Where The Sun Rises In California

 BLYTHE Where The Sun Rises In California
YOUR GUIDE TO BLYTHE AND THE PALO VERDE VALLEY
Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce
207 E. Hobsonway Blythe, CA 92225
Phone: (760) 922-8166
Email: blythecoc@yahoo.com
Fax: (760) 922-4010 Web Page: blytheareachamberofcommerce.com
DESERT WILDLIFE
Bighorn Sheep
zigzag up and down cliff
faces with amazing ease. They use ledges only
2 inches wide for footholds, and bounce from
ledge to ledge over spans as wide as 20 feet.
They can move over level ground at 30 miles per hour and
scramble up mountain slopes at 15 m.p.h. They also swim freely,
despite their massive bulk and the weight of their horns. Desert
Bighorns utilize two mechanisms for cooling -- perspiring, and
also panting, which is fairly uncommon for desert animals. They
get most of their moisture from the vegetation, but still visit
water holes every few days.
There is only one species of Bobcat in California and in the southwestern deserts. It has the
widest range of any California carnivore and is
found throughout all the deserts of the American
Southwest. Despite its pussycat appearance when
seen in repose, the Bobcat is quite fierce and is equipped to kill
animals as large as deer, but subsist on a diet of rabbits, ground
squirrels, mice, pocket gophers and wood rats. The Bobcat roams
freely at night and is frequently abroad during the day except at
the peak of summer. It does not dig its own den. If a crevice or a
cave is not available, it will den in a dense thicket of brush or
choose a hollow in a log or a tree.
Desert Cottontails
occur in the dry
desert-like grass-lands, To avoid overheating,
desert cottontails have higher activity periods at
night; light-colored fur to minimize absorption of
solar heat; and large ears, with blood vessels
just below the skin level, that can radiate body heat to the air. A
male's home range may be up to fifteen acres in size. A female's
home range can be less than one acre. They have been known to
swim or climb trees when pursued by prey.
Coyotes
can weigh up to 50 pounds. One of
the most adaptable animals in the world, the
coyote can change its breeding habits, diet and
social dynamics to survive in a wide variety of
habitats. Alone, in pairs or in packs, coyotes
maintain their territories by marking them with
urine. Coyotes can easily leap an 8 foot fence or
wall. They have been spotted climbing over a 14 foot cyclone
fence. Coyotes are not your average dog. They are smart, and
they learn quickly. They can be dangerous, and they should be
avoided.
Mule Deer
have large ears that move constantly and independently, from whence they get
their name, "Mule" or "Burro Deer." They do not
run as other deer, but have a peculiar and distinctive bounding leap (stotting) over distances
up to 8 yards, with all 4 feet coming down together. They can reach a speed of 45 mph for
short periods. When startled, a Mule Deer will
move in a series of stiff-legged jumps with all four feet hitting the
ground together. This gait offers two advantages: it allows the
deer to out-distance predators in rough terrain, and to see above
the thick brush. If necessary, they can turn or completely reverse
direction in the course of a single bound.
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The legendary Roadrunner is famous for its
distinctive appearance, its ability to eat rattlesnakes
and its preference for scooting across the American
deserts. When the roadrunner senses danger or is
traveling downhill, it flies, revealing short, rounded
wings, but it cannot keep its large body airborne for
more than a few seconds, and so prefers walking or running (up to 17
miles per hour) usually with a clownish gait.
Great Horned Owls are big (3-4 pounds, standing
18-25" tall with a wingspan of 36-60" long). Contrary to
popular belief, owls can not turn their heads completely
around. They can rotate their heads 270 degrees. They use
abandoned stick nests of a hawk, heron, crow, or nest in
rock alcoves, tree hollows, abandoned buildings, or sometimes on the ground. Great horned owls can live over 12
years. Cottontail rabbits seem to be a prominent food, but
they’ll take mice, skunks, gophers, snakes, domestic cats,
bats, beetles, scorpions, frogs, grasshoppers, and birds. The world is
one big smorgasbord.
Adult male Mountain Lions may be more than 8
feet long from nose to end of tail and generally weigh
between 130 and 150 pounds. Adult females can be 7
feet long and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds.
Normally, lions are very elusive, and people rarely get
more than a brief glimpse of a Mountain Lion in the
wild. They are, however, unpredictable and have
been known to attack people. The predatory behavior
of a Mountain Lion is very similar to the domestic cat.
The lion will attempt to conceal itself for a surprise attack while stalking
its prey.
The Desert Tortoise is an herbivore 9 to 15
inches long. It is able to live where ground temperature may exceed 140 degrees F because of its ability
to dig underground burrows and escape the heat. At
least 95% of its life is spent in burrows. where it is
also protected from freezing while dormant. Adult tortoises may survive
a year or more without access to water. To maximize the utilization of
infrequent rainfall, tortoises dig catch basins in the soil, remember where
these are, and may be found waiting by them when rain appears imminent. Urine moisture can also be conserved.
ROCKHOUNDING
A vast majority of desert roads lead to past or
present mining operations, mostly for industrial minerals, but
sometimes for gold and other precious or semi-precious gems. There is
enough of a variety to please almost everyone. Some sites are easily
accessible by pickup and many with the family car. Some of the most
popular sites are: WILEY WELL for geodes, fire agates, chalcedony
roses, RIVER TERRACE for petrified wood, jasper and agate, PALO
VERDE MTN. Foothills for geodes, minerals and agates, MIDWAY WELL
for Paleozoic coral, jasper, plume and moss agate, dumortieite, petrified
wood and palm, PEBBLE TERRACE, THUMB HILL & CLAPP SPRING for
agates, black & pink agate, CARGO MUCHACO MTNS. For kyanite
crystals, quart, black tourmaline, magnetite, CHUCKAWALLA SPRINGS
for opal-lined geodes, chalcedony, agate.
Stop by the Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce for maps and
other interesting “places to see and visit”.
Welcome To Blythe, California
the "City of Outdoors" and
“Where the Sun Rises In California”
The County of Riverside operates an airport here with the
capability of handling modern jet aircraft. Future plans are on
the board to expand State Highways 78 and 95 to four lane
highways to increase current north/south access from the Mexican border to I-40 in Needles.
The City of Blythe contracts for bus service with "Desert
Roadrunner" operating within the city limits, in the unincorporated areas surrounding the city, and connecting to service in
Arizona.
Past History
In the fall of 1882, Thomas Blythe was present for the final
blasting of a cut in a point jutting into the Colorado River. The river
back then was 5 miles wide during the spring floods. The cut was
the new diversion intake for his proposed land development and
colonization plan.
Blythe, in his 60th year, already had spent
$82,000 on an undertaking to clear and irrigate a wilderness of
40,000 acres, including a 40-acre experimental farm. The development scheme, on the west banks of the Colorado less than 90 miles
north of Fort Yuma, was Blythe's dream of an "Empire on the Colorado". Ironically, after the years and money which had gone into
the new community, Blythe never lived to see his dream become a
reality. On the evening of April 4, 1883, Thomas Blythe was stricken
with a heart attack and he died on the floor of his San Francisco
home.
Work on the Palo Verde Valley project was halted abruptly.
During the depression days of the early thirties, the valley was in a
sad financial condition. Farmers began to leave, abandoning their
homes and farms. The irrigation district, the local banks and the
city nearly went bankrupt. The entire valley was close to being
evacuated.
Edwin F. Williams probably played a bigger part in the development of this wilderness than any other man. Williams arrived to find
a jungle, and lived to see Blythe a modern, progressive city in the
Palo Verde Valley, with more than 100,000 acres of well-maintained
farmland, producing crops and livestock valued at over
$100,000,000 a year.
