Casa Vega is a restaurant in Sherman Oaks , California. In 2022 it was named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation.
57-455: The restaurant was opened by Rafael Vega, whose mother crossed the U.S.-Mexico border into National City in 1934 to give birth to him, in 1956 when he was 22. It is located at the corner of Ventura Blvd . and Fulton Avenue. At the time it was one of the few restaurants serving Mexican cuisine located outside the Olvera Street area; Vega's parents, who had immigrated from Tijuana, had operated
114-692: A Kumeyaay village, north of the modern National City boundaries, on Chollas Creek . The Spanish named the 26,000 acres (11,000 ha) of land El Rancho del Rey (the Ranch of the King), used by Spanish soldiers to graze horses. After independence from Spain, in 1810, the Mexican government renamed it Rancho de la Nación (Ranch of the Nation). Governor Pío Pico granted Rancho de la Nación to his brother-in-law John (Don Juan) Forster in 1845. President Andrew Johnson , in issuing
171-422: A bathtub as well as hot running water, making it the first modern house in the entire county. However, it was more than his personal innovative endeavors that allowed the region to flourish. By constructing the first roads and railroad in what is now National City, Frank and his brothers most notably were responsible for introducing modern transportation to the residents of the community. The brothers also implemented
228-524: A bronze medal for his olive oil exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago; at the exposition he also displayed pickled and dried olives. At one point, Kimball was considered the wealthiest man in all of San Diego County. In 1893, he fell into debt again. In 1894 all his property, and remaining debt, were purchased by Ralph Granger. Still civically minded, Kimball and his brother Warren helped found
285-518: A desire by city officials to keep residents abreast of new programs and upcoming developments. Meetings are usually attended by police and fire officials, as well as members of the City Council. Besides attending regular meetings, Neighborhood Council participants assist the city in improving their neighborhoods by volunteering during clean-up and beautification events and by helping to reduce crime. Residents also participate in family events sponsored by
342-503: A flood control channel (natural route as opposed to a canal) and empties into San Diego Bay. Most of west National City is flat with an average elevation of 72 feet (22 m), which made it historically desirable and well suited for the Spanish to graze their horses. The eastern areas of National City tend to have canyons and ridges with an existing wildlife. Most recent data from the 2020 United States census reported that National City had
399-466: A population of 56,173, with a population density of 6,200 people per square mile (2,400 people/km ). The demographic breakdowns are as follows: 4,470 (8.0%) were non-Hispanic White , 2,239 (4.0%) African American , 957 (1.7%) Native American , 11,094 (19.7%) Asian , 335 (0.6%) Pacific Islander , and 12,337 (22.0%) from two or more races. There were 37,086 residents of Hispanic or Latino ancestry, of any race (66.0%). The median household income
456-533: A reliable water source. In 1880, the Kimball brothers purchased half of Rancho Janal . In 1887, Kimball purchased the portion of Rancho Janal owned by his brother Warren. His Rancho Janal holdings were lost along with his other property. In 1889, Kimball wrote a family history of José Antonio Estudillo . That same year Kimball was appointed commissioner of the State Board of Horticulture; in that role he lobbied for
513-618: A restaurant in Olvera Street. Many employees have worked there for decades. According to the Los Angeles Daily News and the Hollywood Reporter, actors such as Jane Fonda , Marlon Brando , Cary Grant , Dean Martin and Desi Arnaz were regulars from time of the restaurant's beginnings and the restaurant continued to attract high-profile Hollywood people, such as Dakota Fanning , Charlize Theron and Sandra Bullock , over
570-476: A video narrated by Drew Carey . As of 2017, National City was home to an estimated 25,000 immigrants and refugees, or two out of every five residents. Former Mayor Nick Inzunza declared National City a sanctuary city , meaning that it limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts, in a proclamation which he presented to immigrants' rights activists on September 30, 2006, during dueling rallies that brought about 400 people to City Hall. This
627-464: Is "one of Los Angeles’s most beloved restaurants". CBS News called it "iconic". People Magazine called it "a fixture in LA". The restaurant was taken over by Vega's daughter, Christina Vega, in 2012. Rafael Vega died in 2021 of COVID. 34°8′48.5″N 118°25′22″W / 34.146806°N 118.42278°W / 34.146806; -118.42278 National City, California National City
SECTION 10
#1733085953383684-562: Is 15 minutes away from the US–Mexico Border (Tijuana). National City has road access by the Interstate 5 , Interstate 805 , and California State Route 54 , in addition to surface streets. National City Blvd, which once served as part of the historic U.S. Route 101 , still serves as a north–south arterial street parallel to Highland Ave. Plaza Blvd and 30th Street/Sweetwater Road serve as east–west arterial routes. It has rail access through
