Bonita Museum and Cultural Center
4355 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA
4355 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA
Exhibition Dates: March 11 – April 22, 2023
This exhibition of digital photography with historical context, explores Bonita and Sweetwater Valley, landscape, landmarks and architecture.
This exhibition of digital photography with historical context, explores Bonita and Sweetwater Valley, landscape, landmarks and architecture allows us to explore the evolution of the local landscape of natural geography juxtaposed to architectural development.
Mark’s imaginative photographs along with historical photographs, maps and artifacts, tell the story of Bonita and Sweetwater Valley history past and present through this distinctive exhibition. Mark’s artistic journey emerged as he explored his native Bonita neighborhoods, witnessing the development of construction and landscaping projects. In his research for this exhibit he has become aware of the natural geography and foliage attempting to retake the landscape and keep the ecosystem balanced.
Pier 32 Marina. 2023
Marina Way and 32nd Street at the mouth of the Sweetwater Channel.
Pier 32 is located on the San Diego Bay at the mouth of the Sweetwater Channel. Geographically it marks the end of the Sweetwater-Bonita Valley where the mouth of the Sweetwater River meets the Bay.
Kumeyaay history describes how the indigenous peoples collected salt in the salt marsh area south of the river mouth. The salt was used to cure fish as well as a trade item. Across the Channel lies the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge contains 316 acres of salt marsh and coastal uplands and is one of the few remaining wetlands in San Diego. The Refuge provides a welcome contrast to the urban encroachment of the Marina and local development.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Marina Way and 32nd Street at the mouth of the Sweetwater Channel.
Pier 32 is located on the San Diego Bay at the mouth of the Sweetwater Channel. Geographically it marks the end of the Sweetwater-Bonita Valley where the mouth of the Sweetwater River meets the Bay.
Kumeyaay history describes how the indigenous peoples collected salt in the salt marsh area south of the river mouth. The salt was used to cure fish as well as a trade item. Across the Channel lies the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge contains 316 acres of salt marsh and coastal uplands and is one of the few remaining wetlands in San Diego. The Refuge provides a welcome contrast to the urban encroachment of the Marina and local development.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Rocket Ride 2023
Bonita Mall Fair at the northeast corner of Westfield Plaza Bonita parking lot.
Up until the late 1970s the mall’s land—which is on the edge of the Sweetwater River—was the location of the Bonita Golf Course. A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. The shopping mall is now named Westfield Plaza Bonita. The golf course was moved to its current location at the east end of the Sweetwater Valley.
The Rocket Ride is an attraction of the Bonita Pumpkin Station and is open daily during the Halloween season. The Station has a sister site, the Bonita Pumpkin Farm, which is located on the corner of Sweetwater and Bonita Roads.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Bonita Mall Fair at the northeast corner of Westfield Plaza Bonita parking lot.
Up until the late 1970s the mall’s land—which is on the edge of the Sweetwater River—was the location of the Bonita Golf Course. A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. The shopping mall is now named Westfield Plaza Bonita. The golf course was moved to its current location at the east end of the Sweetwater Valley.
The Rocket Ride is an attraction of the Bonita Pumpkin Station and is open daily during the Halloween season. The Station has a sister site, the Bonita Pumpkin Farm, which is located on the corner of Sweetwater and Bonita Roads.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Pumpkin Station 2023
Bonita Mall Fair at the northeast corner of Westfield Plaza Bonita parking lot. Up until the late 1970s the mall’s land—which is on the edge of the Sweetwater River—was the location of the Bonita Golf Course.
A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. The golf course was moved to its current location at the east end of the Sweetwater Valley. Fall Halloween Season brings the Pumpkin Station to this site. The Station has a sister site, the Bonita Pumpkin Farm, which is located on the corner of Sweetwater and Bonita Roads.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Bonita Mall Fair at the northeast corner of Westfield Plaza Bonita parking lot. Up until the late 1970s the mall’s land—which is on the edge of the Sweetwater River—was the location of the Bonita Golf Course.
