Castro Valley, Census-designated place in Alameda County, United States
Castro Valley is a census-designated place in Alameda County, California, with residential neighborhoods and a business district near Lake Chabot Regional Park. The area spreads over rolling hills with single-family homes, small shopping centers, and parks connected by wide main roads.
The area got its name from Don Guillermo Castro, a California rancher who received a large land grant here in 1840 called Rancho San Lorenzo. The community grew after World War II when commuters from San Francisco and Oakland began buying homes here.
The Harry Rowell Rodeo Ranch maintains western traditions through regular events while the Castro Village shopping center serves as a community gathering location.
The BART station connects the place to San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area destinations through regular trains. Grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants line Castro Valley Boulevard, the main road through the community.
Although over 67,000 people live here, the place has no city government and ranks as one of the largest unincorporated communities in California. Residents vote on local issues through the Alameda County Board of Supervisors rather than elected city officials.
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