Moraga, California
Encyclopedia
Moraga is a suburban incorporated town located in Contra Costa County, California
, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area
. It is named in honor of Joaquin Moraga, whose grandfather was José Joaquin Moraga
, second in command to Juan Bautista de Anza
. As of the 2000 census, Moraga was the 79th wealthiest place
in the US with a population above 10,000.
As of 2010, Moraga had a total population of 16,016 people.
and Orinda
, as well as the unincorporated community of Canyon
. Other nearby cities include Orinda
, Walnut Creek
, Oakland
, San Francisco, Concord
and Berkeley
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 9.4 square miles (24.3 km²), of which, 9.4 square miles (24.3 km²) of it is land and 0.09% is water. Originally Moraga was abundant with pears, however, over the years more houses are being built and it is losing its pear trees. Large sections of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail pass through the town.
Moraga is a valley, surrounded by rolling hills (green in the winter, golden in the summer) and grazing cows. Residents enjoy walking or biking the many trails in the Lamorinda area.
Moraga is well known for its excellent school district, which attracts many people from surrounding cities, such as Berkeley, California
, Walnut Creek
, and even as far away as Martinez, California
.
language group.
Moraga is located on the 1835 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados
given to Joaquin Moraga and his cousin, Juan Bernal. Joaquin Moraga was the grandson of José Joaquín Moraga
, who is credited as the founder of San Francisco, the Presidio, and the Mission district. He owned the property today known as Moraga ranch. Today Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, a middle school in Moraga, bears his name.
In the first half of the 20th century (1 January 1900–31 December 1950), the line of the Sacramento Northern Railroad ran through Moraga; much of the old right-of-way is now part of the popular Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail.
Moraga's first post office opened in 1886, and was closed in 1887; it reopened in 1915. In 1955, Moraga built a new post office.
Saint Mary's College of California
moved to Moraga in 1928.
In November 1974, Moraga was granted township, becoming the Town of Moraga. Its first park director, William Penn Mott, Jr.
went on to become the 12th director of the U.S. National Park Service. He is ranked behind John Muir, and Teddy Roosevelt for his service to the national park system. In 1974, Rancho Laguna Park 8.4 acres (33,993.6 m²) of land located at 2101 Camino Pablo was donated to the Moraga Park Authority by Louise Glass.
Rancho Laguna 2 has become known as the name of a controversial proposed housing development in Moraga – one of several projects encompassing nearly 1,000 homes that are being considered by town officials.
Standing next to the Moraga fire department is the hazard house. The hazard house serves as a display for elementary school tours to demonstrate all the things not to do and how to prevent a fire. The Moraga Fire Department began as a volunteer service staffed by retirees. The Moraga Fire Department is part of the Moraga Orinda Fire District.
, and 808 (5.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,123 persons (7.0%).
The Census reported that 14,293 people (89.2% of the population) lived in households, 1,545 (9.6%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 178 (1.1%) were institutionalized.
There were 5,570 households, out of which 1,945 (34.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,685 (66.2%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 418 (7.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 165 (3.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 121 (2.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 24 (0.4%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,073 households (19.3%) were made up of individuals and 564 (10.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57. There were 4,268 families
(76.6% of all households); the average family size was 2.95.
The population was spread out with 3,474 people (21.7%) under the age of 18, 2,342 people (14.6%) aged 18 to 24, 2,193 people (13.7%) aged 25 to 44, 4,947 people (30.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,060 people (19.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.0 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.
There were 5,754 housing units at an average density of 609.4 per square mile (235.3/km²), of which 4,673 (83.9%) were owner-occupied, and 897 (16.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%. 12,073 people (75.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,220 people (13.9%) lived in rental housing units.
There are 5,662 households out of which 35.1% have children under age 18 living with them, 67.7% are married couples living together, 6.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% are non-families. 19.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 2.99. In 2009 there were 3,570 licensed dogs in 67% of the households.
In the town the population is spread out with 22.7% under age 18, 13.9% from 18–24, 18.6% from 25–44, 29.1% from 45–64, and 15.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 89.2 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there are 84.5 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $98,080, and the median income for a family is $116,113. Males have a median income of $92,815 versus $51,296 for females. The per capita income for the town is $45,437. 2.9% of the population and 1.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.5% of those under the age of 18 and 1.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Saklan Valley School (formerly, Moraga Country Day School and Carden School of Moraga), a private elementary school founded in 1954, is also located in Moraga. It is a co-educational
school with around 155 students from preschool to 8th grade. The school is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
. It has a maximum class size of 16.
