HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 2023-0040; 4080 SUNNYHILL DRIVE; CULTURAL RESOURCES REPORT; 2023-11-11November 11, 2023
City of Carlsbad
Community Development Department
Planning Division
1635 Faraday Ave.
carlsbad, CA 92008
REFERENCE: RESULTS OF THE HISTORICAL CULTURAL ASSESSMENT
FOR 4080 SUNNYHILL DRIVE, CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, 92008
I. INTRODUCTION
This report details the findings of the historical assessment conducted for a
residence located at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive in the City of Carlsbad, California
92008 (Figures 1 and 2). This study was conducted to assess the building's
potential for historical and architectural significance as defined by the California
Environmental Quality Act and the impact of the proposed project. The residence
was not included in the 1990 carlsbad Historic Resources Inventory by Roth and
Associates.
The Assessor Parcel Number is 207-072-06-00.
The property description was mcxlified in 2022 and is as follows: All that portion of
Lot 33 of carlsbad Highlands, according to Map thereof No. 2647, filed in the office
of the County Recorder of San Diego County, April 18, 1950; described as follows:
Beginning at the Northeasterly corner of said Lot 33, being land described in deec
to FEHCO, LLC, california Limited Liability Company recorded as Document No.
2021--0593473 of Official Records;
Thence, along the Northerly line of said Lot 33 and FEHCO, LLC Land, South
78°23',53" West 84.80 feet to the True Point of Beginning;
Thence, leaving said Northerly line of Lot 33, South 8° 49'0" East 89.94 feet to a
point in the Southerly line of said FEHCO, LLC Land;
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Thence, along the Southerly line of said FEHCO, LLC Land, South 75°33'32" West
156.52 feet to a point in the Westerly line of said Lot 33, said point being the
Southwesterly comer of FEHCO, LLC Land, also being in the Easterly line of
Sunnyhill Drive, also on the ark of a curve concave Easterly having a radius of
1,970.00 feet, a radial to said point bears South 75°33'32" West;
Thence, leaving Southerly line of FEHCO, LLC Land Northerly along the Westerly
line of said Lot 33 and FEHCO, LLC Land along the arc of said curve a distance of
97.63 feet through a central angle of 2°50'21" to the Northwesterly corner of said
Lot 33;
Thence, leaving Westerly line of said Lot 33, along the Northerly line of said Lot
33, North 78°23'53" East 163.12 feet to the True Point of Beginning.
This legal description is made pursuant to that certain Certificate of Compliance
recorded September 15, 2022 as Instrument No. 2022-366010 of Official Records.
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The planned project is a new single family home and a new garage with an
ADU.
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III. HISTORICAL CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
The subject property is located on the east side of Sunnyhill Drive between
Tamarack and Alder Avenue in the carlsbad Highlands. The subdivision is located
in Lot I of Rancho Auga Hedionda, a 13,311-acre Mexican land grant given in
1842 by Governor Juan Alvarado to Juan Marfa Marron, later acquired by Robert
Kelly.
The residential subdivision, recorded in 1950, two years before Carlsbad
incorporated, was owned by Donald and Lorraine Briggs. The Briggs' were flower
growers in Encinitas. Donald Briggs is credited with popularizing the Bird of
Paradise flower/plant and planting it along the Auga Hedionda Lagoon.
Homes were built on large lots, many affording unobstructed ocean views. Today
the area is a highly desirable neighborhood due its lot size and potential views.
Houses on Sunnyhill and nearby Skyline were built over a wide range from 1951
to 2018. Many older homes have been modified and enlarged.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
In 1881 John Frazier settled on 160 acres Just south of the Buena Vista Lagoon
and established a small settlement known as "Frazier's Station." In search of water,
he drilled a well and in 1883 found what he claimed to have cured him of illnesses
relating to stomach and kidney problems. This water was "analyzed" and reported
to have the same qualities as water found in Karlsbad, Bohemia. Gerhard Schutte
and D. D. Wadsworth purchased the water rights, and together with other
investors, formed the carlsbad Land and Water Company and laid out a town site
which they called carlsbad.
