History of San Diego in Timeline
San Diego, located on the Southern California coast bordering Mexico, is the eighth-most populous U.S. city, boasting over 1.4 million residents within the city and 3.3 million in its metropolitan area. It serves as the county seat of San Diego County. Renowned for its pleasant Mediterranean climate, numerous beaches and parks, and strong ties to the U.S. Navy, San Diego has also become a hub for wireless communication, electronics, healthcare, and biotechnology advancements.
4 hours ago : San Diego Airport's New Terminal 1 and Route Expansion Boosts Tourism Significantly.
San Diego Airport's new Terminal 1 and increased international routes enhance global connectivity. British Airways, KLM, and Copa Airlines drive this expansion, significantly boosting local tourism and the hospitality sector.
1901: Establishment of Navy Coaling Station in Point Loma
In 1901, the U.S. Navy began a significant presence in San Diego with the establishment of the Navy Coaling Station in Point Loma.
1911: San Diego's first tuna cannery founded
In 1911, San Diego's first tuna cannery was founded, marking the beginning of the city's prominent role in the tuna fishing and canning industry.
1912: San Diego Free Speech Fight
In 1912, San Diego was the location of a free speech fight involving the Industrial Workers of the World and the city government regarding freedom of speech, resulting in civil disobedience and riots.
1915: Panama–California Exposition
In 1915, San Diego hosted the Panama–California Exposition in Balboa Park, which led to the establishment of the San Diego Zoo.
1916: Rainmaker Blamed for Flood in 1916
In 1916, rainmaker Charles Hatfield was blamed for $4 million in damages and accused of causing San Diego's worst flood, which resulted in the deaths of about 20 Japanese American farmers.
1916: Demolition of Stingaree neighborhood
In 1916, the Stingaree neighborhood, the original site of San Diego's first Chinatown, was demolished by anti-vice campaigners to create the Gaslamp Quarter.
December 1921: Wettest month on record
December 1921 was the wettest month on record in San Diego, with 9.21 inches (234 mm) of rainfall.
1923: Consolidated Aircraft founded
In 1923, Consolidated Aircraft, which later became Convair, was founded in San Diego, further establishing the city's prominence in aircraft manufacturing.
1925: Ryan Airlines founded
In 1925, Ryan Airlines, later known as Ryan Aeronautical, was founded in San Diego, contributing to the city's reputation as an aviation hub.
1927: The Spirit of St. Louis built by Ryan Airlines
In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh's plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, was built in San Diego by Ryan Airlines, marking a significant achievement in aviation history.
1927: Construction of El Cortez Hotel
In 1927, the El Cortez Hotel was built as the first skyscraper over 300 feet (91 m) in San Diego, and it remained the city's tallest building until 1963.
1930: Naval presence in San Diego
By 1930, San Diego was host to Naval Base San Diego, Naval Training Center San Diego, San Diego Naval Hospital, Camp Matthews, and Camp Kearny, solidifying its role as a major military center.
1930: Population Growth in San Diego
In 1930, San Diego had a population of 147,995.
1931: Adoption of today's city charter
In 1931, San Diego's city charter was adopted, establishing the framework for the city's governance.
1935: California Pacific International Exposition
In 1935, San Diego hosted the California Pacific International Exposition in Balboa Park, continuing to showcase the city's attractions and developments.
1940: Wettest Year
In 1940/1941, more than 24 inches (610 mm) of rain fell.
1941: Wettest Year
In 1940/1941, more than 24 inches (610 mm) of rain fell.
September 22, 1945: Scheduled date for Operation Cherry Blossoms at Night
On September 22, 1945, Japan had scheduled the launch of "Operation Cherry Blossoms at Night", a plan to attack multiple U.S. cities including San Diego, with kamikaze planes filled with plague-infected fleas, but the plan was not executed due to Japan's surrender five weeks earlier.
1948: SR 163 Freeway Built
In 1948, the stretch of SR 163 that passes through Balboa Park was built as part of US 80 and US 395, becoming San Diego's oldest freeway.
May 16, 1949: KFMB Begins Broadcasting
On May 16, 1949, KFMB, San Diego's first television station, began broadcasting.
1950: Population Growth in San Diego
In 1950, San Diego's population had grown to 333,865, more than doubling since 1930.
1950: Increase in water temperature
Since 1950, the average surface temperature of the water at Scripps Pier has increased by almost 3 °F (1.7 °C), according to scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
1952: FCC Licenses UHF Channels
In 1952, the FCC began licensing UHF channels, allowing cities like San Diego to acquire more stations.
1961: San Diego Chargers Arrive
In 1961, the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) arrived in San Diego.
