The Undiscovered 'Citrus Capital' On California's Coast

Can the sleeping California coastal town of Santa Paula manage growth as it is "rediscovered" by developers and residents looking for affordable land?

1 minute read

May 18, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Officials insist the city is entering a new era. Indeed, Santa Paula is the county's latest beneficiary of a hot real estate market that has already begun to attract investors, developers and affluent home buyers. All are lured by the unspoiled beauty and relative affordability — the median price of a home is $256,000 — of the self-proclaimed 'Citrus Capital of the World.'... Whatever course the city takes, residents in the largely Latino community do not want their town to become the next big-box battleground. In public surveys, Santa Paula residents repeatedly say they recognize the city's need to grow but not at the expense of its architectural and cultural heritage."

Thanks to Mindy Oliver

Sunday, May 16, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog