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Camarillo
City of Camarillo
CSUCI-camarillo state hospital bell tower-schafphoto (cropped).jpg
Mary Magdalene Chapel (cropped).jpg
CamarilloCalifornia.jpg
Clockwise: California State University Channel Islands; view of Camarillo; Mary Magdalene Chapel
Official logo of Camarillo
Motto(s): 
"Las Personas Son la Ciudad"
("The People Are the City")
Location of Camarillo in Ventura County, California
Location of Camarillo in Ventura County, California
Camarillo is located in California
Camarillo
Camarillo
Location in California
Camarillo is located in the United States
Camarillo
Camarillo
Location in the United States
Country United States
State California
County Ventura
Rail station 1898
Incorporated October 22, 1964
Named for Adolfo and Juan Camarillo
Area
 • Total 19.70 sq mi (51.03 km2)
 • Land 19.69 sq mi (50.99 km2)
 • Water 0.02 sq mi (0.04 km2)  0.08%
Elevation
177 ft (54 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 70,741
 • Density 3,593.47/sq mi (1,387.45/km2)
Time zone UTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
93010–93012
Area code 805
FIPS code 06-10046
GNIS feature IDs 1652682, 2409966

Camarillo ( KAM-ə-REE-oh) is a city in Ventura County in the U.S. state of California. As of the 2010 United States Census, the population was 65,201, an increase of 8,117 from the 57,084 counted in the 2000 Census. Camarillo is named for brothers Juan and Adolfo Camarillo, prominent Californios who owned Rancho Calleguas and founded the city. The city is home to California State University, Channel Islands, housed on the former grounds of the Camarillo State Hospital.

Geography

CamarilloCaliforniaPanorama
A panoramic view of Camarillo looking southeast

Camarillo is located at 34°14′N 119°2′W / 34.233°N 119.033°W / 34.233; -119.033 (34.2256, −119.0322). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.5 square miles (51 km2). 0.015 square miles (0.039 km2) of the area (0.08%) is water.

Camarillo is located in Pleasant Valley at the eastern end of the Oxnard Plain, with the Santa Susana Mountains to the north, the Camarillo Hills to the northwest, the Conejo Valley to the east, and the western reaches of the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

Climate

This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Camarillo has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.

Climate data for Camarillo, California
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 88
(31)
91
(33)
94
(34)
100
(38)
102
(39)
102
(39)
94
(34)
97
(36)
103
(39)
108
(42)
98
(37)
96
(36)
108
(42)
Average high °F (°C) 66
(19)
66
(19)
65
(18)
68
(20)
68
(20)
70
(21)
73
(23)
74
(23)
74
(23)
73
(23)
70
(21)
66
(19)
69
(21)
Average low °F (°C) 45
(7)
47
(8)
48
(9)
50
(10)
53
(12)
56
(13)
59
(15)
60
(16)
59
(15)
55
(13)
49
(9)
45
(7)
52
(11)
Record low °F (°C) 29
(−2)
28
(−2)
31
(−1)
35
(2)
39
(4)
42
(6)
44
(7)
46
(8)
42
(6)
37
(3)
33
(1)
29
(−2)
28
(−2)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.4
(86)
4.0
(100)
3.0
(76)
0.7
(18)
0.2
(5.1)
0.1
(2.5)
0.0
(0.0)
0.1
(2.5)
0.4
(10)
0.4
(10)
1.4
(36)
2.1
(53)
15.8
(399.1)
Source: The Weather Channel.

Demographics

2010

Mary Magdalene Chapel (cropped2)
St. Mary Magdalene was founded by the Camarillo brothers and houses the Camarillo Family Mausoleum.
Historical population
Census Pop.
1960 2,359
1970 19,219 714.7%
1980 37,797 96.7%
1990 52,303 38.4%
2000 57,077 9.1%
2010 65,201 14.2%
2020 70,741 8.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

The 2010 United States Census reported that Camarillo had a population of 65,201. The population density was 3,336.3 people per square mile (1,288.1/km2). The racial makeup of Camarillo was 48,947 (75.1%) White, 1,216 (1.9%) African American, 397 (0.6%) Native American, 6,633 (10.2%) Asian, 116 (0.2%) Pacific Islander, 4,774 (7.3%) from other races, and 3,118 (4.8%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14,958 persons (22.9%).

The Census reported that 64,705 people (99.2% of the population) lived in households, 155 (0.2%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 341 (0.5%) were institutionalized.