A hardy group of determined pioneers made the right decisions
that have led to this self-made sufficient, proud community; all
created in just over half a century. Blythe was incorporated on July
21, 1916.
Climate
We enjoy 350 days of sunshine a year. The summers are
hot with the remainder of the year mild. Average winter high
temperatures range from 55 to 75 degrees. Average summer
temperatures are 85 to 110. Annual rainfall is approximately 3
inches. Air pollution has not yet found Blythe, and it is not
uncommon to have fifty-mile visibility. On very clear days, the
peak of Mt. San Jacinto towering over Palm Springs can be
seen 130 miles to the west.
Labor
Agriculture is the backbone of Blythe's economy. There is
a large force of skilled or trainable labor. Our community college has added new courses to its curriculum as needed. The
cost of living in Blythe is substantially less than in nearby metropolitan areas.
Education
Palo Verde Unified School District has three elementary
schools, one middle school, one high school, one trade school
and one continuation school. Palo Verde Community College
District has completed Phase 2 on its new 200-acre campus
located on the Mesa overlooking Blythe and the Palo Verde
valley.
The Present
Blythe is an agricultural community with tourism as a major
factor in its economy. Located on the California/Arizona border, just
minutes from the Colorado River, Blythe has a population of approximately 13,000 within the city limits, with a trade area of about
32,000. During the winter months the trade area more than triples.
The elevation of Blythe is 265 feet above sea level. Blythe is one of
the most seismically stable cities in the Western states. There has
not been an earthquake centered here in over 500,000 years.
Housing
You will find very affordable housing in Blythe. The average
new home transaction in Inland Riverside County is approaching $380,000.00! In the Blythe area homes start in the low to
mid-hundreds, compared to $380,000 for Inland Riverside
County.
Blythe has been on the verge of a building boom and it’s
finally hit, with all of the residential development now taking
place. In 2004 824 building permits were issued, almost double
the 487 issued in 2000. City leaders expect Blythe’s population
to double in the next 15 years.
Planned Residential Projects will add over 1,700 single
family residences and 775 RV sites to the community.
Dwelling rentals range from $350 to $850 per month for
one to three bedroom apartments. Two and three bedroom
houses run $550 to $1400 per month. There are 22 motels and
over 20 mobile home and trailer parks in the area.
Transportation
Blythe is located at the junction of Interstate 10 and US 95. San
Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles are about 200-245 miles
west on Interstate 10. Phoenix, Arizona is 150 miles east on the
same freeway. The resorts of Laughlin, Lake Havasu and Las
Vegas are 125-190 miles north on Highway 95. Yuma, Arizona is 85
miles south on adjacent Highway 78, where you can continue on to
San Diego, just 215 miles southwest.
Blythe is within a four hour driving distance of 10% of the entire
population of the United States! It is the undiscovered hub of the
southwest. Conway Freight Systems opened and recently expanded
a transfer hub for short haul cargo, now with 220 Bays. Crown
Trucking is planning a 120-door truck transfer facility near the Blythe
Airport. California Railroad (RailAmerica) provided Blythe with regular rail service.
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Additional Employment Opportunities
The County of Riverside maintains offices in Blythe and the
State of California constructed two correctional facilities 20
miles west, which has created many jobs bringing more people
to Blythe.
Utilities
Fishing In Blythe & The Palo Verde Valley Area Blythe is serviced by Southern California Edison for electric (1-800655-8123), The Gas Company (1-800-427-2200) for natural gas, and
Cablevision of Blythe (1-760-922-2133) for cable TV. The local telephone company is Verizon at (1-800) 483-1807. There are propane gas
distributors in the area. For water and trash pick-up, call Blythe City
Hall (1-760-922-6161). Blythe has high priority water rights on the
Colorado River, therefore it never has a water shortage.
The Colorado River and its backwaters are home to a variety of finny creatures, including crappies, perch, bluegill, striped bass, small mouth bass, largemouth bass, lapia, carp and various species of ca ish, including flatheads. Some of which are large enough to cause one great concern as to just exactly where one should grab it to land it! Most of the forenamed are even found in the valley's canals and drainage ditches! Upon your arrival, check in with the Blythe Area Chamber office for direc ons to the many launching and camping facili es available. Then a visit to some of the bait and tackle establishments will be most helpful in learning what's going on at that par cular me of year. Available Land
The city limits zoned for light and heavy industry. About 25 percent is
vacant and available in parcels ranging from 1 to 10 acres. The terrain
is level and drainage fair. Subsoil is silty clay loam. Sizes of water lines
range from 4 to 12 inches. Size of sewer lines range from 8 to 24 inches. Description of sites on and off rail lines, zoned for industry, outside
the city limits in other tracts or districts: There are 877 acres inside the
Blythe sphere of influence zoned for industry, of which 702 acres border the city, mostly extending south along the railroad. All parcels are
served by electricity and natural gas. There are 2,000 acres available
for industry surrounding the Blythe Airport.
Museums The Palo Verde Historical Museum & Cultural Society houses an excellent collec on of local history ar facts, works of local ar sts, gem and mineral displays, and genealogical material. Volunteers staff the museum Monday through Friday from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, November through April, or by special appointment. There is no admission charge, but dona ons are appreciated. The Palo Verde Historical Museum and Society is commi ed to collect, preserve and make available to the public, the hundreds of ar facts, photos, maps, documents and memorabilia related to the history of our valley and surrounding area. An ongoing program provides educa onal tours for school children and out-of-print local history books have been re-published. The Museum works with the library, Chamber of Commerce, City of Blythe and other organiza ons for the be erment of our community. The Black History Museum & Mul ‐Cultural Society of Blythe houses the history of mul -cultural Americans in the Palo Verde Valley. This special museum opened its doors December 2004 and is now located in Room 100 of the Blythe Post Office at 200 E Murphy . Visitors are invited to donate of items for display. Mee ngs are held the first and third Saturdays of the month at the museum, beginning at 4:00 pm. SOLAR PLANTS The desert surrounding Blythe has become the mecca for solar power plants. Ground has broken for one, with two more in the development stages. These new opportuni es will bring jobs and families to the area. Our local Palo Verde Community College is offering classes for those individuals interested in posi ons in the solar industry. Addi onally, a solar facility is being built 15 miles west of Blythe to service Chuckawalla Valley and Ironwood State Prisons. Financial Institutions
Blythe has three banks to meet your banking needs: Union Bank of
California, Rabobank, and Provident Savings.
Employee Amenities
1)
The Colorado River Recreation Area extends from Yuma to
Lake Powell, Arizona: about 650 miles. It offers fishing, hunting,
boating, and other water sports. Almost 95 miles of navigable water lie
between Blythe and the Imperial Dam in Yuma for your enjoyment.
2) Pollution-free days with clean, dry air makes our climate
one of the most desirable in the country.
3) Blythe's educational system offers students facilities from preschool through junior college.
4) Blythe's many churches extend the opportunity for spiritual
growth to its citizens of all faiths.
5) The Palo Verde Valley is an indoor and outdoor recreational
wonderland. Outdoor activities include boating, water skiing, jet skiing,
swimming, fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking, hunting (hunters “flock”
to Blythe for dove and quail seasons), horseback riding, trapping, trap
& skeet shooting, dune buggying, and dirt biking. Year round sunshine
offers sporting activities, such as: tennis, golfing, softball, football,
soccer, and volleyball. The City of Blythe's Recreation Department
offers indoor racquetball, basketball, aerobic activities, weight room,
and supervised games for all ages.
