Bloomington, CA
Bloomington is an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, California, known for its residential areas and ongoing community efforts to achieve cityhood.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Bloomington is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in San Bernardino County, California, United States . It does not have its own municipal government and is under the jurisdiction of the county. The community is actively seeking incorporation to become a city, though it faces competition from neighboring cities like Rialto and Fontana which have attempted to annex parts of its land . San Bernardino County is a large region in Southern California, known for its diverse landscapes ranging from the urbanized areas of the Inland Empire to the vast deserts and mountain resorts like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear.
Historical Names and Nicknames
The original settlement in the area, dating back to the early 20th century, was known as Crestmore. This community was located in the southern part of present-day Bloomington, near the Crestmore Quarries, and was developed to house workers for the local cement plant .
Date of Foundation and Age
The town site for Bloomington was laid out and surveyed in April 1888 by the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company . This makes the community over 135 years old. The area was developed as part of the company's larger land holdings in the region, which also included the town sites of Rialto, Fontana, and Sansevaine .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Bloomington is located in the western part of San Bernardino County, within the Inland Empire region of Southern California. Its precise geographic coordinates are 34°04′13″N 117°23′45″W . The community is situated on an alluvial plain at the base of the foothills, approximately 55 miles east of Los Angeles. The elevation of the community is 1,099 feet (335 meters) above sea level .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Bloomington is primarily a residential community within a larger metropolitan area. Its economy is closely tied to the surrounding region, with many residents commuting to jobs in nearby cities. A significant local landmark is the large cement plant near the historic Crestmore Quarries, which has been an economic cornerstone since the early 1900s . In recent years, warehousing and logistics have become a growing presence, leading to community debates about development .
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Bloomington was 24,339 . This classifies it as a small to medium-sized community. The population is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, making up 81.0% of residents according to the 2010 Census . The community is characterized by a young demographic, with a median age of 27.8 years, and many family-oriented households .
City's "Visiting Card" (In Short)
Bloomington is a classic example of an unincorporated community in Southern California, balancing its residential character with a history tied to industry and agriculture. It is a place where residents are deeply invested in their community's identity, actively campaigning for cityhood to preserve its character amidst the rapid growth and development pressures of the surrounding Inland Empire.
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
While there are no mountains within Bloomington itself, the community lies just west of the Jurupa Mountains. A prominent geological feature in the area is the Crestmore Quarries, located in the southern part of Bloomington near these hills. The quarry's rocks are a well-known site for mineral collectors due to their diverse and rare mineral specimens .
Water Bodies
Bloomington does not have any major rivers or lakes within its borders. The closest significant water feature is the Santa Ana River, which flows several miles to the southwest, near the city of Riverside. For local recreation, residents often visit Colton Recreation Lake, located a short distance to the south in the city of Colton .
Deserts, Canyons, and Unique Landscapes
The community itself is situated in a valley region, but it is within a short driving distance of the Cajon Pass, a notable mountain pass and canyon to the north. This pass, carved by the Mojave River, is a major transportation corridor connecting the Southern California coast to the Mojave Desert and the rest of the country via Interstate 15.
National and Natural Parks
Bloomington does not host any national or state parks. The nearest major outdoor recreation area is the Jurupa Hills Regional Park, located in the neighboring city of Jurupa Valley. The park offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Bloomington has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa) under the Köppen climate classification, transitioning into a semi-arid climate. It is characterized by very hot, dry summers and cool, mild winters with most of the year's rainfall occurring between late fall and early spring . The area enjoys an abundance of sunshine throughout the year.
Average Temperatures by Month
The hottest month in Bloomington is August, with an average daily high of 95°F (35°C) and an average low of 65°F (18°C) . The coolest months are December and January, with average daily highs around 66-67°F (18-19°C) and lows dropping to about 43°F (6°C) . Record high temperatures can exceed 110°F (43°C) during summer heatwaves, while winter temperatures rarely dip below freezing .
