Valencia Park, San Diego

Valencia Park is a community in the southeastern section of the city of San Diego. It is bordered by Emerald Hills and Market Street on the north, Lincoln Park and Euclid Avenue on the west, Encanto on the east, and Alta Vista and National City, California on the south. Major thoroughfares include Imperial Avenue, Churchward Street, and Valencia Parkway.

History

A large section of Valencia Park was once owned by San Diego Real Estate entrepreneur Astor Basmajian. Basmajian purchased a large area of land and broke it off into plots, developing the neighbourhood into Valencia Park. He also donated some of his land to Valencia Park Elementary for their playground area. Part of this community was originally known as "Astor Heights". Astor Basmajian was an immigrant from Armenia who escaped the genocide early and became a millionaire twice in his lifetime. A jeweler by trade, he and his brother Adam opened a jewelry shop in New York shortly before World War I. Both brothers served in the war, but only Astor survived. After returning from the war, Astor continued his business and later moved to Ohio, and then on to California where he remained the rest of his life.

Landmarks and facilities

Valencia Park shares Market Creek Plaza, a shopping center, with neighboring Lincoln Park.

A portion of Chollas Creek runs through Valencia Park.

Education

Valencia Park is served by the San Diego Unified School District. Public schools in Valencia Park include Valencia Park Elementary School.