Mather, CA

County: Sacramento

History

Mather, California

Mather, California is a small community located in Sacramento County. It is situated southeast of the city of Sacramento and lies within the boundaries of the former Mather Air Force Base.

The history of Mather can be traced back to 1918 when the United States Army established Camp Mather as a temporary training and reception center. The camp was named after Second Lieutenant Karl G. Mather, who was killed in a flying accident during World War I.

In 1925, Camp Mather became a permanent military base and was renamed Mather Field. Over the following decades, Mather Field played a significant role in military aviation training and operations. It served as a primary training center for pilots during World War II and later became a vital base for various Air Force units and operations.

During the Cold War era, Mather Field served as a base for reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft, including the U-2 spy plane. It also hosted the 940th Air Refueling Wing, which conducted air refueling missions during the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War.

In 1988, the United States Air Force announced the closure of Mather Field as part of a nationwide base realignment and closure plan. The closure process lasted several years, and Mather Air Force Base officially closed in 1993.

Following the closure, the Mather Field Community Authority was established to oversee the conversion of the former base into a civilian airfield and community. The authority helped in the creation of the Sacramento Mather Airport, which now serves as a general aviation and business aviation facility.

In addition to the airport, the former Mather Air Force Base has been transformed into a mixed-use development area. Today, Mather hosts a variety of businesses, educational institutions, government offices, recreational facilities, and residential communities. It has become a thriving community within the Sacramento metropolitan area.

The history of Mather, CA is closely tied to its military roots and the subsequent transformation of the former air base into a vibrant community. Today, Mather continues to honor its military heritage while embracing its new identity as a modern and diverse community.

Attractions

Mather Golf Course

Mather Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course provides a scenic and challenging experience for golf enthusiasts.

Mather Regional Park

A great place for picnics, hiking, and outdoor activities. The park offers beautiful scenery, walking trails, and a playground.

Aerospace Museum of California

Located adjacent to Mather Airport, this museum showcases a fascinating collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts.

Mather Lake Regional Park

With a tranquil lake, picnic areas, and nature trails, this park is a lovely spot for fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying the outdoors.

American River Bicycle Trail

The trail runs through Mather and offers a scenic route for cycling, jogging, or leisurely walks along the scenic American River.

Elk Grove Historical Society

Just a short drive from Mather, the Elk Grove Historical Society operates a museum that highlights the area's history through exhibits and collections.

Sacramento State Aquatic Center

Located near Mather, this center offers various water sports activities like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Situated within Ancil Hoffman County Park, this nature center features interpretive exhibits, nature trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

A short drive away, this recreational area offers opportunities for boating, swimming, hiking, and camping.

Downtown Sacramento

Mather is conveniently located near downtown Sacramento, allowing easy access to popular attractions such as the California State Capitol Museum, Crocker Art Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park, and numerous dining and shopping options.

Climate

Mather, California has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The area experiences very little rainfall during the summer, with the majority of precipitation occurring between November and April.

Summers in Mather are typically hot, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) to the mid-90s°F (around 35°C). Heatwaves are not uncommon, and temperatures can occasionally exceed 100°F (38°C). The nights are generally cooler, with temperatures dropping to the mid-50s°F (around 13°C) to low-60s°F (around 16°C).

Winters in Mather are mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-50s°F (around 13°C) to the low 60s°F (around 16°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop into the mid-30s°F (around 2-4°C), and frost is infrequent. Rainfall is more common during this time, with the wettest months being December through February. However, overall annual precipitation in Mather is relatively low, averaging around 20 inches (50 cm) per year.

Mather, CA also experiences a fair amount of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of around 265 sunny days annually. However, the area is prone to smog and poor air quality, particularly during the summer months, due to factors such as pollution and geographical location.

Overall, the climate in Mather, CA is generally pleasant, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It offers a Mediterranean-like environment, which is ideal for those who enjoy warm temperatures and prefer a relatively dry climate.

Neighborhoods

Mather, California is a relatively small community located in Sacramento County. Although Mather is a former United States Air Force base, it has since been converted into a mixed-use development that includes residential areas. While there is not a wide range of neighborhoods in Mather, there are a few distinct areas worth mentioning.

Mather Field

This is the central neighborhood of Mather, located around the former Mather Air Force Base. It consists primarily of residential housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. This area is also home to Mather Sports Complex and Mather Golf Course.

Sunridge Park

Situated in the eastern part of Mather, Sunridge Park is a newer housing development featuring a variety of homes, including single-family houses and townhomes. This neighborhood offers modern amenities and spacious layouts, attracting families and professionals.

Anatolia

While not technically part of Mather, the Anatolia neighborhood is located adjacent to the western border of the community. Anatolia is a large master-planned community with a range of housing options, including single-family homes, condos, and apartments. The neighborhood provides various amenities such as parks, clubhouse, pools, and trails.

Mather Village

Another neighborhood near Mather, Mather Village offers a mix of housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. This community provides a suburban atmosphere with tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties.

It is important to note that Mather is a relatively small community, so the number of distinct neighborhoods is limited. However, various nearby areas like Rancho Cordova, Rosemont, and Citrus Heights provide additional options for residents seeking more diverse neighborhoods and amenities.

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