Westmorland, California is a small city located in Imperial County in the southeastern corner of the state. It has a population of about 4,500 people and is situated on the edge of the Salton Sea, a large inland lake. Westmorland lies in an area known as the “Lower Colorado Desert” and has an arid climate with hot summers and mild winters.
The geography of Westmorland is varied and includes desert areas as well as agricultural land. To the north lie low-lying hills that form part of the Chocolate Mountains range extending southward from the Colorado River. To the east are flatlands dotted with saltbush scrub, and to the west lie sand dunes and dry lakebeds.
The city itself lies at an elevation of approximately 140 feet below sea level. The nearby Salton Sea was created when water from the Colorado River overflowed its banks in 1905 and 1906, forming a large lake that has since become a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming, camping, hunting, and more.
Westmorland is also home to several wildlife refuges including Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge which provides habitat for over 400 species of birds including bald eagles, pelicans and other waterfowl. It also serves as a stopover for migratory birds on their way south to Mexico or Central America during winter months.
Westmorland’s economy relies heavily on agriculture with crops such as alfalfa hay being grown here for export around California and beyond. The city also boasts several businesses providing goods and services to locals as well as visitors from out of town making it a great place to live or visit year round.
History of Westmorland, California
Westmorland, California is a small city located in Imperial County in the southeastern corner of the state. It has a rich and varied history that dates back to its establishment in 1906 when it was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad. The city was named after Westmorland County, England as part of an effort to attract settlers from the British Isles.
During its early years, Westmorland was primarily an agricultural community, with crops such as alfalfa hay being grown here for export around California and beyond. In addition to this, the city also boasted several businesses providing goods and services to locals as well as visitors from out of town.
In recent years, however, Westmorland has become increasingly known for its recreational activities due to its proximity to the Salton Sea. The lake was created when water from the Colorado River overflowed its banks in 1905 and 1906 forming a large lake that has since become a popular destination for fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming, camping, hunting and more.
Westmorland is also home to several wildlife refuges including Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge which provides habitat for over 400 species of birds including bald eagles, pelicans and other waterfowl. It also serves as a stopover for migratory birds on their way south to Mexico or Central America during winter months.
Today, Westmorland remains an important part of Imperial County with many residents dedicated to improving their community through initiatives such as public safety improvements, infrastructure upgrades and educational opportunities – all helping ensure that their community remains vibrant and prosperous for generations to come.
Economy of Westmorland, California
Westmorland, California is a small city located in Imperial County in the southeastern corner of the state. It has a diverse and vibrant economy that includes both traditional and emerging industries. Agriculture is still an important part of the local economy with crops such as alfalfa hay being grown here for export around California and beyond. In addition to this, the city also boasts several businesses providing goods and services to locals as well as visitors from out of town making it a great place to live or visit year round.
The city’s main industry is tourism, which accounts for a large portion of Westmorland’s economy. Tourists come from all over to enjoy its proximity to the Salton Sea, which offers activities such as fishing, boating, bird watching, swimming, camping, hunting and more. There is also Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge which provides habitat for over 400 species of birds including bald eagles, pelicans and other waterfowl. In addition to this there are also several other wildlife refuges nearby such as Imperial National Wildlife Refuge and Mittry Lake Wildlife Area.
In recent years, Westmorland has become increasingly known for its recreational activities due to its proximity to the Salton Sea. This has led to an increase in businesses catering to tourists such as hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops which have all helped contribute positively towards the local economy.
Westmorland also has a growing manufacturing sector with many companies specializing in products related to agriculture or renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind turbines. This has been beneficial not only for providing jobs but also bringing in additional revenue into the area through exports of these products around California and beyond.
Overall, Westmorland’s economy continues to thrive thanks largely due its diverse range of industries ranging from agriculture all the way through tourism and manufacturing – providing economic stability for generations of locals who call this city home.
Politics in Westmorland, California
Westmorland, California is a small city in Imperial County with a population of around 5,000 people. The city is governed by a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor and four council members serving four-year terms. The mayor serves as chief executive officer and presides over the council meetings while the council members are responsible for proposing legislation and approving ordinances.
The city has a nonpartisan election system in which all registered voters can participate regardless of their party affiliation. All elected officials serve without compensation for their services and are subject to recall by citizens if they fail to carry out their duties or violate the public trust.
Westmorland has a long history of being socially progressive. It was one of the first cities in California to pass an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The city also passed an ordinance that requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work regardless of gender or other protected characteristics.
Westmorland is also known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. The city has implemented several green initiatives such as energy efficient building codes, water conservation measures, and incentives for businesses that reduce their carbon footprint. Additionally, Westmorland has adopted policies that promote renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind turbines.
The city is also committed to social justice issues such as affordable housing, living wages, healthcare access and criminal justice reform. Westmorland has taken steps to ensure access to quality education by providing free school meals for all students regardless of income level and increasing funding for after-school programs that provide academic support services for vulnerable youth populations.
Overall, Westmorland’s politics reflect its commitment to social progressivism and environmental sustainability while still providing economic opportunity through job creation and business development initiatives – making it an ideal place to live or visit year round.
