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Long Beach, Calif.

Mayor: Bob Foster (to June 2010)

City Manager: Gerald Miller

2000 census population (rank): 461,522 (34); % change: 7.5; Male: 226,718 (49.1%); Female: 234,804 (50.9%); 1996 est. population breakdown: White: 208,410 (45.2%); Black: 68,618 (14.9%); American Indian and Alaska Native: 3,881 (0.8%); Asian: 55,591 (12.0%); Other race: 95,107 (20.6%); Two or more races: 24,310 (5.3%); Hispanic/Latino: 165,092 (35.8%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 70.8%; 65 and over: 9.1%; Median age: 30.8.

2005 population estimate (rank): 474,014 (34)

See additional census data

Land area: 50 sq mi. (130 sq km);

Alt.: Highest, 170 ft.; lowest, sea level

Avg. daily temp.: Jan., 55.9° F; July, 73.1° F

Churches: 236;

City-owned parks: 92 (plus 5 golf courses);

Radio stations: AM, 2; FM, 2;

Television stations: 8 (metro area)

Civilian Labor Force (PMSA) April 2006: 6,447,3001;

Unemployed: 268,6001,

Percent: 4.21;

Per capita personal income (MSA) 2004: $35,1881

Chamber of Commerce: Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, One World Trade Center, Suite 206, Long Beach, CA 90831-0350

1. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Santa Ana, Calif.

Long Beach is the fifth-largest city in California and is situated on San Pedro Bay, south of Los Angeles, in Los Angeles County.

The town was laid out and settled in 1881 by developer W. E. Willmore, who sold lots on the site as a seaside resort community called Willmore City. It was renamed Long Beach for its 81/2-mile beach in 1884. The city was incorporated in 1888 and reincorporated in 1897.

Long Beach is a major industrial port, ranked second-busiest in the U.S. and tenth-busiest in the world. In addition to international trade through the port, high technology has also been an important economic engine for the Long Beach area. Major technology and aerospace corporations such Gulfstream and Raytheon have large facilities in Long Beach, and Boeing continues to be the top employer, with over 17,000 employees.

Tourism is also important to the economy. Major attractions are the RMS Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, whale watching tours, and water sports.

See also Encyclopedia: Long Beach.

Selected famous natives and residents:

  • Jack Anderson journalist;
  • Jennifer Bartlett artist;
  • Barbara Britton actress;
  • Nicholas Cage actor;
  • Spike Jones orchestra leader;
  • Sally Kellerman actress;
  • Billie Jean King tennis player;
  • Martha Rae Watson track star;
  • Heather Watts dancer.

Las Vegas, Nev.Profiles of the 50 Largest Cities of the United StatesLos Angeles, Calif.

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