Author: Rodney Bairos
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First Christmas Tree Lighting in the World was at the Hotel Del Coronado
Christmas Tree First at the Hotel Del Coronado The Beginning: A Historic First (1904) On December 25, 1904, the Hotel del Coronado made history by unveiling the world’s first electrically lit, outdoor living Christmas tree. The towering Norfolk Island pine stood about 50 feet tall and was strung with roughly 250 white electric bulbs creating… Read more
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History of Santee Lakes in Santee, California
Origins and Development In the early 20th century, the area now known as Santee was primarily agricultural land. The construction of the El Capitan Dam in the 1940s led to the drying up of the local aquifer, which had previously supplied water to the farmers. This event marked a turning point for Santee, as… Read more
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History of the USS Midway
The USS Midway (CV-41) was a legendary aircraft carrier that served the U.S. Navy for nearly five decades, from 1945 to 1992. She was the lead ship of the Midway-class carriers and one of the longest-serving aircraft carriers in naval history. USS Midway Website Construction and Early Years (1940s-1950s) The Midway was laid down in… Read more
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History of the Star of India
The Star of India has a fascinating history spanning over 160 years, with a special connection to San Diego that began in the 20th century. Origins and Early Career The ship was built in 1863 in Ramsey, Isle of Man, as the full-rigged ship Euterpe. Star of India (ship) – Wikipedia Originally named after the… Read more
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History of Del Mar Racetrack
Origins and Founding Del Mar Racetrack was built in 1936 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, with founding member Bing Crosby providing leadership. Crosby, who served as President of the Turf Club, partnered with his close friend, movie star Pat O’Brien, who served as Vice President. Crosby was a Rancho Santa Fe resident and racing… Read more
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History of Coronado Bridge
Construction and Opening Construction of the $50 million bridge began in February 1967, with Robert Mosher as the principal architect. After approximately two years of construction, the bridge opened to traffic on August 3, 1969, during the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the founding of San Diego San Diego–Coronado Bridge – Wikipedia. Governor Ronald… Read more
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History of Point Loma, CA
Point Loma has a rich history dating back centuries, beginning with its indigenous inhabitants and continuing through Spanish exploration, Mexican rule, American development, and its role as a major military installation. Indigenous Beginnings Before European contact, Point Loma was inhabited by the Kumeyaay people, who lived in the region for thousands of years, fishing the… Read more
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California’s Most Expensive Home for Sale
The Lyon Estate – Coto de Caza, Orange County The 137-acre estate of the late real estate magnate William Lyon and his wife, Willa Dean, is currently on the market for $125 million. This property is located in Cota de Caza, Orange County. This property was built by Major General William Lyon in 1986, who was… Read more
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History of Father’s Day
Father’s Day has an interesting history that developed differently across various countries, though the modern American version is now widely celebrated internationally. Origins in the United States The holiday began in the early 20th century, largely through the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington. After hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she… Read more
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History of la Jolla, California
La Jolla has a rich history spans from ancient indigenous roots to its development as an exclusive seaside community. Here’s an overview of the area’s historical journey: Indigenous Origins The true history of La Jolla begins much earlier than the late 1800s, with the Kumeyaay people who “have always been here before roads” ‘Still here’:… Read more