741-407: Is 56. Although there are no specific communities identified by the city of National City, certain areas have self-identified as communities. The Old Town community is bordered by McKinley Ave. (to the west) and National City Blvd. (to the east), and 24th Street (to the south) and 8th Street (to the north). While Lincoln Acres is an unincorporated area of San Diego County, it is located wholly within
798-528: Is a city in the South Bay region of southwestern San Diego County, California . The population was 56,173 at the 2020 United States census , down from 58,582 at the 2010 census . National City is the second-oldest city in San Diego County, having been incorporated in 1887. Human presence within the modern city limits of National City may have begun as early as 130,000 years ago, as allegedly evidenced at
855-503: Is land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 km ) of it (20.17%) is water. National City is bounded by San Diego to the north and northeast, Bonita to the southeast, and Chula Vista to the south across the Sweetwater River . San Diego Bay lies to the immediate west of the city. Also, within the boundaries of National City on the eastern side of town is the unincorporated area of San Diego County known as Lincoln Acres. National City
912-604: The Orizaba . In San Francisco, Kimball and his brothers began carpentry work, and were able to send money back to New Hampshire to pay off his debts there. Operating in Oakland as Kimball Brothers, they later moved to southern California, to the area that would become National City. Frank's brother, Levi Kimball, became a partner of Kimball Brothers briefly in National City, then returned to Oakland with his wife. In 1867, Frank Kimball
969-632: The California State Assembly , it is in the 80th Assembly District , represented by Democrat David Alvarez . In the United States House of Representatives , National City is in California's 52nd congressional district , represented by Democrat Juan Vargas . Beginning in 2022, the city council will be elected by a district system rather than at-large, which was favored by Filipino American residents who believed their vote
1026-510: The Cerutti Mastodon site . Archaic period sites have been found along Sweetwater River which runs through the city limits of modern-day National City. Before the arrival of Spaniards, the area which modern day National City occupies was part of the territory of the Diegueño tribe, also known as Kamia, and later Kumeyaay . Later in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century there was
1083-509: The San Diego Trolley 's Blue Line . The nearest commercial airport is San Diego International Airport . In 2012, National City was honored as the most walkable city in San Diego County. It currently holds a walk score of 71, among the highest scores for cities of similar size. However, its current score also puts National City among bigger cities like Seattle , Washington (74) and Portland, Oregon (66). San Diego's current walk score
1140-612: The Texas and Pacific Railway into building a Pacific terminus (final stop) for their transcontinental railroad in National City, without success; this failure was partly due to the efforts of the Central Pacific Railroad . A decade later, in 1880, Kimball traveled to Boston and was able to secure a deal with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway to build a transcontinental rail terminus in National City in exchange for him giving
1197-597: The "May gray/June gloom" period, a thick "marine layer" of cloud cover will keep the air cool and damp within a few miles of the coast. On average, the warmest month is August. The highest recorded temperature was 108 °F in September 1988. On average, the coolest month is December. The lowest recorded temperature was 15 °F in April 2003. The maximum average precipitation occurs in February. Like most of Southern California and
SECTION 20
#17330859533831254-498: The 12.4% California state average. In 2000, the estimated household income was $ 29,826. As of 2009 , the estimated household income is $ 39,158, which is below the California state average of $ 59,958. National City had, at some point through the 1980s, one of the highest homicide rates in all of Southern California . In 1993, the city had the second-highest violent crime rate in all of California. Crime was, in large part, one reason
1311-554: The NCTMD and its activities of promoting the safety and enhanced image of National City in order to increase tourism as well as to market National City as a tourist, meeting and event destination. According to the city's 2010 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the city were: In the California State Senate , National City is in the 18th Senate District , represented by Democrat Steve Padilla . In
1368-671: The National City Chamber of Commerce and National City lodging businesses formed the National City Tourism Marketing District as a benefit assessment district to help fund marketing and sales promotion efforts for city lodging businesses. The NCTMD includes all lodging business (hotels, motels and inns), existing and in the future, available for public occupancy located within the city limits boundaries. An annual assessment of 2.5% of gross short-term room rental revenue collected by lodging business goes to fund
