"Santa Nella (or Santa Nella Village) is a census-designated place in Merced County, California, USA. It is located 11 miles (18 km) east-northeast of Pacheco Pass, at an elevation of 154 feet (47 m). At the 2010 census, Santa Nella had a population of 1,380 people and has one elementary school.
The town is located by Interstate 5, at the interchange with State Route 33. Services that cater to travelers include Pea Soup Andersen's Restaurant, as well as several fast food outlets, motels and gas stations.
The name does not refer to a saint, as there is no "Saint Nella". It appears to have been formed from the Spanish centinela ("sentinel"), referring to the earlier Centinela Adobe that was formerly located in the vicintiy.
The San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, including the California Korean War Veterans Memorial, is located just outside Santa Nella, on McCabe Road. In addtition, the San Luis Reservoir and Forebay Golf Course are nearby." (
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