6) The Colorado River Fairgrounds offers a large regional facility
with music festivals, spring fair and livestock show, and many other
activities. It also serves as a location for many other family-oriented
activities and organizational meetings. The I-10 Speedway located at
the fairgrounds holds stock car, truck, midget and sprint races, and
demolition derbies October through April.
7) Blythe is a small town and the people are very warm and
friendly. There are many active service clubs, bowling, golf, physical
fitness facilities and organizations that appreciate and welcome new
members. 4-H and Scouts are very popular with the young, as are a
variety of sports, dance studios, Big Foot skate board park and more.
Visitors that love to see interesting places, can put the old
town site of Midland, CA. on the top of their lists.
Midland was a U.S. Gypsum Co. town for 43
years, an isolated community 22 miles north of Blythe by a
narrow road. It began in 1925 as a tent city in the middle of
the Mojave Desert, with miners digging gypsum out of the
Little Maria Mountains to meet the demands of the movie
studios. All the winter scenes during the Golden Age of Hollywood were filmed with “snowflakes” from Midland.
Midland also produced plasterboard walls for thousands of
homes across the nation. But the character of the gypsum
(snow) deposit made it no longer economically competitive,
thereby wiping out the remote town of Midland. All 1,000 folks
left. The post office, school and store were hauled away and
only remnants of the 313 houses; patches of foundations, and
playgrounds remain.
Former residents can recall General George Patton’s
troops passing through from the 12 remote camps in the
desert surrounding Midland, on their way to fight German
General Rommel in North Africa. Here and there the wide
tread of Patton’s tanks can still be seen in the landscape
around Midland.
As you walk the streets of Midland, you will find a tiny
“museum of the desert” filled with the bric-a-brac of everyday
living that has accumulated and you’re invited to add your
treasure to this little corner of old Midland.
As you pass over the train tracks in Midland, you can expect to see a long line of rubble, evidence that very large
buildings and a complete mill once stood there. The mill was
capable of taking in treated ore in one end and through a
complex system of sprayers and rollers, turn out finished
wallboard at the far end.
Heed the warning signs to avoid the low hills behind Midland, where possible death awaits in mine shafts or tunnels.
But DO visit this neat old, but modern ghost town, which is
just a short drive over a nice paved highway from Blythe.
Reunions are held every two years, where the former town
members return to remember and reminisce.
The museum is located off Interstate 10, about 30 miles east of Indio at
Chiriaco Summit, which was the entrance to Camp Young, command
post for the DTC during World War II. The site was donated by Joseph
Chiriaco, one of the first area residents General Patton met when he
arrived to set up the center. Exhibits display memorabilia from the life
and career of General Patton.
The exhibit halls include the many and varied aspects of military life
with particular focus on the Desert Training Center and soldiers of World
War II, as well as Information concerning Southern California water
development, the building of the Colorado Aqueduct as well as Natural
Science exhibits which show rocks, minerals and fossils of the region and
plants and animal life of the desert and mountains.
The Bradshaw Trail
The Bradshaw Trail Back Country Byway is located west of Blythe, near
the Arizona state line. The byway's eastern terminus is at the intersection with CA 78, south of Blythe. It travels west to CA 111, ending just
south of North Shore. The 70-mile route follows Bradshaw Trail Road,
a county-maintained graded dirt road. A four-wheel drive vehicle, dirt
bike, all-terrain vehicle, or a similar type is required to travel the byway. The byway is usually passable all year, but temporary closure is
possible after heavy rain.
George S. Patton Memorial Museum
The General George S. Patton Memorial Museum was
established to honor the late General George S. Patton and the
thousands of men who served with him at the Desert Training
Center and overseas.
The original Bradshaw Trail was constructed in 1862 by William Bradshaw as an overland stage route from San Bernardino to La Paz, Arizona. It followed Indian trails connecting springs across the desert. The
trail was used extensively from 1862 to 1877, but saw fewer users after
the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad to Yuma. Today, the
byway is a scenic jeep trail traveling across the Colorado Desert with
views of Chuckwalla Mountains in the north and Chocolate Mountains in
the south. Wildlife observers, be on the lookout for desert burro, mule
deer, and bighorn sheep. Other wildlife in the area includes coyotes, kit
fox, and many other small mammals and birds.
Rockhounding is a very popular activity in the surrounding
desert. Stop by the Chamber office for maps & more details.
Friendships made here, last forever!
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BLYTHE INTAGLIOS (Large Desert Figures)
The Giant Figures, known to archeologists as Intaglios (pronounced “In-tal-yos”, an Italian
term which refers to an engraving art process), are located 15 miles North of Blythe on Highway 95.
CITY OF BLYTHE
Blythe's School System
Area Code 760
The City of Blythe has an outstanding school system, where your children will learn and grow. The Palo Verde Unified School District is complemented by our community college.
(established 7/21/16)
Blythe City Hall/City Council
235 N. Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225 ……….
CITY DEPARTMENTS
Police Department - 240 N. Spring St....…….....
Planning Department - 235 N. Broadway……....
Public Works - 440 S. Main St.........................
Recreation Department - 127 S. Main St…….....
922-6111
Palo Verde Unified School District
922-6161
922-6130
922-6611
922-4266
(760) 922-4164
295 N. First Street., Blythe, CA
Elementary Schools
Felix J. Appleby Elementary
10321 Vernon
(760) 922-7174
PALO VERDE VALLEY CHURCHES
The largest human figure
measures 165 feet from head to
toe. It is accompanied by an
animal figure
The pavement of mineral stained gravel
is removed to create the drawings. Intaglios are best viewed from the
air.
Each of the three locations has one anthropomorph (human figure). One of the two
quadrepeds at the Blythe Intaglios.
The Blythe Intaglios
Centuries ago, Indians living on the lower Colorado River Valley created gigantic human, animal, and geometric figures on the
ground’s surface. Archaeologists know these figures as "intaglios" (intalyos), an Italian term which refers to an engraving art process.
Intaglios are rare worldwide and in North America are known to exist in only desert southwest Arizona and California. Most intaglios
are located on the natural dark gravel terraces associated with the lower Colorado River drainage basin. A variety of theories surround
the origin and significance of the giant desert figures, which are best seen by air, and were first discovered in 1930 by pilot George
Palmer, who reported seeing a giant horse's tracks leading from the Colorado River to the mountain mesas where the figures are located. Theories include religious lore and cultural expressions from the Indians, territorial markers or astronomical graphics.
There are a total of six distinct figures in three locations, including a human figure measuring 165 feet from head to toe. Their age
could be more than 2,000 years, however they're at least 450 years old. The only other similar figures in the desert have been found
at Nazca, Peru. People come from all over the world to view these giant Indian drawings.
According to Mohave and Quechan tribes of the lower Colorado River, the human figures represent Mastamho, the Creator of Earth
and all life. The animal figures represent Hatakulya, one of two mountain lions/persons who helped in the Creation. In ancient times,
sacred ceremonial dances were held in the area to honor the Creator of Life.
The dark gravel surface formation on the mesas are called "desert pavement". Few plants cover the ground in this harsh desert
environment. The fine soil particles have been washed and blown away over the centuries, leaving the larger rocks and pebbles concentrated on the surface. Trails, artifacts, intaglios, and modern surface disturbances will remain unchanged indefinitely unless altered
further by man. The intaglios have been susceptible to damage by vehicles. Volunteer groups have assisted in the construction of
protective fencing, which does not hinder views of these fantastic figures.
The Chamber office has a small hand-made collection of locations and descriptions of other smaller Intaglios throughout the Palo
Verde Valley. Feel free to come by and look at this collection at any time
The Mule Canyon site is a pebble terrace that has two converging
aboriginal trails crossing it. Where these trails join, and along them,
are dance circles and other unexplained designs. There are BLM interpretive panels which help to orient you to the location of these and
their possible significance.
