San Dimas - A Welcome Sight
In 1837, Don Palomares received a 15,000 acre land grant from Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado, a grant which included the land of present day cities Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, Glendora, and San Dimas. This holding was called Rancho San Jose. The northern part of the Rancho was cut through with wild canyons, and while they were of little use for vineyards, beans, and corn, they were an ideal place to house Don Palomares's prize cattle and horses during harsh winters. Due to their distance from the Hacienda, these corrals were often raided by horse thieves and cattle rustlers. Frustrated by the loss of his cattle, Don Palomares began referring to the area as "San Dismas", in hopes that the thieves would turn to Saint Dismas (the patron saint of reformed thieves) and repent of their crimes. In time, the name caught on, and the area was called San Dismas. Eventually, the first 's' was dropped and the area became known as San Dimas.
Now a city of about 35,000 people, San Dimas is located in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Incorporated in 1960, San Dimas is a city conscious of its heritage, which maintains an early western look in its downtown area, complete with wooden sidewalks and old-fashioned western storefront facades. In front of City Hall, a statue of Jedediah Stong Smith, the first American to cross the southwestern part of the American continent, now declares San Dimas "A Welcome Sight" for all who come.
Some may remember that San Dimas's most famous fictional residents are William "Bill" S. Preston, esq. and Theodore "Ted" Logan from the movie, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. For those who love great outdoor fun, San Dimas is home of one of the largest water parks in California, Raging Waters Theme Park. And, for anyone who loves to visit history, come visit downtown San Dimas, home to several examples of early California Architecture, including the Walker House. Walker House was originally built as a hotel, but never served a paying guest. It is now home to the local Chamber of Commerce and is being full restored to its beauty. All will find San Dimas "A Welcome Sight"!
Source: City of San Dimas, Wikipedia Encyclopedia, County of Los Angeles Public Library and the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce
