REDWOOD CITY

city, seat (1856) of San Mateo county, California, U.S. It lies on the western shore of San Francisco Bay, at the mouth of Redwood Creek. Once part of the Rancho de las Pulgas and called Embarcadero until 1858, it was an early port and had shipbuilding, lumber, and tannery industries. The city was laid out in 1854 by Simon M. Mezes as Mezesville and was incorporated in 1866 and named for its redwood-timber business. Stimulated by modern deepwater harbour facilities, Redwood City's growth has corresponded with the development of the San Francisco Bay area. The city is known for its cut flowers, especially chrysanthemums. Other industries produce cement, salt, rubber, and electronic goods. Caada College opened there in 1968. Pop. (1991 est.) 67,448.