Avalon, California

{{Short description|City in California, United States}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox settlement | name = Avalon, California | other_name = | native_name =  | nickname = | named_for = Avalon island, ''Idylls of the King'' | motto = To the Island Valley of Avalon | image_skyline = View of Avalon Harbor from the Chimes Tower.jpg| | imagesize = | image_caption = Avalon Harbor from Chimes Tower | image_flag = Flag of Avalon, California.gif | flag_size = | image_seal = Seal_avalon_ca.png | seal_size = 92px | image_shield = | shield_size = | image_blank_emblem = | blank_emblem_size = | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 10 | mapframe-point = none | pushpin_map = Los Angeles#California#USA#North America | pushpin_map_caption = Location in the Los Angeles Metro Area | pushpin_label = Avalon |subdivision_type = Country |subdivision_name = {{Flagu|United States|size=23px}} |subdivision_type1 = State |subdivision_name1 = {{Flag|California|size=23px}} |subdivision_type2 = County |subdivision_name2 = Los Angeles | government_type = Council–manager | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Ann Marshall<ref name="City Council">{{cite web|title=City Council |publisher=City of Avalon |url=http://www.cityofavalon.com/ |access-date= January 13, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324045553/http://www.cityofavalon.com/content/3180/default.aspx |archive-date=March 24, 2013 }}</ref> | leader_title1 = Mayor Pro Tem | leader_name1 = Michael Ponce | leader_title2 = City Council | leader_name2 = Yesenia De La Rosa Lisa Lavelle Mary Schickling | leader_title3 = City Manager | leader_name3 = David Maistros | established_title =  | established_date = | established_title2 =  | established_date2 = | established_title3 = Incorporated (city) | established_date3 = June 26, 1913<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc |title=California Cities by Incorporation Date |format=Word |publisher=California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions |access-date=August 25, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103002921/http://www.calafco.org/docs/Cities_by_incorp_date.doc |archive-date=November 3, 2014 }}</ref>  | area_magnitude = | unit_pref = Imperial | area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_06.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 30, 2021}}</ref> | area_total_sq_mi = 7.66 | area_land_sq_mi = 2.89 | area_water_sq_mi = 4.77 | area_total_km2 = 19.83 | area_land_km2 = 7.47 | area_water_km2 = 12.35 | area_water_percent = 0.07 | area_note = | area_urban_km2 = | area_urban_sq_mi = | area_metro_km2 = | area_metro_sq_mi = | population_as_of = 2020 | population_footnotes = | population_note = | settlement_type = City | population_total = 3460 | population_density_km2 = 462.94 | population_density_sq_mi = 1198.89 | population_metro = | population_density_metro_km2 = | population_density_metro_sq_mi = | population_urban = | population_density_urban_km2 = | population_density_urban_sq_mi = | timezone = PST | utc_offset = -8 | timezone_DST = PDT | utc_offset_DST = -7 | coordinates = {{coord|33|20|27|N|118|19|40|W|type:landmark_region:US|display=inline,title}} | elevation_m = 9 | elevation_ft = 30 | postal_code_type = ZIP Code | postal_code = 90704<ref>{{cite web | url = http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/zcl_1_results.jsp?visited=1&pagenumber=0&state=ca&city=Avalon | title = USPS – ZIP Code Lookup – Find a ZIP+ 4 Code By City Results|website=Zip4.usps.com | access-date = January 17, 2007}}</ref> | area_code = 310/424 | website = http://cityofavalon.com/ | blank_name = FIPS code | blank_info = 06-03274 | blank1_name = GNIS feature ID | blank1_info = 1660283 | footnotes = | pop_est_as_of = | pop_est_footnotes = | population_est = }}

'''Avalon''' is the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island, in the California Channel Islands, and the southernmost city in Los Angeles County. The city is a resort community with the waterfront dominated by tourism-oriented businesses. The older parts of the city on the valley floor consist primarily of small houses and two and three-story buildings in various traditional architectural styles.

In 1919, William Wrigley Jr. gained control of Avalon and oversaw much of its development, including the construction of the landmark Catalina Casino. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, several different developers tried to develop Avalon into a resort destination community, but most before Wrigley went bankrupt.

The population was 3,460 at the 2020 census. Avalon attracts about 1 million visitors a year and is frequently visited by cruise ships. Before European colonization, the island was inhabited by the Tongva people.

==History== thumb|Avalon Bay from the north, ca.1900 [[Image:Avalonbaybig.jpg|thumb|right|Avalon Bay around 1910 from the south, before the construction of the Catalina Casino]]

{{main article|History of Santa Catalina Island (California)}} Prior to the modern era, Avalon Bay was inhabited by people of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe. The island was a major source of soapstone to the Tongva, who used the material to make stone vessels for cooking.<ref name=Kroeber>{{cite book| last = Kroeber| first = Alfred Louis| author-link = Alfred L. Kroeber| title = Handbook of the Indians of California, Volume 2| publisher = Kessinger Publishing, LLC| date = July 9, 2006| pages = 620–35| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=z03qwZoErPkC&q=gabrielino%20catalina%20island&pg=PA620| isbn = 978-1-4286-4493-9}}</ref> The Tongva called the island ''Pimu'' or ''Pimugna'' and referred to themselves as the ''Pimugnans''.<ref>{{cite web | author = Belanger, Joe | year = 2007 | title = History | url = http://www.visitingcatalina.com/history.html | work = Catalina Island – All You Need to Know | access-date = August 28, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120226213740/http://www.visitingcatalina.com/history.html | archive-date = February 26, 2012 | url-status = dead }}</ref> However, by the 1830s, the entire island's native population had either died off, or had undergone forcible relocation to the mainland to work in the missions or as ranch hands for the many private land owners.<ref name=otte>{{cite web|last1=Otte |first1=Stacey |last2=Pedersen |first2=Jeannine |year=2004 |title=Catalina Island History |url=http://www.catalinamuseum.org/history.html |work=A Catalina Island History in Brief |publisher=Catalina Island Museum |access-date=January 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224055443/http://www.catalinamuseum.org/history.html |archive-date=February 24, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the 1860s, German immigrant Augustus William Timms ran a sheep herding business on Catalina Island. One of his vessels, the ''Rosita'', would also ferry pleasure seekers across the channel to Avalon Bay for bathing and fishing. The settlement in Avalon was then referred to as Timms's Landing in his honor. By the summer of 1883, there were thirty tents and three wooden buildings at Timms's Landing.<ref>{{cite book|last=Daily|first=Marla|title=The California Channel Islands.|year=2012|publisher=Arcadia Pub|isbn=9780738595085|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=59LKiAkJ3gQC&q=george+shatto&pg=PA110}}</ref>

