Recent History - (Original Page No. 9)

1950's

This decade served as an important one in the history of Del Mar. Two major causes were brought to the forefront of community attention and were thoroughly discussed, evaluated, and resolved in an often emotional setting. The first of these issues dealt with the future of Highway 101 which served as the major vehicular link between San Diego and Los Angeles, and had experienced increased usage. It was obvious that some changes were needed. Del Mar residents strongly opposed the State Division of Highways plan for a coastal freeway to be built along nearly two miles of Del Mar ocean bluffs, supported by a seawall. Subsequent to numerous hearings and discussion of alternatives it was decided that an inland route bypassing the community to the east would provide the best solution, resulting in plans for the construction of Interstate 5, which opened in 1966.

The second issue revolved around the feasibility of incorporating Del Mar as a separate city. Studies were made in the late 1950's and focused on three primary alternatives: the establishment of a community service district, annexation to the City of San Diego, and finally incorporation. The primary concerns centered on the best way of acquiring such services as police, fire, planning, sewer, streets, engineering, and public works without creating an excessive tax burden. These questions were decided by the voters in 1959, at which time incorporation was approved by a narrow margin. A re-vote was forced by a pro-annexation group in 1961, but incorporation passed by a higher margin.

1960's

During the late 1950's and early 1960's, the previously discussed Stratford Inn experienced difficulty in continuing its operation. It had ceased to be open year-round in the late 1950's, and by 1963 was forced to close. The lack of maintenance combined with vandalism forced the San Diego County Health Department to declare it a public hazard, and in 1969 the structure was demolished.

In 1966 Interstate 5 was completed, thereby allowing major north south vehicular traffic to bypass Del Mar. The resulting decrease in traffic along Camino del Mar created some vacancies in the business district and the business community expressed concern as to its future. It was evident by 1970, however, that the vitality of retail activities in Del Mar had not only stabilized, but had improved.

The population of Del Mar in 1960 was 3,124 persons. Since 1960, the City continued its expansion of population resulting in nearly 4,900 residents as of 1974.