There were 24,504 households, out of which 8,103 (33.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 13,565 (55.4%) were traditional married couples living together, 2,386 (9.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 1,078 (4.4%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 1,257 (5.1%) non-traditional couples or partnerships. 5,986 households (24.4%) were made up of individuals, and 3,231 (13.2%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64. There were 17,029 families (69.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.14.

The population was spread out, with 15,115 people (23.2%) under the age of 18, 5,164 people (7.9%) aged 18 to 24, 15,895 people (24.4%) aged 25 to 44, 17,825 people (27.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 11,202 people (17.2%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

There were 25,702 housing units at an average density of 1,315.1 per square mile (507.8/km2), of which 17,059 (69.6%) were owner-occupied, and 7,445 (30.4%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 5.2%. 45,522 people (69.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 19,183 people (29.4%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 57,084 people, 24,376 households, and 15,242 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,015.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,164.2/km2). There were 24,376 housing units at an average density of 1,159.4 per square mile (447.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 70.90% White, 1.90% African American, 0.52% Native American, 9.40% Asian, 0.60% Pacific Islander, 13.20% from other races, and 3.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.10% of the population.

There were 24,376 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.3% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $62,457, and the median income for a family was $72,676 (these figures had risen to $78,677 and $92,683 respectively as of a 2007 estimate). Males had a median income of $51,507 versus $36,240 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,635. About 3.6% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or older.

Libraries

On October 13, 2010, the Camarillo City Council voted 5–0 to withdraw from the Ventura County Library System, and enter into a public-private contract with Library Systems & Services (LSSI) of Germantown, Maryland, a private company that administers several libraries throughout the United States, to provide locally hired staffing and to manage the day-to-day operations of the City of Camarillo Public Library. Under the partnership agreement, the library will remain in the public trust, managed by the City of Camarillo and operated by LSSI.

On January 1, 2011, the City of Camarillo Public Library opened as municipal public library.

The City of Camarillo Public Library
The City of Camarillo Public Library

Nearby academic libraries include California State University Channel Islands, California Lutheran University, St. Thomas Aquinas, Moorpark College, Oxnard College, and Ventura College.

Quality of life

Camarillo April 2010
A view of Camarillo from nearby hills on a cloudy day in April. Such days are not typical of the area.

Camarillo and the surrounding area has a temperate, Mediterranean-type climate. Its location in a coastal valley brings mild ocean breezes and temperatures in the 70s throughout most of the year. An average rainfall of 13 inches (330 mm) occurs primarily from November to February. The city has over 300 days of sunshine a year and an average humidity of 62%.

Snow has only fallen about 3 times in the last thirty years and is seldom more than a dusting. Snow is often visible during the winter months above the 4,000-foot (1,200 m) level in the mountains to the north. The proximity of the ocean sometimes causes morning fog in the spring and early summer.

Camarillo is primarily a bedroom community made up of large housing tracts, with elementary schools and small strip malls serving the neighborhood. The primary public high schools serving Camarillo are Adolfo Camarillo High School in Mission Oaks, and Rio Mesa High School in Strickland between Oxnard and Camarillo, and Rancho Campana High School near the intersection of Lewis Road and Las Posas Road. All three high schools are part of the Oxnard Union High School District.

The Boys and Girls Club of Camarillo has been open since 1967. The Club serves close to 400 kids per day and is primarily funded by donations from the Community. The YMCA has a facility on Village at the Park Drive, and a new library was constructed and opened on March 31, 2007. Many sports leagues, including adult leagues, such as baseball, basketball, football, and the largest AYSO soccer league west of the Mississippi are located in Camarillo. An outdoor in-line hockey rink is in Freedom Park, near the Camarillo Airport.

The incidence of all types of crime committed in the city is far below the national average.

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District

Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District Logo
Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District

The Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District (PVRPD, www.pvrpd.org) is an independent Special-purpose district located in Ventura County, California.

The District is located in and around the City of Camarillo, serves a population of over 70,000 and covers an area approximately 45 square miles. It has grown from one park and 30 acres to 27 parks and over 300 acres since its inception in 1962. PVRPD was incorporated prior to the City of Camarillo.

Within the District, a variety of recreational facilities exist including:

The District is a separate government agency from the City of Camarillo. The boundaries of the District also varies from the City of Camarillo. The District is governed by publicly elected Board of Directors and is managed by a General Manager. The Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District is funded by local property taxes and fees to provide and maintain parks and outdoor recreational facilities for the enjoyment of all Camarillo citizens.