A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. A shopping center opened on the acreage in 1981. The golf course was moved to its current location at the east end of the Sweetwater Valley. Fall Halloween Season brings the Pumpkin Station to this site. The Station has a sister site, the Bonita Pumpkin Farm, which is located on the corner of Sweetwater and Bonita Roads.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Lynwood Hills 2023
Vista Coronado Drive and Lynwood Drive
This quiet neighborhood of custom homes was first developed in the early 1950s. At that time many of the residents owned horses which they rode in the surrounding ranchland area. The residents of Lynwood Hills strive to retain the rural nature of the neighborhood. Here are no street lights, sidewalks or sewer systems.
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Vista Coronado Drive and Lynwood Drive
This quiet neighborhood of custom homes was first developed in the early 1950s. At that time many of the residents owned horses which they rode in the surrounding ranchland area. The residents of Lynwood Hills strive to retain the rural nature of the neighborhood. Here are no street lights, sidewalks or sewer systems.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Welcome to Bonita, "Gateway Sign" 2023
Bonita Road across from JR Southbay Golf Center
For over 23 years, Bonita has conveyed a warm hello to visitors with the “Welcome to Bonita” sign. Although the original gateway sign was destroyed by a fallen Eucalyptus tree in late 2014, the community rallied to raise funds for a replacement.
With financial help from the Kiwanis club, Glen Abbey Mortuary, San Diego County’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, and over 18 contributing organizations, a new sign was erected. Rebuilt with steel beams, the 30 by 40 foot sign displays 20 medallions which represent various organizations, businesses, associations, and clubs within Bonita. The sign reflects the community pride of those who call Bonita home
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
For over 23 years, Bonita has conveyed a warm hello to visitors with the “Welcome to Bonita” sign. Although the original gateway sign was destroyed by a fallen Eucalyptus tree in late 2014, the community rallied to raise funds for a replacement.
With financial help from the Kiwanis club, Glen Abbey Mortuary, San Diego County’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Program, and over 18 contributing organizations, a new sign was erected. Rebuilt with steel beams, the 30 by 40 foot sign displays 20 medallions which represent various organizations, businesses, associations, and clubs within Bonita. The sign reflects the community pride of those who call Bonita home
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary 2023
3838 Bonita Road
Established in 1924, this peaceful place of interment, serves the community of Bonita as their final resting place. The Little Chapel of the Roses occupies a prominent position in this 100-acre-plus cemetery. Built in 1925, the Chapel is a replica of poet Alfred Lord Tennyson’s chapel in Somersby, England.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
3838 Bonita Road
Established in 1924, this peaceful place of interment, serves the community of Bonita as their final resting place. The Little Chapel of the Roses occupies a prominent position in this 100-acre-plus cemetery. Built in 1925, the Chapel is a replica of poet Alfred Lord Tennyson’s chapel in Somersby, England.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Old Winery (Trek Bike Store) 2023
3901 Bonita Road, across from Glen Abbey Drive
The mission-inspired building in Bonita was designed by local architect Victor Wulff in 1965 under the direction of Philo Biane, winemaker and founder of Brookside Winery. The Biane family intended the Bonita location’s design to reflect the heritage of the California Missions and include a large space to accommodate wine tastings and gatherings. It was at the wine tasting room that the idea of Bonitafest was born.
After changing ownership several times, the building was bought by Tom and Nadine Carroll and converted into Mission Cyclery. In 2003, the Carrolls sold the building to Performance Bikes which then became Trek Bicycle Shop. During the Carroll’s ownership, their son Donny opened a coffee cart in front of the building. Donny’s Café, as it was known, eventually moved into a specially built annex adjoining the mission building. For over 20 years, Donny’s Café has remained a cherished and important community hub for Bonita residents. It is also a traditional meeting place for local cyclist group rides.