Precipitation and Humidity
The average annual rainfall in Bloomington is approximately 16 inches (396 mm) . The wettest month is typically December, with an average of 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain, while the summer months of June through September are extremely dry, often seeing less than 0.1 inches of rain . Snowfall is extremely rare, with an average annual accumulation of less than an inch . Humidity levels are generally low, especially in the summer, which helps to mitigate the intense heat.
Sunny Days and UV Index
Bloomington enjoys a high number of sunny days, with the sky being clear or mostly clear for about 88% of the time during the summer months . This results in a very high UV index during the summer, often reaching levels of 10 or more, making sun protection essential for outdoor activities.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March - May): This is one of the best times to visit, with comfortably warm temperatures ranging from the low 70s°F (low 20s°C) in March to the low 80s°F (upper 20s°C) in May. Rainfall is minimal, and the hillsides may still show some green from the winter rains.
- Summer (June - August): Summers are extremely hot, with average highs exceeding 90°F (32°C) and frequently topping 100°F (38°C). While the low humidity makes the heat more bearable, outdoor activities are best done in the early morning or late evening.
- Fall (September - November): Fall is another excellent time to visit. September remains hot, but temperatures become increasingly pleasant through October and November. It is generally dry and sunny.
- Winter (December - February): Winters are mild and cool. Days are typically sunny with highs in the mid-60s°F (around 18°C), but nights can be chilly, dropping into the low 40s°F (around 5°C). This is when most of the annual rainfall occurs, though it is usually not a significant travel impediment.
Landmarks
The Crestmore Quarries
The Crestmore Quarries, located in the southern part of Bloomington, are a significant historical and scientific landmark . Operated by the Riverside Portland Cement Company since the early 1900s, the quarries are world-famous among mineralogists. They have yielded over 150 different mineral species, including several that were first discovered here, such as jurupaite and riversideite. The site is a classic locality for collectors, though access is restricted due to quarry operations.
Historic Town Site Core
While not a single monument, the original town site for Bloomington, surveyed in 1888, holds historical significance. Bounded by Valley Boulevard, Slover Avenue, Larch Avenue, and Linden Avenue, this area represents the planned heart of the community established by the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company . A drive through this neighborhood reveals a mix of older homes and the semi-rural character with animals that still defines parts of Bloomington.
Community Parks
Bloomington is served by several parks managed by the Bloomington Recreation and Park District. While specific notable parks aren't detailed in the search results, these spaces, often featuring sports fields and playgrounds, serve as central gathering points for the community, hosting local events and providing recreational opportunities.
Transport
Major Highways
Bloomington is situated directly on a major transportation artery, Interstate 10 (I-10) , also known as the San Bernardino Freeway . This freeway runs east-west, connecting Los Angeles to the west with San Bernardino and points east. The community is also in close proximity to Interstate 15, a major north-south route that provides access to Las Vegas and San Diego.
Public Transportation
Local bus service in Bloomington is provided by Omnitrans, the public transit agency for San Bernardino Valley . Bus routes connect Bloomington with neighboring cities like Fontana, Rialto, and San Bernardino, providing essential transportation for residents.
Railroads
Bloomington is crossed by the Union Pacific Railroad's Alhambra Subdivision and is home to a major hump yard, a key facility for sorting freight cars . The closest passenger rail station is the Ontario-Metrolink Station, which provides commuter rail service via Metrolink to Los Angeles, Riverside, and other parts of Southern California. Amtrak's long-distance Sunset Limited also passes through Bloomington on the same tracks but does not stop; the nearest Amtrak station is also in Ontario .
Airports
The closest major commercial airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT) , located approximately 10-12 miles to the southwest. It is a medium-sized hub offering flights to many destinations across the United States and Mexico. For a wider range of international flights, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County are also accessible, though they are a longer drive away.
Local Transportation
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Bloomington, offering convenient options for getting around the community and to nearby cities . Given its layout as a suburban community, a personal vehicle is the most common and practical mode of transportation for most residents and visitors.