San Bernardino, California

San Bernardino, California
Name	San Bernardino
Settlement type	City
Nickname	"The Friendly City", "SB", "San Berdoo"
Motto	"To Prepare the Way"

San Bernardino, California. A major city in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, it serves as the county seat of San Bernardino County, the largest county in the contiguous United States by area. Strategically located at the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains and near the San Bernardino Pass, the city has long been a critical transportation and logistics hub. While facing significant economic challenges in recent decades, it remains an important center of government, commerce, and culture within the Inland Empire.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Serrano and Cahuilla nations for thousands of years. In 1810, the Spanish missionary Francisco Dumetz named the region "San Bernardino" in honor of Saint Bernardino of Siena. The first permanent European settlement was established in 1842 with the construction of the San Bernardino de Sena Estancia, an outpost of Mission San Gabriel Arcángel. Following the Mexican–American War, the area became part of the United States under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. In 1851, Mormon pioneers led by David Seely and Amasa Lyman purchased the Rancho San Bernardino and founded a colony that laid out the city's grid, a key event in the Mormon colonization of the Americas. The city was incorporated in 1854 and later became a major terminus for the California Southern Railroad, linking it to the Transcontinental Railroad and spurring growth as a citrus-producing and rail center. The city played a vital role during World War II with the activation of Norton Air Force Base and the nearby Kaiser Steel plant in Fontana. The latter half of the 20th century saw economic shifts, including the closure of Norton Air Force Base in 1994, contributing to protracted challenges. In 2012, the city filed for federal protection under Chapter 9 bankruptcy.

Geography

The city lies in the San Bernardino Valley, at the southern base of the San Bernardino Mountains and the Transverse Ranges. The San Andreas Fault runs through the nearby San Gorgonio Pass. Major geographic features include the Santa Ana River and Sulphur Creek. The city's elevation ranges from approximately 1,000 feet in the valley to over 10,000 feet in the nearby San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest peak in Southern California. The area's climate is classified as Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The city is adjacent to the San Bernardino National Forest and serves as a gateway to mountain communities like Big Bear Lake.

Demographics

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a diverse population. The most recent major estimates indicate a significant Hispanic or Latino community, alongside substantial African American, White, and Asian populations. The city has a higher percentage of residents under the age of 18 compared to the national average. Educational attainment levels have historically been below state averages, though institutions like California State University, San Bernardino impact these metrics. Population density varies greatly between older, established neighborhoods and more suburban areas on the city's periphery.

Economy

Historically centered on agriculture, particularly the citrus industry, and rail transport, the city's economy has diversified. It remains a major center for logistics and warehousing, leveraging its position at the convergence of several major freeways including Interstate 10, Interstate 215, and Interstate 15. Key public-sector employers include the county government, the San Bernardino City Unified School District, and the city itself. Stater Bros. Markets, a major supermarket chain, is headquartered in the city. The former Norton Air Force Base has been redeveloped into San Bernardino International Airport and an associated industrial park. The city has faced persistent issues with poverty and unemployment, factors that contributed to its 2012 bankruptcy filing.

Culture and contemporary life

The city hosts several annual events, including the National Orange Show Festival, which dates to 1911 and celebrates its citrus heritage, and the Route 66 Rendezvous, a classic car festival held on the historic U.S. Route 66. Cultural institutions include the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum, the Robert V. Fullerton Art Museum at California State University, San Bernardino, and the California Theatre of the Performing Arts, a restored 1928 venue. The city is home to the San Manuel Stadium, hosting the Inland Empire 66ers minor league baseball team. The nearby San Bernardino National Forest provides extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation. The city's culinary scene reflects its diverse demographics, with notable concentrations of Mexican and Asian cuisine.

Government

The city operates under a council-manager system. Legislative authority is vested in a seven-member City Council, including the elected Mayor. The council appoints a professional City manager to oversee daily administrative operations. The city is the seat of government for San Bernardino County, housing the county's main administrative offices and courts, including the San Bernardino Justice Center. It is represented in the California State Legislature and the United States Congress. Law enforcement is provided by the San Bernardino Police Department, while the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department operates the county jail facility within the city.

Category:Cities in San Bernardino County, California Category:County seats in California Category:1854 establishments in California