California: Mountain House California, with nearly 30,000 residents, has officially become the state’s 483rd city.
It is the first new city to be incorporated in California since Jurupa Valley in 2011.
Situated in San Joaquin County, Mountain House lies about 30 miles southwest of Stockton and 50 miles east of Oakland.
Cityhood Journey
The journey to cityhood began many years ago. Initially planned in 1994 to provide affordable housing for Bay Area residents, the first homes in Mountain House were sold in 2003.
The community faced significant challenges during the 2008 recession, with many homeowners owing more on their mortgages than their homes were worth.
However, the town rebounded as the economy recovered, growing from 7,500 residents in 2010 to over 27,000 by 2022.
In March 2024, voters overwhelmingly supported cityhood with a 90% approval rate.
This move transitioned Mountain House from an unincorporated community governed by a five-member community services district board to an official city with its own mayor and city council.
The first mayor, Andy Su, and other city council members were sworn in on July 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for the community.
July 4th Festivities
To celebrate its incorporation, Mountain House planned a series of events for the Fourth of July.
However, due to an excessive heat warning from the National Weather Service, some events had to be adjusted.
Temperatures in the Sacramento Valley, Delta, and Foothills regions were expected to reach between 105 and 108 degrees, prompting city officials to cancel the Independence Day celebration at Central Community Park, originally scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Despite the cancellation, the city will proceed with its Acknowledgement and Commemoration event, which marks the official founding of Mountain House.
This ceremony will now take place at 9 a.m. at the Main Street Stage, located at the corner of Main Street and Central Parkway.
The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mayor Andy Su and other city council members, followed by a parade starting from Central Community Park, looping around Heritage Drive, and returning to the park.
Event Highlights
- Ribbon Cutting and Parade: The ceremony starts at 9 a.m., featuring speeches by city officials, including Mayor Andy Su. The parade route will highlight local community groups and organizations.
- Food Truck Alley: Food trucks will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Central Parkway between Main Street and Arturo Boulevard, offering a variety of cuisines for attendees to enjoy.
- Heat Precautions: Given the high temperatures, attendees are advised to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Looking Ahead
Mountain House’s incorporation signals the beginning of significant growth and development for the community.
A 22-mile rail link connecting Mountain House to the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station is expected to be completed in the coming years, enhancing connectivity to the Bay Area.
Additionally, plans for new neighborhoods are underway, poised to further increase the population and expand the city’s infrastructure.
Mayor Andy Su expressed his gratitude for the support from the community and emphasized his commitment to guiding Mountain House through this transformative period. “I’m very thankful for all the help we’ve had over the years and I’m looking forward to continuing the growth of Mountain House,” Su said.
Mountain House’s journey from a developing community to California’s newest city is a testament to the resilience and determination of its residents.
The changes to the July 4th festivities reflect the community’s adaptability and commitment to safety, ensuring that the celebration of their new cityhood remains a memorable and joyous occasion.
