updated 10/6/23
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Oak Glen is a census-designated place situated between the San Bernardino Mountains and the Little San Bernardino Mountains. It is northeast of Yucaipa. Oak Glen is located 15 miles east of San Bernardino, at an elevation of 4,734 feet. It experiences all four seasons and hosts the Apple Blossom Festival in April and the Apple Butter Festival in November.
Demographics: median age 60; 20% poverty rate; $80K median income; 84% white; 6% Hispanic; 5% native Hawa\iin & Pacific islander; 2% Asian; 2% African American; overall crime grade is C [see more details below]; estimated population [2021] 625.
The Rileys moved to Oak Glen in 1978. They bought 12 acres from “Blackie” Wilshire, son of Oak Glen pioneer Joe Wilshire, who first settled in Oak Glen in 1871. Soon the Rileys were learning how to care for the several hundred heirloom apple trees on the property as well as building a log home for the family. After a couple of years, the Rileys thought it would be great to open the orchard to the public and let folks experience orchard life, firsthand. Soon, visitors were pouring into the small orchard by the hundreds and eager to participate in all that the Rileys planned, including old fashioned hoedown dances, pressing cider by hand, and picking several varieties of apples.
In 1987, the adjoining 200 + acres, also originally owned by the Wilshire family, were purchased by Ray and Bea Riley, Dennis’ parents, and soon Grandson Devon and his wife Shelli were operating the expanded Rileys venture on that property and renovating an 1887 apple packing shed for dinner dances, starting school tour programs and hosting several special events each year. In 2002 Devon and Shelli left Riley’s Farm (due to differences in the extended family business direction) and 2-years later they began to tenet the historic Los Rios Rancho.
Los Rios
Los Rios first began in 1906 when Howard L. Rivers, a grower, packer, and shipper from the Pasadena area purchased property from the Wilshires, over 300 acres, to expand his operation to include apples. He planted the largest apple orchards in all of Southern California, many of which are still in production today. Los Rios Ranch soon became known as the place to get truckloads of quality mile-high grown apples. Fruit from the ranch has been shipped locally and globally over the years. The operation expanded as the shift from wholesale packing/shipping to retailing took hold in the 1950’s. Soon a sales barn and bakery were built, picnic areas developed, and cider operations enhanced to make the most of the growing numbers of visitors, eager for mountain fresh apples and the things made from them.
In 1995, The Wildlands Conservancy purchased the ranch from the descendants of the Rivers in an effort to save it from certain development and to retain the rich history and landscape for generations to come. They worked diligently to return some of the land to native habitat, develop and expand trails for visitors and begin an outdoor education program that focuses on the wildland and animal life unique to California and Oak Glen. In the Winter/Spring of 2004, The Wildlands Conservancy and Devon Riley began negotiations to join forces that would enable the Conservancy to focus its efforts on preservation, development of trails, and education while leasing the business operations and the bulk of the orchards to the Riley’s to continue the tradition of apple growing and historic entertainment.
Mission: “To Promote the area known as Oak Glen in the production and marketing of Oak Glen apples and apple products, together with restaurants, shops, and other agricultural support services in the area."
Location of Oak Glen in SBC
Specific Prayer Points
Spiritual: retreats bring people again, intercessors arise; pray for evangelism explosion, boldness in sharing faith, transformed lives, protection from floods and fires, able to bounce back from the recent past fires and flooding. Bible studies during the week since most work weekends to cater to the tourism
Governed by: SBC District 3; State Assembly (District 42); State Senate (District 23)
Crime Statistics: [2022] overall crime is B+; violent crimeB-; property crime A and other crime B-; top crime issue is vandalism at 15%
Points of interest: Los Rios Rancho; Wilshire's Apple Shed; Riley's Farm; Pear Grove Farm
Environmental issues: fires, flooding
Churches [not exhaustive]
no churches in city proper
nearest churches in Yucaipa & Beaumont