Schutte built a home that later became the Twin Inns, a long-standing landmark
located on carlsbad Boulevard. By about 1888 a train depot and several stores
were built, and the small village grew to a population of about 300.
In 1914, the South Coast Land Company purchased the properties of the then-
defunct water company, and the community became largely farming. The flower
industry began in the early 1920's. Sam Thompson, owner of the first avocado
orchard in Carlsbad, was largely responsible for making Carlsbad "The Home of the
Avocado" which was proudly advertised as such.
The main business district was located on First Street, now known as State Street.
It was one of only two paved roads.
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For many years the Twin Inns, purchased by E. G. Kentner in 1919, was one of the
most popular stops along the Coast highway in North County and was famous for
its chicken dinners. Its large plaster statues of chickens were iconic landmarks.
In 1925 Roy G. Chase built the Los-Diego Hotel on the southwest corner of State
and Grand. The name referred to the two large cities north and south of
Carlsbad, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and was "the logical stopping place on the
main coast highway between these two cities." Managed by Mr. and Mrs. C. T.
McKeehan, this two-story Spanish-style structure offered guests amenities that
included private baths, hot water, and steam heat.
The California Highway Commission applied to the Railroad Commission for
permission to construct an overpass over the tracks of the Atchison Topeka and
Santa Fe Railway Company at Carlsbad. Construction of the crossing began in
April 1927 and was completed in August. With this new alignment Highway 101
bypassed State Street and ran directly along Lincoln Street, or present-day
carlsbad Boulevard. New businesses such as the Sea Auto Inn and the Carlsbad
Mineral Springs Hotel were soon constructed along the new route to take full
advantage of the increasing traffic through the city.
The Red Apple Inn, built in 1927 by Alfred G. Blair and designed by Robert Baird,
was situated on Carlsbad Boulevard. The roadside inn featured 20 guest rooms
and a restaurant, decorated with an apple motif. In 1936 the Red Apple Inn was
purchased by A. C. Anderson and later became a part of the Army Navy Academy
when the institution relocated from Pacific Beach.
The carlsbad Theater opened in 1927, built and owned by R. E. Struve, who also
built Oceanside's Palomar Theater three years earlier. The operator of the
theater was A. J. Clark, who also managed the Palomar. However, shortly after
opening Clark sold his interest to Rudolph Sonnemonn and Ernest Sutton. Its
named was changed to the Iris Theater in 1939 and it continued to change both
names and ownership over the years.
Fred Mitchell became the publisher of the Carlsbad Journal newspaper in 1928
after he took over the Carlsbad Champion.
One of carlsbad's most famous residents, actor Leo carrillo, purchased the Los
Kiotes homestead in 1937, a small portion of which became a city park.
By 1950, downtown street names changed from First to State with the remaining
numbered streets changing to Roosevelt, Madison, Jefferson, and Harding,
respectively. (Elm Street was later renamed carlsbad Village Drive.)
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The City of Carlsbad was incorporated in 1952 to avoid being annexed to the City
of Oceanside. Dewey McClellan served as the first mayor.
For decades high school students living in carlsbad attended the Oceanside-
carlsbad Union High School in Oceanside. In 1957 carlsbad opened a new high
school for its residents.
Palomar Airport opened in 1959. Built by Young and Arrieta Construction Co., it
was located southeast of the Carlsbad city limits, before it was annexed by the
City of Carlsbad in 1978 and eventually renamed McClellan-Palomar Airport.
In 1969 a large shopping mall, Plaza camino Real, was built. By 1982 the mall
doubled in size to over a million square feet and 140 stores. Indoor malls
changed the way most American consumers shopped for decades but shopping
has trended away due to online retail and the trend to "open air lifestyle
centers."
carlsbad is home to many large companies such ViaSat and Calloway Golf. Other
golf manufacturers include TaylorMade-adidas, Cobra Golf, Titleist, and Odyssey
Golf, dubbing Carlsbad as "Titanium Valley". Carlsbad's Aviara Golf Club was
designed by Arnold Palmer.
