About Pleasant Hill, CA

The San Joaquin Valley was believed to be of little value for some time. In 1826, the immigrants roamed the easternmost foothills in the location close to what is currently known to be Pleasant Hill. The Valley floor was filled with tall rushes. There was an amazing migration to between 1849 and 1852, as the result of the discovery of Gold. There prairie schooners rolling through Porterville between 1849 end 1852.

The Wagon trains were loaded with of people were simply passing through the settlement. However, some travelers found the land rich simply established farms in the region. In 1856, a store was established to sell goods to the Indians and the miners. Because another Putnam family lived south of town, the community was given from the founder’s given.

Some 20.8 inches of rain fell in the region which caused in the change of course of the Tule River. In 1862, Putnam’s acres were drained, and Mr. Putnam had his property surveyed, establishing streets and staking out lot lines. White pioneers were offered a free lot for every one that they bought. The hot, dry, and long summer resulted in the required to irrigate the lands. The Southern Pacific Railroad brought in the branch line from Fresno in 1888. The Pioneer Hotel and Bank were constructed by some businessmen from San Francisco.

Then year 1902 the Chamber Commerce was established which brought the incorporation of the community as a town in1907. Commerce was established in 1907. In 1926, a Charter was adopted and City Manager-Council type of government. By 1920, the population of the community had increased to some 5,000. Agriculture has been the primary source of growth economically in the region, although it is supplemented by the Central Valley Water Project. The community is the hub for a large farming region. The Porterville College campus of Porterville College campus of the Kern Community College District, Royalty Carpeting, Sierra Pacific Apparel, the United States Success Facility, Standard Register, National Vitamin, The Wal-Mart Distribution Center, and Kern Community College District and other small businesses have facilities in Porterville.

In addition there are also many other large public facilities are also located here. These include the Kern Community College District, the Kern Community College District the Porterville Developmental Center, the Porterville College campus of Porterville, the Sequoia National Forest Headquarters, the Army Corps of Engineers Lake Success Facility, and the Porterville College campus of Porterville College campus of Porterville These institutes of higher learning are all located in on an and elevation of some 455 feet in the foothills of the Sierras, which are located on State Highway 165, 65 miles north of Los Angeles, 171 miles east of the Pacific Coast. The community has a strategic central location with a ready access to primary routes for transportation.

Historically, the San Joaquin Valley has had a very good agricultural economy. In the Great Depression in the 1930’s, which extended until the 1940’s, a relatively high number of the immigration in California was drawn by the agricultural employment opportunities in the Valley. The continuous increase in population increase was due to a greater intensity of farming during WW II, as well as impact of the Central Valley Water Projects. A combination of factors has created a community that offers a unique vitality. These include and consolidation of the urban area through annexation, careful use of and planning through a comprehensive General Plan, active community support of youth, education from preschool through Community College levels, pursuit of industrial diversity for a sound economic base, and a quality of life that is valued by its residents.

Pleasant Hill is a wonderful place to live, work, play, visit, to raise a family. The residents of this community are very proud or their unique history and are looking forward to a bright future.