The first owner to try to develop Avalon Bay into a resort destination was George Shatto, a real estate speculator from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shatto purchased the island for $200,000 from the estate of James Lick at the height of a real estate boom in Southern California in 1887.<ref>{{Cite news|title = 90704|url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2007-jan-07-tm-adayin01-story.html|newspaper = Los Angeles Times|date = January 7, 2007|access-date = November 11, 2015|issn = 0458-3035|language = en-US|first = Jessica|last = Gelt}}</ref> Shatto created the settlement that would become Avalon, and can be credited with building the city's first hotel, the original Hotel Metropole, and pier.<ref name=Gelt>{{cite news | last = Gelt | first = Jessica | title = A Day In; 90704; Pleasure Cruising in Avalon | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | pages = I.9 | date = January 7, 2007 | url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1190443921.html?dids=1190443921:1190443921&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+7%2C+2007&author=Jessica+Gelt&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=I.9&desc=A+DAY+IN%3B+90704%3B+Pleasure+Cruising+in+Avalon | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022141914/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1190443921.html?dids=1190443921:1190443921&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+7,+2007&author=Jessica+Gelt&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=I.9&desc=A+DAY+IN%3B+90704%3B+Pleasure+Cruising+in+Avalon | url-status = dead | archive-date = October 22, 2012 | access-date = September 12, 2009}}</ref> Though early maps labeled the city ''Shatto'', Shatto's sister-in-law Etta Whitney came up with the permanent name of ''Avalon'' in reference from a poem by Lord Tennyson called "Idylls of the King" about the legend of King Arthur (which features an island of the same name).<ref name=Williamson>{{cite journal| last = Williamson| first = M. Burton| title = History of Santa Catalina Island| journal = The Historical Society of Southern California| pages = 14–31| date = December 7, 1903| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qcE1AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA30}}</ref> Shatto laid out Avalon's streets, and introduced it as a vacation destination to the general public. Despite Shatto's efforts, in a few years he had to default on his loan and the island went back to the Lick estate.<ref name=histresort>{{cite web|title=The Evolution of a Resort Community |url=http://www.ecatalina.com/history-catalina-resort.html |work=Catalina Island History |publisher=eCatalina |access-date=March 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728173456/http://www.ecatalina.com/history-catalina-resort.html |archive-date=July 28, 2012 }}</ref>

The sons of Phineas Banning bought the island in 1891 from the Lick estate and established the Santa Catalina Island Company to develop it as a resort. The Banning brothers fulfilled Shatto's dream of making Avalon a resort community. They built a dance pavilion in the center of the city, made additions to the Hotel Metropole and steamer-wharf, built an aquarium, and created the Pilgrim Club (a gambling club for men only).<ref name=otte /> Just as the Bannings were anticipating the construction of a new, Hotel Saint Catherine, their efforts were set back on November 29, 1915, when a fire burned half of Avalon's buildings, including six hotels and several clubs.<ref name=histresort /> In 1919, due to debt related to the 1915 fire and a general decline in tourism during World War I, the Bannings were forced to sell the island in shares.<ref name=otte/>

In February 1919, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. bought a controlling interest in Santa Catalina Island and its associated properties from the Banning Brothers.<ref>{{cite news| title = Wrigley Buys Catalina Island| newspaper = Los Angeles Times| pages = II1| date = February 13, 1919| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/331601052.html?dids=331601052:331601052&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+13%2C+1919&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=WRIGLEY+BUYS+CATALINA+ISLAND.&pqatl=google| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022163037/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/331601052.html?dids=331601052:331601052&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Feb+13,+1919&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=WRIGLEY+BUYS+CATALINA+ISLAND.&pqatl=google| url-status = dead| archive-date = October 22, 2012| access-date = September 16, 2009}}</ref> Wrigley devoted himself to preserving and promoting it, investing millions in needed infrastructure and attractions, including the construction of the new Catalina Casino, completed May 29, 1929.<ref>{{cite news| last = McClure| first = Rosemary| title = Backstage at Catalina Island's Avalon Casino| work = Los Angeles Times| date = June 19, 2009| url = http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-catalina21-2009jun21| access-date = August 30, 2009}}</ref> In order to encourage growth, Wrigley purchased additional steamships to service Avalon, including the SS ''Virginia'' (renamed the SS ''Avalon'') and the SS ''Catalina'' which was launched on the morning of May 3, 1924.<ref>{{cite book|last=Pederson|first=Jeannine L.|title=Catalina by Sea : A Transportation History|year=2006|publisher=Arcadia|location=Charleston, S.C.|isbn=978-0738531168|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2I9o6ajQ_oC|author2=Museum, the Catalina Island|access-date=April 27, 2013}}</ref> Wrigley also brought attention to the city of Avalon by having his Chicago Cubs use the island for the team's spring training from 1921 to 1951, absent the war years of 1942–45.<ref name=otte/> The ball field was at the southwest border of Avalon, between Tremont Street and the golf course.

