 Avalon
is situated on the easterly portion of Catalina Island, 22 miles
south/southwest of the Los Angeles Harbor breakwater. Avalon is
a little over one square mile in size. The island itself is 76 square
miles in area. 86%of which is in a conservancy area to be maintained
in its natural state in perpetuity. The picturesque and leisurely
seaport village of Avalon has a permanent population of around 3,000,
with an annual visitor count of close to one million. Catalina Island
is part of Los Angeles County. Avalon schools however, are part
of the Long Beach Unified School District. The island’s primary
industry is tourism.
The climate is mild and seldom gets above 80 degrees in the summer. Usually, the temperature gets no lower than the 60’s in the winter. Because the city hugs the water, evenings can be cool during the summer, and very cold in the winter. Avalon has no smog and the waters of the bay, as well as surrounding the island, are crystal clear. The city’s annual budget is approximately $10,000,000. Avalon has a Community Improvement Agency whose annual budget us an average of approximately $5,000,000. Avalon has a Council/Manager form government. The Mayor is elected separately from the rest of the council. Avalon is a general law city operating its own fire department, and enforcement. Other departments within the city structure include the Harbor Department, Public Works, Planning, Finance, Building & Safety, Community Services and the Wastewater treatment Plant (contracted service). The City Clerk and City Treasurer are elected officers. There are approximately 70 full time employees with the City of Avalon, and an additional 30 employees for the summer season.
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