Carlsbad welcomed Legoland California Resort, LLC, in 1999. It was the first
Legoland theme park outside of Europe. A hotel was added in 2018.
In 2020 plans began for the removal of the 400-foot smokestack of the Encina
Power Station. This structure on Carlsbad's coast was controversial but also
considered a landmark by locals.
In 2021, carlsbad's economy grew by $1 billion to $14.6 billion, second only to
the City of San Diego, according to a report presented to the City Council.
IV. METHODS AND RESULTS
Background studies consisting of research from the Carlsbad Library, San Diego
County Master Property Record, a field check of the property, historical
photographs, census and vital records, research of various newspapers, maps
and recorded deeds were conducted as part of the project. Primary, Continuation
and Building, Structure and Object forms were completed and appear in this
report as Appendix A.
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DESCRIPTION OF RESOURCE
The subject resource at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive is an L-shaped one-story residence.
The dwelling has been modified and modernized over the years, with an
addition, covered patio and updated windows.
Built in 1954, it was likely a ranch-style home and then renovated to resemble
Spanish-style architecture. The home is covered in stucco with a red clay tile roof.
However, aerial photos prior to 1988 show that the home was covered in shingles,
rather than clay tile, supporting the assertion that the home was modified to
appear Spanish-style. A fireplace chimney protrudes from the roof on the west
elevation and is also stucco.
A brick walkway leads to the front entrance which is recessed. Windows on the
west elevation are covered by awnings. To the left of the entrance is a front patio
enclosed by a low stucco wall. A large slider provides entrance into the home from
the patio. The front yard slopes down towards Sunnyhill Drive. A detached building
to the east (rear) of the residence contains a one-car garage, a portion of which is
utilized for living space, and is covered in vertical siding, rather than stucco. A
walkway between the residence and the detached garage leads to a covered patio.
A set of sliding doors are either end of the covered patio provide access to the
residence.
The residence is in good condition. A view of the resource is shown in Figure 4
with additional views in Appendix C.
HISTORY OF OWNERSHIP
History of ownership was determined through San Diego County Master Property
Records and Recorded Deeds through the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder's
Office.
Donald and Lorraine Briggs filed their Carlsbad Highlands subdivision with the
County of San Diego in April 1950.
Donald Allen Briggs was born July 14, 1896 in Lowell, Massachusetts to Charles
and Elizabeth Briggs. The Briggs family moved to Oregon by about 1905 and by
1918 had settled in Sacramento, California.
During World War I Donald Briggs served as an ensign in the Navy, after which
he enrolled in the University of California. In 1920 Donald Briggs married Lorraine
Hasselo in Stockton, California.
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Briggs is often credited with his work in the flower industry, particularly gladiolus
and the bird-of-paradise. But it was his mother Elizabeth Briggs who pioneered in
the flower industry in San Diego County.
The 1930 the San Diego Union headline read: "Woman Makes Big Success in Bulb
Culture." The article went on to say that "Mrs. Elizabeth Briggs, whose name has
become synonymous with several widely known varieties of gladiolus, and whose
entries in flower shows throughout the cvunty bring her much valuable trophies
and much recognition as an originator of new varieties. In fact, she sometimes is
referred to as the 'Burbank' of gladiolus QJlture. And she also is known in this
vicinity as the 'Gladiolus Queen'. Two of the best-known varieties that she has
originated are the 'Coronado' and 'Winged Wcto,y'.
"Mrs. Briggs' business, now the Briggs Floral Company is on a three-acre ranch in
Avocado Acres, a large trek under development by the Ed Fletcher company, three
miles north of Encinitas. The business has grown almost into an industry, because
it requires the attention of five persons, besides Mrs. Briggs, all members of her
family. Mrs. Briggs work is such a centered chiefly around breeding and
origination. Last year the company shipped six carioads of bulbs to New Yor,i;
Olicago, and other cities in the cvuntry, besides practically eve,y civilized count,y
in the world."