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Estimates are these petroglyphs date from the last few thousand
years. The permanent spring here provided life giving water for
a prehistoric Indian settlement on the major east-west trail
connecting the Colorado River and what is now the Coachella
Valley. The petroglyphs likely represent a shaman's portrayal of
the spirits encountered during a vision quest. Assembly Church
173 N. Solano...........................................
Bethel AME Church
1311 E. 14th Avenue................................
Calvary Chapel of Blythe
127 S. First Street....................................
Church of Christ
Chanslorway & Lovekin Blvds………............
Church of God
531 W. Hobsonway................…...............
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Sts.
700 N. Broadway......................................
Church of the Nazarene
131 N. 2nd Street.....................................
Community United Methodist Church
345 E. Barnard.........................................
First Baptist Church
100 W. Murphy.........................................
First Southern Baptist Church
350 N. Palm.............................................
Greater White Rose Church of God
212 S. 2nd Street.....................................
Jehovah's Witnesses
190 N. 9th Street......................................
Mesa Verde Four Square Church
18335 Bellwood Drive, Mesa Verde………....
Palo Verde Valley Christian Center
140 S. Willow..........................................
Pentecostal Church of God
247 N. Solano Avenue.............................
Potter's House
150 S. Main Street...................................
Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana
473 N. Solano Avenue.............................
Seventh Day Adventist Church
601 N. 6th Street.....................................
Seventh Day [Isibane] Church
12822 Date..............................................
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church
875 E. Chanslorway..................................
St. Paul Baptist Church
216 W. Rice.............................................
Stream in the Desert Church
361 N. Lovekin.........................................
Temple Garden of Prayer
13333 Cottonwood Drive.....…..................
Zion Lutheran Church
721 E. Chanslorway.................................
921-3730
Margaret White Elementary
610 N. Broadway
(760) 922-5159
922-6335
Ruth Brown Elementary
341 N. 7th Street
(760) 922-7164
922-9675
922-3573
Middle School
Blythe Middle School
825 N. Lovekin
(760) 922-1300
922-5364
922-7641
High School
Palo Verde High School
667 N. Lovekin
(760) 922-7148
922-2318
922-4992
922-7221
Twin Palms Continuation
High School & Adult School
190 N. 5th St.
(760) 922-4884
922-7791
922-8296
Vocational Center
129 S. Commercial
(760) 922-2704
922-5768
922-3469
Headstart
610 N. Broadway
(760) 922-8454
922-2301
922-3436
Sunshine Pre-School
Community United Methodist Church
345 E. Barnard
(760) 922-3210
NONE
922-6755
TGP Youth Instructional
14201 Williams Road
(760) 922-4292
922-5533
921-1195
Escuela de la Raza Unida
137 N. Broadway
(760) 922-2582
922-3261
922-4235
Palo Verde Community College
One College Drive
(760) 921-5500
922-7210
922-2494
922-7321
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BLYTHE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
207 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225
STATE PRISONS
The two prisons in our valley are located in the desert 3 miles south of I-10 Freeway and 15 miles west of town.
CHUCKAWALLA VALLEY STATE PRISON
A Welcoming Word From Our President
The area's merchants and the Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce welcome you to the Palo Verde Valley. We are a
small farming community with a town known for strong and lasting friendships. While you're in the valley, we invite
you to sample the many fine restaurants. You will find Chinese, Thai, Mexican, standard American, fast food, family
dining, steak houses, coffee shops, pizza places and lounges. Many offer special discounts for senior citizens.
If you're looking for a place to spend a few days, weeks or months, there are excellent motels, hotels, mobile
home parks, and RV resorts. There are several campgrounds situated on the beautiful Colorado River offering fishing,
water sports, boating or just relaxing on one of our riverfront beaches or sand bars. The surrounding desert also offers many scenic camping and photographic opportunities, and provides great hunting for dove, quail, duck and geese.
The Palo Verde Valley and adjacent desert has many historical sites. There are abandoned towns, mines and Native American artifacts and geoglyphs. Many are accessible with the family car. Others require a four-wheel drive
vehicle, motorcycle, or ATV. Hiking trails abound.
While here, be sure to take advantage of the Blythe Municipal Golf Course. The eighteen hole facility is on the
mesa northwest of the city, hosting a magnificent view of our valley, with a great clubhouse, snack bar and outstanding restaurant “A Cut Above”.
The Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce offers information for everyone on local activities, such as; golfing, fishing,
hunting, boating, sightseeing, rock hounding or just relaxing. Whether you're in our valley for a few hours, or spending the entire season with us, we want you to enjoy your stay and come back soon.
The mission of Chuckawalla Valley State Prison is to provide long-term housing and services for male felons classified as medium and low-medium custody
inmates. Under state law, the primary purpose of incarceration is punishment for
and deterrence of criminal behavior. Productivity and self-improvement are secondary goals that the Department of Corrections seeks to achieve by providing
work and study opportunities for all inmates through prison industries, support
services, academic education, and vocational instruction. Institution Statistics:
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison was opened December 1988, and covers 1,735
acres. As of Fiscal Year 2005 the prison employs 794 and houses 3,700
IRONWOOD STATE PRISON
Ironwood State Prison's primary objective is to encourage productivity and selfimprovement by offering work and study opportunities for minimum and medium custody inmates through academic education, vocational instruction and support services. ISP also has the Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) which prepares inmates
who are illegal immigrants for release to United States Immigration and Naturalization
Service custody and the return to their native country. Institution Statistics: Ironwood State Prison was opened February 1, 1994, and covers 1,700 acres. As of Fiscal
Year 2005, Ironwood employs 1,130 and houses 4,500.
THE BLYTHE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOMES YOUR PARTICIATION WITH ONE OF OUR MANY COMMUNITY-ORIENTED
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS. STOP BY OR CALL US FOR INFORMATION!
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES: www.blytheareachamberofcommerce.com
http://home.earthlink.net/~blytheedc
HAVE A QUESTION?
NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
is
a pristine desert environment home to the unique
desert bighorn sheep and the California fan palm
and just 35 miles southeast of the city of Blythe,
off I-10 and Arizona #95. In the mild seasons of
winter and early spring, much traffic uses the
road, bringing sun seekers from all over the US to
Yuma and on into Mexico, but few travel to this region in summer, when temperatures of
over 120°F are not uncommon. Rain falls on only a few occasions each year - the summer thunderstorms that affect the higher areas of
Arizona rarely extend this far. The refuge is an excellent place for viewing desert plants and wildlife, rock climbing, exploring old mines, or
just camping in remote wilderness. Palm Canyon, located within the refuge, is a trip well worth the hike!
Email:blythecoc@yahoo.com
Phone: 760/922-8166
Fax:
760/922-4010
CIBOLA
Palo Verde Tree
Cholla Cactus
McCoy Mountains & Desert
The Colorado River at
.…
4
Blythe, California
Cibola NWR is located in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River and
surrounded by a fringe of desert ridges and washes.
The refuge
encompasses
both the historic Colorado River channel as well as a channelized portion
constructed in the late 1960's. Along with these main waterbodies, several
important backwaters are home to many wildlife species that reside in this
portion of the Sonoran Desert. Because of the river’s life sustaining water,
wildlife here survive in an environment that reaches 120 degrees in the summer and receives an average of only 2 inches of rain per year. We invite you
to visit and enjoy the many wildlife-oriented activities the refuge has to offer
and enjoy the scenic beauty of this oasis.