Following the death of William Wrigley Jr. in 1932, his son Philip K. Wrigley took over the Santa Catalina Island Company. Philip continued his father's work in the improvement of the infrastructure of the City of Avalon.<ref name=otte /> During World War II, the island was closed to tourists and used for military training facilities, including a U.S. Maritime Service training facility in Avalon.<ref name="CatalinaWWII">{{cite web|last=Pedersen |first=Jeannine |title=Catalina Island Life During WWII |publisher=eCatalina.com |url=http://www.ecatalina.com/history-catalina-ww2.html |access-date=December 2, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121126113442/http://www.ecatalina.com/history-catalina-ww2.html |archive-date=November 26, 2012 }}</ref> Catalina's steamships were expropriated for use as troop transports, and the U.S. Maritime Service set up a training facility in Avalon.<ref name=otte/> The Maritime Service announced on September 19, 1945, that the facility would soon be abandoned and all apprentice seaman on the west coast trained aboard three ocean-going vessels at Long Beach.<ref>United Press, "Abandon Catalina Island Station", ''Santa Cruz Sentinel-News'', Santa Cruz, California, Wednesday September 19, 1945, Volume 90, Number 224, page two.</ref>

In 1975, Philip Wrigley deeded the Wrigley shares in the Santa Catalina Island Company to the Catalina Island Conservancy that he had helped create. The Conservancy now stewards 88 percent of the island, primarily outside of the City of Avalon.<ref>{{cite web|title=About the Conservancy|url=http://www.catalinaconservancy.org/index.php?s=about&p=about_cic|publisher=Catalina Island Conservancy|access-date=March 18, 2013}}</ref> The Santa Catalina Island Company maintains control of much of its resort properties and operations within the City of Avalon. It still owns and operates many of the main tourist attractions in Avalon, including the Catalina Visitors Country Club, Catalina Island Golf Course, Descanso Beach Club and the Casino Ballroom.<ref name="SCICo">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/island-company |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112053106/http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/island-company |archive-date=January 12, 2014 |access-date=August 29, 2009 |publisher=Santa Catalina Island Company}}</ref>

In May 2007, the Island Fire burned {{convert|4750|acre|km2|sp=us}} of land just outside Avalon's city limits. Over 200 firefighting recruits were brought over by U.S. Marine hovercraft and helicopter to protect the city. Ultimately, only one residence and six commercial structures were destroyed.<ref>{{cite news| last1 = Sahagun| first1 = Louis| last2 = Quinones| first2 = Sam| title = Catalina fire lays siege to Avalon: Hundreds of residents and tourists are forced to flee the island| work = Los Angeles Times| date = May 11, 2007| url = https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-catalinafire11may11-story.html| access-date = August 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last1 = Seema| first1 = Mehta| last2 =Rosenblatt| first2 = Susannah| title = Catalina Fire: A New Day; After such a huge threat, Avalon's loss is small| newspaper = Los Angeles Times| page = A1| date = May 12, 2007| url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1269512931.html?dids=1269512931:1269512931&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+12%2C+2007&author=Seema+Mehta%3BSusannah+Rosenblatt&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=CATALINA+FIRE%3A+A+NEW+DAY%3B+After+such+a+huge+threat%2C+Avalon%27s+loss+is+small| archive-url = https://archive.today/20130131174459/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/1269512931.html?dids=1269512931:1269512931&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+12,+2007&author=Seema+Mehta;Susannah+Rosenblatt&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=CATALINA+FIRE:+A+NEW+DAY;+After+such+a+huge+threat,+Avalon's+loss+is+small| url-status = dead| archive-date = January 31, 2013| access-date = September 8, 2009}}</ref>

In February 2011, water regulators cited the city for letting tens of thousands of gallons of sewage reach the ocean in six spills since 2005. A report in June 2011 by the Natural Resources Defense Council listed Avalon as having one of the 10 most chronically polluted beaches in the United States. The pollution was caused by the city's sewer system, made of century-old clay and metal pipes. By 2011, the city had spent $3.5 million testing and rehabilitating sewer lines, but the water was no cleaner.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-avalon-water-20110710,0,4895779,full.story |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127112921/http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-avalon-water-20110710,0,4895779,full.story |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |work=Los Angeles Times |title=Avalon's dirty little secret: its beach is health hazard |first=Tony|last=Barboza |date=July 10, 2011}}</ref> In February 2012, a cease and desist order was issued against the city for illegally discharging polluted water into the bay. After the cease and desist order, the city invested an additional $5.7 million on sewer main improvements and inspection and tracking systems. As a result of these efforts, the 2014 report showed that water quality had improved, and Avalon Beach was removed from the list of the most polluted beaches.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barboza|first1=Tony|title=Drought has upside: record-low rainfall means cleaner beach water|url=http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-adv-beach-report-20140523-story.html|access-date=February 28, 2016|agency=Los Angeles Times|date=May 22, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2013-2014 Annual Beach Report Card|url=http://www.healthebay.org/sites/default/files/pdf/BRC_2014_WEB.pdf|website=Healthebay.org|access-date=February 28, 2016}}</ref>

In the 2010s, the Santa Catalina Island Company began a series of projects to upgrade the tourist amenities in Avalon, including the installation of a zip line at Descanso Beach.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sahagun|first1=Louis|last2=Vincent|first2=Roger|title=Remaking Avalon as a prime island getaway|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jul-05-me-catalina5-story.html|access-date=December 2, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=July 5, 2009}}</ref> By 2014, the Santa Catalina Island Company was working on a number of redevelopment and remodeling projects, including a spa, aquatic facility, community center, new hotel, and 120 new homes. The largest project was a new $6-million museum building on Metropole Street to replace the old location in the Casino building. Some community members, including a member of the City Council, expressed concerns about the pace of the changes to the town.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sahagun|first1=Louis|title=Catalina's Avalon is getting an ambitious overhaul|url=http://www.latimes.com/science/la-me-adv-museum-20140323-story.html|access-date=November 27, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 22, 2014}}</ref>

==Geography== Avalon is located on Santa Catalina Island, approximately {{convert|22|mi|km|sp=us}} south-by-southwest of the Los Angeles Harbor breakwater.<ref>{{cite web |title=Avalon Living |publisher=City of Avalon |url=http://www.cityofavalon.com/content/2497/2505/default.aspx |access-date=August 29, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718133626/http://www.cityofavalon.com/content/2497/2505/default.aspx |archive-date=July 18, 2009 }}</ref> It is the only incorporated city to be located on one of the eight Channel Islands of California. Due to its location on Catalina Island, it is the southernmost city in Los Angeles County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|2.9|sqmi|km2|0|abbr=on}} on land and {{convert|58975|sqft|m2|0|abbr=on}} on water.<ref name=census_gazetteer>{{cite web|title=2014 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/gazetteer2014.html|publisher=US States Census Bureau|access-date=November 27, 2014}}</ref>

