Rancho Santa Fe, California

Rancho Santa Fe
—  census-designated place  —
Nickname(s): The Ranch
Location of Rancho Santa Fe within San Diego County, California.
Coordinates: 33°1′26″N 117°12′0″W
Country	United States
State	California
County	San Diego
Area
• Total	6.788 sq mi (17.581 km2)
• Land	6.715 sq mi (17.392 km2)
• Water	0.073 sq mi (0.189 km2)  1.07%
Elevation	246 ft (75 m)
Population (2010)
• Total	3,117
• Density	Bad rounding here460/sq mi (Bad rounding here180/km2)
Time zone	PST (UTC-8)
• Summer (DST)	PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP codes	92067, 92091
Area code(s)	858
FIPS code	06-59584
GNIS feature ID	0247968
California Historical Landmark
Reference No.	982

Rancho Santa Fe (Spanish: santa—holy, fe—faith) known locally as ″The Ranch″, is a census-designated place (CDP) in San Diego County, California and an unincorporated bedroom community of San Diego County. With an estimated (2010) median income of $188,859, it is on the list of highest income communities in the United States with a population of at least 1,000. The population was 3,117 at the 2010 census, down from 3,252 at the 2000 census. The CDP is primarily residential with a few shopping blocks, a middle and elementary school, several restaurants and single family residential areas situated on primarily 1-3 acre parcels.^{[citation needed]}.

In 2011, Forbes reported Rancho Santa Fe as having the fourteenth most expensive ZIP code in the United States (down from second place in both 2006 and 2007), and fourth most expensive in California (most expensive California ZIP in 2007), with a 2011 median home sale price of $2,585,000. Some homes in ZIP code 92067 but not within the CDP are valued at more than the median home-value within the Master Planned Community that makes up the official CDP, and many people who live within the 92067 ZIP code cite their community as Rancho Santa Fe even though they do not live within the strict boundaries of the Master Planned Community. The United States Postal Service (USPS) refers to all homes in the 92067 and 92091 ZIP codes, as well as many of the communities in the 92127 ZIP code, as "Rancho Santa Fe".

History

"Rancho San Dieguito" as it was called in 1841, included 8,824 acres, and was acquired by the first political "alcalde" of San Diego, Juan Maria Osuna, under a land grant from the governor of Mexico, Pio Pico. In 1906 the Santa Fe Railway, a subsidiary of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, purchased the entire ancestral grant of the Osunas thinking this would be good land to plant eucalyptus trees for railroad ties. The experiment of planting Eucalyptus trees for railroad ties came to a halt when it was determined that the wood was too soft to hold railroad spikes. In an attempt to recoup losses, the railroad formed the Santa Fe Land Improvement Company. The goal was to develop a planned community of country estates. During 1917 through 1918 the Santa Fe Land & Improvement Company under the supervision of its president, W.E. Hodges, constructed a dam to capture the waters of the San Dieguito River and form Lake Hodges. Without ample water for irrigation, Rancho Santa Fe could never become a reality. A village plan was adopted, roads were laid out and properties were plotted. The 6,200 acres carved from the original "Rancho San Dieguito" land grant, was named in 1922, "Rancho Santa Fe." The company chose a San Diego-based architectural firm called Requa and Jackson, noted for their expertise in Spanish and Mediterranean architecture, to develop the master plan. Lilian Rice, an employee with the firm, worked from 1920’s through the 1930s designing, supervising, and constructing the village center, as well as several homes throughout the Ranch. Her philosophy in architecture was to "create unity between buildings and their surroundings in a simplistic blend of picturesque romantic charm." Her architectural influence can be seen throughout the village today.

In 1923 the Santa Fe Land Company started residential development and constructed a guest house called "La Morada" to house potential land purchasers. In 1941 the name was changed to "The Inn", when it was purchased as a guest resort by Col George Richardson from Chicago.

From 1923-1929 large parcels of land were sold for citrus and avocado groves. Homes were constructed, many on hilltops with fabulous views of the mountains, ocean and valleys. Although building and landscaping requirements were a part of the purchase contract in the early years, Charles Cheney, a noted city planner, suggested that the residents of the area form a mutual organization for the administration of the community. In 1927 a non-profit association was formed called the Rancho Santa Fe Association. The Rancho Santa Fe Association adopted a Protective Covenant that seeks to insure the "preservation, maintenance, development, and improvement of property" in accordance with the wishes of property owners and in conformance with the general community plan.

