Paradise, California
Encyclopedia
Paradise is an incorporated town in Butte County
, in the northwest foothills of California
's Central Valley
, in the Sierra. The town is considered part of the Chico Metropolitan Area
. The population was 26,218 at the 2010 census, down from 26,408 at the 2000 census. Paradise is some 8 miles (12.9 km) east of Chico
and 100 miles (160.9 km) north-northeast of Sacramento
.
to the east, and Butte Creek to the west. The Paradise area extends northwards from Paradise to include the unincorporated town of Magalia
and smaller communities such as Stirling City to the far north. Elevations in the town range from around 1500 to 2300 feet (450 to 700 m), steadily increasing as one travels northwards. The town is approximately 8 miles (12.9 km) east of the city of Chico
, and 10 miles (16.1 km) north of the Oroville
area.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the town has a total area of 18.3 square miles (47.4 km²), over 99% of it land.
was closed. Paradise incorporated in 1979. The name "Paradise" originated with an establishment called the Pair O' Dice Saloon.
was 1,430.9 people per square mile (552.5/km²). The racial makeup of Paradise was 24,129 (92.0%) White, 112 (0.4%) African American, 301 (1.1%) Native American, 330 (1.3%) Asian, 24 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 416 (1.6%) from other races
, and 906 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,836 persons (7.0%).
The Census reported that 25,810 people (98.4% of the population) lived in households, 139 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 269 (1.0%) were institutionalized.
There were 11,893 households, out of which 2,574 (21.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 5,227 (44.0%) were opposite-sex married couples
living together, 1,308 (11.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 511 (4.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 742 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships
, and 94 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,038 households (34.0%) were made up of individuals and 2,126 (17.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17. There were 7,046 families
(59.2% of all households); the average family size was 2.73.
The population was spread out with 4,501 people (17.2%) under the age of 18, 1,858 people (7.1%) aged 18 to 24, 4,822 people (18.4%) aged 25 to 44, 8,466 people (32.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,571 people (25.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.2 years. For every 100 females there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
There were 12,981 housing units at an average density of 708.5 per square mile (273.5/km²), of which 7,975 (67.1%) were owner-occupied, and 3,918 (32.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.9%. 17,381 people (66.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 8,429 people (32.1%) lived in rental housing units.
of 2000, there were 26,408 people, 11,591 households, and 7,244 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1,447.1 people per square mile (558.7/km²). There were 12,374 housing units at an average density of 678.1 per square mile (261.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 93.73% White
, 0.19% Black
or African American
, 1.07% Native American
, 1.04% Asian
, 0.12% Pacific Islander
, 1.21% from other races
, and 2.64% from two or more races. 4.27% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 11,591 households out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples
living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.77.
In the town the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.
The median income
for a household in the town was $31,863, and the median income for a family was $41,228. Males had a median income of $35,419 versus $25,231 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $19,267. About 9.7% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
in Paradise with Basic emergency care as of August 22, 2006. The facility is located at (NAD83) latitude/longitude 39°45′25"N 121°34′16"W.
Cedarwood Elementary School (K-5)
Paradise Elementary School (K-5)
Ponderosa Elementary School (K-5)
Pine Ridge School (K-8)
Paradise Intermediate School (6-8)
Paradise High School
Ridgeview High School (continuation)
Honey Run Academy Elementary & Secondary (2 community day schools)
Children's Community Charter School (K-8)
Paradise Charter Middle School (6 -8)
HomeTech Charter School (K -12)
Other Paradise Schools include:
Achieve Charter School,
Paradise Adventist Academy
Paradise's link with Chico
, Skyway Road, begins in the Valley
, at the Highway 99
Freeway in Chico, and runs up the ridge as a 4-lane divided highway until it reaches Paradise. Through the town it is a four-lane undivided highway, and it becomes a two-lane road as it continues up the Ridge to Magalia
and numerous smaller communities to the north. Paradise is connected to Oroville
via Highway 191, otherwise known as Clark Road upon entering the town.
Paradise Skypark, (FAA identifier: Q88), is located parallel to State Route 191 and south of the town at 39°42′38"N 121°36′59"W.
were filmed in Paradise off of Stark Lane.