===Cityscape=== thumb|Avalon town and harbor thumb|Catalina Island Yacht Club in Avalon

The City of Avalon is oriented around Avalon Bay, with the harbor and beaches forming the center of the town's activity. The Cabrillo Mole, located at the south end of the harbor, acts both as a breakwater and the main docks for the cross-channel passenger boats.<ref>{{cite news|last=Moran|first=Julio|title=Walking Fine, but...|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/677347632.html?dids=677347632:677347632&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+29%2C+1984&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Walking+Fine%2C+but...&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411155950/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/677347632.html?dids=677347632:677347632&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+29,+1984&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Walking+Fine,+but...&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2013|access-date=March 10, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=March 29, 1984}}</ref> Many of the commercial businesses dedicated to serving visitors are located along the Crescent Street pedestrian mall, which runs just behind the three main beaches of Avalon Bay. The pedestrian walkway is adorned throughout with decorative pavers, fountains, palm trees, and a decorative serpentine seawall. Many of these features were introduced to Avalon during an extensive re-design undertaken by Philip K. Wrigley in 1934.<ref name=otte/> Extending out into the center of the harbor is the green Pleasure Pier. The north end of the harbor is dominated by the Catalina Casino. Built in a style described as a cross between Art Deco and Mediterranean Revival, the Casino serves as Avalon's most distinctive landmark.<ref>{{cite web|title=Casino Theatre and Ballroom|url=http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/island-info/history/catalina-casino|work=Visit Catalina Island|publisher=Santa Catalina Island Company|access-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref>

Outside of the bay and just north of the Casino is Descanso Beach, a private beach, entertainment and meetings venue run by the Santa Catalina Island Company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Descanso Beach|url=http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/activities-adventures/descanso-beach-club|publisher=Santa Catalina Island Company|access-date=May 3, 2013}}</ref> At the farthest north end of town are the Hamilton Cove condominiums, a gated community consisting mostly of second homes.<ref>{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Zan|title=Careening Around in Hamilton Cove|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/60110877.html?dids=60110877:60110877&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+26%2C+1990&author=ZAN+THOMPSON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Careening+Around+in+Hamilton+Cove&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630043347/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/60110877.html?dids=60110877:60110877&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Aug+26,+1990&author=ZAN+THOMPSON&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Careening+Around+in+Hamilton+Cove&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2013|access-date=May 3, 2013|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 26, 1990}}</ref> South of the bay is Lovers Cove dive park, a marine reserve frequented by both snorkelers and the classic glass-bottom boat tours.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rice|first=Jerry|title=Catalina is Adventure Island for Families|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CATALINA+IS+ADVENTURE+ISLAND+FOR+FAMILIES.-a0101256633|access-date=May 3, 2013|newspaper=Long Beach Press-Telegram|date=May 4, 2003}}</ref> Further south still is Pebbly Beach, an industrial area home to the Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base & Heliport<ref>{{cite web|title=Pebbly Beach Seaplane Base|publisher=Airnav.com|date=July 16, 2020|url=https://www.airnav.com/airport/L11|access-date=August 5, 2020}}</ref> and Pebbly Beach Generating Station, where Avalon gets its power.<ref>{{cite web|title=Edison Donates De-Commissioned Diesel Engine to Museum |url=http://www.ecatalina.com/news-article-1746.html |publisher=eCatalina |access-date=May 3, 2013 |date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116161253/http://ecatalina.com/news-article-1746.html |archive-date=November 16, 2010 }}</ref>

Most of the residential units in Avalon are tucked away off of the beachfront, either in the flat lands further back into the canyon or on the hills that constitute the sides of Avalon Valley. Many of the major municipal amenities are located even further into the canyon, including City Hall, the fire station, the Catalina Island Medical Center, and Avalon Schools. The William Wrigley Jr. Summer Cottage, also known as Mount Ada, is now a hotel. The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens are located at the farthest end of town away from the bay.<ref> {{cite web |date=February 15, 2024 |title=Wrigley Memorial |url=https://www.lovecatalina.com/things-to-do/historic-landmarks/wrigley-memorial/ |work=The Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Gardens |publisher=Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority}}</ref> The Memorial prominently features native Catalina Island building materials, including the famous pottery and tile that were made on the island from 1927 through 1937.<ref> {{cite book | last = Coates | first = Carole | title = Catalina Island Pottery & Tile: Island Treasures 1927–1937 | publisher = Schiffer Publishing | date = July 2007 | location = Atglen, PA | url = http://catalinacollectors.org/blog/articles/carole_coates.html | isbn = 978-0-7643-1401-8 | access-date = August 28, 2009}} </ref>

===Climate=== Avalon has a semi-arid climate (Koppen: ''BSk''), with mild temperatures year-round. The National Weather Service maintained a cooperative station at the Avalon Pleasure Pier from 1909 through 1988. Average January temperatures are a maximum of {{convert|64.6|F|C|sp=us}} and a minimum of {{convert|49.3|F|C|sp=us}} and average August temperatures are a maximum of {{convert|75.4|F|C|sp=us}} and a minimum of {{convert|64.1|F|C|sp=us}}. The highest recorded temperature was {{convert|105.1|F|C|sp=us}} on July 6, 2018, during a major Southern California heatwave,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almanac.com/weather/history/CA/Avalon/2018-07-06|title=Weather History for Avalon, CA|last=Grad|first=Shelby|website=Almanac.com|access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> and the lowest recorded temperature was {{convert|29|F|C|sp=us}} on January 2, 1973.<ref name=climate>{{cite web |url = http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?caaval+sca | title = Avalon Pleasure Pier, California| access-date = August 29, 2009 |publisher = Western Regional Climate Center}}</ref>

