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Westminster, California

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Westminster is a city with a rich history, evolving from its roots as a Presbyterian temperance colony in the 1870s to a vibrant modern community. We proudly embrace our diverse heritage, particularly as a significant hub for the Vietnamese American community, home to a bustling portion of Little Saigon. This unique blend of past and present makes Westminster a truly special place to call home.
Founded 1957 | Population 91,739 | Peak 91,739 (2024) | County Orange County

Top Events in Westminster, California

1
1870 Temperance Colony Established: Reverend Finley founded Westminster as a Presbyterian temperance colony.
2
1957 City Incorporated: Westminster officially became a city, marking a new era of self-governance.
3
1975 Refugee Resettlement: Westminster welcomed a large influx of Vietnamese refugees post-Vietnam War.
4
1986 First Tet Parade: The city hosted its inaugural Vietnamese Lunar New Year parade, a cultural landmark.
5
2003 Civic Center Opens: New City Hall and library complex opened, enhancing community services.
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Latest News in Westminster

Mar 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…
Mar 13, 2026
What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?
The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…
Mar 10, 2026
CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles
CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

Historical Timeline of Westminster

1870 Government
Colony Founded
1890 Economy
Agricultural Boom
1911 Transport
Pacific Electric Red Car
1957 Government
City Incorporation
1970 Culture
Little Saigon Emerges
1980 Economy
Population Growth
2003 Culture
Civic Center Built
2010 Culture
Revitalization Efforts

Did You Know? — Westminster

1
Westminster was originally established as a temperance colony in 1870, meaning alcohol sales were strictly prohibited for many years!
2
The city is a central part of 'Little Saigon,' the largest Vietnamese American community outside of Vietnam.
3
Before its urban development, Westminster was a major agricultural producer, known for its sugar beets and lima beans.
4
The annual Tet Parade in Westminster is one of the largest and most vibrant celebrations of Vietnamese Lunar New Year in the United States.
5
Westminster is bordered by the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, a significant wetland habitat for migratory birds.
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Famous People from Westminster, California

ME
Mark Eaton
Basketball Player · Born Jan 24, 1957 · Died May 28, 2021 (age 64)
PC
Paul Caligiuri
Association Football Coach, Association Football Player · Born Mar 9, 1964 · Age 61
CA
Charles Anderson
Event Rider · Born Oct 24, 1914 · Died Mar 27, 1993 (age 78)
JB
Jarin Blaschke
Cinematographer · Born Sep 28, 1978 · Age 47
DC
Deen Castronovo
Singer, Drummer · Born Aug 17, 1964 · Age 61

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