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3901 Bonita Road, across from Glen Abbey Drive
The mission-inspired building in Bonita was designed by local architect Victor Wulff in 1965 under the direction of Philo Biane, winemaker and founder of Brookside Winery. The Biane family intended the Bonita location’s design to reflect the heritage of the California Missions and include a large space to accommodate wine tastings and gatherings. It was at the wine tasting room that the idea of Bonitafest was born.
After changing ownership several times, the building was bought by Tom and Nadine Carroll and converted into Mission Cyclery. In 2003, the Carrolls sold the building to Performance Bikes which then became Trek Bicycle Shop. During the Carroll’s ownership, their son Donny opened a coffee cart in front of the building. Donny’s Café, as it was known, eventually moved into a specially built annex adjoining the mission building. For over 20 years, Donny’s Café has remained a cherished and important community hub for Bonita residents. It is also a traditional meeting place for local cyclist group rides.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Allen House 2023
Old Orchard Lane
Old Orchard Lane
This stylish house, built in 1908 and designed by Irving Gill and Frank Mead, was the home of Russell C. and Ella B. Allen. Russell Allen was founder of the Sweetwater Fruit Company, and Ella was a local philanthropist. The Allens wanted a fire-proof building, so the home was constructed with new methods including concrete and hollow tile walls. Its clean lines, lack of unnecessary ornamentation and abstract simplicity are typical of Gill’s architectural designs.
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General Store 2023
Corner of Bonita Road and Willow Street
In 1891, a small wooden building was erected next to the Bonita Valley railroad tracks. This building became the General Store which sold groceries, notions, seed, coal, and gasoline. In 1898, a post office opened inside the General Store. Because the General Store was the only business in Bonita prior to World War II, it functioned as one-stop shop. It was also a gathering place for residents to swap stories and share news.
The Store moved to its current location in the late 1920s, after suffering damage in the 1916 floods. Major renovations occurred in the 1950s and in 1967 the Store was transformed into a traditional country store with a potbellied stove, a pickle barrel, and a deli. Starting in 1978, a succession of restaurants occupied the space. Although the General Store is currently empty, the oldest commercial building in Bonita still stands!
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
In 1891, a small wooden building was erected next to the Bonita Valley railroad tracks. This building became the General Store which sold groceries, notions, seed, coal, and gasoline. In 1898, a post office opened inside the General Store. Because the General Store was the only business in Bonita prior to World War II, it functioned as one-stop shop. It was also a gathering place for residents to swap stories and share news.
The Store moved to its current location in the late 1920s, after suffering damage in the 1916 floods. Major renovations occurred in the 1950s and in 1967 the Store was transformed into a traditional country store with a potbellied stove, a pickle barrel, and a deli. Starting in 1978, a succession of restaurants occupied the space. Although the General Store is currently empty, the oldest commercial building in Bonita still stands!
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Glarfs 2023
Bonita Village Shopping Center on Bonita Road
Originally created in 1959 by Jerry Lee Gauss, the Glarfs are a long-time Bonita attraction. Jerry Gauss—a teenager partial to dinosaurs—made the Glarfs (described as “dwarf dinosaurs”) as a surprise anniversary gift for his parents. Rumbi (yellow) and Rangui (blue) stood in the yard of the Gauss family home throughout the 1960s. Their property at the corner of Valley and Sweetwater Roads became known as “Dinosaur Hill.” Tragically, four years after creating the Glarfs, Gauss died from injuries sustained in a car accident. When the Gauss family relocated to Chula Vista in 1969 they took the Glarfs with them.
