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City of Placentia

401 East Chapman Avenue
714-993-8117

Placentia's colorful history began in 1837 when the Mexican Governor granted the Rancho San Juan Cajon De Santa Ana to Juan Ontiveros. This land grant included the area which today comprises Placentia, Anaheim, Fullerton and La Habra. Our first pioneer was Daniel Kraemer, who purchased 3900 acres in 1865. Three years later, William McFadden and his wife, Sarah Jane acquired 100 additional acres in this area. Many other settlers arrived in the following years. As our community slowly developed, schools and churches were erected.

The school district's original name was the Cajon School District. In 1878, at the suggestion of Sarah Jane McFadden, the name was changed to the Placentia School District. The city name came from that change. Placentia is derived from a Spanish word meaning "pleasant place to live."

Placentia was placed on the map in 1910 when A. S. Bradford persuaded the Santa Fe Railroad to re-route their track through this area, thus shortening the rail distance to Los Angeles. A station was built and packing houses were established for the town's growing citrus industry. Mr. Bradford also laid out the main streets of the town; and, in his honor, Bradford Avenue retains his name today.

The climate and rich land attracted an ever-growing number of new residents. Five hundred citizens voted to incorporate in 1926. The area was well suited to the raising of citrus, walnuts, avocados, and grapes. Placentia became the center of Valencia orange growing and packing.

In 1960, Placentia's population had reached only 5000; but, at that time, a phenomenal growth period began. In ten years, by 1970, the population increased five-fold to nearly 25,000. Today, Placentia is still a fast-growing community of 45,000 residents, with beautiful suburban homes, good schools, stately churches, and wholesome recreation.

We are not the only "Placentia" in the world. A check of the World Atlas reveals a Placentia in Newfoundland. Placentia Point is a geographical feature on the coast on British Honduras. Hannibal, with his army and warrior elephants, camped in Placentia in Northern Italy prior to crossing the Alps.

Recent News

City of Placentia Administrator's Report - March 9, 2023

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Placentia Post Office Renaming Ceremony The public is invited to attend a Post Office Renaming Ceremony for the renaming of the Placentia Post Office, 1400 N Kraemer Boulevard, on Monday, March 13th at 1:30 pm. The Post…

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City of Placentia Administrator's Report - March 2, 2023

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City of Placentia Weekly Briefing for February 23, 2023

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City of Placentia Administrator's Report - February 16, 2023

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Apply Today for the 2023 Placentia Citizens Academy The City is excited to announce the start of the next Citizens Academy! The Placentia Citizens Academy will be an eight-week educational program designed to empower…

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City Of Placentia Administrator's Report - February 9, 2023

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City of Placentia News SB 1383 Compliance Coming Soon

Beginning Summer of 2023, Placentia residents will be able to divert food scraps from the trash bin to reduce the amount of organic waste sent to local landfills. Single-family residences will commingle food scraps with yard waste in the brown bin.…

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City Of Placentia Administrator's Report - February 2, 2023

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City Of Placentia Administrator's Report - January 26, 2023

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City of Placentia Administrator's Report - January 19, 2023

ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT Resolve to be Ready for Natural Disasters January is the national awareness campaign Resolve to be Ready! Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort encouraging everyone to be ready for natural disasters. Disasters like…

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City of Placentia Administrator's Report - January 12, 2023

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City Of Placentia : Annual Compost Giveaway

The City of Placentia and Republic Services will be giving away compost for free on Saturday, February 4th, from 7:30 am to 10:30 am (or until compost runs out) at Tri-City Park, 2301 N. Kraemer Blvd. This event provides an opportunity to give back…

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City Of Placentia Administrator's Report - January 5, 2023

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City of Placentia News - Legacy Bricks for Purchase!

Legacy Bricks for Purchase! The City Council allocated funds to restore the Kraemer Memorial Park Dolphin Fountain and the surrounding plaza area. The City is partnering with the Placentia Community Foundation to create an opportunity for the…

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