Donald worked closely with his mother in the flower industry. In 1951 the San
Diego Union again featured the mother and son in an extensive article:
"Mrs. Briggs is the mother of Donald Briggs of Encinitas, one of the West's largest
gladiolus bulb producers and the operator of a wholesale flower market at Los
Angeles. He grew up in the business under her instructions. Their careers are
closely interwoven.
"While she would disdaim the honor, experts of San Diego County's multi-million
dollar flower indust,y credit her with being the indust,y's founder. She certainly is
Southern C.ilifornia 's pioneer large scale gladiolus grower. Her business career
began in Sacramento in 1914.
Elizabeth Briggs provided details on the beginning of her work: "My son Donald,
then 18, had just returned from Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and
he and I started growing gladiolus bulbs on city lots. But after two years, he
enlisted in the World War, and my husband went into the 1111C4 War work. I
continue to grow bulbs at Lodi and sold a car load After the war, Donald attended
the University of California, Berkeley, then returned to help me with the bulbs. I
was taking care of three acres with a hoe. The dimate of Monterey was such that
we could not grow winter flowers, so 26 years ago, we came to San Diego
County."
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The article continued: "Only until recently Mrs. Bnggs owned a half interest in the
gladiolus business now operated exdusively by son Donald But she decided to sell
to him, and now conducts his experimental work on monthly salary basis. The
Briggs flower enterprise had been operated chiefly on leased land of the Encinitas
area, but because of the development of the avocado industry there, and the
steady cutting up of land into building lots, Briggs has acquire 200 acres at
Carlsbad for his growing."
Donald and Lorraine Briggs acquired Lot I of Rancho Auga Hedionda, grew
fiowers and created the Carlsbad Highlands Subdivision in 1950.
In 1953 Briggs sold the subject lot, which was unimproved, to Gallinger
Corporation, owned by Thomas Gallinger. Thomas Gallinger also owned a
construction company by the same name and it is likely that Gallinger built the
home at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive in 1954.
The home was sold that year to John and Phoebe Henley. John Paul Henley was
born in 1917 in Escondido to Rev. John H. and Ruth Henley. The Henley's
relocated to Carlsbad by 1930.
In 1953 John Henley married Phoebe R. Huffman and the two were living on
Magnolia Street in Carlsbad before they moved to the Sunnyhill residence. In
1959 Henley was working as an attendant at a local Chevron Station. He later
went to work for the Carlsbad Municipal Water District where he was employed
for 20 years.
In 1962 Henley pulled a permit to have an addition to the home built, adding 369
square feet.
The Henley's sold the home in 1967 to Gerald and Nell Alexander. Gerald W.
Alexander was born in 1901 in Nebraska. He came to Los Angeles, California and
in about 1927 married Nell Frances Riley. The couple had two children, Geraldine
and James.
Gerald worked for Warner Bros. movie studio in Los Angeles as a sound mixer
and worked on such films as The Jazz Singer, Mildred Pierce and The Sound of
Music. When the Alexander's moved to Carlsbad he had retired. Gerald Alexander
died in 1974 and the home was sold to Chilton Mahin in 1975.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1930, Chilton Ambrose Mahin Ill was a Navy Veteran
of World War IL His father brought the family to Carlsbad in 1938 where he was
an automobile salesman.
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Chilton married Joan Twitchell in 1953 and the couple lived in Lakewood,
California where Chilton worked as a salesman. In 1975 they relocated to
Carlsbad when they purchased the house at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive. Chilton started
his own business that year, Chilton Marketing. He was active in social and civic
affairs, serving as the Commodore of the Oceanside Yacht Club in 1994.
In 2003 Mahin applied and was issued a permit to build a patio cover which
extended the length of the home to the rear.
In 2021 the property was sold to FEHCO, LLC and transferred to Jeffrey and Lisa
Sachs that same year. The residence is currently owned by the Cameron and
Shannon Rosenhan, who purchased the property in 2022.
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ANALYSIS OF SUBJECT RESOURCE ARCHITECTURE
The residence at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive exemplifies no particular architectural
style. It is believed that it was originally built as a ranch style home, and the roof
was covered in shingles rather than clay tile. Exterior modifications have been
made in order for it to resemble a Spanish-style home but no materials, including
doors and windows, are original to the home.
V. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
Under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a significant historic
resource is one that is eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical
Resources/National Register of Historic Places or other local historic register or is
deemed significant in a historical resource survey (Section 5024.l(g) of the
Public Resources Code).
To be eligible for listing under the California Register/National Register (the
standards of which are both very similar), a resource must be significant within a
historic context and must also meet one or more of the following criteria:
Criterion A: Be associated with an event, or series of events, that have
made a significant contribution to the broad pattern of history.
Criterion B: Have an unequivocal association with the lives of people
significant in the past.
Criterion C: Embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or
method of construction, or represents the work of a master, or possesses high
artistic values, or represents a significant, distinguishable entity whose
components lack individual distinction.
Criterion D: Have yielded or may be likely to yield information important
in local, state or national prehistory or history.
VI. REGISTER STANDARDS
CALIFORNIA REGISTER CRITERIA
When evaluated within its historic context, under CEQA a property must be
shown to be significant for one or more of the four Criteria for Evaluation -A, B,
C, or D. The Criteria describes how properties are significant for their association
with important events or persons, for their importance in design or construction,
or for their information potential. In addition, a property must not only be shown
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to be significant under the California Register criteria, but it also must have
integrity.
Criterion A: Event. To be considered for listing under Criterion A, a property
must be associated with one or more events important in the defined historic
context. The event or trends must clearly be important within the associated
context. Mere association with historic events or trends is not enough, in and of
itself, to qualify under Criterion A -the property's specific association must be
considered important as well.
Criterion B: Person. Criterion B applies to properties associated with
individuals whose specific contributions to history can be identified and
documented. Persons "significant in our past" refers to individuals whose
activities are demonstrably important within a local, state, or national historic
context. The criterion is generally restricted to those properties that illustrate
(rather than commemorate) a person's important achievements. The persons
associated with the property must be individually significant within a historic
event. Significant individuals must be directly associated with the nominated
property.
Properties eligible under Criterion B are usually those associated with a person's
productive life, reflecting the time period when he or she achieved significance.
Speculative associations are not acceptable. Documentation must make clear
how the nominated property represents an individual's significant contributions.
A property must retain integrity from the period of its significant historic
associations Architects are often represented by their works, which are eligible
under Criterion C. Their homes, however, can be eligible for consideration under
Criterion B, if these properties were personally associated with the individual.
Criterion C: Design/Construction: Properties may be eligible under Criterion
C if they embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic
values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction. Properties which embody the
distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction refer to the
way in which a property was conceived, designed, or fabricated by a people or
culture in past periods of history. Distinctive characteristics are the physical
features or traits that commonly recur in individual types, periods, or methods of
construction. To be eligible, a property must clearly contain enough of those
characteristics to be considered a true representative of a particular type, period,
or method of construction.
A master is a figure of generally recognized greatness in a field, a known
craftsman of consummate skill, or an anonymous craftsman whose work is
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distinguishable from others by its characteristic style and quality. The property
must express a particular phase in the development of the master's career, an
aspect of his or her work, or a particular theme in his or her craft.
Criterion D: Information Potential. Properties may be eligible under
Criterion D if they have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important
in prehistory or history.
Integrity. Integrity is the ability of a property to convey and maintain its
significance. A property must not only be shown to be significant under the
California Register criteria, but it also must have integrity. To retain historic
integrity, a property will always possess several, and usually most, of the
aspects. The seven key aspects of integrity include: location, design, setting,
materials, wor1<manship, feeling and association.
VII. APPLICATION OF CRITERIA FOR 4080 SUNNYHILL DRIVE
Criterion A (association with a significant historical event): No known significant
event occurred on the property, before or after the resource was constructed.
The property is not significant under Criterion A.
Criterion B (association with a historic person or persons): The resource is not
associated with any notable or history person(s) in the development of Carlsbad.
Criterion C (represents a significant design or style of construction): The
subject resource was likely built as a ranch-style home but has been modified to
resemble a Spanish-style home. No known architect is associated with the building
of the house. The resource is not significant under Criterion C.