In the late 1990s, the Glarfs were moved back to Bonita, this time to be placed in a more prominent location at the entrance of Bonita Village Shopping Center. Unfortunately, Rangui was not salvageable so only Rumbi stood sentinel. The return of the Glarfs to Bonita inspired the melodrama "When Dinosaurs Roamed the Valley," which has been performed several times at Bonitafest. When Rumbi’s head fell off in 2004, cast and audience members of the play raised funds to repair Rumbi and replicate Rangui. Artist Kelly Tracy reattached Rumbi’s head and produced a new Rangui.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Originally created in 1959 by Jerry Lee Gauss, the Glarfs are a long-time Bonita attraction. Jerry Gauss—a teenager partial to dinosaurs—made the Glarfs (described as “dwarf dinosaurs”) as a surprise anniversary gift for his parents. Rumbi (yellow) and Rangui (blue) stood in the yard of the Gauss family home throughout the 1960s. Their property at the corner of Valley and Sweetwater Roads became known as “Dinosaur Hill.” Tragically, four years after creating the Glarfs, Gauss died from injuries sustained in a car accident. When the Gauss family relocated to Chula Vista in 1969 they took the Glarfs with them.
In the late 1990s, the Glarfs were moved back to Bonita, this time to be placed in a more prominent location at the entrance of Bonita Village Shopping Center. Unfortunately, Rangui was not salvageable so only Rumbi stood sentinel. The return of the Glarfs to Bonita inspired the melodrama "When Dinosaurs Roamed the Valley," which has been performed several times at Bonitafest. When Rumbi’s head fell off in 2004, cast and audience members of the play raised funds to repair Rumbi and replicate Rangui. Artist Kelly Tracy reattached Rumbi’s head and produced a new Rangui.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, Bonita-Sunnyside Branch Library 2023
Bonita Road across from Bonita Centre
The Bonita Museum was originally established at the 1987 Bonitafest in the Bonita Village Shopping Center. After many iterations—including a “trunk museum” carried to local schools in trunks of cars—the Museum landed in its current home in 2005.
Bonita-Sunnyside Library is Sweetwater Valley’s local branch of the San Diego County Library network. Besides housing a wide range of information in a variety of forms, the Library serves as a community center and gathering place for Bonita.
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Bonita Road across from Bonita Centre
The Bonita Museum was originally established at the 1987 Bonitafest in the Bonita Village Shopping Center. After many iterations—including a “trunk museum” carried to local schools in trunks of cars—the Museum landed in its current home in 2005.
Bonita-Sunnyside Library is Sweetwater Valley’s local branch of the San Diego County Library network. Besides housing a wide range of information in a variety of forms, the Library serves as a community center and gathering place for Bonita.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Chula Vista Golf Course Parking Lot 2023
Bonita Road across from Bonita Centre
Designed by Billy Casper, the 18-hole, 6,760 yard championship Golf Course is fun for golfers of any skill level and includes a variety of fairways, water hazards, and sand traps. The golf course, along with Rohr Park bordering the north perimeter, were constructed on the flood plain of the Sweetwater River. The park and golf course are surrounded by jogging, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Bonita Road across from Bonita Centre
Designed by Billy Casper, the 18-hole, 6,760 yard championship Golf Course is fun for golfers of any skill level and includes a variety of fairways, water hazards, and sand traps. The golf course, along with Rohr Park bordering the north perimeter, were constructed on the flood plain of the Sweetwater River. The park and golf course are surrounded by jogging, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Rohr Park, acquired through the generosity of Mr. Fred H. Rohr, also offers baseball fields, basketball courts, a dog park, picnic areas, an equestrian ring, the Rohr Manor Building, and is home of the Chula Vista Live Steamers model railroad. The South Bay Open Aire Market, a farmer’s market, is held in the Chula Vista Golf Course parking lot on Wednesdays from 3 pm to 7 pm
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Classic Car Gathering 2023
Bonita Centre Plaza, at Bonita and Otay Lake Roads
The Bonita Cars and Coffee group meets every Saturday morning at 7 a.m. in front of Bonita Donuts. Owners and admirers of hot rods, antique, classic, and custom cars gather to view the rides, shoot the breeze, eat donuts, and share knowledge about automotive preservation and restoration.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
The Bonita Cars and Coffee group meets every Saturday morning at 7 a.m. in front of Bonita Donuts. Owners and admirers of hot rods, antique, classic, and custom cars gather to view the rides, shoot the breeze, eat donuts, and share knowledge about automotive preservation and restoration.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District Station 2023
4900 Bonita Road
Originating as a volunteer fire company in 1939, today’s Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District (FPD) was established in 1952. The Bonita-Sunnyside FPD serves a 7-square mile area in the Sweetwater Valley which averages 1,800 calls annually.