The first Robin Hood movie's actors and actresses stayed in Paradise, CA during their filming in Bidwell Park.
Paradise was also used in the comic strip "Pickles", by Brian Crane, on June 22nd, 2011.
, named the "Humboldt Fire" for its point of origin, swept over 22800 acres (92.3 km²) of land between Chico and Paradise. As many as 9300 people were forced to evacuate southwestern Paradise until the fire could be brought under control. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/15/BAD1119FHI.DTL. Also in July 2008 another fire, the Camp Fire, burned on the northern side of Paradise in the canyon where the Feather River is located. Again, thousands were evacuated from their homes, but the fire failed to cross the river.
Butte County, California
Butte County is a county located in the Central Valley of the US state of California, north of the state capital of Sacramento. As of the 2010 census, it had a population of 220,000. The county seat is Oroville. Butte County is the "Land of Natural Wealth and Beauty."Butte County is watered by the...
, in the northwest foothills 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...
's Central Valley
California Central Valley
California's Central Valley is a large, flat valley that dominates the central portion of California. It is home to California's most productive agricultural efforts. The valley stretches approximately from northwest to southeast inland and parallel to the Pacific Ocean coast. Its northern half is...
, in the Sierra. The town is considered part of the Chico Metropolitan Area
Chico, California
Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 86,187 at the 2010 census, up from 59,954 at the time of the 2000 census...
. The population was 26,218 at the 2010 census, down from 26,408 at the 2000 census. Paradise is some 8 miles (12.9 km) east of Chico
Chico, California
Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 86,187 at the 2010 census, up from 59,954 at the time of the 2000 census...
and 100 miles (160.9 km) north-northeast of 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,...
.
Geography
The town of Paradise is spread out on a wide ridge which rises between deep canyons on either side. These canyons are formed by the west branch of the Feather RiverFeather River
The Feather River is the principal tributary of the Sacramento River, in the Sacramento Valley of Northern California. The river's main stem is about long. Its length to its most distant headwater tributary is about . Its drainage basin is about...
to the east, and Butte Creek to the west. The Paradise area extends northwards from Paradise to include the unincorporated town of Magalia
Magalia, California
Magalia is a census-designated place in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 11,310 at the 2010 census.-History:...
and smaller communities such as Stirling City to the far north. Elevations in the town range from around 1500 to 2300 feet (450 to 700 m), steadily increasing as one travels northwards. The town is approximately 8 miles (12.9 km) east of the city of Chico
Chico, California
Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 86,187 at the 2010 census, up from 59,954 at the time of the 2000 census...
, and 10 miles (16.1 km) north of the Oroville
Oroville, California
Oroville is the county seat of Butte County, California. The population was 15,506 at the 2010 census, up from 13,004 at the 2000 census...
area.
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 18.3 square miles (47.4 km²), over 99% of it land.
History
The first post office was established at Paradise in 1877; it closed for a time in 1911, but was re-established later that year, when the post office at OrloffOrloff, California
Orloff is a former settlement in Butte County, California, United States. It was located southwest of Paradise and east of Chico. A post office operated at Orloff from 1905 to 1911 when it was re-located to Paradise. Orloff was named for Orloff Miller, an early settler....
was closed. Paradise incorporated in 1979. The name "Paradise" originated with an establishment called the Pair O' Dice Saloon.
2010
The 2010 United States Census reported that Paradise had a population of 26,218. 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 1,430.9 people per square mile (552.5/km²). The racial makeup of Paradise was 24,129 (92.0%) White, 112 (0.4%) African American, 301 (1.1%) Native American, 330 (1.3%) Asian, 24 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 416 (1.6%) 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 906 (3.5%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,836 persons (7.0%).
The Census reported that 25,810 people (98.4% of the population) lived in households, 139 (0.5%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 269 (1.0%) were institutionalized.
There were 11,893 households, out of which 2,574 (21.6%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 5,227 (44.0%) 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, 1,308 (11.0%) had a female householder with no husband present, 511 (4.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 742 (6.2%) 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 94 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 4,038 households (34.0%) were made up of individuals and 2,126 (17.9%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17. There were 7,046 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...