Moraga's only public high school is Campolindo High School
, although some Moraga students choose to attend Miramonte High School
, located just across the town border in Orinda
. Both schools are part of the Acalanes Union High School District
, which encompasses Moraga, Lafayette, Orinda, and parts of Walnut Creek.
Orion Academy is a private secondary school for students with conditions such as Asperger syndrome
and nonverbal learning disorder
.
is located just northeast of downtown Moraga; it is a Catholic university with 3,962 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the 2007–2008 school year. The college was originally located in San Francisco and then Oakland
, but moved to Moraga in 1928.
is located along Saint Marys Road in Moraga.
Contra Costa County, California
Contra Costa County is a primarily suburban county in the San Francisco Bay Area of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 1,049,025...
, United States, in the San Francisco Bay Area
San Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a populated region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas...
. It is named in honor of Joaquin Moraga, whose grandfather was José Joaquin Moraga
José Joaquín Moraga
José Joaquín de la Santísima Trinidad Moraga was an early explorer to Alta California...
, second in command to Juan Bautista de Anza
Juan Bautista de Anza
Juan Bautista de Anza Bezerra Nieto was a Novo-Spanish explorer and Governor of New Mexico for the Spanish Empire.-Early life:...
. As of the 2000 census, Moraga was the 79th wealthiest place
Highest-income places in the United States
-100 highest-income places with at least 1,000 households:This is a list of the 100 richest places in the United States with at least 1,000 households. This is the most common list used for referring to the richest communities in the country, as it eliminates any places with insignificant populations...
in the US with a population above 10,000.
As of 2010, Moraga had a total population of 16,016 people.
Geography
Moraga is located at 37°50'06" North, 122°07'47" West, at an elevation of 499 feet (152 m). It is located adjacent to the cities of LafayetteLafayette, California
Lafayette is a city in Contra Costa County, California, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 23,893. It was named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French military hero of the American Revolutionary War...
and Orinda
Orinda, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Orinda had a population of 17,643. The population density was 1,389.5 people per square mile . The racial makeup of Orinda was 14,533 White, 149 African American, 22 Native American, 2,016 Asian, 24 Pacific Islander, 122 from other races, and...
, as well as the unincorporated community of Canyon
Canyon, California
Canyon is an unincorporated community in Contra Costa County, California situated between Oakland and Moraga in the San Francisco Bay Area. The community is named for its location in the upper canyon of San Leandro Creek along the eastern slope of the Berkeley Hills...
. Other nearby cities include Orinda
Orinda, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Orinda had a population of 17,643. The population density was 1,389.5 people per square mile . The racial makeup of Orinda was 14,533 White, 149 African American, 22 Native American, 2,016 Asian, 24 Pacific Islander, 122 from other races, and...
, Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek, California
Walnut Creek is an incorporated city located east of the city of Oakland. It lies in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. While not as large as neighboring Concord, Walnut Creek serves as the business and entertainment hub for the neighboring cities within central Contra Costa...
, Oakland
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
, San Francisco, Concord
Concord, California
Concord is the largest city in Contra Costa County, California, USA. At the 2010 census, the city had a population of 122,067. Originally founded in 1869 as the community of Todos Santos by Salvio Pacheco, the name was changed to Concord within months...
and Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Berkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
.
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 town has a total area of 9.4 square miles (24.3 km²), of which, 9.4 square miles (24.3 km²) of it is land and 0.09% is water. Originally Moraga was abundant with pears, however, over the years more houses are being built and it is losing its pear trees. Large sections of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail pass through the town.
Moraga is a valley, surrounded by rolling hills (green in the winter, golden in the summer) and grazing cows. Residents enjoy walking or biking the many trails in the Lamorinda area.
Moraga is well known for its excellent school district, which attracts many people from surrounding cities, such as Berkeley, California
Berkeley, California
Berkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
, Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek
-Communities:United States of America*Walnut Creek, California*Walnut Creek, North Carolina*Walnut Creek, Ohio-Schools:*A middle school in Metropolitan Detroit that belongs to the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District in Oakland County, Michigan.-Streams:...
, and even as far away as Martinez, California
Martinez, California
Martinez is a city and the county seat of Contra Costa County, California, United States. The population was 35,824 at the 2010 census. The downtown is notable for its large number of preserved old buildings...
.
History
The land now called Moraga was first inhabited by the Saclan Native Americans, who belonged to the Bay MiwokBay Miwok
The Bay Miwok were a cultural and linguistic group of Miwok, a Native American people in Northern California who lived in Contra Costa County. They joined the Franciscan mission system during the early nineteenth century, suffered a devastating population decline, and lost their language as they...
language group.