Criterion D (ability to yield further information): It is unlikely that any further
information of importance would be revealed with additional study. The resource
is not significant under Criterion D.
VIII. INTEGRITY
Integrity is the ability of a property to convey and maintain its significance. A
property must not only be shown to be significant under the California Register
criteria, but it also must have integrity. To retain historic integrity, a property will
always possess several, and usually most, of the aspects. The seven key aspects
of integrity include: location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling,
and association.
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Location. Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or
the place where the historic event occurred.
FINDING: The location of the resource has not changed and retains the location
element for integrity purposes.
Design. Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space,
structure, and style of a property. It results from conscious decisions made
during the original conception and planning of a property ( or its significant
alteration) and applies to activities as diverse as community planning,
engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture. Design includes such
elements as organization of space, proportion, scale, technology, ornamentation,
and materials.
FINDING: The resource has been changed and modified over the years and has
specific design element for integrity purposes.
Settjng. Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. Whereas
location refers to the specific place where a property was built or an event
occurred, setting refers to the character of the place in which the property played
its historical role. It involves how, not just where, the property is situated and its
relationship to surrounding features and open space.
FINDING: The original setting, a residential neighborhood, retains its integrtty.
Materials. Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited
during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to
form a historic property.
FINDING: The resource does not retain its original materials for integrity
purposes.
Workmanship. Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a
particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. It
can be expressed in vernacular methods of construction and plain finishes or in
highly sophisticated configurations and ornamental detailing. It can be based on
common traditions or innovative period techniques. Workmanship is important
because it can furnish evidence of the technology of a craft, illustrate the
aesthetic principles of a historic or prehistoric period, and reveal individual, local,
regional, or national applications of both technological practices and aesthetic
principles.
FINDING: There is no significant or notable quality of workmanship
demonstrated in the construction of this dwelling.
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Feeling. Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a
particular period of time.
FINDING: The property does not covey an aesthetic or any historic sense for
integrity purposes.
Assocjatjon. Association is the direct link between an important historic event
or person and historic property.
FINDING: The subject resource is not linked to any important historic event or
persons in the history of Carlsbad.
IX. CONCLUSION
The residence at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive does not meet any criterion. The original
architectural style has been changed and it lacks historic integrity. Therefore, the
residence does not rise to an adequate or sufficient level of historical significance
and any proposed project would have no impact.
~~~
Kristi S. Hawthorne
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Kristi s. Hawthorne
Qualifications and Experience
Since 2020 I have researched, written and submitted no less than seven Cultural
Assessments submitted to the City of Carlsbad which includes the following:
260 Normandy Lane
270 Juniper
2668 Ocean Street
2669 Garfield Street
3940 Garfield Street
3950 Garfield Street
5511 Los Robles
2002-2008 hired by Archaeos, Inc. to research and write historic content for
Historical Assessments
2005 approved by City of Oceanside to research and write Historical Assessments
(all have been accepted by the Oceanside Planning Commission and Oceanside
Historic Preservation Advisory Commission)
2007 hired by ASM Affiliates to supply historic content for Historical Assessment
Hired by City of Oceanside in 2015 to conduct Historical Assessments on the
following resources:
• Oceanside Pier
• Bandshell
• Comfort Station
• Beach community Center
2019 submitted an extensive Cultural and Historic Assessment to the City of San
Diego (approved)
2021-2023 Completed Cultural Assessments for 4 homes and buildings to qualify
for Mills Act in Oceanside, which have all been accepted and approved
I have over 35 years of experience in collectng, maintaining, organizing and
preserving historical documents, photos, ephemera and memorabilia for the
Oceanside Historical Society
Appointed archivist 1987
Served as President 2002-2021
Board Member of the Old Mission San Luis Rey Historic Foundation 2012-2015
Director 2021 to present
Thorough knowledge of existing records and have compiled my own database in
order to effectively study and provide a comprehensive record of early residents of
Northern San Diego County.