(59.2% of all households); the average family size was 2.73.
The population was spread out with 4,501 people (17.2%) under the age of 18, 1,858 people (7.1%) aged 18 to 24, 4,822 people (18.4%) aged 25 to 44, 8,466 people (32.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,571 people (25.1%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.2 years. For every 100 females there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.
There were 12,981 housing units at an average density of 708.5 per square mile (273.5/km²), of which 7,975 (67.1%) were owner-occupied, and 3,918 (32.9%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.8%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.9%. 17,381 people (66.3% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 8,429 people (32.1%) 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 26,408 people, 11,591 households, and 7,244 families residing in the town. 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 1,447.1 people per square mile (558.7/km²). There were 12,374 housing units at an average density of 678.1 per square mile (261.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 93.73% 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...
, 0.19% 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...
, 1.07% 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...
, 1.04% 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...
, 0.12% 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...
, 1.21% 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 2.64% from two or more races. 4.27% of the population were Hispanic
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 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 were 11,591 households out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% 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, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.77.
In the town the population was spread out with 20.4% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 27.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.5 males.
The median income
Income
Income is the consumption and savings opportunity gained by an entity within a specified time frame, which is generally expressed in monetary terms. However, for households and individuals, "income is the sum of all the wages, salaries, profits, interests payments, rents and other forms of earnings...
for a household in the town was $31,863, and the median income for a family was $41,228. Males had a median income of $35,419 versus $25,231 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $19,267. About 9.7% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
Health care
The State of California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development defines Feather River Hospital as a General Acute Care HospitalHospital
A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays....
in Paradise with Basic emergency care as of August 22, 2006. The facility is located at (NAD83) latitude/longitude 39°45′25"N 121°34′16"W.
Education
Paradise is served by Paradise Unified School District as well as several independent Charter and Private Schools. PUSD schools include:Cedarwood Elementary School (K-5)
Paradise Elementary School (K-5)
Ponderosa Elementary School (K-5)
Pine Ridge School (K-8)
Paradise Intermediate School (6-8)
Paradise High School
Ridgeview High School (continuation)
Honey Run Academy Elementary & Secondary (2 community day schools)
Children's Community Charter School (K-8)
Paradise Charter Middle School (6 -8)
HomeTech Charter School (K -12)
Other Paradise Schools include:
Achieve Charter School,
Paradise Adventist Academy
Transportation
There are not many options for transportation within Paradise other than driving an automobile. The Paradise/Magalia area is served by the "B line" Butte County Transit. Butte Community College also runs bus service for students. The Paradise Memorial Trail is a paved pedestrian and bicycle path which runs through town on the path of the former railroad tracks leading up the ridge. However, aside from points along this path, the very hilly terrain of the town, coupled with the large spacing of commercial areas and large land area make Paradise difficult to navigate on foot or on a bicycle, in addition to the lack of sidewalks.Paradise's link with Chico
Chico, California
Chico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 86,187 at the 2010 census, up from 59,954 at the time of the 2000 census...
, Skyway Road, begins in the Valley
California Central Valley
California's Central Valley is a large, flat valley that dominates the central portion of California. It is home to California's most productive agricultural efforts. The valley stretches approximately from northwest to southeast inland and parallel to the Pacific Ocean coast. Its northern half is...
, at the Highway 99
California State Route 99
California State Route 99 , commonly known as Highway 99 or, simply, as 99 , is a north–south state highway in the U.S. state of California, stretching almost the entire length of the Central Valley...
Freeway in Chico, and runs up the ridge as a 4-lane divided highway until it reaches Paradise. Through the town it is a four-lane undivided highway, and it becomes a two-lane road as it continues up the Ridge to Magalia
Magalia, California
Magalia is a census-designated place in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 11,310 at the 2010 census.-History:...
and numerous smaller communities to the north. Paradise is connected to Oroville
Oroville, California
Oroville is the county seat of Butte County, California. The population was 15,506 at the 2010 census, up from 13,004 at the 2000 census...
via Highway 191, otherwise known as Clark Road upon entering the town.
