Cynthia Mestad Johnson - Legendary Locals of Carlsbad

LEGENDARY LOCALS

OF

CARLSBAD

CALIFORNIA

Carlsbad
The Carlsbad sign, which was dedicated on January 8, 2015, was inspired by a similar archway that stood in nearly the same location during the 1930s. It spans Carlsbad Boulevard at Carlsbad Village Drive. (Courtesy of Lorenzo Menendez, Carlsbad magazine.)

: Flower Fields
The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch contains 50 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus flowers, which cascade beautifully down the hillside in a bloom of color overlooking the Pacific Ocean. (Courtesy of Carlsbad Flower Fields.)

LEGENDARY LOCALS

OF

CARLSBAD

CALIFORNIA

CYNTHIA MESTAD JOHNSON

Copyright 2016 by Cynthia Mestad Johnson
ISBN 978-1-4671-0233-9
Ebook ISBN 9781439655849

Legendary Locals is an imprint of Arcadia Publishing
Charleston, South Carolina

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015947221

For all general information, please contact Arcadia Publishing:
Telephone 843-853-2070
Fax 843-853-0044
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Dedication

For Casey and Ayla, forever in my heart

On the Front Cover: Clockwise from top left:
Abel Garcia (Courtesy of the Garcia family; see ).

On the Back Cover: from left to right:
The Gastelum family (Courtesy of the Dominguez family; see ).

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It goes without saying that this project was a collaborative effort. While the written pieces are all my own (this is my disclaimer), I would like to thank the following people for their assistance in helping me to connect with some of our local legends.

My deepest gratitude to Kevin Bender and Mike Calarco (Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park), Amy Davis (Carlsbad History Room, Cole Library), Cindi Donaldson, Sue Gutierrez (Carlsbad Historical Society), Brian and Tracy Kennedy, Paige Maslen (Army and Navy Academy), Marianne and Pat Quindoy-Senteno, and Amanda Waters (athletic director, Carlsbad High School).

Thanks to my technical support and editing team: Sharrie Allen, Tim Clinton, Jamie Williams Holland, and Erin Vosgien.

Finally, a huge thank-you to my legendary husband, Bill, for putting up with yet another literary project.

All images, where not otherwise noted, are from the authors collection.

INTRODUCTION

Carlsbad has a rich history for such a young town. Historic neighborhoods are scattered from the Barrio to Highland Avenue and beyond. Multigenerational families still refer to the main street through town as Elm. The original adobe home built by the first family to receive a land grant, the Marrons, still stands and is occupied by a direct descendant. However, what makes Carlsbad truly special are the people. This is where the ordinary coexist with the extraordinary as equals. This book contains a very small and diverse sampling of the individuals, both past and present, who have made this town great. Carlsbad has swelled to well over 100,000 in population, yet it feels like an extremely intimate village where your close friends live. The people are the true heart of this town. To include them all would be preferred, but sadly there was limited space.

Today, Carlsbad is known for many year-round outdoor activities. Locally, it is famous for three lagoons, one of which is used for water sports and fishing, and the other two are protected water habitats. There are miles of well- groomed hiking trails, many with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Locals enjoy the pristine coastline and white-sand beaches 12 months out of the year, but if you are a visitor, only here for a moment in time, the residents will cautiously share their space. There are surf lessons, bicycle rentals, and volleyball courts available at the beach. Take a stroll through the historic village, and it will offer you the perfect ending to an epic day. With live music in many restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops, your biggest decision is choosing which establishment to settle in for the evening. Twice a year, Carlsbad holds the largest street fair in the state. Add to that Brewfest, Oktoberfest, ArtSplash, the Carlsbad 5,000 and marathon, professional golf and tennis tournaments, four golf courses, LEGOLAND, award-winning plays in our own theater, the Flower Fields, the Museum of Making Music, art galleries, and the finest street art south of Los Angeles, there are too many activities and opportunities to list and not enough days in the year to enjoy them all.

The Village by the Sea is where many call home. It has also become a coveted vacation spot both nationally and internationally as a result of the average temperature of 70 degrees and more than 265 days of sunshine. Carlsbad is a family-oriented business-friendly surf mecca that has something for everyone.

Fraziers Well
Fraziers Well, pictured here around 1960, was the chosen location for the city of Carlsbad to create a promotional photograph for tourism. The students that were chosen for this photo opportunity are dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing. (Courtesy of Linda Slater.)

CHAPTER ONE

Collision of Cultures

Carlsbads story began long ago with the Luiseo Indians, who came from the San Luis Rey band of Mission Indians. They were settled for generations on the south side of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, where they lived, worked, and worshipped next to the natural water source. Driven by westward expansion and the Mexican Revolution, this primarily uninhabited area experienced a convergence of two new cultures, each one complementary to the other, and together created the idea of Carlsbad. They were equally drawn by the promise of a new beginning in a beautiful setting with the perfect climate and endless opportunities. Their enthusiastic spirits combined with individual talents created a mix of individuals exclusive to Carlsbads character today.

Many events occurred, nearly simultaneously. The discovery of mineral water with healing powers emerged. The installation of the Santa Fe Railroad passing through town became a welcome rest stop for travelers headed south. The Hispanic residents created a vibrant neighborhood with an intense entrepreneurial spirit that overflowed into the village. The town began to grow.

The barrio had a small church, Metodista Iglesia, a store, and a very popular pool hall. Most of the residents worked in the agricultural industry, but there were also those who became businessmen. The streets were dirt, the homes had gardens, and many families had some animals, chickens, pigs, cows, or goats. It was a friendly neighborhoodit still is. It was the epitome of it takes a village, with everyone relying on each other and lending a hand when there was a need. When there was a celebration in life or death, everyone showed up, but never empty handed.

Within a few short blocks, the discovery of mineral water had developed into the building of Fraziers Well, which evolved into a popular tourist attraction. Ideally, the next step would be a restaurant on the same block. The second owners of Twin Inns developed the idea of a simple, but delicious, chicken dinner. It did not take long to realize that a boxed chicken lunch for passengers from the train would be a perfect complement to their newly purchased mineral water. Finally, a hotel and spa were added across the street from the restaurant and mineral well. The transition happened from a railway rest stop to a popular place to go for a holiday. The entrepreneurial spirit had a rich platform from which it would grow, and it was only the beginning.