History

Formed in January 1962 under the State Public Resource Code of California. The creation of the District was approved by voters to provide programs, parks and facilities that can be used by the community.

Awards

  • 2012 Award of Excellence for Marketing and Communications Website Redesign from the California Park and Recreation Society
  • 2012 Agency Showcase Award for Outstanding Activity Guide from the California Park and Recreation Society District 8
  • 2012 Award for Park Operations and Maintenance for Pleasant Valley Fields Premier Soccer Facility from California Park and Recreation Society District 8
  • 2011 Summer Activity Guide for Award of Excellence – Print Publication – Marketing Class 3 (population 50,000–100,000) from the California Parks & Recreation Society
  • 2011 Agency Showcase Award – Agency Brochure from California Park and Recreation Society District 8
  • 2004 Agency Showcase Award Outstanding Recreation Guide for the Fall 2004 Recreation Guide from California Park and Recreation Society District 8

Camarillo Christmas Parade

The Pleasant Valley and Recreation and Park District has hosted the Camarillo Christmas Parade since 1962. The Christmas Parade usually occurs during the first or second weekend in December. Hundreds of organizations and thousands of people participate in the parade. Community Members come from all over to watch the parade. Notable Grand Marshals have been:

  • Jessica Mendoza (2012) – Olympic Gold Medal Softball Player
  • Lisa Guerrero (2011) – TV Personality
  • Jack Wilson (infielder) (2010) Seattle Mariners Shortstop
  • The Biggest Loser Winners (2009)- Helen Phillips (Season 7) and Michelle Aguilar (Season 6)
  • EJ Harrison & Sons (2008) – Local Family Business
  • Fernando Vargas (2007) – Boxer

Camarillo resident Walter Brennan also had been a grand marshal in the 1970s.

Parks

Adolfo Park Arneill Ranch Park
Birchview Park Bob Kildee Community Park
Calleguas Creek Camarillo Grove Park
Carmenita Park Charter Oak Park
Community Center Park Dos Caminos Park
Encanto Park Foothill Park
Freedom Park Heritage Park
Laurelwood Park Eldred Lokker Memorial Park
Mission Oaks Park Nancy Bush Park
Pitts Ranch Park Pleasant Valley Fields
Quito Park Springville Park
Trailside Park Valle Lindo Park
Woodcreek Park Woodside Park

Facilities

Aquatic Center Auditorium
Classrooms Community Center
Dirt BMX Track Equestrian Center
Freedom Center Freedom Gym
Roller Hockey Rink R/C Track
Senior Center Skatepark

History

Pre-Columbian

The Chumash Indians were the first known settlers in what is now known as Ventura County. Fishermen built their villages along the Pacific Coast near the mouths of the Calleguas Creek and Santa Clara River. Artifacts from their settlements are on display in the Ventura County Historical Museum and their paintings are still visible on canyon walls and in caves in the area.

European exploration

The Spanish navigator Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, while exploring the Pacific coast for the king of Spain, came upon the Chumash in an area near Point Mugu. He explored the surrounding region and claimed it in the name of Spain in 1542. Cabrillo was followed in 1602 by Sebastián Vizcaíno on a mapping expedition for the King of Spain. The Chumash continued to inhabit the coast until 1768 when Russians, having established a settlement 800 miles (1,300 km) to the north, launched expeditions challenging the Spanish land claims. In the 18th century, the Spanish began settling California and built the first of what would become a chain of 21 missions in San Diego. Father Junípero Serra establish the ninth mission in Ventura in 1782 bringing more settlers to the area and exposing the Indians who had settled around the mission to many European diseases to which they had no immunity. Their numbers diminished until the Chumash, once the largest Indian nation in California, had largely vanished by 1839.

Mexican independence

By the early 1820s, Mexico had gained independence from Spain, and shortly afterward California allied itself with Mexico. The Mexican land grant system was liberalized in 1824 resulting in many large grants in California and the proliferation of Ranchos north of the border. One grant to José Pedro Ruiz created Rancho Calleguas in 1837, in the area that is now Camarillo. The grant was later sold to Juan Camarillo, who had arrived in 1834 as a member of the Hijar-Padres Expedition; it was his sons Adolfo and Juan that are credited with the founding of the town that was to bear their name. The earlier proposed name of Calleguas was rejected as too difficult to pronounce.