Over 288 species of birds have been found on Cibola NWR, including
many species of migratory songbirds, Gambel’s quail, roadrunners, mourning
and white-winged doves, phainopepla, greater sandhill cranes, Canada and
snow geese, Vermilion flycatchers, grosbeaks and many more. The bald
eagle, southwestern willow flycatcher and Yuma clapper rail are among the
endangered birds that use Cibola NWR. Other listed species include the desert tortoise, razorback sucker, bonytail chub, and desert pupfish.
13
I-10 SPEEDWAY
Located at the Colorado River Fairgrounds
WELCOME Short Track Race Fans!
The Short Track Racing schedule is from October through
April, with California pure stock, modified, late model, super
late model, legends, trucks, bombers, bandoleros, sportsman
and demolition derbies.
We thank the folks at Lucas Oil for choosing Blythe as the
location for this exciting track and associated events.
FPL / BLYTHE ENERGY LLC
The power plant has boosted local tax rolls, but perhaps its biggest benefit is that the city
and surrounding Palo Verde Valley can buy electricity from the plant before it is put on the
grid. That cuts the cost of transmission out of the price, making the city's prices much cheaper than the surrounding area.
FPL Energy, owner and operator of the Blythe Energy Center, has created a $25,000
community Improvement Fund, which is managed by the Palo Verde Valley Economic Development Corporation. Traditionally the funds are used for public service activities undertaken by social service organizations, public schools and institutions of higher learning and
include public service projects, beautification activities and community health and well being
projects.
To date 16 non-profit entities within the Palo Verde Valley have benefited from this annual fund, due to the cooperation between FPL, the City of Blythe and the Palo Verde Valley
Economic Development Corpora on. BLYTHE AIRPORT
The Blythe Municipal Airport is seven miles west of town. It has
two runways varying in length from 5800 feet to 6600 feet long
and can accommodate up to 300,000 pounds. There is a full service Fixed Base Operator on the field providing pilot supplies,
maintenance, plane rental, instruction, and fuel seven days a week
from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. There is night service upon request.
The airport is run for the County of Riverside by Wolfe Enterprise
BLYTHE GOLF COURSE
Blythe has a magnificent eighteen-hole golf course. It's on the mesa northwest of the city. Those playing the challenging course enjoy breathtaking
views of the valley below. Best of all, green and cart fees are less than half
those being charged in the neighboring Coachella Valley. If golf is your
game, make this great course your choice. Pick up refreshments at the
snack bar, or stay for dinner in the superb “A Cut Above” restaurant.
COLORADO RIVER FAIR
With the Valley’s agricultural base, the Colorado River Fair has become renown for its livestock,
FFA projects, exhibits and floriculture, baked and preserved goods, IN ADDITION TO the carnival
atmosphere, music, hypnotists, rock wall climbing and much, much more.
The fair is normally held the end of March into the first days of April, and attracts visitors from the
surrounding and neighboring communities of two states. If you’re out Blythe way, be sure to pay this
annual event a visit. The annual auction brings in excess of $500,000 to local agricultural groups and
scholarships for future farmers.
12
RV Resorts, Continued …
BLYTHE CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
4-H Clubs
Ageless Reflections Senior and
Community Center
Alcoholics Anonymous
Altar Society
American Cancer Society
American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Post 24
American Red Cross
Awana Clubs
Black History Museum &
Cultural Society of Blythe
Blythe Bass Club
Blythe Boat Club
Blythe Bowmen's Club
Blythe Bridge Club
Blythe Emergency Food Pantry
Blythe Jaycees
Blythe Kiwanis Club
Blythe Ladies Golf Association
Blythe Lions Club
Blythe Little League
Blythe Lupis Support Group
Blythe Mens Golf Association
Blythe Ministerial Association
Blythe Red Cross
Blythe Trap and Skeet Club
Blythe Womens Club
Boy Scouts of America
BPO Elks Lodge 1799
California Correctional Peace
Officers Association
California Women for Agriculture
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison
Hidden Beaches R. V. Resort - (760) 922-7276
6951 Sixth Avenue, Blythe, CA 92225 - Located on the
Colorado River with country store, gas station and gas dock,
boat ramp, boat storage, propane sales, showers and laundry, beautiful trees and magnificent views. Full hook-ups
with shaded riverfront lots. Horseshoes, volleyball, croquet,
bocci ball and a hobby room available. Daily, weekly and
monthly rentals available.
Colorado River Arts Association
Colorado River Senior &
Community Center
Colorado Riviera Association
Daughters of the American
Revolution
Desertwave Amateur Radio Club
Eastern Star, Order of Jobs
Daughters
Future Farmers of America
Gideons International
Girl Scouts of America
Harmony Lunch Kitchen
Ironwood State Prison,
Ironwood LOCH/SCA, Inc. Clubs/
Organizations
M.E.C.H.A.
N.A.A.C.P.
Nostalgics Car Club
Palo Verde Historical Museum
Palo Verde Hospital Auxiliary
Palo Verde Lodge 37, F & AM
Palo Verde Rod & Gun Club
Palo Verde Teachers Association
Palo Verde T.V. Club
Progressive Farmers of Blythe
Riding Clubs
Rotary Club of Blythe
Sheltering Wings Corporation
Soroptimist International
Special Needs Group
VFW Ladies Auxiliary
VFW Post 2987
Wishcatchers Foundation
Mayflower County Park—(760) 922-4665
4980 Colorado River Road, Blythe, CA 92225—Located on the
Colorado River with showers, restrooms, shuffleboard, horseshoes, picnic tables/cabanas, dump station and boat launch.
Long-term camping Oct.-March, dry camping, open all year.
Valley Palms Mobile Home Park & Trailer Supply –
(760) 922-7335
8401 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225 – Located one mile
from the river. Take the Intake Blvd. off-ramp and go north
to the 4-way stop sign. Turn right onto Hobsonway and you'll
see it 1/2 mile on the right hand side. Restrooms, laundry
room and an RV store with one-stop shopping for all of your
RV needs.
BLYTHE AREA
CAMPGROUNDS, TRAILER PARKS & RESORTS
REAL ESTATE MEMBERS
We are proud of our real estate members, the majority
of which have been in the valley for many, many years. They
know everything about the valley, and will find the home,
acreage or business site that is just what you are looking for.
Please note that all of these Realtors have a Notary on
staff. Call prior to your visit, to make certain the notary is
available.
Burton’s Mobile Home and RV Park—(760) 922-3814
1576 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225—Centrally Located next to Rite Aid and
Albertson’s Grocery Store. Full hook-ups, lighted streets, pull-through spaces.
Daily or month rates.
McIntyre R.V. Resort - (760) 922-8205
8750 E. 26th Avenue, Blythe, CA 92225 - Located 6 miles south of I-10 on
Intake Blvd. on the "quiet part" of the Colorado River. Water and electric.
Private beaches, boat ramp, fuel and convenience store. Tent and group camping, boat and RV storage. Beautiful site with grass and shade trees. Spotless
comfort station with showers. Reservations accepted.
RE/MAX—Blythe Realty
208 W. Hobsonway
Blythe, CA 92225
Farrage Realty
248 W. Hobsonway
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 922-2921
KOA R.V. Resort - (760) 922-5350
14100 Riviera Drive, Blythe, CA. 92225 - Located just off I-10 on the Colorado
River. Full hook-ups, convenience store, boat launch, fuel and propane, beautiful grass and trees. Families, groups and tenters welcome. Boating, fishing,
skiing, biking and walking. Winter activities, pool and spa, laundry room, showers, spotless comfort stations. Reservations welcome.