1425-589: The Neighborhood Council Program such as National Night Out and Movies in the Park, as well as other city-sponsored events. National City's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round, with an average of 201 days above 72 °F (22 °C) and low rainfall (9–13 inches [23–33 centimetres] annually). Frequently, particularly during
1482-658: The San Diego County region, the majority of National City's current area was originally occupied by chaparral , a plant community made up mostly of drought-resistant shrubs. National City's broad city limits encompass the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge and the most northern area of the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The Sweetwater River runs from the Cuyamaca Mountains, through National City and Chula Vista via
1539-484: The area's first post office and a wharf for sea-bound imports and exports. These large ventures, coupled with smaller personal missions, both contributed to the overall goal of creating a community unparalleled to the times. A lasting mark of the Kimballs was the trees they imported and planted from Europe and Asia, accomplished via a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These trees can be found dotted throughout
1596-566: The association of the street with drinking culture , urged the growth of automobile dealerships , transforming the area to be known as the "Mile of Cars". Part of the change of business types was the closure of a Pussycat Theater in 1999. The last of the bars that was on the "Mile of Bars" was the Trophy Lounge, which lasted until at least 2004. In the early 21st century, the city began to utilize eminent domain to create new developments; this met some criticism, to include on Reason TV in
1653-436: The boundaries of the incorporated city of National City and both share the postal code (91950). The South Port Business Center, an industrial park in which many businesses operate, is bordered by I-5 to the west, National City Blvd. to the east Mile of Cars Way (24th St.) to the north, and W. 28th St. to the south. The residents near Las Palmas and El Toyon Parks have neighborhood councils where they can voice their concerns with
1710-416: The city earned the moniker "Nasty City" and, through the late 1980s and early 1990s, it averaged roughly one homicide per month, which was significant, for a city of barely 50,000. Although crime has dropped dramatically since the 1980s and 1990s, National City still has significant gang and drug activity, and has led San Diego County in crime through the 2000s. In a recent study among California cities with
1767-399: The city to this very day. It was the passion and influence of the Kimballs as well as other early pioneers that made way for the city's incorporation on September 17, 1887. In the mid-20th century, businesses on National Avenue catered to the entertainment of sailors stationed at Naval Base San Diego , and became known as the "Mile of Bars". In the late 20th century, the city, seeking to end
Casa Vega - Misplaced Pages Continue
1824-462: The city's elected officials. The Neighborhood Council Program was developed in an effort to improve communication with the community and to bring services directly to National City residents. The program helps to unify neighbors to further enhance the image of the city, instilling civic pride into neighborhoods. Regular monthly meetings are held in each of the three Neighborhood Councils. Agenda topics are driven by resident requests, current events, and
1881-441: The county as City Engineer, Surveyor, Deputy Surveyor, and Deputy Assessor. He had the final say for the layout of the city streets. In 1870, shortly after their arrival, one of the first settlers, Mrs. Wincapaw passed away. Kimball established La Vista Memorial Park as a community cemetery. An aerial view of the park found that the foliage had been planted in what appears to be the shape of a harp. In 1870, Kimball attempted to lure
1938-569: The first eucalyptus in San Diego County. In 1879, Kimball received French olive trees from the government, and planted them. He also grew grapes and citrus crops, including a variety of lemon which he developed, known as the Agnes. Another orchard which Kimball grew was White Pearmin , an apple cultivar, which originated from a sapling from New Hampshire . In addition to the White Pearmin orchard, Kimball grew Ben Davis apples. In 1880, Kimball
1995-462: The first oranges from National City. Kimball became a Mason when he joined a lodge in New Hampshire. On April 19, 1857, he married Sarah Currier. They had no children. He had three brothers, George Little Kimball, Levi Woodbury Kimball, and Warren Carlton Kimball. In 1882, Kimball joined the congregation of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in National City; he donated the land the church
2052-540: The highest violent and property crime rates over 2014–2016, National City ranked 9th, with a violent crime rate of 299.0 over that three-year period. More recent data from 2016 to 2020 shows that National City was at or near the top in overall crime, and at the top in violent crime per FBI index crime rate data by jurisdiction in San Diego County . With tourism being a major industry in San Diego County, in January 2012,