Springville

At about same time, the town of Springville had begun to form just to the west of the emerging town of Camarillo on the main road to Ventura which is now the intersection of Ventura Boulevard and Wood Road. The Springville Post Office, which was open from 1875 to 1903, was one of seventeen post offices operating in the county in 1890. The Springville School District was established in 1887 and the grammar school was south of the settlement on the main road (now Pleasant Valley Road) to the new wharf at Hueneme where schooners brought lumber from the north and carried grain, lima beans and sheep to markets in San Francisco. Springville's existence was threatened though when the Southern Pacific Railroad Coast Route was routed farther south through Pleasant Valley and a depot was established in nearby Camarillo. The settlement disappeared but in 2012 a new road was named Springville Drive to honor the little town and is now marked on the 101 freeway with an overpass and ramps at the western end of Camarillo. The original settlement would have been nearby on the south side of the freeway.

St. John's Seminary

In 1927 Don Juan Camarillo, brother of Adolfo, donated 100 acres (0.40 km2) to be used as a seminary to be named in honor of Saint John the Evangelist. The Roman Catholic seminary was opened in 1939 as St. John's Seminary.

Early growth

Camarillo's growth was slow from founding through World War II. In the late 1940s, building lots on Ventura Boulevard, the main downtown street, were being offered for $450 and home lots on the adjoining streets were $250, with few buyers. Travel to and from Los Angeles was difficult, owing to the narrow, tortuous road climbing the Conejo Grade to the east of the city.

Camarillo farms
One of the farm fields in southern Camarillo.

The main industry during this period was agriculture, and the area surrounding the small town was blanketed with orange, lemon and walnut groves. The State Mental hospital south of the town was the largest employer. A few houses had sprung up to the north and south of town center. The Oxnard Army Air Field, built during World War II to the west of town, the Naval Air Facility at Point Mugu and the Seabee base at Port Hueneme brought many military personnel to the area, but there was little private industry or other source of non-agricultural employment.

Oxnard AAF closed at the end of World War II, but the Navy facilities remained open, with the airfield upgraded to Naval Air Station Point Mugu and the Seabee base becoming Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme and Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme. With the Korean War and associated Cold War tensions, the former Oxnard AAF was reactivated in 1951 as Oxnard Air Force Base, an Air Defense Command / Aerospace Defense Command fighter-interceptor base, that closed again in 1970 and became the present-day Camarillo Airport.

Ventura Freeway (US Route 101)

In the mid-1950s, the Ventura Freeway, which bisects the town, was completed from Los Angeles to points north, making it an easy one-hour trip to Camarillo. The freeway was originally planned to follow the path of Potrero Road, south of Camarillo, which would have completely by-passed the soon-to-be city. However, after much debate, city officials persuaded Caltrans to lay the freeway parallel to Ventura Boulevard, creating the infamously steep descent from the Santa Monica Mountains, known as the Conejo Grade. The grade is about 2.7 miles (4.3 km) and posted as a 7% grade—which translates as about one thousand feet of elevation change in less than three miles (70 meters per kilometer). There is a California Highway Patrol brake inspection station at the top of the grade and a stop is mandatory for all 18-wheel trucks. The completion of the freeway facilitated the growth that followed. In 1962, the population was 7,500 and 3M began construction for the Mincom and Magnetic Tape Divisions, which would ultimately employ 900 people, becoming the largest local employer. That plant briefly housed a factory for 3M spinoff Imation before being closed in 2008. Housing tracts were built where orchards once stood. House prices were $14,000 to $65,000.

Incorporation in 1964

At this time plans were made for the incorporation of the city to control the rapid expansion. Camarillo became a city in 1964 and soon put into place a General Plan and building codes that were to lead to an attractive city environment. In 1964 the closest traffic signal was 2 miles (3.2 km) from the City center on the road to Point Mugu, and the first shopping center and supermarket were under construction. Because of the late date of city incorporation, the local telephone exchange is still listed as part of Oxnard. Much of the city was expected to be developed to the south of Ventura Blvd, however it was to the north that the new city grew, and the land south of Ventura Blvd remains reserved for agricultural use to this day.