1963: El Cortez no longer the tallest building
In 1963, the El Cortez Hotel was no longer the tallest building in San Diego.
1963: San Diego Chargers Win AFL Championship
In 1963, the San Diego Chargers won the American Football League (AFL) Championship.
1964: Narrow Support for Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964
After narrowly supporting Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, San Diego shifted to supporting Republican presidential candidates.
1967: San Diego Rockets Arrive
In 1967, the San Diego Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA) arrived in San Diego.
1968: Republican Support from 1968 to 1988
From 1968 to 1988, San Diego provided majorities to all six Republican presidential candidates.
1971: San Diego Rockets Depart
In 1971, the San Diego Rockets departed San Diego.
1974: San Diego Mariners Arrive
In 1974, the San Diego Mariners of the World Hockey Association (WHA) arrived in San Diego.
1977: San Diego Mariners Depart
In 1977, the San Diego Mariners of the World Hockey Association (WHA) departed San Diego.
1978: Sodium Vapor Lamps Replacement
In 1978, San Diego decided to replace mercury vapor street lamps with more efficient sodium vapor lamps, triggering concerns about light pollution from astronomers at Palomar Observatory.
1978: San Diego Clippers Arrive
In 1978, the San Diego Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) arrived in San Diego.
1980: San Diego Crime Statistics in 1980-1994
From 1980 to 1994, San Diego surpassed 100 murders ten times before tapering off to 91 homicides in 1995.
1983: Eight-Year Climb in Crimes Since 1983
1991 would mark the city's deadliest year, capping off an unabated, eight-year climb in murders, rapes, robberies, and assault dating back to 1983.
1984: San Diego Clippers Depart
In 1984, the San Diego Clippers departed San Diego.
1985: Mayor Roger Hedgecock Resigns in 1985
In 1985, then-mayor Roger Hedgecock was forced to resign after being found guilty of one count of conspiracy and 12 counts of perjury.
1988: Last Republican Win in Presidential Election
In 1988, George H. W. Bush was the last Republican candidate to carry San Diego in a presidential election.
1990: Perjury Counts Dismissed in 1990
In 1990, the 12 perjury counts against Roger Hedgecock were dismissed based on claims of juror misconduct; the remaining conspiracy count was reduced to a misdemeanor and then dismissed.
1990: Crime Rate Decline Begins in 1990
Like most major cities, San Diego experienced a declining crime rate from 1990 to 2000.
1991: Deadliest Year in 1991
1991 marked the city's deadliest year, registering 179 homicides within city limits.
1991: Completion of One America Plaza
In 1991, One America Plaza was completed, becoming the tallest building in San Diego at 500 feet (150 m).
1994: San Diego Crime Statistics in 1980-1994
From 1980 to 1994, San Diego surpassed 100 murders ten times before tapering off to 91 homicides in 1995.
1995: Homicide Count Lower in 1995
In 1995, the homicide count tapered off to 91 homicides.
2000: Household Statistics
In 2000 there were 451,126 households in San Diego, with an average household size of 2.61 and an average family size of 3.30.
2000: Crime Rate Decline Ends in 2000
Like most major cities, San Diego experienced a declining crime rate from 1990 to 2000.
2002: Crime Rate Increase in Early 2000s
Crime in San Diego increased in the early 2000s, including 2002.
2002: Start of San Diego Pension Scandal in 2002
In 2002, a scheme to underfund pensions for city employees led to the San Diego pension scandal.
October 2003: Cedar Fire
In October 2003, San Diego experienced the Cedar Fire, the largest wildfire in California over the past century, which burned 280,000 acres, killed 15 people, and destroyed over 2,200 homes.
2003: Reduced Library Operating Hours Since 2003
The San Diego Public Libraries have had reduced operating hours since 2003 due to the city's financial problems.
2004: Jahja Ling Director of Symphony
In 2004, Jahja Ling became the director of the San Diego Symphony at Symphony Towers.
2004: Opening of Petco Park
In 2004, Petco Park opened in downtown San Diego, contributing to the area's urban renewal.
2004: San Diego Crime Rate in 2004
In 2004, San Diego had the sixth lowest crime rate of any U.S. city with over half a million residents.
2004: Citywide Vote on Government Structure in 2004
In 2004, San Diego held a citywide vote that resulted in a change to a strong mayor government, implemented in 2006.
2004: San Diego Leads in Broadband Penetration
In 2004, San Diego led U.S. local markets with 69.6 percent broadband penetration according to Nielsen//NetRatings.
2004: Negative Net Migration Since 2004
San Diego has experienced negative net migration since 2004, with residents moving to adjacent Riverside County or other more affordable regions.
2005: Wealth Statistics
According to Forbes in 2005, San Diego was the fifth wealthiest U.S. city, but about 10.6% of families and 14.6% of the population were below the poverty line.
