The name “Laguna” comes from the first discovery of a skull from a woman belonging to the prehistoric Paleoindian civilization in 1933. She was given the name “Laguna Woman.” Paleoindians were among the first civilizations to have migrated to North America. This is one of the first know facts about this area. Laguna Beach lemon law attorney Luis Aguirre California Lemon Law Attorney is proud to serve this area.
Eventually, the area of Laguna Beach was included as part of Rancho San Joaquin and was one of the few areas to never be formally established in a Mexican land treaty. After the American Civil War, settlers arrived under the Homestead Act which granted 140 acres of land to a homesteader. As part of the agreement, the act required that homesteaders plant trees on at least 40 acres of their newly-acquired land. Most settlers planted eucalyptus trees.
Nate and Catherine Brooks are known as the “parents” of Laguna Beach. They married in 1900 and brought their children to live with them, however, Nate Brooks dies in 1914. However, the presence of the couple were the seeds that sprouted the emergence of modern-day Laguna Beach.
In the 1880s Laguna Caynon started to expand, including the beach area and it quickly became a tourist attraction. A hotel was built and tourists were flocking to its sunny beaches.
Hollywood had already discovered this scenic community in the early 1900s, making it an ideal spot or movie sets. Many silent films were shot here which starred actors like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Laguna Beach also turned into a creative community, drawing many artists and other creative types to the area such as writers, photographers, and other individuals. In fact, the city’s official incorporation in 1927 was an attempt to protect the city’s artistic community. These artists cleverly referred to themselves as “Lagunatics.”
Over the next decades, the area preserved it’s artistic roots and was known as a “hippie” and bohemian enclave during the 1960s and 1970s. It also drew wealthy individuals to live here.
Much of that has not been lost as the city still boasts it’s an artistic community in the form of yearly art festivals and vibrant beach culture.
Climate
The area of Laguna Beach enjoys pleasant temperatures throughout the year with average temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Its coastal Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures mild throughout most of the year. Very rarely do temperatures reach over 90 degrees, however, records have been broken into the 100-degree range and lows have dipped into the 20s range.
Population
Current estimates for the city’s population stands at 22, 749 and the 167th largest city in the United States. It has just roughly over 2,500 residents per square mile. The city spans over 10 miles. The poverty rate is less than 10% and the median average household income is just over $200,000, making it one of the wealthier areas of Southern California.
The city is comprised mostly of white residents at roughly 90% with Asians making up the second-largest group at just over 3%. Other populations like Hispanics, African-American, and Native American, and Pacific Islanders make up roughly less than 2%.
In Conclusion
Laguna Beach is one of the many beautiful beach communities of Orange County and the state of California as well. While much has changed over the years, the community has maintained its reputation as a creative and artistic community. In addition, it’s also a popular destination for tourists the enjoy flocking to its sunny beaches and wonderful seaside attractions.