Paradise Skypark, (FAA identifier: Q88), is located parallel to State Route 191 and south of the town at 39°42′38"N 121°36′59"W.
Trivia
Scenes from Gone With the WindGone with the Wind (film)
Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American historical epic film adapted from Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer-winning 1936 novel of the same name. It was produced by David O. Selznick and directed by Victor Fleming from a screenplay by Sidney Howard...
were filmed in Paradise off of Stark Lane.
The first Robin Hood movie's actors and actresses stayed in Paradise, CA during their filming in Bidwell Park.
Paradise was also used in the comic strip "Pickles", by Brian Crane, on June 22nd, 2011.
Humboldt and Camp Fires
In June 2008, a wildfireWildfire
A wildfire is any uncontrolled fire in combustible vegetation that occurs in the countryside or a wilderness area. Other names such as brush fire, bushfire, forest fire, desert fire, grass fire, hill fire, squirrel fire, vegetation fire, veldfire, and wilkjjofire may be used to describe the same...
, named the "Humboldt Fire" for its point of origin, swept over 22800 acres (92.3 km²) of land between Chico and Paradise. As many as 9300 people were forced to evacuate southwestern Paradise until the fire could be brought under control. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/15/BAD1119FHI.DTL. Also in July 2008 another fire, the Camp Fire, burned on the northern side of Paradise in the canyon where the Feather River is located. Again, thousands were evacuated from their homes, but the fire failed to cross the river.
Notable residents
- Actor Tom SelleckTom SelleckThomas William "Tom" Selleck is an American actor, and film producer. He is best known for his starring role as Hawaii-based private investigator Thomas Magnum on the 1980s television show Magnum, P.I.. He also plays Police Chief Jesse Stone in a series of made-for-TV movies based on the Robert B....
has a residence in De Sabla just above Magalia. - Statistician and athlete Joseph HilbeJoseph HilbeJoseph Michael Hilbe is a US statistician and philosopher, atwo-time national champion track & field athlete, and Olympic Games official.He is author of several popular texts on statistical modeling, and is founding chair of the ISI...
graduated from Paradise High School. - Actress Carla GuginoCarla GuginoCarla Gugino is an American actress known for her roles of Sally Jupiter in Watchmen, Dr. Vera Gorski in Sucker Punch, Lucille in Sin City, Amanda Daniels in seasons 3, 5 and 7 of Entourage, Ingrid Cortez in the Spy Kids film trilogy, and as the lead characters of the television series Karen Sisco...
lived in Paradise after a kidney operation when she was four years old. - Actor Gary Burghoff, best known as playing Radar O'Reilly on M*A*S*H, resides in Paradise.
- Blues legend Lazy LesterLazy LesterLazy Lester is an American blues harmonica player, whose career spans the 1950s to the 2000s....
is currently living in Paradise. - Child actress Tiffany BrissetteTiffany BrissetteTiffany Michelle Brissette is a former American actress. She is best known for her role as V.I.C.I. the Robot on the syndicated American sitcom Small Wonder, which aired from 1985 to 1989.-Career:...
, best known for her role as VICI on the 1980s sitcom Small Wonder, was born in Paradise. - Norton BuffaloNorton BuffaloNorton Buffalo was a singer-songwriter, country and blues harmonica player, record producer, bandleader and recording artist best known as a versatile exponent of the harmonica, including chromatic and diatonic....
died in Paradise on 30 October 2009. - Oregon WR Jeff MaehlJeff MaehlJeffrey David "Jeff" Maehl is an American football wide receiver with the Houston Texans of the National Football League.-Personal:...
grew up in Paradise and graduated from Paradise High School. - NFL player Ward WalshWard WalshWard Walsh is a former running back in the National Football League. He played with the Houston Oilers during the 1972 NFL season before splitting the following season between the Oilers and the Green Bay Packers.-References:...
was born in Paradise. - Bill & Rebecca Goldsmith from Radio ParadiseRadio ParadiseRadio Paradise is a listener-sponsored Internet radio station that identifies itself as an "eclectic online rock radio" station. The channel differs from most FM channels and other Internet stations in that the music played is not limited to a specific genre, instead representing great variety...