Today Rancho Santa Fe has become the home of country estates and was declared the wealthiest community in the nation in the 2000 census. The Rancho Santa Fe Association is still pursuing the dreams and goals of its far-sighted developers. This pleasant oasis covers approximately 6,200 acres with approximately 1,500 households just four to six miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful residences on lots averaging two acres or more are set back from the picturesque roadways which wind around the town. Rancho Santa Fe is governed by the Rancho Santa Fe Association which also oversees the RSF golf club, a 6800 yard, par 72, 18 hole course, and RSF tennis facility. Rancho Santa Fe also enjoys a riding club, garden club, community center, art guild, library guild, book club, and 50 miles of horse trails which weave throughout the rolling hills of this community. The town centerpiece is “The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe”, designed by Lilian Rice, and situated on a grassy knoll at the western end of the main street. The focal point of activity is the central village, where businesses and shops dot the few blocks of commercially-zoned property. Since there is no mail delivery to homes (by popular demand), residents stop at the post office every day. The Village serves as a meeting place where one gathers for morning coffee, or strolls down the street to greet neighbors and friends, and to enjoy the ambiance of the town itself.

In 1989, Rancho Santa Fe was registered as California Historical Landmark #982 for its status as a historic planned community. It also received "Cultural Landmark Degniation" which is an amendment to California State Landmark for its roads, water features, landscaping, natural contours.

Geography

Rancho Santa Fe is located at 33°1′26″N 117°12′0″W (33.023943, -117.200110).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.8 square miles (18 km²). 6.7 square miles (17 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km²) of it (1.07%) is water.

The climate of Rancho Santa Fe is, for the most part, typical of the San Diego metropolitan area, though its higher elevation and inland location lends itself to larger temperature variations. Notably, Rancho Santa Fe is one of only a few places in suburban San Diego to receive snowfall, the last of which occurred on February 26–27, 2011.

Demographics

2010

The 2010 United States Census reported that Rancho Santa Fe had a population of 3,117. The population density was 459.2 people per square mile (177.3/km²). The racial makeup of Rancho Santa Fe was 2,910 (93.4%) White, 10 (0.3%) African American, 1 (0.0%) Native American, 87 (2.8%) Asian, 4 (0.1%) Pacific Islander, 45 (1.4%) from other races, and 60 (1.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 176 persons (5.6%).

The Census reported that 3,117 people (100% of the population) lived in households, 0 (0%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 0 (0%) were institutionalized.

There were 1,195 households, out of which 364 (30.5%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 848 (71.0%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 62 (5.2%) had a female householder with no husband present, 33 (2.8%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 23 (1.9%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships, and 9 (0.8%) same-sex married couples or partnerships. 213 households (17.8%) were made up of individuals and 124 (10.4%) had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61. There were 943 families (78.9% of all households); the average family size was 2.93.

The population was spread out with 724 people (23.2%) under the age of 18, 142 people (4.6%) aged 18 to 24, 332 people (10.7%) aged 25 to 44, 1,178 people (37.8%) aged 45 to 64, and 741 people (23.8%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.3 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

There were 1,391 housing units at an average density of 204.9 per square mile (79.1/km²), of which 1,010 (84.5%) were owner-occupied, and 185 (15.5%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 12.3%. 2,674 people (85.8% of the population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 443 people (14.2%) lived in rental housing units.

2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,252 people, 1,204 households, and 947 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 476.2 inhabitants per square mile (183.8/km²). There were 1,339 housing units at an average density of 196.1 per square mile (75.7/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.33% White, 0.46% African American, 0.15% Native American, 2.77% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 2.15% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.32% of the population.

There were 1,204 households out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.4% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 25.9% under the age of 18, 2.9% from 18 to 24, 17.7% from 25 to 44, 33.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 95.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was in excess of $200,000, as is the median income for a family. Males had a median income of over $150,000 versus $86,933 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $113,132. 3.5% of the population and 2.0% of families were below the poverty line. None under the age of 18 and 5.5% of those 65 and older was living below the poverty line.

Politics

Rancho Santa Fe is a stronghold of the Republican Party in San Diego County. In the 2008 Presidential Election, it voted for John McCain over Barack Obama with 66.61%, significantly higher than the county-wide average of 43.79%. The community approved of California Proposition 8 with 57.57%, while Proposition 4 passed with 53.06% of the vote.

In the state legislature Rancho Santa Fe is located in the 38th Senate District, represented by Republican Mark Wyland, and in the 74th Assembly District, represented by Republican Martin Garrick. Federally, Rancho Santa Fe is located in California's 50th congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +3—that is, in recent presidential elections its voters have voted Republican somewhat more than the national average—and is represented by Republican Brian Bilbray.