2005: Conviction of City Council Members in 2005
In 2005, two San Diego city council members, Ralph Inzunza and Deputy Mayor Michael Zucchet, were convicted of extortion, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
2005: San Diego Home Prices Peak in 2005
San Diego home prices peaked in 2005, prior to a decline aligned with national trends.
2006: Crime Rate in 2006
From 2002 to 2006, the crime rate overall dropped 0.8%, though not evenly by category.
2006: Cunningham Sentenced in 2006
In 2006, Randy "Duke" Cunningham was sentenced to a 100-month prison sentence for federal bribery charges.
2006: Change to Strong Mayor Government in 2006
In 2006, San Diego's government transitioned from a council–manager structure to a strong mayor government, following a citywide vote in 2004.
2006: Increased Library Spending in 2006
In 2006, the city of San Diego increased spending on libraries by $2.1 million.
October 2007: California Wildfires
In October 2007, the California wildfires destroyed areas within Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, and Ramona in San Diego.
2007: City Streets Assessment
According to an assessment in 2007, 37 percent of San Diego city streets were in acceptable condition.
2007: Democratic Voter Advantage in 2007
In 2007, registered Democrats outnumbered Republicans by about 7 to 6 in the city of San Diego.
January 1, 2008: Household Median Income
As of January 1, 2008, the household median income for San Diego rose to $66,715.
2008: San Diego Hosts Largest Naval Fleet in 2008
In 2008, San Diego hosted the largest naval fleet in the world, which included 53 ships, over 120 tenant commands, and more than 35,000 sailors, marines, Department of Defense civilian employees, and contractors.
2008: City of Villages General Plan
In 2008, San Diego organized its General Plan around the concept of a "City of Villages", recognizing the importance of its neighborhoods.
2008: Peak Cruise Ship Business in San Diego in 2008
In 2008, San Diego's cruise ship business was at its peak, hosting over 250 ship calls and more than 900,000 passengers.
2008: Property Crime Rate in 2008
Total property crimes per 100,000 people were lower than the national average in 2008.
2009: Acquittal and New Trial Petition Granted in 2009
In 2009, a judge acquitted Michael Zucchet on seven of nine counts and granted his petition for a new trial on the other two charges; these remaining charges were eventually dropped.
2009: Port of San Diego Trade Volume in 2009
In 2009, the Port of San Diego handled 1,137,054 short tons of total trade, with foreign trade accounting for 956,637 short tons and domestic trade amounting to 180,417 short tons.
2009: San Diego Housing Affordability Ranking in 2009
In 2009, the San Diego metropolitan area had one of the worst housing affordability rankings of all metropolitan areas in the United States.
December 2010: San Diego Home Prices Down 36% From Peak as of December 2010
As of December 2010, San Diego home prices were down 36 percent from their peak in 2005, with a median price decline of more than $200,000.
2010: Crime Statistics in 2010
According to FBI data in 2010, San Diego had 5,616 violent crimes and 30,753 property crimes, including rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larceny-thefts, motor vehicle thefts, and acts of arson.
2010: Population of San Diego
According to the 2010 census, the city of San Diego had a population of 1,307,402.
2010: Second Cruise Terminal Opens
In 2010, a second cruise terminal opened on Broadway Pier as part of port expansion efforts.
2010: Dismissal of Charges in Pension Scandal in 2010
In 2010, charges against six pension board members involved in the San Diego pension scandal were dismissed by a federal judge.
2011: Median Age
As of 2011 the median age was 35.6 in San Diego; more than a quarter of residents were under age 20 and 11% were over age 65.
2011: City Employment Statistics in 2011
As of 2011, the City of San Diego had one employee for every 137 residents, with a payroll greater than $733 million.
2011: Street Lighting Upgrade Announced
In 2011, San Diego announced plans to upgrade 80% of its street lighting to new energy-efficient lights that use induction technology.
2012: San Diego County Visitor Statistics in 2012
In 2012, San Diego County hosted over 32 million visitors, who collectively spent an estimated $8 billion. The visitor industry provided employment for more than 160,000 people that year.
July 2013: Allegations Against Mayor Bob Filner Surface in July 2013
In July 2013, three former supporters of Mayor Bob Filner asked him to resign because of allegations of repeated sexual harassment.
August 30, 2013: Mayor Bob Filner Resigns August 30, 2013
Bob Filner agreed to resign effective August 30, 2013, and subsequently pleaded guilty to one felony count of false imprisonment and two misdemeanor battery charges.
September 30, 2013: Opening of Central Library on September 30, 2013
A new nine-story Central Library on Park Boulevard at J Street opened on September 30, 2013.