Many of the home buyers during the 1960s were military veterans, who had been stationed at one of the local bases during their service. The temperate climate and the living conditions lured them back. With the establishment of both the Pacific Missile Range at NAS Point Mugu and the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory at Port Hueneme many found employment that utilized their military training. Other newcomers were those who worked and lived in the San Fernando Valley and were willing to endure the commute for the opportunity to raise their families in a smog-free, semirural environment. Still others relocated here with their employers, like 3M, and Harbor Freight Tools who built facilities in and around the city to take advantage of the large workforce. Technicolor Video Services Inc. is the largest DVD duplicator in the world. The members of the original city council (1964) were Ned Chatfield, Stan Daily, Earl Joseph, Tweedy Rouce & Guy Turner.

Mission Oaks

Mission Oaks is the name given by developer Pardee Homes to a 1,312 acres (531 ha) parcel of land located in the north-eastern portion of the city. This parcel was developed as a planned community over the span of 35 years, and was completed in October 2004. The area developed by Pardee Homes makes up approximately 15% of Camarillo's total land. Due to the decades-long timescale of the project, many residents are unaware of Mission Oaks' proprietary nature, and the area east of Lewis Road (State Route 34), south of Somis and north of the 101 Freeway is generally thought of as Mission Oaks regardless of which company built the buildings in the area.

Camarillo Premium Outlets

In the mid-1990s, multiple large retail centers, including one of California's largest outlet malls and movie theater were built south of US 101 and west of Carmen Drive. These new retail centers have provided a large influx of cash to the city; from 1993 to 1998 sales tax revenues nearly doubled from approximately $3.5 million to approximately $6.5 million. On April 23, 2009, several new shops and restaurants opened at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, designated "The Promenade". The Promenade is 220,000 square feet (20,000 m2), while the Premium Outlets is 454,000. The new center has 45 stores and restaurants, bringing the total to about 160

Camarillo Springs Fire

Beginning 7:02 am. on Thursday, May 2, 2013, a major brush fire began in the Camarillo Springs area and burned throughout the area. The community of Dos Vientos and CSUCI were evacuated due to the proximity of the fire. About 15 houses were damaged, but none burned down. 28,000 acres of land was burned by the fire. Finally, on Sunday, May 5, 2013, rain in the area during the night helped firefighters bring the fire under full control.

Transportation

WW2 Restored B-25 Camarillo AirShow 8.17.08 - panoramio
Wings Over Camarillo airshow at Camarillo Airport, 2008

VCTC Intercity operates buses between Camarillo and several nearby cities, including the Conejo Express to the Warner Center area in western Los Angeles County.

The City of Camarillo operates a trolley within central Camarillo, which runs from 10:00 to 6:00 Sunday through Thursday and later into the evening on Friday and Saturday nights. CAT operates one scheduled bus line Monday through Friday within Camarillo, and Dial-A-Ride services for the disabled Monday through Saturday.

Camarillo Airport

Camarillo Airport (ICAO: KCMAFAA LID: CMA) is a public airport located 3 miles (4.8 km) west of the central business district of Camarillo. The airport has one runway and serves privately operated general aviation and executive aircraft, with no scheduled commercial service.

Camarillo Station

Camarillo has one train station, served by both Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner from San Luis Obispo to San Diego and Metrolink's Ventura County Line from Los Angeles Union Station to Montalvo. Nine Pacific Surfliner trains serve the station daily and six Metrolink trains serve the station each weekday. This limited Metrolink service runs only at peak hours in the peak direction of travel (i.e. three morning departures to Los Angeles and three evening arrivals from Los Angeles).

Camrosa, or Santa Rosa, area

A rural region northeast of Camarillo, California may be referred to as Santa Rosa or Camrosa. Camrosa is believed to be a contraction of Camarillo and Santa Rosa. The area includes just over a five-mile (8 km) distance along Santa Rosa Road from the city limit east to Moorpark Road. The area is unincorporated as of 2007. Wired telephone service to the area comes from the Camarillo telephone exchange, while homes on the hillside overlooking the valley (from the south) are from Thousand Oaks. Geographic features supporting these names include:

  • Santa Rosa Valley, USGS feature ID 249122.
  • Camrosa Water Treatment Plane, part of the Calleguas Water District, 7385 Santa Rosa Road.
  • Santa Rosa Elementary, 13282 Santa Rosa Rd., Pleasant Valley Elementary School Dist., USGS feature ID 249119.
  • Arroyo Santa Rosa, a stream with USGS feature ID 238765.

This Santa Rosa is not the same as the Sonoma County city of the same name.