Education

Schools located within the Rancho Santa Fe School District:

• R. Roger Rowe Rancho Santa Fe School - public elementary and middle school serving grades K through 8
• Diegueno Country School - Private Elementary School serving Kindergarten through Sixth grade [4]
• Horizon Preparatory - private
• The Nativity School - private

Solana Beach School District

• Solana Santa Fe - public elementary school serving grades K through 6

Rancho Santa Fe is located within the San Dieguito Union High School District which includes the schools:

• Torrey Pines High School
• Canyon Crest Academy
• La Costa Canyon High School
• Earl Warren Middle School
• Carmel Valley Middle School
• Sunset Academy
• Oak Crest Middle School
• North Coast Alternative High School
• Diegueño Middle School

Private Schools:

• Horizon
• Horizon prep
• The Nativity School

Rancho Santa Fe" refers to the original planned community and at times is referred to as the "Rancho Santa Fe Covenant"

Communities adjacent to or near Rancho Santa Fe:

• Rancho Santa Fe Groves, a gated community on the northeast border of the RSF Covenant set in an orange grove.
• Cielo, a gated community a few miles east of the RSF Covenant bordered by Del Dios Highway.
• Santa Fe Hills, a community of 31 homes located several miles southeast of the RSF Covenant and West of Del Sur.
• The Crosby, a gated community a few miles east of the RSF Covenant and bordered by Del Dios Highway.
• Stonebridge, a gated community of 26 homes contiguous to the West boundary of the RSF Covenant adjoining the San Elijo lagoon and wildlife preserve.
• Morgan Run, a golf course community surrounded by the Morgan Run Golf Course on the southern border of the RSF Covenant.
• Fairbanks Ranch, The Crosby, Hacienda Santa Fe, The Summit, Del Rayo, The Bridges, Rancho La Cima, The River Estates

Social history

Rancho Santa Fe (RSF) has its origins as Rancho San Dieguito, a Mexican land grant made during 1836–1845 to Juan María Osuna (the first mayor or alcalde of the San Diego area). In 1906 it was sold to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, which renamed it after the second transcontinental railroad to reach California. As previously mentioned, the Railway planted extensive groves of eucalyptus trees in the hope of having a near-inexhaustible supply of raw material for the railway ties they needed to expand their Western American market. Eucalyptus wood, however, proved too brittle; unable to hold railway spikes. One Sydney Nelson, about whom little else is known, helped finance the purchase of the ten square mile plot, as well as the construction of a golf course (today the main course of the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club). Nelson also drew up rudimentary community plans.

Rancho Santa Fe gained popularity when Bing Crosby bought the storied Osuna Ranch in 1936. He invited all of his Hollywood cronies down to enjoy the peace and quiet of the country, and play the Rancho Santa Fe golf course. In 1937 he launched the First Bing Crosby Pro Am Tournament. The same year Bing Crosby, movie director for Douglas Fairbanks, Ted Reed, and Pat O'Brien opened the Del Mar Race Track. His "fun golf tournaments", which included Hollywood celebrities matched with owners, jockies, and trainers from the area, drew great crowds to the Ranch. Rancho Santa Fe became a popular destination.

In addition to many notable Hollywood figures (Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford) who played important roles in the founding and popularization of the resort town, Rancho Santa Fe has been the scene for a good deal of San Diego County's high social dramas. In March 1997, 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult, committed mass suicide in a rented house at 18241 Colina Norte. Due to the publicity surrounding the case, the street name was changed to Paseo Victoria.

Rancho Sante Fe was chosen to host the equestrian events during the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Rancho Santa Fe is in the 50th congressional district. Their representative, Randy Duke Cunningham, resigned from the House on November 28, 2005 after pleading guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion for underreporting his income in 2004. Cunningham's corruption first came to light when he bought his Rancho Santa Fe house largely with the proceeds of the sale of his Del Mar home for an inflated price. He was replaced by Brian Bilbray in the 2006 elections, who beat Democrat Francine Busby.

The public library in Rancho Santa Fe is a branch of the San Diego County Library system, and is open to all California residents. The Rancho Santa Fe Library Guild owns the building and land that house the Rancho Santa Fe Library, as well as providing the staff for the children's room.

