotel and its first saloon, the 49er was opened, and it is still open for business today. You can tie off your horse on a side rail while you visit the saloon. The bank in the same shopping center was seen in the Clint Eastwood movie "Blood Work".
Acton is located at 34°28′22"N 118°11′1"W (34.472777, -118.183696).
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the CDP has a total area of 39.3 square miles (101.8 km²), over 99% of it land.
At the 2000 census, according to the United States Census Bureau
, the CDP had a total area of 4.6 square miles (11.9 km²), all land.
was 193.4 people per square mile (74.7/km²). The racial makeup of Acton was 6,564 (86.4%) White, 57 (0.8%) African American, 70 (0.9%) Native American, 155 (2.0%) Asian, 5 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 451 (5.9%) from other races
, and 294 (3.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,373 persons (18.1%).
The Census reported that 7,596 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 2,660 households, out of which 901 (33.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,771 (66.6%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 194 (7.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 116 (4.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 108 (4.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 30 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 436 households (16.4%) were made up of individuals and 143 (5.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86. There were 2,081 families
(78.2% of all households); the average family size was 3.21.
The population was spread out with 1,672 people (22.0%) under the age of 18, 660 people (8.7%) aged 18 to 24, 1,394 people (18.4%) aged 25 to 44, 3,037 people (40.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 833 people (11.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
There were 2,814 housing units at an average density of 71.6 per square mile (27.7/km²), of which 2,386 (89.7%) were owner-occupied, and 274 (10.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.4%. 6,852 people (90.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 744 people (9.8%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 2,390 people, 797 households, and 639 families residing in the CDP. The population density
was 514.8 inhabitants per square mile (198.9/km²). There were 873 housing units at an average density of 188.1 per square mile (72.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.12% White
, 0.71% Black
or African American
, 0.46% Native American
, 1.46% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 5.31% from other races
, and 2.89% from two or more races. 11.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
of any race.
There are 797 household
s out of which 42.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples
living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 14.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.32.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 30.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.
Most available statistical comparisons are limited to the various communities in the North County Plan (Antelope Valley). For example, Acton comprises 3.63 % of the total area of the valley, and 2.62 % of the valley population, but the median household income and net asset figures are more than 38 % above those of the Antelope Valley.
Estimated Average Household Income $89,860
Estimated Median Household Income $63,717
Estimated Per Capita Income $31,458
Households by Number of Vehicles
No Vehicles 1.86 %
One Vehicle 12.43 %
Two Vehicles 45.22 %
Three or more Vehicles 40.49 %
Population 16+ By Occupation
Executive And Managerial 13.46 %
Professional Specialty 14.71 %
Technical Support 2.71 %
Sales 12.87 %
Administrative Support 12.65 %
Service: Private Household 0.21 %
Service: Protective 6.86 %
Service. Other 4.58 %
Farming Forestry & Fishing 2.72 %
Prec. Production & craft 17.9 %
Machine Operator 3.34 %
Trans. & material moving 6.11 %
Laborers 1.88 %
Education - Persons 25 and Over
High School Graduate 31.4 %
Associates Degree 10.27 %
Bachelors Degree 12.9 %
Graduate Degree 5.3 %
Some College - No Degree 35.4 %
Acton is located in the 17th Senate
District, represented by Republican Sharon Runner, and in the 38th Assembly
District, represented by Republican Cameron Smyth
. Federally, Acton is located in California's 25th congressional district
, which has a Cook PVI
of R +7 and is represented by Republican Buck McKeon
.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
operates the Antelope Valley Health Center in Lancaster
, serving Acton.
, wild animal nature park run by Actress Tippi Hedren
is located near Acton. Ventures on Tippi Hedren's 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) wild animal compound include a Safari at the authentic African-style haven for more than 70 African Lions, Royal Bengal and Siberian Tigers, Spotted and Black Leopards, Cougars, and African Elephants. Tours are available.
Riders on the Metrolink trains between Palmdale and Santa Clarita
often see the animals grazing in the fields of the preserve as the train passes through.
, and the Clint Eastwood movie Blood Work. Terminator 3 was partially filmed at the local AM-PM Gas Station, located on the south side of Highway 14. Acton is also where Little Miss Sunshine was filmed along highway 14 near Red Rover Mine Road. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "Swingin" music video was filmed along Escondido Canyon Road. Also filmed here was Army of Darkness
.
Metallica shot the video for the song The Day That Never Comes
in Acton. Radiohead shot the UK version of the video for the song High and Dry in Acton at the Vazquez Rock Park. Large parts of the movie Windtalkers was also shot in Acton. Some of the underwater scenes of the Titanic sinking were also filmed in a specially constructed pool on a mesa by Mill Creek and Soledad Canyon Road on the Polsa Rosa Movie Ranch.
