Chula Vista

History: Col. W.G. Dickerson helped form the San Diego Land and Town Co. in the 1880s, with five-acre lots for $300. Once Sweetwater Dam was completed in 1888, the region became the nation’s largest producer of lemons. The city incorporated in 1911. World War II changed the city forever. When the Rohr Aircraft Corporation settled here, it employed 9,000 workers at the height of war production, and orchards gave way to housing. After the war, many workers and servicemen stayed, and Chula Vista grew into San Diego County’s second largest city. City leaders are looking forward to the revitalization of its onceindustrial bayfront into 500 acres of hospitality, housing, recreation and jobs.

How it got its name: Resident James D. Schulyer suggested the name Chula Vista to the San Diego Land and Town Co. It means “beautiful view” in Spanish.

Landmarks: Chula Vista continues to transform itself with the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre and Living Coast Discovery Center. Each year, more than 4,000 of the nation’s athletes come to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center, formerly the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Things to do: Craft brewhouses and restaurants are turning Third Avenue Village into a social hotspot.

Notable locals: ”scar Gutiérrez, known as the wrestler Rey Mysterio Jr., was born here. Actor Mario Lopez of “Saved by the Bell” and “Extra” is a 1991 graduate of Chula Vista High and state-ranked wrestler.