Pictured on the top left is Bonita-Sunnyside Fire District Engine 1—a 1954 Mack. The truck was originally based at the Bonita’s first Fire Station located across from the General Store at Bonita Road and Willow Street. As the District’s oldest fire truck, Engine 1 serves as a symbol of Bonita’s Fire Station and can be seen in local parades.
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4900 Bonita Road
Originating as a volunteer fire company in 1939, today’s Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Protection District (FPD) was established in 1952. The Bonita-Sunnyside FPD serves a 7-square mile area in the Sweetwater Valley which averages 1,800 calls annually.
Pictured on the top left is Bonita-Sunnyside Fire District Engine 1—a 1954 Mack. The truck was originally based at the Bonita’s first Fire Station located across from the General Store at Bonita Road and Willow Street. As the District’s oldest fire truck, Engine 1 serves as a symbol of Bonita’s Fire Station and can be seen in local parades.
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Former Site of the Big Red Barn 2023
Corner of Bonita Road and Central Avenue
Corner of Bonita Road and Central Avenue
This corner was the site of the Sweetwater Fruit Company’s barn and packing house. The original packing house was built of adobe in 1894. Wooden storage facilities were added at the sides by 1900. The Great Flood of 1916 destroyed the sides of the packing house which were then rebuilt in pine and eventually painted red. This led it to be known as the “The Big Red Barn.”
After it’s life as a packing house, the Barn was used for Farm Bureau meetings, horse and mule stables, horse shows, livestock judging, a feed store, a blacksmith, and an antiques store. The Barn was torn down in 1960 to make way for a shopping district now known as Bonnie Brae Shopping Center. The Center includes a bakery, restaurants, post office, veterinarian, and a well-known coffee franchise
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After it’s life as a packing house, the Barn was used for Farm Bureau meetings, horse and mule stables, horse shows, livestock judging, a feed store, a blacksmith, and an antiques store. The Barn was torn down in 1960 to make way for a shopping district now known as Bonnie Brae Shopping Center. The Center includes a bakery, restaurants, post office, veterinarian, and a well-known coffee franchise
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Frisbie Street 2023
Corner of Frisbie Street and Aleman Place
J.C. Frisbie purchased 246 acres of Sweetwater Valley land in 1876. His farm, which he called Sunnyside, contained various fruit trees, including oranges, lemons, peaches, apples, and many varieties of grapes. The farm is now gone, but this area still retains the Sunnyside name and boasts several historic homes.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
J.C. Frisbie purchased 246 acres of Sweetwater Valley land in 1876. His farm, which he called Sunnyside, contained various fruit trees, including oranges, lemons, peaches, apples, and many varieties of grapes. The farm is now gone, but this area still retains the Sunnyside name and boasts several historic homes.
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Corn Maze 2023
Corner of Sweetwater Road and Bonita Road
Every Halloween season an 8-foot-tall corn maze materializes at the Bonita Pumpkin Farm. The Farm has a sister site, the Pumpkin Station, which is located in the parking lot of Westfield Plaza Bonita mall.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Corner of Sweetwater Road and Bonita Road
Every Halloween season an 8-foot-tall corn maze materializes at the Bonita Pumpkin Farm. The Farm has a sister site, the Pumpkin Station, which is located in the parking lot of Westfield Plaza Bonita mall.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
U. S. Grant House 2023
The Grant Place
The Historic Home of Ulysses S. Grant Jr.—son of the 18th President of the United States—was designed by prominent local architect Will Hebbard. The Dutch Colonial Revival style home is one of the oldest houses still standing in Bonita. It was built in 1894 for $1,800.