Notable residents

• Rick Aguilera, former major league baseball player
• Douglas Barnhart, PETCO Park Builder.
• Warren Barton, former English football player^{[citation needed]}
• Bud Black, former major league pitcher from 1981–1995, Pitching Coach for Anaheim Angels 2000-2006, Manager of the San Diego Padres, 2007–present
• Ann Blyth, actress
• Jud Buechler, Former NBA player and champion^{[citation needed]}
• Jenny Craig (entrepreneur), weight loss guru and founder of Jenny Craig Inc.^{[citation needed]}
• Geena Davis, actress^{[citation needed]}
• Tom DeLonge, guitarist and vocalist of the bands Blink-182, Angels & Airwaves, and Box Car Racer; owner of Macbeth Footwear and Modlife
• Steve Finley, former major league baseball player^{[citation needed]}
• Steven Ford, son of former U.S. President Gerald Ford^{[citation needed]}
• Robert Frimtzis, Holocaust survivor and engineer for the Apollo space program^{[citation needed]}
• Bill Gates, American entrepreneur, software executive, philanthropist and chairman of Microsoft owns a home here, although his main residence is in Medina, Washington.^{[citation needed]}
• David Gates, musician, songwriter, member of 70's group Bread^{[citation needed]}
• Marshall Goldsmith, noted executive coach and management guru, best-selling author^{[citation needed]}
• Bear Grylls, Man Vs. Wild Star^{[citation needed]}
• Trevor Hoffman, former major league baseball pitcher with second most saves in MLB history^{[citation needed]}
• Janet Jackson, singer and performer^{[citation needed]}
• Jelena Jankovic, Serbian professional tennis player, former number 1^{[citation needed]}
• Richard Jefferson, Current NBA player for the San Antonio Spurs^{[citation needed]}
• Steve Kerr, NBA player and former Phoenix Suns GM.
• Jewel Kilcher, professionally known as Jewel, singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer; recipient of four Grammy Award nominations^{[citation needed]}
• I.K. Kim, golfer. Winner of three LPGA Tour events^{[citation needed]}
• E. Jack Kirby, private investor, philanthropist and active "right-wing" fundraiser.
• Gary Kremen, founder of match.com and sex.com
• Joan Kroc, wife of Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald's), philanthropist and major patron to the Salvation Army ($1.6 billion).
• Arthur Laffer, Reaganomics collaborator and coiner of the term "voodoo economics"
• Jim Lampley, sports commentator
• Mark Loretta, former major league baseball player
• Mike Love, Beach Boys singer and songwriter
• Kirk McCaskill, former major league baseball pitcher, 1985–1996^{[citation needed]}
• Jack McDowell, former major league baseball pitcher 1987-1999, 1993 Cy Young Award Winner^{[citation needed]}
• Phil Mickelson, professional golfer
• John Moores, philanthropist, former owner of the San Diego Padres and a regent of the University of California
• Juice Newton, singer
• Charlie Pasarell, is a former Puerto Rican tennis player and commentator.^{[citation needed]}
• T. Boone Pickens, investor.
• William Rastetter, former Executive Chairman of Biogen IDEC pharmaceutical company^{[citation needed]}
• Brian Tracy, self-help author, motivational speaker, and Chairman of Brian Tracy International^{[citation needed]}
• Joe Walsh, guitarist for The Eagles band^{[citation needed]}
• Luke Walton, NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers^{[citation needed]}
• David Wells, former major league baseball pitcher with Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, N.Y. Yankees and San Diego Padres
• Shaun White, Olympic gold medalist, professional snowboarder/skateboarder
• Steve Yuhas, television personality and radio talk show host on KOGO radio.

Notable former residents

• Marshall Applewhite, Heaven's Gate leader
• Jackson D. Arnold, retired Admiral, USN
• Clair Burgener, former congresswoman
• George Brent, Actor lived on west side of Rambla De Las Flores just south of La Orilla in the late 50s early 60s.
• Joseph Coors, of the Coors brewery family and co-founder of the Heritage Foundation
• Bing Crosby, Actor, Entertainer lived on Via De La Valle near North end of Whispering Palms Golf Course.
• Randy "Duke" Cunningham, former Congressman, currently an inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary at Tucson, Arizona
• Douglas Fairbanks, Actor, owned land El Zorro Ranch, East of San Dieguito Road, Built a 15 Bedroom home with swimming pool and Two Door Garage capable of parking 5 cars in each stall under the house.
• Sidney Frank, liquor promotions billionaire
• Howard Hughes, Lived in Rancho Santa Fe in the home of one of the Heddon brothers of The Heddon Fishing Lures and Reels Company, in the 1960s until he moved to the Las Vegas' Desert Inn Hotel-Casino
• Joan Kroc, philanthropist and widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc
• George J. Lewis, Actor, best known for playing Don Alejandro de la Vega in the 1950s television series Zorro
• Victor Mature, American leading man - long term resident who died in Rancho Santa Fe in 1999.
• David Humphreys Miller, artist and author who painted the 72 survivors of the Battle of Little Big Horn.
• Ewing Mitchell, Actor, known for playing the sheriff on Sky King, lived on La Sencilla until his death.
• Jean Peters, Actress, lived in Rancho Santa Fe while married to Howard Hughes.
• Lilian Jennette Rice, architect and designer of Rancho Santa Fe, deceased
• Pete Rozelle, former commissioner of the NFL
• Jane Wyatt, Actress, lived on Las Planideras in the late 60s.
• Robert Young, Actor, Lived north of Paseo Delicias just east of the Town Center.
• Milburn Stone Actor, "Doc Adams" on the TV Series "Gunsmoke".