Acton, Massachusetts
Acton is a suburban town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States about twenty-one miles west-northwest of Boston along Route 2 west of Concord and about ten miles southwest of Lowell. The population was 21,924 at the 2010 census...
by one of the miners. Two of the best-known gold mines located in Acton were the Red Rover mine and the Governors mine. Mining of gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
, copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
, and titanium ore
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
continued into the early 1900s.
Acton was once considered for the State capital of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. California Governor Henry T. Gage (1899–1903) owned the Governor Mine, hence the name, and sought to relocate the capital to Acton. This effort ultimately failed and the capital was not moved from Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
.
In the late 1880s, Acton started to become more of a ranching and farming community.
In 1889, Acton's first hotel and its first saloon, the 49er was opened, and it is still open for business today. You can tie off your horse on a side rail while you visit the saloon. The bank in the same shopping center was seen in the Clint Eastwood movie "Blood Work".
Acton is located at 34°28′22"N 118°11′1"W (34.472777, -118.183696).
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP has a total area of 39.3 square miles (101.8 km²), over 99% of it land.
At the 2000 census, according to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the CDP had a total area of 4.6 square miles (11.9 km²), all land.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Acton had a population of 7,596. The population densityPopulation density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 193.4 people per square mile (74.7/km²). The racial makeup of Acton was 6,564 (86.4%) White, 57 (0.8%) African American, 70 (0.9%) Native American, 155 (2.0%) Asian, 5 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 451 (5.9%) from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 294 (3.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,373 persons (18.1%).
The Census reported that 7,596 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.
There were 2,660 households, out of which 901 (33.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 1,771 (66.6%) were opposite-sex married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 194 (7.3%) had a female householder with no husband present, 116 (4.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 108 (4.1%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
POSSLQ
POSSLQ is an abbreviation for "Persons of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters," a term coined in the late 1970s by the United States Census Bureau as part of an effort to more accurately gauge the prevalence of cohabitation in American households....
, and 30 (1.1%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 436 households (16.4%) were made up of individuals and 143 (5.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86. There were 2,081 families
Family (U.S. Census)
A family or family household is defined by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes as "a householder and one or more other people related to the householder by birth, marriage, or adoption. They do not include same-sex married couples even if the marriage was performed in a state...
(78.2% of all households); the average family size was 3.21.
The population was spread out with 1,672 people (22.0%) under the age of 18, 660 people (8.7%) aged 18 to 24, 1,394 people (18.4%) aged 25 to 44, 3,037 people (40.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 833 people (11.0%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.
There were 2,814 housing units at an average density of 71.6 per square mile (27.7/km²), of which 2,386 (89.7%) were owner-occupied, and 274 (10.3%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 7.4%. 6,852 people (90.2% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 744 people (9.8%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 2,390 people, 797 households, and 639 families residing in the CDP. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 514.8 inhabitants per square mile (198.9/km²). There were 873 housing units at an average density of 188.1 per square mile (72.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.12% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.71% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.46% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.46% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 5.31% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.89% from two or more races. 11.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There are 797 household
Household
The household is "the basic residential unit in which economic production, consumption, inheritance, child rearing, and shelter are organized and carried out"; [the household] "may or may not be synonymous with family"....
s out of which 42.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.7% were non-families. 14.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.32.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 30.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 103.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.
Most available statistical comparisons are limited to the various communities in the North County Plan (Antelope Valley). For example, Acton comprises 3.63 % of the total area of the valley, and 2.62 % of the valley population, but the median household income and net asset figures are more than 38 % above those of the Antelope Valley.
Estimated Average Household Income $89,860
Estimated Median Household Income $63,717
Estimated Per Capita Income $31,458
Households by Number of Vehicles
No Vehicles 1.86 %
One Vehicle 12.43 %
Two Vehicles 45.22 %
Three or more Vehicles 40.49 %
Population 16+ By Occupation
Executive And Managerial 13.46 %
Professional Specialty 14.71 %
Technical Support 2.71 %
Sales 12.87 %
Administrative Support 12.65 %
Service: Private Household 0.21 %
Service: Protective 6.86 %
Service. Other 4.58 %
Farming Forestry & Fishing 2.72 %
Prec. Production & craft 17.9 %
Machine Operator 3.34 %
Trans. & material moving 6.11 %
Laborers 1.88 %
Education - Persons 25 and Over
High School Graduate 31.4 %
Associates Degree 10.27 %
Bachelors Degree 12.9 %
Graduate Degree 5.3 %
Some College - No Degree 35.4 %
Politics
In the state legislatureCalifornia State Legislature
The California State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of California. It is a bicameral body consisting of the lower house, the California State Assembly, with 80 members, and the upper house, the California State Senate, with 40 members...