First American Title
Escrow, Notary, Title Ins.
2 American Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(714) 689-4511
El Rancho Mobile Home Estates - (760) 921-6333
8301 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225 - Located in East Blythe one mile west
of the Colorado River. Luxury gated private community planned for quality
permanent living. 109 individual home lots on private streets. Clubhouse and
recreation facility with spacious kitchen, catering area, billiard and TV/Video
room. Swimming pool with showers & dressing room, complete laundry facilities
and much more.
5
The Kalakosky Group
138 E. Hobsonway
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 921-2121
HOTEL/MOTEL MEMBERS
Blythe has many fine hotels and motels to serve
visitors to our city. Those Chamber members are listed
below.
We have also listed those amenities so important to
you when you are traveling.
Please call them for availability and rates. January is
a very busy month for this area, due to our very popular
Bluegrass Music Festival the third weekend of January,
and the ongoing Quartzsite Events occurring throughout
the month. We strongly suggest you book well in advance.
America’s Best Value Inn
850 W. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA (760) 922-5145
Lovekin offramp N. to Hobsonway. Turn left, on Hobsonway. 50 units, mostly single story, 8 kitchenettes,
non-smoking & 4 handicapped rooms, All rooms with
refrig., microwave, large color TV, coffee maker, king
and queen-size beds, complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor BBQ and picnic area, large outdoor pool,
near restaurants and movie theatres, AAA approved,
AARP, most major credit cards accepted, business discount, VIP discounts, extended stay/snowbird discounts,
rv/truck parking. Sorry NO PETS.
Best Western Sahara
825 W. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA (760) 922-7105
Lovekin offramp in Blythe; 47 units; pool, jacuzzi, cable,
VCR, phones, in-room coffee, free continental breakfast,
in-room microwaves and refrigerators. AAA approved,
restaurants and movie theatre nearby.
Blue Water Resort & Casino (& Conference Center) 11300 Resort Drive, Parker, AZ (888)243-3360
200 rooms and suites, casino with blackjack, slots, bingo, keno, poker, water park, 164-slip marina, boat
launch, 3 restaurants, snack bar, bakery, conference
center with banquet and catering services, live entertainment, outdoor concerts, miniature golf, theatre,
exercise center, gift shop, marina store, cantina, Major
credit cards accepted.
California Inn (formerly Hampton Inn)
900 W. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA (760) 922-9000
Lovekin Off-ramp. 59 units. “On the House” hot breakfast, high speed internet and “On the Go” Breakfast
Bags. Smoking/non-smoking rooms, outdoor pool and
Jacuzzi, refrigerators and microwaves, color TV with
HBO, in-room coffee, iron and ironing board, hair dryers, free local calls, handicapped facilities, guest laundry
& exercise rooms. AARP, AAA and most major credit
cards accepted.
Capital Suites
545 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA (760) 922-9209
7th Street offramp, N. to Hobsonway then left. 67 units;
phones, color TV with HBO, jacuzzi, heated pool, near
restaurants, king-size beds, two double beds, microwave and refrigerators, guest laundry, gift shop, exercise and meeting room, continental breakfast, free ice,
handicapped facilities, smoking & non-smoking rooms,
AARP and AAA rates, most major credit cards welcome.
Meeting Room seats 80.
Comfort Suites
700 W. Donlon, Blythe, CA (760) 921-2626
Lovekin Offramp. Built in 2010. 63 units, all suites. 100%
non-smoking, outdoor enclosed pool, refrigerators and microwaves, 42” flat panel LG TV w/HBO, alarm clock w/MP3
jack and AM/FM radio, In-Room coffee, free local calls, hot
breakfast,rv/truck parking, Board & Conference Rooms for
10-25 people, handicapped facilities. AARP and AAA rates.
Two Meeting Rooms: 10 and 25
Days Inn
9274 E. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA (760) 922-5101
Intake/Hwy. 95 off-ramp from I-10. N. to Hobsonway, then
left. Across from Wal-Mart. All 56 units with complimentary
continental breakfast, high-speed internet access, refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, iron & i. board, hair dryer,
clock radio, satellite TV, guest laundry, pool and spa. Restaurant on premises. Most credit cards welcome. AAA, Senior, Gov’, Corp.Rates. On-site RV, Boat and Truck parking.
Quality Inn Express
600 W. Donlon, Blythe, CA (760) 921-2300
Lovekin off-ramp from I-10 freeway. South to Donlon, paralleling freeway. 66 units; junior suites, smoking/nonsmoking, indoor pool, refrigerators and microwaves, color
TV with HBO, CAN, CNN, ESPN with AM/FM radios, in-room
coffee, guest laundry, free continental breakfast, free local
calls, RV/Truck parking. Data port phones, conference room,
handicapped facilities, rooms with spas, AARP and AAA
rates, most major credit cards accepted.
Motel 6
500 W. Donlon, Blythe, CA (760) 922-6666
Lovekin off-ramp from I-10 freeway, South to Donlon, paralleling freeway. Our location is convenient to restaurants,
major gas stations, as well as many other businesses available in our area. We have business third-party credit card
authorization capabilities, national “Welcome Card” accounts, data ports in every room and wireless internet services available, fax and copying services, as well as a 24hour guest laundry and sparkling pool for year-round enjoyment.
Regency Inn & Suites
903 W. Hobsonway, Blythe, CA 92225 (760) 922-4146
Lovekin off-ramp, 49 units, smoking & non-smoking, 8
handicapped rooms, internet access, microwave & refrigerator in all rooms, cable TV, HBO, complimentary Continental
Breakfast, Jacuzzi & Pool, near restaurants and movie theatres. AAA, AARP and CORP. rates. Major credit cards accepted. RV/Truck parking. (Completely renovated top to bot-
tom!)
Super 8 Motel
550 W. Donlon, Blythe, CA (760) 922-8881
Lovekin off-ramp from I-10 freeway. S. to Donlon, paralleling freeway. 80 units; with electronic key lock doors, remote
control color TVs w/cable, direct-dial and data port phones,
microwaves, refrigerators, in-room hair dryers, in-room
safes, handicapped facilities, suites, heated pool, guest
laundry, VIP discounts, most major credit cards accepted.
PETS WELCOME.
6
You will enjoy your stay in our town. PALO VERDE VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Felix J. Appleby Elementary
Margaret White Elementary
Blythe Middle School
Ruth Brown Elementary
The Palo Verde Unified School District includes approximately 1,900 sq. miles and is located in the Palo Verde Valley along the
Colorado River. We are a small district with 3 elementary Schools (K-5) 1 middle school (6-8), one comprehensive high school and an alternative high school.
The P.V.I.D. serves 3,600 students which includes 55% Hispanic, 10% African American, 33% White (not Hispanic) and 2% Other. We
have approximately 1,800 elementary students, 820 middle school students and 960 high school students.
The District employs approximately 250 certified staff and 240 classified staff. The staff is dedicated to helping each student reach his/
her potential. State-adopted materials and standards aligned materials are in place throughout the District and staff members are afforded
opportunities for staff development to increase student learning.
Twin Palms
Continuation School
& Adult Education
Palo Verde Valley
High School
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Annual COMMUNITY OUTLOOK CONFERENCE
To Promote Economic Development
In its purest textbook definition, “Economic Development” is the creation of wealth in a given community by the utilization of land, labor,
capital and entrepreneurial ability. It is the deliberate, judicious intervention in the local economy to foster a business climate that facilitates
private investment.