Moraga is located on the 1835 Mexican Land Grant Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados
Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados
Rancho Laguna de Los Palos Colorados was a Mexican land grant in present day Contra Costa County, California given in 1841 by Governor Juan Alvarado to Joaquin Moraga and his cousin, Juan Bernal. The name means "Ranch of the Lake of the Redwoods" in Spanish...
given to Joaquin Moraga and his cousin, Juan Bernal. Joaquin Moraga was the grandson of José Joaquín Moraga
José Joaquín Moraga
José Joaquín de la Santísima Trinidad Moraga was an early explorer to Alta California...
, who is credited as the founder of San Francisco, the Presidio, and the Mission district. He owned the property today known as Moraga ranch. Today Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, a middle school in Moraga, bears his name.
In the first half of the 20th century (1 January 1900–31 December 1950), the line of the Sacramento Northern Railroad ran through Moraga; much of the old right-of-way is now part of the popular Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail.
Moraga's first post office opened in 1886, and was closed in 1887; it reopened in 1915. In 1955, Moraga built a new post office.
Saint Mary's College of California
Saint Mary's College of California
Saint Mary's College of California is a private, coeducational college located in Moraga, California, United States, a small suburban community about east of Oakland and 20 miles east of San Francisco. It has a 420-acre campus in the Moraga hills. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church...
moved to Moraga in 1928.
In November 1974, Moraga was granted township, becoming the Town of Moraga. Its first park director, William Penn Mott, Jr.
William Penn Mott, Jr.
William Penn Mott, Jr. , worked for the NPS as a landscape architect from 1933 to 1940 but devoted most of his later career to California's local and state parks.-Early career:...
went on to become the 12th director of the U.S. National Park Service. He is ranked behind John Muir, and Teddy Roosevelt for his service to the national park system. In 1974, Rancho Laguna Park 8.4 acres (33,993.6 m²) of land located at 2101 Camino Pablo was donated to the Moraga Park Authority by Louise Glass.
Rancho Laguna 2 has become known as the name of a controversial proposed housing development in Moraga – one of several projects encompassing nearly 1,000 homes that are being considered by town officials.
Standing next to the Moraga fire department is the hazard house. The hazard house serves as a display for elementary school tours to demonstrate all the things not to do and how to prevent a fire. The Moraga Fire Department began as a volunteer service staffed by retirees. The Moraga Fire Department is part of the Moraga Orinda Fire District.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Moraga had a population of 16,016. The population density was 1,696.3 people per square mile (654.9/km²). The racial makeup of Moraga was 12,201 (76.2%) White, 277 (1.7%) African American, 31 (0.2%) Native American, 2,393 (14.9%) Asian, 25 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 281 (1.8%) from other racesRace (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 808 (5.0%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,123 persons (7.0%).
The Census reported that 14,293 people (89.2% of the population) lived in households, 1,545 (9.6%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 178 (1.1%) were institutionalized.
There were 5,570 households, out of which 1,945 (34.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 3,685 (66.2%) 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, 418 (7.5%) had a female householder with no husband present, 165 (3.0%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 121 (2.2%) 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 24 (0.4%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 1,073 households (19.3%) were made up of individuals and 564 (10.1%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57. There were 4,268 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...
(76.6% of all households); the average family size was 2.95.
The population was spread out with 3,474 people (21.7%) under the age of 18, 2,342 people (14.6%) aged 18 to 24, 2,193 people (13.7%) aged 25 to 44, 4,947 people (30.9%) aged 45 to 64, and 3,060 people (19.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.0 years. For every 100 females there were 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.
There were 5,754 housing units at an average density of 609.4 per square mile (235.3/km²), of which 4,673 (83.9%) were owner-occupied, and 897 (16.1%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 0.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 4.1%. 12,073 people (75.4% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,220 people (13.9%) lived in rental housing units.
2000
As of the census of 2000, there are 16,290 people, 5,662 households, and 4,325 families permanently residing in the town. The population density is 1,756.9 people per square mile (678.5 people/km²). There are 5,760 housing units at an average density of 621.2 people/sq mi (239.9 people/km²). The racial makeup is 81.10% White, 1.01% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 12.44% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 1.45% from other races, and 3.75% from two or more races. 4.76% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.There are 5,662 households out of which 35.1% have children under age 18 living with them, 67.7% are married couples living together, 6.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% are non-families. 19.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.59 and the average family size is 2.99. In 2009 there were 3,570 licensed dogs in 67% of the households.
In the town the population is spread out with 22.7% under age 18, 13.9% from 18–24, 18.6% from 25–44, 29.1% from 45–64, and 15.8% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 89.2 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there are 84.5 males.