Annual average precipitation is {{convert|11.88|in|cm|sp=us}} and there are 34 days with measurable precipitation. The wettest year was 1983 with {{convert|34.54|in|cm|sp=us}} and the driest year was 1953 with {{convert|4.10|in|cm|sp=us}}. The most rainfall in one month was {{convert|11.68|in|cm|sp=us}} in May 1921. The most rainfall in 24 hours was {{convert|6.75|in|cm|sp=us}} on October 22, 1941. Weather records are still maintained at the Santa Catalina airport.<ref name=climate/>

{{Weather box |location = Avalon, California (Avalon Pleasure Pier) (1909–1988) |single line = Y |Jan record high F = 85 |Feb record high F = 87 |Mar record high F = 88 |Apr record high F = 90 |May record high F = 90 |Jun record high F = 91 |Jul record high F = 95 |Aug record high F = 92 |Sep record high F = 97 |Oct record high F = 95 |Nov record high F = 89 |Dec record high F = 85 |year record high F= |Jan high F = 62.0 |Feb high F = 62.7 |Mar high F = 64.0 |Apr high F = 65.4 |May high F = 67.0 |Jun high F = 69.0 |Jul high F = 72.0 |Aug high F = 73.3 |Sep high F = 72.8 |Oct high F = 70.9 |Nov high F = 67.4 |Dec high F = 63.4 |year high F = 67.5 |Jan low F = 47.2 |Feb low F = 48.1 |Mar low F = 49.4 |Apr low F = 51.5 |May low F = 54.2 |Jun low F = 57.0 |Jul low F = 60.6 |Aug low F = 61.7 |Sep low F = 60.0 |Oct low F = 56.7 |Nov low F = 51.7 |Dec low F = 48.4 |year low F = 53.9 |Jan record low F = 29 |Feb record low F = 32 |Mar record low F = 37 |Apr record low F = 37 |May record low F = 32 |Jun record low F = 38 |Jul record low F = 45 |Aug record low F = 45 |Sep record low F = 41 |Oct record low F = 39 |Nov record low F = 37 |Dec record low F = 30 |year record low F= |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation inch = 2.40 |Feb precipitation inch = 2.78 |Mar precipitation inch = 2.04 |Apr precipitation inch = 0.97 |May precipitation inch = 0.35 |Jun precipitation inch = 0.04 |Jul precipitation inch = 0.00 |Aug precipitation inch = 0.06 |Sep precipitation inch = 0.25 |Oct precipitation inch = 0.46 |Nov precipitation inch = 1.15 |Dec precipitation inch = 2.23 |year precipitation inch = 12.73 |source 1 = http://www.wrcc.dri.edu<ref>{{cite web | author=WRCC | title=Western U.S. Climate Historical Summaries Weather | url=http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/cliMAIN.pl?ca0395 | publisher=Desert Research Institute | access-date=December 28, 2011}}</ref> |date=December 2011 }}

==Demographics== {{US Census population |1920= 586 |1930= 1897 |1940= 1637 |1950= 1506 |1960= 1536 |1970= 1520 |1980= 2022 |1990= 2918 |2000= 3127 |2010= 3728 |2020= 3460 |estyear= |estimate= |estref= |align-fn=center |footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census by Decade|website=United States Census Bureau|access-date=}}</ref> 1860–1870<ref name=1870CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Almeda County to Sutter County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-12.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><ref name=1870CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1870 Census of Population - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties - California - Tehama County to Yuba County |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1880-1890<ref name=1890CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1890 Census of Population - Population of California by Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1890/bulletins/demographics/134-population-of-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1900<ref name=1900CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1900 Census of Population - Population of California by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1900/bulletins/demographic/10-population-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1910<ref name=1910CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1910 Census of Population - Supplement for California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ca.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1920<ref name=1920CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1920 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1920/bulletins/demographics/population-ca-number-of-inhabitants.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1930<ref name=1930CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1930 Census of Population - Number and Distribution of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1930/population-volume-1/03815512v1ch03.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1940<ref name=1940CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1940 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch03.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1950 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-1/vol-01-08.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1960<ref name=1960CensusCA1>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - General population Characteristics - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-d.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref><ref name=1960CensusCA2>{{Cite web|title= 1960 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-06-c.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1970<ref name=1970CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1970 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ca1-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_caAB-01.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 1990<ref name=1990CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 1990 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/cen1990/cph2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2000<ref name=2000CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusCA>{{Cite web|title= 2010 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - California |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-6.pdf|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> 2020<ref name=2020CensusP2/> | align = right }}

===Racial and ethnic composition=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+'''Avalon city, California – Racial and ethnic composition''' {{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}} !Race / Ethnicity (''NH = Non-Hispanic'') !Pop 1990<ref>{{Cite web |title=California 1990 Census |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1990/cp-1/cp-1-6-1.pdf}}</ref> !Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Avalon city, California |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=160XX00US0603274&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|website=United States Census Bureau |access-date= }}</ref> !Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Avalon city, California |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US0603274&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|website=United States Census Bureau |access-date= }}</ref> !{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Avalon city, California |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US0603274&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|website=United States Census Bureau |access-date= }}</ref> !% 1990 !% 2000 !% 2010 !{{partial|% 2020}} |- |White alone (NH) |1,709 |3,127 |1,532 |style='background: #ffffe6; |1,366 |58.58% |50.46% |41.09% |style='background: #ffffe6; |39.48% |- |Black or African American alone (NH) |4 |12 |10 |style='background: #ffffe6; |29 |0.14% |0.38% |0.27% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.84% |- |Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) |11 |18 |6 |style='background: #ffffe6; |4 |0.38% |0.58% |0.16% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.12% |- |Asian alone (NH) | rowspan="2" |24 |19 |44 |style='background: #ffffe6; |29 | rowspan="2" |0.82% |0.61% |1.18% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.84% |- |Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) |7 |10 |style='background: #ffffe6; |9 |0.22% |0.27% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.26% |- |Other race alone (NH) | - |4 |4 |style='background: #ffffe6; |11 | - |0.13% |0.11% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.32% |- |Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) |x |52 |43 |style='background: #ffffe6; |109 |x |1.66% |1.15% |style='background: #ffffe6; |3.15% |- |Hispanic or Latino (any race) |1,170 |1,437 |2,079 |style='background: #ffffe6; |1,903 |40.10% |45.95% |55.77% |style='background: #ffffe6; |55.00% |- |'''Total''' |'''2,918''' |'''3,127''' |'''3,728''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''3,460''' |'''100.00%''' |'''100.00%''' |'''100.00%''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |}

