morro bay, california

Morro Bay is a waterfront city located in San Luis Obispo County, California. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 10,350. Morro Bay is also a Bird Sanctuary, meaning it is illegal to kill or harm a bird in any way while in Morro Bay.

History

The town of Morro Bay was founded in 1870 as a port for the export of dairy and ranch products. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has been a center for beach holidays, using the excellent beaches north and south of the town (now both state beaches). In the 1940s it developed an abalone fishing industry; although stocks of abalone have now declined drastically, it remains a fishing port, with halibut, sole, rockfish and many other species being landed by both commercial and sport vessels. It now combines the fishing industry with coastal tourism.

Geography

Morro Bay is located at 35°22'45" North, 120°51'12" West (35.379043, -120.853354). It is 20 km northwest of San Luis Obispo, and on "Highway 1" (California State Route 1). The town's most striking feature is Morro Rock, a 176-meter high volcanic outcrop just offshore. The "Rock," as locals call it, was quarried from 1889 to 1969. There is no public access to the rock itself, because it is now a reserve for the locally endangered Peregrine Falcon. The area around the base of Morro Rock can be visited. A number of tourist attractions are found along the shoreline and the streets closest to it, especially the Embarcadero. These include a good range of restaurants and a number of parks. The combination of tourist-oriented businesses with a working fishing port, with the dominant presence of Morro Rock, makes an attractive waterfront. The large power station with three vertical stacks positioned across from Morro Rock at the northern end of the harbor is thought by some to detract from the ambiance. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.3 km² (10.2 mi²). 13.4 km² (5.2 mi²) of it is land and 12.9 km² (5.0 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 49.21% water.

Morro Bay Harbor

Morro Bay is an artificial harbor constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Army built a large artificial breakwater and road across the north end of the harbor, linking Morro Rock and the mainland. Some of the rock used for this and for the artificial breakwaters was quarried from Morro Rock itself. Other rock was imported by barge from Santa Catalina Island. A large natural sandspit, augmented by breakwaters, protects the harbor from the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Morro Bay harbor channel silts up and must be dredged every ten to twenty years. Only small craft are capable of passing the harbor channel. Mariners are strongly urged to seek local advice prior to making use of the channel, especially when whitecaps or wind-blown water is evident or a small craft advisory is in effect. This small harbor is reputed to be the sixth most dangerous small craft harbor on the West Coast and boating accidents have claimed a number of lives. Coast Guard Station Morro Bay operates two small vessels. Limited transient vessel services are available. Yachtsmen may wish to contact the Morro Bay Yacht Club. A public boat launch ramp is available at the far south end of the Embarcadero. Morro Bay is also home to one of the only two estuaries in the US. An estuary is a natural area where salt water mixes with fresh water, creating a rich, diverse and unique ecosystem.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 10,350 people, 4,986 households, and 2,612 families residing in the city. The population density is 774.4/km² (2,006.9/mi²). There are 6,251 housing units at an average density of 467.7/km² (1,212.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 89.44% White, 0.68% African American, 0.95% Native American, 1.81% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 4.10% from other races, and 2.95% from two or more races. 11.43% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 4,986 households out of which 16.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% are married couples living together, 8.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 47.6% are non-families. 38.0% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.04 and the average family size is 2.65. In the city the population is spread out with 15.1% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 46 years. For every 100 females there are 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.8 males. The median income for a household in the city is $34,379, and the median income for a family is $43,508. Males have a median income of $31,073 versus $25,576 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,687. 13.0% of the population and 8.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 16.9% of those under the age of 18 and 5.8% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. NOTE: The summer population of Morro Bay, counting seasonal residents, tourists and visitors, often doubles and may climb as high as 50,000 at its height in early July. Many of these are from the California Central Valley and Fresno, driving out to the Pacific to vacation or simply to escape the heat.

External links

City of Morro Bay

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