The median income for a household in the town is $98,080, and the median income for a family is $116,113. Males have a median income of $92,815 versus $51,296 for females. The per capita income for the town is $45,437. 2.9% of the population and 1.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.5% of those under the age of 18 and 1.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Education
Moraga is home to several grade schools, one high school, and a private college. In 2011 Moraga was named a top city to live and learn by greatschools.orgPrimary and secondary schools
The Moraga School District includes:- Camino Pablo Elementary School, grades K-5
- Los Perales Elementary School, grades K 5
- Donald L. Rheem Elementary School, grades K 5
- Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, grades–6 8
Saklan Valley School (formerly, Moraga Country Day School and Carden School of Moraga), a private elementary school founded in 1954, is also located in Moraga. It is a co-educational
Coeducation
Mixed-sex education, also known as coeducation or co-education, is the integrated education of male and female persons in the same institution. It is the opposite of single-sex education...
school with around 155 students from preschool to 8th grade. The school is accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is one of six official academic bodies responsible for the accreditation of public and private universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools in the United States and foreign institutions of American origin. The Western Association of...
. It has a maximum class size of 16.
Moraga's only public high school is Campolindo High School
Campolindo High School
Campolindo High School is a public high school located in Moraga, California, and is in the Acalanes Union High School District. Campolindo offers an advanced education system in the Acalanes School District, with particular emphasis on its participation in the Advanced Placement Program.In 2003,...
, although some Moraga students choose to attend Miramonte High School
Miramonte High School
Miramonte High School is a public high school located in Orinda, California. It is part of the Acalanes Union High School District, which has a college preparatory program, with 15 Advanced Placement courses offered. Over 98% of its graduates go on to college. 320 students graduated in 2005, with...
, located just across the town border in Orinda
Orinda, California
-2010:The 2010 United States Census reported that Orinda had a population of 17,643. The population density was 1,389.5 people per square mile . The racial makeup of Orinda was 14,533 White, 149 African American, 22 Native American, 2,016 Asian, 24 Pacific Islander, 122 from other races, and...
. Both schools are part of the Acalanes Union High School District
Acalanes Union High School District
Acalanes Union High School District is a public high school district in southwest/central Contra Costa County in California. It currently has four schools: Acalanes High School in Lafayette, Campolindo High School in Moraga, Las Lomas High School in...
, which encompasses Moraga, Lafayette, Orinda, and parts of Walnut Creek.
Orion Academy is a private secondary school for students with conditions such as Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome
Asperger's syndrome that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development...
and nonverbal learning disorder
Nonverbal learning disorder
A nonverbal learning disorder or nonverbal learning disability is a condition characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal and lower motor, visuo-spatial, and social skills on an IQ test...
.
Colleges and Universities
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaSaint Mary's College of California
Saint Mary's College of California is a private, coeducational college located in Moraga, California, United States, a small suburban community about east of Oakland and 20 miles east of San Francisco. It has a 420-acre campus in the Moraga hills. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church...
is located just northeast of downtown Moraga; it is a Catholic university with 3,962 undergraduate and postgraduate students in the 2007–2008 school year. The college was originally located in San Francisco and then Oakland
Oakland, California
Oakland is a major West Coast port city on San Francisco Bay in the U.S. state of California. It is the eighth-largest city in the state with a 2010 population of 390,724...
, but moved to Moraga in 1928.
Public libraries
The Moraga Library of the Contra Costa County LibraryContra Costa County Library
Contra Costa County Library is a public library that is part of Contra Costa County, California, United States. There are 26 community libraries, access to electronic information via a website, over 455,000 cardholders and more than 7 million items borrowed annually...
is located along Saint Marys Road in Moraga.
Notable persons
- Aaron PoredaAaron PoredaAaron Andermon Poreda is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball....
, major league baseball pitcher - Matt BiondiMatt BiondiMatthew Nicholas Biondi is a three-time U.S. Olympic swimmer in the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Summer Olympics, winning a total of 11 medals...
, Olympic gold medalist (swimming)
Dog Friendly
In 1979 the town adopted off leash use times at all community parks in the town code when they adopted the county and state standards for dog laws. In 2009 the off leash hours were modified and limited to the following format at Rancho Laguna Park and Mulholland Ridge.- Morning hours were set to before 9:00 am
- Evening hours
- Spring after 6:00 pm (April 1–September 30)
- Fall after 4:00 P.M (October 1–March 31)
External links
- ShopMoragaFirst.com
- Town of Moraga home page
- Moraga Chamber of Commerce
- Moraga history
- Moraga Historical Society
- Contra Costa Historical Society – Judge Bray radio essays
- St. Mary's College of California
- St. Giles Episcopal Church
- Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church
- Lamorinda Weekly Newspaper
- Rancho Laguna Park Dog Park Users