===2020 census=== As of the 2020 census, Avalon had a population of 3,460 and a population density of {{convert|1,198.9|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME,DP1_0021P,DP1_0024P,DP1_0025C,DP1_0049C,DP1_0045C,DP1_0069C,DP1_0073C,DP1_0125P,DP1_0126P,DP1_0129P,DP1_0133P,DP1_0137P,DP1_0138P,DP1_0139P,DP1_0141P,DP1_0142P,DP1_0143P,DP1_0145P,DP1_0146P,DP1_0147C,DP1_0148C,DP1_0149C,DP1_0156C,DP1_0157C,DP1_0158C,DP1_0159P,DP1_0160P&for=place%3A03274&in=state%3A06|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 28, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME,P1_001N,P1_003N,P1_004N,P1_005N,P1_006N,P1_007N,P1_008N,P1_009N,P2_001N,P2_002N,H1_001N,H1_002N&for=place%3A03274&in=state%3A06|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 28, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

The census reported that 99.4% of the population lived in households, 0.1% lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0.5% were institutionalized. Of residents, 97.2% lived in urban areas and 2.8% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DP"/><ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME,P2_002N,P2_003N&for=place%3A03274&in=state%3A06|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=April 28, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

There were 1,368 households, out of which 32.7% included children under the age of 18, 42.1% were married-couple households, 7.3% were cohabiting couple households, 27.8% had a female householder with no partner present, and 22.8% had a male householder with no partner present. 28.7% of households were one person, and 10.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.51. There were 876 families (64.0% of all households).<ref name="Census2020DP"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Avalon city, California; P16: Household Type - 2020 Census of Population and Housing |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALDHC2020.P16?g=1600000US0603274 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=May 22, 2025}}</ref>

The age distribution was 21.8% under the age of 18, 8.0% aged 18 to 24, 24.8% aged 25 to 44, 28.4% aged 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65{{nbsp}}years of age or older. The median age was 40.6{{nbsp}}years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 96.4 males.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

There were 2,195 housing units at an average density of {{convert|760.6|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}, of which 1,368 (62.3%) were occupied and 827 (37.7%) were vacant. Of occupied units, 29.2% were owner-occupied and 70.8% were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.3%, and the rental vacancy rate was 9.5%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

===Income and poverty=== In 2023, the US Census Bureau estimated that the median household income was $91,713, and the per capita income was $37,155. About 8.1% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line.<ref>{{cite web |title=Avalon city, California; DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics - 2023 ACS 5-Year Estimates Comparison Profiles |url=https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP5Y2023.DP03?g=1600000US0603274 |website=US Census Bureau |access-date=May 22, 2025}}</ref>

===2010 census=== The 2010 United States census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0603274|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715023359/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=06:0603274|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 15, 2014|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search: CA - Avalon city|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=July 12, 2014}}</ref> reported that Avalon had a population of 3,728. The population density was {{convert|1,269.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of Avalon was 2,313 (62.0%) White (41.1% Non-Hispanic White),<ref name="census">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=U.S. Census website|publisher=US Census|access-date=July 23, 2018}}</ref> 20 (0.5%) African American, 22 (0.6%) Native American, 49 (1.3%) Asian, 13 (0.3%) Pacific Islander, 1,137 (30.5%) from other races, and 174 (4.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2,079 persons (55.8%).

The Census reported that 3,721 people (99.8% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 7 (0.2%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,473 households, out of which 488 (33.1%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 641 (43.5%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 160 (10.9%) had a female householder with no husband present, 90 (6.1%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 110 (7.5%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 5 (0.3%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 461 households (31.3%) were made up of individuals, and 125 (8.5%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53. There were 891 families (60.5% of all households); the average family size was 3.25.

The population was spread out, with 960 people (25.8%) under the age of 18, 316 people (8.5%) aged 18 to 24, 953 people (25.6%) aged 25 to 44, 1,093 people (29.3%) aged 45 to 64, and 406 people (10.9%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.6 males.

There were 2,266 housing units at an average density of {{convert|771.5|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}, of which 383 (26.0%) were owner-occupied, and 1,090 (74.0%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 4.7%; the rental vacancy rate was 10.7%. 801 people (21.5% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,920 people (78.3%) lived in rental housing units.

According to the 2010 United States census, Avalon had a median household income of $65,433, with 12.5% of the population living below the federal poverty line.<ref name=census /> ==Economy== thumb|Beachgoers and tourists are major contributors to Avalon's economy

Avalon is a resort community and has a primarily tourist-based economy. As of 2016, 38.4% of the employed population worked in the arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services industries. An additional 13% worked in retail trade and 7% in real estate, rental, and leasing. Other major sources of employment in Avalon included education and healthcare (8%), construction (3%), transportation and warehousing (9%), and other services except public administration (8%)<ref name=census /> Overall, there were a total of 202 establishments with a combined annual payroll of $90 million as of 2012.<ref name=census /> The Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority operates as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the island and hosts a Visitor Center open 364 days a year on the Green Pleasure Pier.<ref>{{cite web|title=Catalina Island Visitor Center |website=LoveCatalina.com|url=https://www.lovecatalina.com/island-info/plan-your-visit/catalina-island-visitor-center/|access-date=February 15, 2024}}</ref>

The city's poverty rate is 14.0% and the number of families in poverty stands at 11.9%.<ref name=census /> The unemployment rate stood at 3.7% as of October 2014, compared to 7.9% in Los Angeles County as a whole.<ref>{{cite web|title=Unemployment Rate & Labor Force|url=http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/Content.asp?pageid=1006|publisher=State of California Employment Development Department|access-date=December 2, 2014}}</ref>

