The original community of Casa Blanca typified the citrus colonia established by Mexican immigrants during the early twentieth century in Southern California. While the name derives from the estate of Harry Lockwood, from whose land the neighborhood first developed, the village itself symbolized the arrival of a permanent Mexican- American population in Riverside. Along with the barrio on the Eastside, Casa Blanca provided the labor supply needed by Riverside's potent navel orange industry. The families who settled in the colonia built a dynamic community, maintaining much of their cultural and religious traditions.

Casa Blanca has been a part of Riverside since its foundation and has long been a neighborhood with a strong Hispanic-American community. This strong knit neighborhood has a history of community activism and was one of the first areas in the city to develop a community plan to guide development. This region developed around large commercial and industrial centers, which employ many of the residents of the local area.

The large majority of the homes in this area were built in the decade following World War Two and the remaining homes were built just prior to 1980. The neighborhood features some excellent examples of early 1920’s architectural design and the California Bungalow is a common home style seen here. Currently, the city is working with the local community in home and business improvements and a redevelopment area covers nearly the entire community. Future development within this area will seek to maintain and enhance the strong sense of community that has been and always will be present here.

Council Representatives & Wards

• Paul Davis - Ward 4
• Detailed Neighborhood Map