California City

California City, located in the northern Antelope Valley of Kern County, California, is approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 14,973. Despite its relatively small population, California City boasts the third-largest land area of any city in California, covering 203.63 square miles. This makes it the largest city in California by land area that is not a county seat. California City's economy is supported by several key industries, including the public sector, retail trade, and manufacturing. Major employers include Edwards Air Force Base, the California City Correctional Center, Mojave Air and Space Port, and the Hyundai/Kia Proving Grounds. The city was originally designed as a planned community with the intention of accommodating a population of 400,000. Founded in 1958 by real estate developer Nat Mendelsohn, California City was envisioned as a rival to Los Angeles. The city's design included a central park with a man-made lake, golf courses, and a grid-like street layout intended for a much larger population. While the city's growth has not matched its initial ambitions, it remains a unique example of urban planning in the Mojave Desert.