==Government== thumb|Avalon City Hall front entrance

The municipal government of the City of Avalon is of the council–manager type. The Mayor is elected to serve a two-year term while the City Councilors are elected to four-year terms. The City Manager is the executive officer of the city and is appointed directly by the City Council. The new City Hall was completed June 8, 2004. It contains local government offices as well as the council chambers.<ref name="City Council"/>

In the California State Legislature, Avalon is located in {{Representative|casd|33|fmt=sdistrict}}, and in {{Representative|caad|69|fmt=adistrict}}. Federally, Avalon is in {{Representative|cacd|42|fmt=district}}.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) operates the Avalon Station in Avalon.<ref>"[http://www.lasd.org/stations/for3/avalon/index.html Avalon Station] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217130740/http://www.lasd.org/stations/for3/avalon/index.html |date=2010-02-17 }}." Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Retrieved on January 21, 2010.</ref> Several deputies are stationed on the island full-time with additional units brought from the mainland on an as-needed and seasonal basis. The city has its own full-time and volunteer fire departments for incidents within the city limits, while the Los Angeles County Fire Department serves the rest of the island. <ref>{{cite web|title=Hometown Fire Stations |url=http://fire.lacounty.gov/HometownFireStations/HometownFireStations.asp |publisher=County of Los Angeles Fire Department |access-date=March 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903170159/http://fire.lacounty.gov/HometownFireStations/HometownFireStations.asp |archive-date=September 3, 2011 }}</ref> The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services operates the Torrance Health Center in Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles, near Torrance and serving Avalon.<ref>"[http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phn/docs/HealthCenter/torrance.pdf Torrance Health Center] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201202645/http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phn/docs/HealthCenter/torrance.pdf |date=February 1, 2015 }}." Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Retrieved on March 18, 2010.</ref> The City of Avalon also provides additional services such as the Avalon Harbor Patrol.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityofavalon.com/175/Harbor-Department|title=Harbor Department | Avalon, CA|website=www.cityofavalon.com|accessdate=May 24, 2023}}</ref>

The United States Postal Service Avalon Post Office (ZIP 90704) is located at 118 Metropole Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Post Office Location – Avalon |publisher=United States Postal Service |url=http://usps.whitepages.com/service/post_office/3791?p=1&s=CA&service_name=post_office&z=Avalon |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209044627/http://usps.whitepages.com/service/post_office/3791?p=1&s=CA&service_name=post_office&z=Avalon |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |access-date=August 30, 2009 }}</ref>

Avalon has voted for Democrats in the last four presidential elections, and has also displayed some independent leanings.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2020-general/ssov/pres-by-political-districts.pdf|title=Supplement to the Statement of Vote|date=2020|website=Elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov|access-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> In 2016, both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton received a lower percentage of the vote than the previous nominees of their respective parties had received.<ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2016-general/ssov/pres-by-political-districts.pdf|title=Supplement to the Statement of Vote : Political Districts within Counties for President|date=2016|website=Elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/2012-general/ssov/pres-by-political-districts.pdf|title=Supplement to the Statement of Vote : Political Districts within Counties for President|date=2012|website=Elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref> In 1992, independent candidate Ross Perot carried the city with 323 votes to George H.W. Bush's 315.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/sov/1992-general/ssov/ssov-complete.pdf|title=Supplement to the Statement of Vote|date=1992|website=Elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref>

==Education== [[File:Avalon Schools.JPG|thumb|Avalon Schools high school building]]

There are two preschools within the City of Avalon, Catalina Kid Ventures and Pre-School Learning for Avalon Youth (P.L.A.Y.). Kid Ventures is located next to City Hall and is funded through the city support, tuition payments, and charitable donations.<ref name="Kid Ventures">{{cite web |title=Catalina Kid Ventures Open House Celebrating 20 years |publisher=eCatalina.com |url=http://www.ecatalina.com/news-article-1295.html |access-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724042129/http://www.ecatalina.com/news-article-1295.html |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}</ref> P.L.A.Y. is a cooperative preschool that is tucked further back into the canyon at 4 Bird Park Canyon Road. It is located at the site of the former Bird Park, which itself was built from materials left over from the demolition of the original Sugarloaf Casino.<ref name="Bird Park">{{cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Jeannine |title=Catalina Island's Bird Park |publisher=eCatalina.com |url=http://www.ecatalina.com/catalina-history-bird-park.html |access-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929003130/http://ecatalina.com/catalina-history-bird-park.html |archive-date=September 29, 2009 }}</ref>

For K-12 education, children attend Avalon School. Avalon Schools are part of the Long Beach Unified School District. It is divided into an elementary, middle, and high school, but a single principal administers all three levels of education.<ref name="Avalon Schools">{{cite web | title = Avalon Schools Home Page | publisher = Avalon Schools | year = 2009 | url = http://lbavalon.schoolloop.com/ | access-date = September 4, 2009 | archive-date = August 25, 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090825183949/http://lbavalon.schoolloop.com/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> The campus is composed of three Mission Style buildings, a gymnasium, four secondary bungalows, and sixteen elementary bungalows.<ref name="Avalon Schools"/> For high school sports, Avalon is a member of the CIF Southern Section.<ref name="CIF">{{cite web | title = CIF Southern Section Home Page | publisher = CIF Southern Section | url = http://www.cifss.org/ | access-date = September 4, 2009}}</ref> The school mascot is the Lancer. The teams are referred to either as the "Avalon Lancers" or "Lancers". Home games are played in Avalon, and visiting teams must travel by boat to the island in order to make the games. In turn, the Lancers travel to the mainland for away games.<ref name=football>{{cite news | last = Wride | first = Nancy | title = Keeping Football Season Afloat; Catalina Island team travels for hours by boat and bus to reach its away games. | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | pages = B.1 | date = October 25, 2002 | url = https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/223411231.html?dids=223411231:223411231&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+25%2C+2002&author=Nancy+Wride&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=Keeping+Football+Season+Afloat%3B+Catalina+Island+team+travels+for+hours+by+boat+and+bus+to+reach+its+away+games. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121022115443/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/223411231.html?dids=223411231:223411231&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+25,+2002&author=Nancy+Wride&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=Keeping+Football+Season+Afloat%3B+Catalina+Island+team+travels+for+hours+by+boat+and+bus+to+reach+its+away+games. | url-status = dead | archive-date = October 22, 2012 | access-date = September 4, 2009}}</ref>

