Brawley

Brawley is a city in the Imperial Valley and within Imperial County, southern California, United States.The population was 24,953 at the 2010 census, up from 22,052 in 2000. The town has a significant cattle and feed industry, and hosts the annual Cattle Call Rodeo. Year-round agriculture is an important economic activity in Brawley. Summer daytime temperatures often exceed 105°F.GeographyBrawley is located in the Colorado Desert and Lower Colorado River Valley regions. The city's elevation, like other Imperial Valley towns, is below sea level.It is 13mi north of El Centro, about 70 miles west of Yuma, Arizona, 95 miles southeast of Palm Springs and 130 miles east of San Diego.According to the United States Census Bureau, Brawley has a total area of 7.7sqmi. All is land within the city limits, except for the Alamo River and New River that seasonally flow through the city. The New River has been reported as the most polluted river in North America.HistoryThe Imperial Land Company laid out the town in 1902 and named it Braly in honor of J.H. Braly, who owned the land. After Braly refused to permit the use of his name, the name was changed to Brawley. The first post office at Brawley opened in 1903.