Welcome to Calipatria, California

Calipatria is the gateway to recreational activities in Imperial County!

(Thank you to the City of Calipatria and Calipatria Chamber of Commerce for providing this information)

HISTORY& FACTS

The City of Calipatria is located about 150 miles east of San Diego, 100 miles South of Palm Springs. The area is predominately agricultural. Calipatria is surrounded by various recreational activity locations. The Glamis Dunes located about 40 miles from the city is home to many off road enthusiasts. Rock collecting, deer and dove hunting are also nearby about 30 miles from the city in the Chocolate Mountain areas. Fishing, camping and birdwatching are a big interest along the Salton Sea area located about 5 miles from here. The Salton Sea is also home to the Sonny Bono Wildlife Refuge where birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy the various species of birds frequenting the area. There is an annual birdwatching festival held in February of each year. Boat tours are available at the Salton Sea to view the various habitats of the migratory birds. Geothermal activity is a big boost to our local economy. Seven geothermal plants, and three new mineral recovery plants are located along a seven-mile radius near the Salton Sea. The City of Calipatria is also a short hour's drive to the beautiful Colorado River.

The City of Calipatria was incorporated on February 28, 1918. The city is a General Law city with a City Manager form of Government. Calipatria is home to the tallest flagpole (184 feet) where the flag flies at sea level. The flagpole has been dedicated to "Good Neighborliness." The Calipatria State Prison is annexed into the city limits located about 3 miles just outside of the city. Calipatria has five seats on the City Council. Council Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month. Calipatria has a Planning Commission Board that seats five members. Planning Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month if there is any business to conduct. Services provided by the City of Calipatria include Police, Fire, Parks.

The one thing that gets people's attention is the 184-foot flagpole that stands up to sea level. The idea of the flagpole was first suggested during a Chamber of Commerce meeting. For the remaining time the flagpole would be kept an idea rather than coming to a possibility. One of the reason's for that was the cost was too high.

For more information about the City of Calipatria, contact me http://www.homeloans.cc

Then on the night of October 5, 1957 Calipatria's pharmacist, Harry Momita and wife Helen were in a car accident while on their way to see their children in Los Angeles. Helen was killed instantly and Harry was sent to the hospital for some injuries and was there for more than two weeks. News had gotten around to Calipatria and the City Mayor, Edward Rademacher, took charge of the matter. Councilman Franklin Garrett and Chief of Police, John Beauchamp, visited Mr.Momita. They drove to the hospital to visit with Momita bringing back his keys to the pharmacy in order to keep his drug store open. With the help of fellow Calipatrian's and a Brawley pharmacist they managed on doing so.

The story behind Harry and Helen Momita was that they were Japanese Americans who had spent time in a relocation camp in Arizona, which was later picked up from the international press and radio that was given worldwide publicity. With the help of many fellows Calipatrian's and other people outside the city, they donated money for flowers in honor of Helen's memorial. When the mayor went to the hospital to see Harry he took the money to him. Harry was amazed by the kindness that was brought about from Calipatrian friends, neighbors, and customers. Harry felt that he had to give something back to the people in return. Harry then thought about taking into consideration the flagpole that had always been joked about. The thought of having a fund for the flagpole was then created into a "Build the Flagpole" campaign. Money came along free will offerings in the valley, yet was not enough to begin work. However, during a Chamber of Commerce dinner, discussion over dedication to Helen Momita was brought up, but Harry didn't quite feel that way. He stated, "She was always a shy and gentle person." He felt that she would not like such a display. He then commented that it be dedicated to "Good Neighborliness." The fund grew but still there never seemed to be enough to get the work started even though the president of the Pacific Southwest Pipe Company, hearing the story, had written Calipatria's Mayor, volunteering his company's services in designing and building the monument, "happy to figure this job without profit." Then Harry soon appeared on "This Is Your Life" television show. Harry ended up winning a new car and got many gifts, the biggest of them all was Momita receiving $1000 in cash so that he could build Calipatria's flagpole!

Now Calipatria boasts of the tallest flagpole at sea level, flying Old Glory 184 feet high, and when the wind blows, which it often does in the Imperial Valley, there is no more beautiful sight than to see the beautiful colors of the Flag waving high above. It would bring a lump to your throat even if you did not know its story.

The Community
Calipatria is located in the Northern part of Imperial County with a population of 7,800 (which includes 4000 prison population). Calipatria has a small town flavor; it is friendly and enjoys a multi-cultural ambience that is enjoyed by all. Located 50 miles North of the Mexico Border, short drives from San Diego, Palm Springs, Los Angeles and Colorado River, one can enjoy the relative serenity and low cost of small town living while maintaining the option to access urban areas.

Facts and Figures
The City of Calipatria has a growing population of 7,564. Elevation is 185 feet below sea level.

Entertainment and Recreation

• Imperial Sand Dunes (30 m)
• Colorado River (60m)
• San Diego Beaches (120m)
• Salton Sea fishing and Recreation (4m)
• Del Rio Golf Course (8m)
• City Skate Park
• Fishing
• Bird Watching
• Off Road vehicle trails

The Sonny Bono Salton Sea Wildlife Refuge located in Calipatria includes 35,484 acres of salt marsh and open water as well as 2,000 acres of pasture and freshwater marsh.

The refuge is one of the lowest places in the United States, about 228 feet below sea level. Most of the refuge has been inundated by the rising waters of the Salton Sea. Vistors should be prepared for extremely hot weather during summer months. For more information about this refuge Click Here!

Economic Developement

The City of Calipatria is designated as a Federal Enterprise Zone, Enterprise and Champion Community, which offers Federal Tax Credits and low interest loans to business locating in Calipatria. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Maquiladora operations have created a corridor of opportunity. Application for Foreign Trade Zone status is pending approval, this would expedite and encourage foreign commerce through small business revolving loan fund and micro enterprise programs. With the projected completion of the Airport Industrial Park soon, and the access to the Municipal Airport for air freight opportunities will allow a business all options for transportation, Air, Union Pacific Rail, and Highway 111.

For more information about this friendly, hometown community, contact me http://www.homeloans.cc