2109-560: The land patent, listed the name as simply "The National Ranch", the English translation of the land grant name, "Rancho de la Nación". In 1868, Frank Kimball and his brothers Warren and Levi, contractors and builders from San Francisco, purchased the entire rancho and thus began the foundation of the city, retaining the National name. Frank Kimball first brought novelty and change to the area by building his personal residence. His home included
2166-560: The largest computer centers in the State of California's public library system with over 60 computer units. On December 18, 1884, Frank Kimball opened the city's first public library in his own home. In April 1884, the library was moved to the downstairs room of Granger Hall on National Avenue. In 1895, it was moved to the Boyd Block, currently McKinley and visually, 16th Street. From 1911 to 1954, National City operated its Carnegie Public Library in
2223-476: The olive oil produced by Elwood Cooper of Santa Barbara , who had previously been the only domestic olive oil producer in the nation. Building National City As the new owner of the Rancho de la Nación parcel, Kimball's home was the first house in National City. Frank Kimball's sister Mary was married to Fred Copeland, who was a civil engineer. Mary and Fred moved to National City in 1869 and Fred eventually served
2280-882: The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act . Also in 1889, Kimball invested in the creation of the Otay Watch Company; when its factory was completed in Otay (now in Chula Vista ) it was the only watch manufacturer in the United States west of the Mississippi River. In April 1891, at their Victorian style home, Kimball and his wife hosted the presidential party of President Benjamin Harrison , which included Secretary Jeremiah M. Rusk and Ulysses S. Grant Jr. In 1893, Kimball received
2337-651: The population) lived in households, 5,341 (9.1%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 411 (0.7%) were institutionalized. There were 15,502 households, out of which 7,402 (47.7%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 7,376 (47.6%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 3,437 (22.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,300 (8.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 959 (6.2%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 83 (0.5%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 2,694 households (17.4%) were made up of individuals, and 1,226 (7.9%) had someone living alone who
Casa Vega - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-785: The present site of the National City Civic Center. The library operated in the present-day Art Center since 1954 until the opening of the new location in 2005. The National City Public Library houses the Kile Morgan Local History Room which houses a significant number of original archives and manuscripts of the National City founding families, as well as maps, artifacts, high school yearbooks and scrapbooks. National City has two sister cities as designated by Sister Cities International : Frank A. Kimball Francis Augustus Kimball (born Francis, January 26, 1832 - August 11, 1913), better known as Frank Kimball ,
2451-541: The public library of National City, through their donation of 750 books from their personal collections. In 1901, Kimball's holdings in the Otay Watch Company were sold, and the watch company's equipment was shipped to Japan. In 1904, he was paid to travel to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition , where he hosted an exhibit on the agriculture of San Diego. By 1905, he had financially recovered and returned to selling olive oil and pickled olives. He also shipped
2508-579: The railroad 16,000 acres (65 km ). To accomplish this goal, the railway established the California Southern Railroad as a subsidiary. In 1887, Kimball funded the building of the Brick Row to house individuals connected to the Santa Fe Railway. As a result of this, the railroad funded the construction of Sweetwater Dam in 1888, which secured Kimball and the rest of National City
2565-634: The subsequent decades. Portions of the 2019 Movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood were shot at the restaurant. The menu focuses on staples of Mexican cuisine such as flautas , tostadas , tamales , enchiladas , and albondigas . In 2022 the restaurant was named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation, which credited it for popularizing Mexican cuisine in the area. The Infatuation called it "easily one of LA’s most recognizable Mexican restaurants". According to Eater LA it
2622-673: Was $ 51,735, and persons living in poverty was estimated at 15.2% The 2010 United States census reported that National City had a population of 58,582. The population density was 6,426.7 inhabitants per square mile (2,481.4/km ). The racial makeup of National City was 24,725 (42.2%) White (11.7% non-Hispanic White), 3,054 (5.2%) African American , 618 (1.1%) Native American , 12,402 (20.2%) Asian , 482 (0.8%) Pacific Islander , 3,638 (6.2%) from other races , 2,829 (4.8%) from two or more races and 16,175 (27.6%) Other. There were 36,911 residents of Hispanic or Latino ancestry, of any race (63.0%). The Census reported that 52,830 people (90.2% of