That said, the mission of the Economic Development effort is to actively support the development and expansion of existing businesses,
and proactively recruit quality revenue-generating uses that diversify and expand the Valley’s economic base, offer a variety of products and
services, increase employment opportunities, preserve and enhance the Palo Verde Valley’s unique environment, and contribute to the quality of life for Palo Verde Valley residents. To the economic developers, the world is a pretty simple place because there are only two types of
jobs: basic and non-basic. Basic employers manufacture goods or produce a service sold outside the community where it is produced, which
imports money from economies in other communities. Basic jobs are the lifeblood of a local economy because the money they import creates non-basic jobs.
For fifty-four years our Economic Development Corporation has brought representatives from the state, Riverside county and adjoining
counties together to discuss ways to improve and “grow” the economic health of the Palo Verde Valley.
The Conference is always the first Thursday in March, bringing in topical speakers and providing an opportunity for representatives to put
their heads together and develop lines of communication and growth between many entities. A variety of market studies forecast significant
growth for the Palo Verde Valley region over the next decade. Although the valley has an abundance of undeveloped land, every effort must
be made to control the urbanization of our agricultural community, which is the valley’s largest industry. Due to its location and available
undeveloped land, the valley is in a unique position to capture a sizeable portion of transportation, vacation, commercial and residential
development from the southwestern desert region through active business expansion and recruitment efforts . DACE Desert Alliance for
Community Empowerment leverages federal funding to promote and sustain economic and community development and to improve the
quality of life for residents and businesses within the Desert Communities Empowerment Zone, which covers 4,000 sq. miles within the
Eastern Riverside County.
FP&L Energy, owner and operator of the Blythe Energy Plant, is currently pursuing a second “mirror” gas generated power plant on the
south side of Interstate 10 and south of the Blythe Airport and its current plant. They will continue to be a “good neighbor” to the valley and
its residents. Solar Millennium is preparing to build the largest solar plant in the world just west of Blythe...a two-year project.
Supervisor John Benoit is a moving force in the special partnership which exists between the County of Riverside and the City of Blythe.
He and his office play an instrumental role in the continued growth seen in Blythe and the Palo Verde Valley.
The EDC Website http://home.earthlink.net/~blytheedc has additional information, or call the Blythe Chamber at 760/9228166.
11
AGRICULTURE IS OUR #1 INDUSTRY
The Agricultural History of the Palo Verde Valley is entwined in the history of the Colorado River. The
former has always been dependent upon the latter.
Surveyors of the U.S. Government land office
were also active in southeastern California in the period
from 1855 to 1884. One of the surveyors was Oliver P.
Calloway, an engineer who had hacked out the first stage
road from San Diego to Yuma, and had a hand in the development of San Diego Harbor. He saw the agricultural possibilities of the Palo Verde Valley. Lacking money, he went
looking for a financial angel and found one in the form of
Thomas H. Blythe, a capitalist of San Francisco. Blythe
acquired some 40,000 acres – all valley land east of what is
now Defrain Blvd. – from the State of California under provisions of the Swamp and Overflow Act. The first irrigation
was from a swamp area – or slough – called Olive Lake in
the north end of the valley, which irrigated some pasture
lands and some small agricultural plots. A canal was built
from the river at Black Point, a location about a mile north
of the present Diversion Dam, to the slough, but was very
costly. Even with Indian labor at 50 cents a day, Blythe
spent some $82,000 before any irrigation was accomplished. Thomas Blythe visited the valley only twice: once in
December 1875, then again in November 1882.
Later on the need for drainage became apparent, and the Palo
Verde Drainage District was organized in 1921. Eventually it
became apparent that one entity was needed to administer the
irrigation and drainage functions. In 1923 the state legislature
passed the Palo Verde Irrigation District Act., which combined
the PV Land & Water Co., PV Levee District and PV Drain District.
Valley leaders worked hard for the Boulder Canyon Project
in the 1930’s and were influential in bringing about the construction of Boulder Dam (later named Hoover Dam), which
has regulated the flow of the river since 1935 and virtually
eliminated floods. Since that time, farming in the valley has
generally prospered.
The Palo Verde Irrigation District occupies about 189 square
miles of territory in Riverside and Imperial Counties, California.
The District contains approx. 131,298 acres, 26,728 acres of
which are on the Palo Verde Mesa. This Mesa lies just west of,
and from 80 to 130 feet higher than, the valley. Water for the
portion of the Mesa within boundaries of the PVID, is lifted
onto the Mesa by private pumps. The remaining mesa irrigated
acreage is irrigated from deep wells developed by the landowners. The predominant crop on the Mesa is citrus.
The valley is relatively level: approximately 9 miles
wide, 30 miles long and averaging 260 feet above sea level.
The soils are alluvial in nature, laid down in the past years by
Colorado River floods, and range in texture from fine grain
clays to silty loams to light sandy soils, with the predominant
soil being a sandy loam. The entire valley is underlain with
permeable sand at shallow depth.
The Palo Verde Valley with its long, hot growing
season is ideal for agriculture; crops are grown and harvested
year round. Mild winters, with a minimum of frost, permit
growing of many crops not suitable for production in other
areas.
Developed farmland has a market value ranging
from $2,500 to more than $5,000 per acre. Undeveloped brush
land, the supply of which continues to dwindle, continues to
rise in value.
Thomas Blythe made the first of subsequent
filings on Colorado River water in California when he recorded a request for 95,000 miners inches (1,905 cubic feet per
second) in the then county seat at San Diego on July 17,
1877. His total filings amounted to 190,000 miners inches.
The water was requested for “agricultural, mining, manufacturing, domestic and commercial purposes”.
Two cattlemen from southeastern Arizona saw
the valley’s potential for beef production and irrigated agriculture, and interested the Hobson brothers out of Ventura,
California. Together they formed the Palo Verde Land and
Water Company and became the parent company of the
Mutual Water Company. The land company assumed the
right to sell the water stock which was issued for the entire
valley at prices of their choosing. The almost annual flood
damage inflicted by the Colorado River necessitated the
formation of the Palo Verde Levee District, organized in
1917 to protect the valley through building of levees.
Agriculture, continued….
CROP INFORMATION
Average yields of alfalfa are 10 tons of hay per
acre per year. The alfalfa hay is either used in local feed lots
or by dairies near Los Angeles.
In recent years wheat has replaced barley. This
change occurred because of improved varieties of rustresistant and high yielding wheat less susceptible to lodging
and easier to combine. Barley usually yields from 3,000 to
5,000 lbs. per acre, compared to 5,000 to 8,000 lbs. for
wheat.
Cotton yields range from a low of 2 bales to a
high of 4 bales per acre depending on soil quality. Yields are
affected by pink boll worm, whitefly and tobacco bud worm
infestations or poor weather conditions at the critical time of
cotton boll development.
At least six types of melons are grown: watermelons, cantaloupes, Persians, honeydews, crenshaws and casabas. Cantaloupes, the major type, produce average yields of
450 crates per acre. Honeydews have an average yield of 700
crates per acre. The whitefly has reduced fall cropping acre-
The 2008-9 net cultivated acreage in the District is 121,030
acres. Because of the year-round growing season and multicropping practices (the same acre of land producing two or
more crops in one year), there were 93,680 acres of crops
grown, as shown in the following column:
CROP ACREAGES
Alfalfa
54.590
Sudan
3,944
Bermuda
1,505
Wheat
8,013
Palm Trees
200
Corn
139
Oats
1,405
Cotton
9,896
Misc. Field Crops*
4,717
Citrus & Orchard
1,901
Misc. Vegetables **
191
Broccoli
1,408
Lettuce
728
Cantaloupes
939
Honeydews
Mixed Melons & Watermelons
500
11,492,525
Idle
1,603
Fish Ponds
·
85
Palo Verde Diversion Dam
Miscellaneous Field Crops :Klein Grass, Milo, Rye & Timothy
Grass
** Miscellaneous Vegetables: Artichokes, Carrots, Cabbage, Onions,
Garlic & Squash
Acreage of fall, winter, and spring lettuce (harvested from
early November through April) is generally over 2,000 acres.