In popular culture

The motion pictures Coming Home, Pearl Harbor, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Iron Eagle, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, and Friday the 13th: A New Beginning were filmed in Camarillo. The well used in the film The Ring is located in Camarillo

Camarillo is sometimes mentioned in literature because of the mental hospital once located there. In Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums, he mentions a place "...somewhere near Camarillo where Charlie Parker'd been mad and relaxed back to normal health" (The Dharma Bums, 1).

Frank Zappa referred to the city in his 1973 song "Camarillo Brillo". The city's name is mispronounced so as to rhyme with the second word in the song's title.

Economy

Floral Clock in Camarillo, CA
The clock in Camarillo Plaza
CSUCI-camarillo state hospital bell tower-schafphoto
The former Camarillo State Hospital serves as the campus of California State University, Channel Islands.

Semtech, Salem Communications, and Surfware are based in Camarillo.

Top civilian employers

According to the city's 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the ten largest employers are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Pleasant Valley School District 729
2 St. John's Hospital Camarillo 611
3 Meissner Filtration Products 510
4 Hi-Temp Insulation 463
5 Alert Communications 421
6 Teledyne Scientific & Imaging 289
7 Lucix Corp 250
8 Hygiena LLC 204
9 Mike's Farm Labor Contractor 200
10 Identity Management Services Org LLC 189

Education

University Hall CSUCI (cropped)
Campus of California State University, Channel Islands

The primary public high schools serving Camarillo are Adolfo Camarillo High School in Mission Oaks, Rio Mesa High School in Strickland between Oxnard and Camarillo, and Rancho Campana High School near the intersection of Lewis Road and Las Posas Road. All three high schools are part of the Oxnard Union High School District.

California State University, Channel Islands

Camarillo State Mental Hospital was established near the city in the 1930s so that persons suffering from mental illnesses or tuberculosis could recover in Ventura County's balmy climate. Jazzman Charlie Parker's "Relaxin' at Camarillo," is a tribute to the facility. The song "Camarillo" by punk outfit Fear is also written about the facility. The band Ambrosia released a song called "Ready for Camarillo" on their 1978 Life Beyond L.A. album. "Ready for Camarillo" also appeared as the single B side of their hit "How Much I Feel." The former hospital is the now the site of California State University, Channel Islands. The university has retained the distinctive Mission Revival-style bell tower in the South quad.

The Camarillo State Hospital was closed in the 1990s and remained vacant until the site was converted into California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI). CSUCI officially opened in August 2002 and is now accredited by the WASC.

Notable people

  • Bryan Anger, NFL punter
  • Bill Austin, football player of the 1950s
  • Bob and Mike Bryan, brothers and professional tennis players, 16 major championships, Olympic gold medalists
  • Brandon Cruz, actor and musician
  • Kaley Cuoco, actress, star of television's The Big Bang Theory
  • Jeremy Fischer, high jumper and coach
  • Scott Fujita, linebacker for Cleveland Browns
  • Nat Gertler, writer, comics creator (About Comics)
  • Ashley Johnson, actress
  • Bobby Kimball, wide receiver for Green Bay Packers 1979-80
  • Charlie Kimball, Indycar driver
  • Henry Koster, Academy Award-nominated film director
  • John D. Lowry, film restoration specialist
  • Jessica Mendoza, USA softball player and ESPN baseball broadcaster
  • Mad Mike, musician
  • Peggy Moran, actress in films from 1938 to 1943
  • Cyrus Nowrasteh, screenwriter, producer and director
  • Mike Parrott, MLB pitcher for Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners 1977-81
  • Duncan Renaldo, Western actor best remembered for playing The Cisco Kid.
  • Marla Runyan, Paralympic gold medalist, one of only five athletes to participate in both Paralympics and Olympics
  • Robert A. Rushworth, USAF astronaut
  • Jimmie Sherfy, Major League Baseball pitcher
  • Emil Sitka, actor of many films and television shows, most notably The Three Stooges film shorts
  • Jordan Sweeney, musician
  • Jeff Tackett, Major League Baseball catcher 1991-94
  • Jason Wade, guitarist and vocalist of rock band Lifehouse
  • Trevor Wallace, comedian, actor, podcaster
  • Patrick Warburton, actor, known for TV series Seinfeld
  • Delmon Young, Major League Baseball outfielder 2006-15

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Camarillo (California) para niños

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Camarillo, California Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.