2679-402: Was 2.1%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.6%. 19,165 people (32.7% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 33,665 people (57.5%) lived in rental housing units. As of the census of 2000, there were 54,260 people, 15,018 households, and 11,804 families residing in the city. As of 2007, 19.5% of National City residents had incomes listed below the poverty level, a figure above
2736-752: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.41. There were 12,113 families (78.1% of all households); the average family size was 3.79. There were 14,939 people (25.5%) under the age of 18, 9,472 people (16.2%) aged 18 to 24, 15,892 people (27.1%) aged 25 to 44, 12,076 people (20.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 6,203 people (10.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.5 males. There were 16,762 housing units at an average density of 1,838.9 units per square mile (710.0 units/km ), of which 5,197 (33.5%) were owner-occupied, and 10,305 (66.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate
2793-487: Was among those who helped organize the first San Diego County Fair . He would eventually grow more foreign olive cultivars , including the Cornicabra . By 1883, Kimball's olive grove was 5,000 trees strong. In 1884, he traveled to Philadelphia , and in 1885 to New Orleans , to advertise his productive horticulture business. At the end of 1886, an olive oil mill was constructed; olive from Kimball's mill competed with
2850-514: Was an American businessman and horticulturalist. He is often associated with bringing the railroad to San Diego Bay , though he was also a prominent horticulturist and businessman, involved in developing the Mission olive industry. He helped promote new entrepreneurs and philanthropically donated land for cemeteries, schools, and churches. He was generally associated with the founding and continued success of National City, California . Kimball
2907-610: Was asked if National City will continue to be a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants . Morrison responded "absolutely not." More recently, on June 19, 2017, the National City Council voted unanimously to adopt a "Compassionate City resolution" in support of immigrants, a partial reversal of former Mayor Morrison's stance. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 9.1 square miles (24 km ). 7.3 square miles (19 km ) of it
SECTION 50
#17330859533832964-500: Was born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire , on January 26, 1832. His parents were Asa Kimball and Hanna Little. He began his career as a businessman when he opened a merchandise store. However, with the Panic of 1857 , he fell into debt, which drove him to take out a loan and travel westward. In 1861, Kimball moved to San Francisco . In December 1862, Kimball's wife came to San Francisco aboard
3021-853: Was built in August-September 1868 and became the first house in National City . That same year Kimball had a hand in the founding of the San Diego Union . Kimball promoted fruit cultivation in National City, which led others to plant fruit elsewhere in San Diego County . In 1869, Kimball received Mission olive tree cuttings from Mission San Diego de Alcalá in the San Diego River valley. By 1872, his cuttings had begun to bloom. He would later get Mission olive tree cuttings from Mission San Luis Rey de Francia and Las Flores Estancia . In 1873, Kimball began to raise sheep. In 1876, he planted
3078-587: Was built upon. Kimball was also a founding member of the South West Masonic Lodge No. 283 in National City. He was elected chairman at its first meeting on September 15, 1886. His nephew, Augustus B. Kimball, son of Frank's brother George, was also involved in the lodge. On August 11, 1913, Frank A. Kimball passed away and on August 13, was laid to rest in La Vista Memorial Park on the outskirts of National City, alongside many other members of
3135-521: Was diagnosed with a lung disease and told to relocate to a place with a warmer and drier climate. Kimball arrived in San Diego , California, on June 1, 1868. He had purchased the Rancho de la Nación on June 15 for $ 30,000, but due to an error on the deed the sale from François Louis Pioche was only finalized on June 18. At the time of purchase, no one resided on the lands of the rancho. The Kimball House
3192-684: Was diluted in the at-large system. National City's 10 public elementary schools are within the National School District National City's public middle and high schools are within the Sweetwater Union High School District In August 2005, the National City Public Library opened the doors of its newly built, 49,508 sq ft (4,599.4 m ) state-of-the art facility. The library offers more than 160,000 books and has one of
3249-450: Was the result of a statement Mayor Inzunza made on National Public Radio on September 8, 2006. This proclamation divided the city between the stance of the ex-mayor and the federal and state regulations regarding this matter. On November 7, 2006, Ron Morrison was elected mayor of National City. On November 28, 2006, Mayor Morrison appeared on the KPBS program Full Focus with Gloria Penner and
#382617