Dulzura, CA (91917): History and Local Information
Dulzura, an unincorporated community in San Diego County, is located on Highway 94, also known as Campo Road, which runs through the San Ysidro Mountains parallel to the Mexican border. Twenty-five miles southeast of San Diego, Dulzura lies ten miles north of the US-Mexico border. Early settlers include the N. Bratton family in 1868. Between 1908 and 1914, the Clark Ranch manufactured and distributed Clarks Pickelized Figs, candied figs sold at grocery stores across the country. The sugar shortage caused by WWI ended Frank and Lila Clark's business, with the Clark Ranch turning to other things. The Harris Fires in October 2007 affected the community heavily, destroying homes and life. Hot weather, high winds and drought contributed to the conditions. There was a definite need for home service, construction and repair. In 2009, San Diego County, the Department of Planning and Development and groups such as the Mennonite Disaster Service started rebuilding affordable housing in the rural community.
Dulzura, CA (91917): Neighborhoods and Community
The one-room Dulzura Schoolhouse closed its doors in the 1950s. The Jamul-Dulzura Union School District, formed in 1949, covers 163 square miles of rural eastern San Diego County. The combined enrollment of 800 students covers the three schools in the district. Steele Canyon High School, a Charter high school, is located in Spring Valley. There are a number of community colleges and universities throughout the county. There is a small grocery store, bicycle shop, and RV park, plus the traditional government offices such as the post office and fire department. You will also find farms and ranches in the community. The South Bay Rod and Gun Club has four shooting ranges, encouraging firearms familiarization and knowledge.
Dulzura, CA (91917): Statistics and Community Features
The average age of Dulzura's 992 residents is 40, with a household income $32,917. Homes range from older wood styles to modern housing, with prices ranging from $200,000 to over a million dollars. At 6,000 feet elevation, one of the most popular recreation areas near Dulzura is the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. That Cleveland National Forest site gets snow in the winter, has beautiful pine and oak groves, and has a lovely meadow, with hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Campers have the opportunity to attend special events on Saturday evening at the Amphitheater, while kids attend activities during the day on Saturdays.
Dulzura, CA (91917): Home Improvement
With financial incentives by the government and the benefit of solar power in the event of another disaster, solar energy installers have a great opportunity at ranches, businesses and homes in the area. Weather conditions like fog, winds between 25 to 45 MPH and intense heat, fire danger is always a threat, leaving a need for landscaping and maintenance to provide a defensible line. Other home improvement services required include fire resistant roofing, conditioning of exterior walls and automatic sprinklers. With recovery still in progress from the 2007 fire, construction is an everyday occurrence. Contractors stay busy setting up the various services for the area.