Yields are good, averaging 500 to 1,000 cartons per acre.
Onions are well adapted to the desert area.
Competition from other early producing areas causes production to involve considerable financial risk for dry onions.
Dry onion yields average 760 50-lb. sacks per acre. Dehydrator onion yields are between 12 & 20 tons per acre.
In recent years, the annual value of crops produced
within the District has ranged from $60 million to $158 million,
excluding livestock. During recent years, 25,000 to 35,000
head of sheep have been winter-fed annually in the valley.
It is estimated there are 56.0 miles of lined canals
and 315 miles of concrete-lined farm ditches in the valley;
about 72% of all private ditches. The District drainage system
is composed of approximately 141.4 miles of open drainage
channels carrying ground water drainage and canal operated
spill water away from farmlands and back to the river. This
system of drains includes over 250 siphons, or submerged
culverts.
The valley’s average depth to groundwater below farmland, is
approximately 10 feet.
C"Canal-One Of Our Lifegiving Arteries
8
Modern Harvesters At Work
9
(This information provided by the Palo Verde Irrigation
District, summer 2004)
BLYTHE BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL
PALO VERDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
always the 3rd weekend in January!
Palo Verde College is a public two-year comprehensive community college that provides an exemplary learning environment with high quality educational programs and services at a reasonable cost. It promotes student success, lifelong
learning and community development.
Palo Verde College was founded in September 1947 as part of the Palo Verde Unified School District. Its purpose
was to help local students pursue higher educational goals. The first campus was shared with the PVVHS at the former
Morton Air Academy, located not far from today’s campus on the
mesa west of downtown Blythe. On July 1, 1973, Palo Verde
Community College District was created and Palo Verde College
separated from the unifed district.
Looking to the future, the college’s board of trustees
purchased 200 acres of land on west 6th Avenue in 1993.
Construction of the new Blythe campus began during the summer
of 2,000 to include the John O. Crain College Services Building
and the Anthony J. Reale Classroom/Laboratory build plus
parking lots to serve students, faculty and staff. Classes at the
new campus began with the Fall 2001 semester. The Technology
Building, which houses the automotive, building construction and
welding programs, was completed in the fall of 2006. The Clancy
Osborne Physical Education Complex is the third Education Complex is the third phase of construction and will be completed in the
Spring of 2008. A fourth phase of development, a fine and
performing arts complex, was just completed in 2011. Two additional buildings are planned—one will house public safety and
allied health programs, and the other will house the Don Kuykendall Child Development Center.
The College offers associate degree and certificate programs in arts and sciences as well as vocational and occupational fields. Classes are offers for a wide variety of students—those preparing to transfer to four-year institutions, those
seeking entry-level job skills, those seeking to increase vocational competency, and those who participate in non-credit
courses. It provides remedial instruction, ESL and support services to help students succeed at the post-secondary level.
Its non-credit classes include areas defined as being important to the community and state. It also provides distance
education programs for students unable to attend face-to-face classes, including inmate students at Ironwood and
Chuckawalla Valley State Prisons. The Palo Verde Community College District originally covered the eastern end of Riverside County. It was expanded in 1999 to include Needles and the eastern end of San Bernardino County.
Big name bluegrass bands
have been coming to Blythe for
twenty-three years, for the Annual Blythe Bluegrass Music Festival, and each
year the festival has drawn more and more fans and music followers. It is
now the largest bluegrass festival in the Western United States.
Every year the festival, sponsored by the Blythe Area Chamber of
Commerce, is held the third weekend of January (Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday) at the Colorado River Fairgrounds with a free Saturday night dance!
For those of you not familiar with Bluegrass Music, it’s a form of
country music that uses non-amplified instruments,particularly the banjo, mandolin,
fiddle and dobro, played with extreme agility. It’s marked by complicated harmonies and condensed rhythms. The Event traditionally features ten professional
groupscoming from all over the United States and Canada, and band showcases.
In addition to the non-stop musicians playing on two stages, the
event features nightly “Jam Sessions” on the grounds, camping for 900
recreational vehicles and nearly 40 booths with international foods, novelties,
instruments, crafts, clothing, and music related items. Bluegrass Music
lovers travel from as far away as Alaska, Canada, the East Coast and all parts
of the US of A. It’s truly a sight to see.
The Colorado River Boys’ Bluegrass Band approached the Blythe Area Chamber of Commerce in 1987, suggesting that the
Chamber sponsor a Bluegrass Festival.
The then “Colorado River Country Music Festival” started small, and has now grown to be a major national bluegrass event.
“The Colorado River Boys” and dozens of volunteers have worked tirelessly every year, beginning just after that year’s festival concludes
preparing for the following year’s festival. They say they do it for the love of the music.
Currently in its 8th year is the Bluegrass Quilters’ Annual Show. In 2010 over 60 quilts were on display, with votes by those folks
attending the Saturday event determining the winners.
Not only does the festival bring goodwill and world class music to Blythe, it helps the economy with visitors spending hundreds of thousands of dollars buying merchandise, food, gasoline and staying in Blythe’s many fine motels and RV Resorts.
ONLINE RESERVATIONS AT:
www.blytheareachamberofcommerce.com
Email us at: blythebluegrass@yahoo.com
PALO VERDE HOSPITAL
.........
Palo Verde Hospital, is a 55-bed acute care facility serving
Blythe and the surrounding Palo Verde Valley areas. Palo Verde Hospital is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our patients, staff
and community. As partners in care, our skilled professionals work
hand-in-hand with local practitioners as well as an extensive consulting medical staff, to provide a healing environment, involving and
educating our patients and families. The following specialties and
services are available at PVH: Inpatient medical/surgical services, 24hour emergency service, day surgery, outpatient services, intensive
care unit under the medical directorship of an internist, telemetry
units to provide for those patients not needing ICU care, but still
requiring special monitoring, surgical care unit, non– invasive cardiology, home health services, surgical care unit, pediatrics, familycentered birthing center (OB/GYN, childbirth classes, labor and delivery, postpartum care), clinical laboratory, endoscopy, laser surgery, CAT scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine/ ultrasound, pharmacy, physical
therapy, cardiopulmonary services, vascular surgery, imaging services, physical rehabilitation center, community health
screening and education. Desert Air Ambulance, Inc. (locally based) and Aeromedvac, to regional major trauma centers
are also available.
Palo Verde Hospital is located at 250 N. First Street, directly across from the Post Office. General visiting hours are
7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday-Friday, and 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. ICU and other specialty units have limited visiting hours.
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URBAN COWBOY Dance
STREET FESTIVALS
This event now in its 4th year, has become a
huge favorite in such a short time! The evening
includes a live band and dancing, mechanical bull
riding, electronic roping event, outstanding barbeque, a bar, prize drawings which grows yearly!
Be sure to call the Chamber at 760/922-8166
to double-check the date. Tickets go fast.
Held in November, December and February offer the
community a gathering place, as well as the perfect,
centrally-located spot to sell those holiday crafts, be
checked out during the Health Fair and sample home
made dishes!
Of course the Chamber of Commerce makes sure
there is ample time to visit and catch up on the local
news!
Spring
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (760) 922-8166
Or Email us at: blythecoc@yahoo.com
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Oscar Galvan,
Mayor
City of Blythe
Blythe, California