An impressive 25-foot Moreton Bay Fig Tree enhances the Home’s beauty.
The property was owned by Grant until 1925. Subsequent owners include Max Rabinowitz, leading San Diego grocer, businessman, and philanthropist; Carl Laemmle, film producer and co-founder/owner of Universal Pictures; and Louis Farrington, executive at Convair, an aircraft manufacturing company. After many decades of neglect, the U.S. Grant House was restored and modernized by third-generation Bonita resident Jeff Phair and developer Bill Davidson.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
The Historic Home of Ulysses S. Grant Jr.—son of the 18th President of the United States—was designed by prominent local architect Will Hebbard. The Dutch Colonial Revival style home is one of the oldest houses still standing in Bonita. It was built in 1894 for $1,800.
An impressive 25-foot Moreton Bay Fig Tree enhances the Home’s beauty.
The property was owned by Grant until 1925. Subsequent owners include Max Rabinowitz, leading San Diego grocer, businessman, and philanthropist; Carl Laemmle, film producer and co-founder/owner of Universal Pictures; and Louis Farrington, executive at Convair, an aircraft manufacturing company. After many decades of neglect, the U.S. Grant House was restored and modernized by third-generation Bonita resident Jeff Phair and developer Bill Davidson.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Bonita Golf Course 2023
Sweetwater Road, near Dengen Drive
Sweetwater Road, near Dengen Drive
The Bonita Gold Course was designed by legendary golf course architect William F. Bell. Bell deigned more than 200 golf courses including the Torrey Pines Golf Course.
The Bonita Golf Course was established in 1956 and relocated in the late 1970s. Because it is relatively flat, it is an ideal course for golfers that walk. The Sweetwater River runs through the property and the fairways are lined by Eucalyptus trees and lakes providing spectacular vistas as well as challenges for golfers. This family friendly course is great for players of all abilities.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
The Bonita Golf Course was established in 1956 and relocated in the late 1970s. Because it is relatively flat, it is an ideal course for golfers that walk. The Sweetwater River runs through the property and the fairways are lined by Eucalyptus trees and lakes providing spectacular vistas as well as challenges for golfers. This family friendly course is great for players of all abilities.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)
Sweetwater Reservoir and Community Building 2023
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, Summit Meadow Road
Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, Summit Meadow Road
Sweetwater Reservoir is a 960 acre artificial lake formed by the Sweetwater Dam on the Sweetwater River. It provides water to the Bonita Valley and is operated by the Sweetwater Authority.
The Community Building, perched on the edge of Sweetwater Reservoir, is a popular place for family celebrations and special events. The Park itself provides one of the few nearby camping areas where people can enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and fishing.
Construction of the Sweetwater Dam was completed in 1888. In 1915 a severe drought hit the region. In an act of desperation, the City of San Diego paid Charles Hatfield (aka “the Rainmaker”) $10,000 to make it rain enough to fill the reservoirs. Rains finally did arrive, and with them the Floods of 1916. The extensive flooding caused parts of the Sweetwater Dam to fail resulting in the destruction of infrastructure in the Sweetwater Valley and the loss of 14 lives. The Dam was subsequently rebuilt and retrofitted. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, as it exists today, opened in 1992.
Click image or here to view VR version (Note that it opens in Facebook)The Community Building, perched on the edge of Sweetwater Reservoir, is a popular place for family celebrations and special events. The Park itself provides one of the few nearby camping areas where people can enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and fishing.
Construction of the Sweetwater Dam was completed in 1888. In 1915 a severe drought hit the region. In an act of desperation, the City of San Diego paid Charles Hatfield (aka “the Rainmaker”) $10,000 to make it rain enough to fill the reservoirs. Rains finally did arrive, and with them the Floods of 1916. The extensive flooding caused parts of the Sweetwater Dam to fail resulting in the destruction of infrastructure in the Sweetwater Valley and the loss of 14 lives. The Dam was subsequently rebuilt and retrofitted. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, as it exists today, opened in 1992.