Solana Beach City Guide – 92075

Early Inhabitants of Solana Beach

In about 9000 B.C., the first known residents of the Solana Beach area were known as the San Dieguitos, hunters of mastodons, giant bison and camels. The next waves of inhabitants, known as La Jollans, dwelled in small bands along the coast and around the lagoons and were seafood collectors and seed gatherers.

The La Jollans were followed by the Kumeyaay, who fished and foraged along the coast, gathered acorns, and we apparently a peaceful tribe. The Spanish arrived in 1769 led by Don Gaspar de Portola. Portola’s charge was to press north from San Diego to Monterey Bay where he was to establish a mission and a colony. He was accompanied by Franciscan padres, whose job it was to convert the local Indians.

Transition from Spanish to Mexican and American Control

Control of the area passed to Mexico when it gained independence from Spain in 1822. Many of the inhabitants were sons and grandsons of the original Spanish settlers who became influential in government and were owners of enormous ranchos. Many thousands of acres in what is now San Diego County became privately owned during the Mexican regime.

Following the Mexican War with the United States, California became a U.S. territory, and on September 9, 1850, was admitted to the Union. Until the 1860’s and the gradual influx of the Anglos, the Californios (early Mexican, large land owners) continued to dominate life in the Solana Beach area. The County of San Diego was established by the State Legislature on February 18, 1850.

Development of Solana Beach

The main area known as Solana Beach was originally called Lockwood Mesa and was first settled by George Jones family in 1886. Chief crops were grain and lima beans.

The area encompassing Solana Beach began to develop rapidly, when Lake Hodges Dam was built in 1917-18. The creation of the 12,000-acre Santa Fe Irrigation District in 1918 ensured that the area from Rancho Santa Fe through Solana Beach would prosper and expand.

Economic Boom and Subsequent Decline

The coastline from Solana Beach to Oceanside began to boom in the early 1920’s. In 1922 Colonel Ed Fletcher, an early community leader and developer, purchased 140 acres at $20 per acre from farmer George H. Jones to develop the town of Solana Beach, with the help of his brother-in-law Eugene Batchelder. The Solana Beach area was promoted as an avocado growing center. Beginning in 1929, the depression stifled growth in Solana Beach. The price of the lots tumbled and land reverted to the Sante Fe Irrigation District for lack of taxpayment. For almost a decade, progress was at a standstill.

After World War II, the community began to grow. The Chamber of Commerce was formed. A sanitation district and a fire district were created. For a 10-year period between 1950 and 1960, the community underwent tremendous growth.

Paul Tchang, a San Diego builder, had constructed almost 100 premium homes in Solana Beach by 1969. Thirty-three more were built in 1970, and 500 more from 1971 to 1977. Lomas Sante Fe completed their golf course and opened the sale of lots in Isla Verde in 1968.

This signaled the beginning of a real estate boom which lasted well into the 80s and 90s. As the community progressed, additional attention was given to civic beautification. Recent years have seen the incorporation of Solana Beach in 1986, creation of the Cedros Design District, building of the Solana Beach train station, formation of the 101 Merchants Association, construction of a new joint-use library, and the influx of many new businesses. Incorporation of the community in 1986 provided a Council-City Manager form of government, with the Mayor’s position rotating among Council members.