Acton is located in the 17th Senate
California State Senate
The California State Senate is the upper house of the California State Legislature. There are 40 state senators. The state legislature meets in the California State Capitol in Sacramento. The Lieutenant Governor is the ex officio President of the Senate and may break a tied vote...
District, represented by Republican Sharon Runner, and in the 38th Assembly
California State Assembly
The California State Assembly is the lower house of the California State Legislature. There are 80 members in the Assembly, representing an approximately equal number of constituents, with each district having a population of at least 420,000...
District, represented by Republican Cameron Smyth
Cameron Smyth
Cameron Smyth is a Republican who has represented California's 38th Assembly district since December 2006. He succeeded Keith Richman who was term-limited...
. Federally, Acton is located in California's 25th congressional district
California's 25th congressional district
California's 25th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of California that covers part of Los Angeles County and extends out to broad stretches of interior California along the Nevada border. It includes the cities of Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and the...
, which has a Cook PVI
Cook Partisan Voting Index
The Cook Partisan Voting Index , sometimes referred to as simply the Partisan Voting Index , is a measurement of how strongly an American congressional district or state leans toward one political party compared to the nation as a whole...
of R +7 and is represented by Republican Buck McKeon
Howard McKeon
Howard Philip "Buck" McKeon is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1993. He is a member of the Republican Party.-Early life, education and career:...
.
The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
Los Angeles County Department of Health Services
Health services to over 10 million residents in the Los Angeles County are provided by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Mental health services are provided by the County Department of Mental Health...
operates the Antelope Valley Health Center in Lancaster
Lancaster, California
Lancaster is a charter city in northern Los Angeles County, in the high desert, near the Kern County line. Lancaster currently ranks as the 30th largest city in California, and the 148th largest city in the United States. Lancaster is the principal city within the Antelope Valley...
, serving Acton.
Education
Acton Agua Dulce School District- Meadowlark Elementary School
- High Desert Middle School
- Vasquez High School
Shambala Wildlife Preserve
The Shambala PreserveShambala Preserve
Shambala Preserve is a wild animal preserve established in 1972 and located in Acton, California, a desert community 10 miles southwest of Palmdale, off of State Route 14 and Sierra Highway.-About:...
, wild animal nature park run by Actress Tippi Hedren
Tippi Hedren
Nathalie Kay "Tippi" Hedren is an American actress and former fashion model with a career spanning six decades. She is primarily known for her roles in two Alfred Hitchcock films, The Birds and Marnie, and her extensive efforts in animal rescue at Shambala Preserve, an wildlife habitat which she...
is located near Acton. Ventures on Tippi Hedren's 80 acres (323,748.8 m²) wild animal compound include a Safari at the authentic African-style haven for more than 70 African Lions, Royal Bengal and Siberian Tigers, Spotted and Black Leopards, Cougars, and African Elephants. Tours are available.
Riders on the Metrolink trains between Palmdale and Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita is the fourth largest city in Los Angeles County, California, United States and the twenty-fourth largest city in the state of California. The 2010 US Census reported the city's population grew 16.7% from the year 2000 to 176,320 residents. It is located about northwest of downtown...
often see the animals grazing in the fields of the preserve as the train passes through.
Filming location
Acton was one of the filming locations for the TV movie DuelDuel (film)
Duel is a 1971 television film about a terrified motorist on a remote and lonely road being chased and stalked by the unseen driver of a tanker truck...
, and the Clint Eastwood movie Blood Work. Terminator 3 was partially filmed at the local AM-PM Gas Station, located on the south side of Highway 14. Acton is also where Little Miss Sunshine was filmed along highway 14 near Red Rover Mine Road. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers "Swingin" music video was filmed along Escondido Canyon Road. Also filmed here was Army of Darkness
Army of Darkness
Army of Darkness, also known as Evil Dead III: Army of Darkness or simply Evil Dead III, is a 1992 horror comedy fantasy action film directed by Sam Raimi. It is the third and final installment in The Evil Dead trilogy. The film was written by Raimi and his brother Ivan, produced by Robert Tapert,...
.
Metallica shot the video for the song The Day That Never Comes
The Day That Never Comes
"The Day That Never Comes" is a song by American heavy metal band Metallica and the lead single from their ninth studio album, Death Magnetic...
in Acton. Radiohead shot the UK version of the video for the song High and Dry in Acton at the Vazquez Rock Park. Large parts of the movie Windtalkers was also shot in Acton. Some of the underwater scenes of the Titanic sinking were also filmed in a specially constructed pool on a mesa by Mill Creek and Soledad Canyon Road on the Polsa Rosa Movie Ranch.