2013: Lowest Murder Rate in 2013
In 2013, San Diego had the lowest murder rate of the ten largest cities in the United States.
2013: San Diego Second-Largest Biotech Cluster in 2013
In 2013, San Diego had the second-largest biotechnology cluster in the United States, with more than 400 biotechnology companies in the area. Major biotechnology companies such as Illumina and Neurocrine Biosciences are headquartered in San Diego.
2013: San Diego Named LGBT-Friendly and SDSU Named Top LGBT-Friendly Campus
In 2013, San Diego was recognized as the ninth-most LGBT-friendly city in the U.S., with the seventh-highest population of gay residents. San Diego State University was also named one of the top LGBT-friendly campuses in the nation in 2013.
2014: Religious Demographics of San Diego in 2014
According to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center, 68% of San Diego's population identified as Christians. 32% identify with Protestant churches, 32% with Roman Catholic beliefs, and 27% claimed no religious affiliation. Followers of other religions made up approximately 5% of the population in 2014.
2014: Cyber-Controlled Street Lighting Planned
In 2014, San Diego announced plans to become the first U.S. city to install cyber-controlled street lighting.
May 2015: San Diego Median House Price in May 2015
In May 2015, the median price of a house in San Diego was $520,000.
2015: Groundbreaking of Skyline Hills Branch in 2015
The groundbreaking of the newest branch of the San Diego Public Library system in Skyline Hills occurred in 2015.
2016: Decline in Cruise Ship Business by 2016-2017
By 2016, the number of ship calls in San Diego had fallen to 90, reflecting a decline in the cruise ship business.
2017: Decline in Cruise Ship Business by 2016-2017
By 2017, the number of ship calls in San Diego had fallen to 90, reflecting a decline in the cruise ship business.
2017: Jahja Ling leaves Symphony
In 2017, Jahja Ling left his position as director of the San Diego Symphony at Symphony Towers.
2017: San Diego Median Household Income in 2017
In 2017, San Diego's median household income was $76,662. This was before an increase of 3.89% in 2018.
2017: Chargers Relocate
In 2017, the San Diego Chargers relocated to the Greater Los Angeles area, becoming the Los Angeles Chargers.
November 2018: San Diego Median Home Price in November 2018
In November 2018, the median home price in San Diego was $558,000.
2018: Chicken of the Sea Headquarters Move in 2018
In 2018, Chicken of the Sea, a seafood company, moved its headquarters from San Diego.
2018: San Diego International Airport Passenger Volume
In 2018, San Diego International Airport served over 24 million passengers.
2018: San Diego Median Household Income and Property Value in 2018
In 2018, San Diego recorded a median household income of $79,646, which was a 3.89% increase from $76,662 in 2017. The median property value in San Diego was $654,700 in 2018.
January 2019: Homeless population in San Diego
As of January 2019, the San Diego City and County had the fifth-largest homeless population among major cities in the United States, with 8,102 people experiencing homelessness.
February 21, 2019: Snowfall in residential areas
On February 21, 2019, snow fell and accumulated in residential areas of San Diego, though none fell in the downtown area.
2020: Military's Economic Impact on San Diego in 2020
As of 2020, the military infrastructure's contribution to San Diego's economy was approximately 25% of the GDP and 23% of the total jobs.
2020: Homeless population in the city of San Diego
In the city of San Diego, 4,887 individuals were experiencing homelessness according to the 2020 count.
November 2021: Trolley Extension Operates
Since November 2021, a mid-coast extension of the trolley operates from Old Town to University City and the University of California, San Diego along Interstate 5.
December 2022: Decline in Median Sold Price of Homes in December 2022
The San Diego Housing Market experienced a decline in the median sold price of existing single-family homes between December 2022 and January 2023, with the price in December at $850,000.
2022: San Diego economic center of transborder metropolitan area
In 2022, San Diego served as the economic center of the San Diego–Tijuana region, which was the second-most populous transborder metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, with an estimated five million people.
January 2023: Decline in Median Sold Price of Homes in January 2023
The San Diego Housing Market experienced a decline in the median sold price of existing single-family homes between December 2022 and January 2023, with the price in January at $824,950.
December 11, 2023: Decline in homeless population in downtown San Diego
On December 11, 2023, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported a decline in the homeless population in downtown San Diego, reaching a two-year low due to the city's camping ban and new shelters.
2024: City of San Diego's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
According to the City of San Diego's 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, top employers in the city were listed.
2024: San Diego Clippers Play at Frontwave Arena
In 2024, the San Diego Clippers of the NBA G League began playing at Frontwave Arena.
2025: Democratic Control of City Council in 2025
As of 2025, Democrats hold all nine seats on the San Diego City Council.
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