Children in Avalon have one other option for elementary education. Children may also study at the private Avalon Christian School, located on 346 Catalina Avenue.<ref name="community">{{cite web |title=Avalon Community Organizations |publisher=eCatalina.com |url=http://www.ecatalina.com/catalina-organizations.html |access-date=September 4, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929003201/http://ecatalina.com/catalina-organizations.html |archive-date=September 29, 2009 }}</ref> Students then attend Avalon Schools for junior high and high school education. In 2014, LBUSD closed its long-time one-room school, Two Harbors Elementary School, at Two Harbors in unincorporated Los Angeles County, citing that just two students remained would have attended the following year.<ref>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Lauren|url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/10/20/catalina-island-school-bell-silenced/|title=Catalina Island school bell silenced|newspaper=Orange County Register|date=2014-10-20|access-date=2025-09-14}}</ref>

==Infrastructure== ===Transportation=== thumb|Catalina Express leaving Long Beach for Avalon [[File:Avalon houses.jpg|thumb|"Autoettes" in Avalon: a Mini and a golf cart]]

The city is served by several high-speed passenger boats with daily services such as the Catalina Express to San Pedro in Los Angeles; Long Beach; and Dana Point. Daily service is also provided by the Catalina Flyer to Newport Beach in Orange County. A ferry run by the Catalina Island Company is available seasonally for transportation between Avalon and Two Harbors.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.catalinatours.com/tour/discover-two-harbors/ | title=Discover Two Harbors }}</ref> Private vessels that come to Avalon Harbor are assigned a mooring by the Avalon Harbor Patrol on a first-come, first-served basis. Boaters can get from their vessels to shore either by mooring their dinghies at one of the dinghy docks, or by catching a ride on a private shoreboat.<ref>{{cite web |title=Welcome to Avalon |publisher=City of Avalon |date=July 1, 2008 |url=http://www.cityofavalon.com/filestorage/2542/2566/2572/Brochure_July_2008.pdf |access-date=September 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708160248/http://www.cityofavalon.com/filestorage/2542/2566/2572/Brochure_July_2008.pdf |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }}</ref>

Several helicopter companies serve the city, with most landing at the Pebbly Beach Heliport, located south of Avalon Bay. Small planes can also land at the Catalina Airport, known as the "Airport in the Sky", located {{convert|7|mi|km}} northwest of Avalon.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to get to Avalon, Catalina Island|url=http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/island-info/getting-here|publisher=Santa Catalina Island Company|access-date=March 10, 2013}}</ref> Historically, during the early 1970s, scheduled passenger seaplane service was operated by Catalina Air Lines, a division of Golden West Airlines, between Avalon Harbor and both Long Beach Airport and the Orange County Airport (now John Wayne Airport).<ref name="timetableimages.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.timetableimages.com/|title=Airline Timetable Images|website=Timetableimages.com}}</ref> Golden West Airlines also operated de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter STOL turboprops with scheduled passenger service at this same time between Airport in the Sky and both Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Long Beach Airport.<ref name="timetableimages.com"/>

The main method of transportation within the city is by small gasoline or electric powered motorcars referred to locally as "autoettes". These include numerous golf carts and similarly sized vehicles. Vehicles under {{convert|55|in|cm|sp=us}} wide, {{convert|120|in|cm|sp=us}} long, and less than {{convert|1800|lbs|kg|sp=us}} may qualify as an autoette. Any resident may acquire an autoette permit with the restriction of one permit per household. It is very difficult for a private citizen to get a permit to have a full-size vehicle in Avalon. The permit is issued to the individual as opposed to a specific vehicle, is surrendered when residency on the island ends, and is not transferable except through petition before the city council. Only one new vehicle permit is issued for every two permits that become ineligible to be renewed or are voluntarily surrendered. For purposes of vehicle registration, Catalina Island is divided into two classifications: within Avalon and "Interior" (areas outside the city limits). The city has its own strict permit program with which local vehicle owners must comply, in addition to the usual requirements imposed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.<ref>{{cite web | title = F.A.Q. | publisher = City of Avalon | url = http://www.cityofavalon.com/content/2542/2582/2586/default.aspx | access-date = August 29, 2009 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110708160221/http://www.cityofavalon.com/content/2542/2582/2586/default.aspx | archive-date = July 8, 2011 }}</ref> Because of these restrictions, there is no regular vehicle ferry service for visitors to take their car to Avalon and the rest of Catalina Island. A taxi service is available to provide transportation in Avalon and throughout the island.

Public transportation within city limits is provided by the City of Avalon Seaside Transit (COAST), an on-demand service operated using small vans and shuttle vehicles, similar to Metro Micro on mainland LA County. Riders can book rides using the Circuit Transit app, website, or by phone. Fares start at $2 per rider, and this services operates seven days a week from 7 am to 9 pm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COAST - City of Avalon Seaside Transit {{!}} Avalon, CA |url=https://www.cityofavalon.gov/202/COAST---City-of-Avalon-Seaside-Transit |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=www.cityofavalon.gov}}</ref>

==In popular culture== *The city was the inspiration for the 1920 popular song Avalon, sung by Al Jolson. *It is the port of embarkation for the narrator in the Crosby, Stills, & Nash song Southern Cross

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Sister project links | wikt=no| commons=Category:Avalon, California| b=no| n=no| q=no | s=no| v=no| voy=Avalon | species=no | d=no | display=Avalon}} * {{Official website|http://www.cityofavalon.com/}} * [http://www.catalinachamber.com/ The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce] *{{OSM relation|6169443}}

Category:Cities in Los Angeles County, California Category:Santa Catalina Island (California) Category:Populated coastal places in California Category:Populated places in the United States established in 1913 Category:1913 establishments in California Category:Channel Islands of California Category:Los Angeles Harbor Region Category:Incorporated cities and towns in California