FMMP - Corona time series

Changes in this area primarily include conversions from irrigated farmland (green), dryland or idle farmland (yellow) and other land (grey) to urban (red) during this period. Information on these changes was gathered from air photos, local comments, and field reconnaissance. Area shown is approximately 6.7 miles east-west and 6.2 miles north-south.

The Inland Empire counties of Riverside and San Bernardino have been among the 'Top Ten Urbanizing Counties' as mapped by FMMP during every update cycle since mapping began in 1984. Riverside has been the number one urbanizing county in all updates except 1990-92.

A brief history of Corona

Corona is located in Riverside County, approximately 45 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The community is situated at the base of the Cleveland National Forest on an alluvial plain leading down to the Santa Ana River. The population has grown 225% since 1980 to approximately 123,000 in 2000. One of Corona's interesting features is the circular Grand Boulevard where international road racing events took place in the early years of the automobile.

Corona was known as the "Lemon Capital of the World", and by 1913 it shipped more fruit than any other town in Southern California. The first lemon processing plant in the country was built there in 1915. Lemon products included citric acid, lemon oil, lemon juice and pectin. In 1961 citrus was still considered the backbone of Corona's economy, and the largest source of revenue. In that year citrus covered 7,500 acres. By 1982, as citrus began to be replaced by other uses, the Corona Sunkist plant was closed.

Although the city has grown substantially, agriculture still plays a role in the regional economy. In 1985 one of the largest cheese making operations in the world was opened on Lincoln Avenue where the Desi Arnaz horse ranch had once stood.

Division of Land Resource Protection