Developed computer database to include over 8,000 biographies of local persons;
over 500 different subjects pertaining to the history of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Camp
Pendleton, Rancho Santa Margarita, Buena Vista Lagoon, Cemeteries, Schools,
etc.; Conducted over 50 oral histories
Completed research for history book, "Oceanside, Crest of the Wave" by Langdon
Sully and Taryn Bigelow, Windsor Publications, 1988.
Provided background research on people, buildings and homes for the 1992
Cultural Resource Survey, "Oceanside, California's Pride", prepared for the City of
Oceanside by Kathleen Flanigan, Susan H. Carrico, Richard L. Carrico.
Author of "Oceanside, Where Life if Worth Living" (Hawthorne) Donning Co.,
2000. A comprehensive history of Oceanside and notable people from 1880s to
2000. (Completed all research, photos, captions, interviews, and index)
In 2005 completed two studies on Highway 101 for the Highway 101 Association
which included research, conducting oral histories, writing history of the road from
Oceanside to Del Mar.
Author of "100 Years of Photos" (Hawthorn) ProStar Publications, Inc. 2016, (a
pictorial history of Oceanside by decade)
Author of "The History of Oceanside" (Hawthorne), L +L Printers, 2022, (an
updated and revamped history of Oceanside with new photos, design and layout)
Writer for the Best of Oceanside and The Osider Magazine (historical articles)
Author of blog: HistoriesandMysteries.blog providing non-fiction, historical
backgrounds on people, buildings and events.
2018, conducted research for "Tropic of Football: The Long and Perilous Journey
of Samoans to the NFL" By Rob Ruck, Two Rivers Distribution, 2018
2019, conducted research and credited as "Historian" for City of Oceanside's Alta
Oceanside Environmental Impact Report, December 2019
2023, wrote and co-produced "Generational Black Pioneers -Featuring Oceanside
Entrepreneurs" (directed by Linda Bisesti) a live performance at Oceanside
Theatre Company, based on the real lives of Oceanside's earliest Black Residents.
II
Collaborated with Oceanside Public Library for over 30 decades on numerous
programs and workshops including Oceanside's historic Eastside Neighborhood,
Vietnam War (local impact), and most recently "Visual Analogies" (2023) to gather
photos and stories of different cultures and People of Color
Collaborated with John Sheehan, FAIA Principal, Studio E Architects on
researching of architect Irving J. Gill
Collaborated with Seth Mallios, University History Curator, Director, South Coastal
Information Center to research local cemeteries for book "Cemeteries of San
Diego", Seth Mallios and David M. Caterino, Arcadia Publishing, 2007
Provided research on the history of gliding in North County for Gary Fogel, PhD,
for book "Wind & Wings, the History of Soaring in San Diego", Rock Reef
Publishing, 2000
Ill
X. RESOURCES
A Field Guide to American Houses, by Virginia Savage McAlester, 2013, New
York, Penguin Random House
Carlsbad Historical Society https://www.carlsbadhistoricalsocietv.com/
City of Carlsbad Public Records
Ducy's 1968 Oceanside-Carlsbad Directory
https://www.historicaerials.com/
"History of Carlsbad" by Fred W. Mitchell, Editor, Carlsbad Journal; "History of San
Diego County', Published by San Diego Press Club, 1936
Home Directory Service, Inc., Oceanside-Carlsbad City Directory, 1954
The Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) November 7, 1991, Page 627
Luskey's Official Oceanside-Carlsbad Criss-Cross City Directory, 1959
https:1/mil. library.ucsb.edu/ap indexes/FrarneFinder/
North County Blade-Citizen (Oceanside, California) Dec 22, 1989, Page 10
North County Times (Oceanside, California) November 9, 1991, Page 13
North County Times (Oceanside, California) May 1, 1994, Page 46
North County Times (Oceanside, California) December 24, 2002, Page 13
Oceanside Blade-Tribune (Oceanside, California) May 3, 1950
Oceanside Blade-Tribune (Oceanside, California) February 15, 1955
San Diego Union (San Diego, California) March 2, 1930, Page 44
San Diego Union (San Diego, California) February 13, 1951, Page 12
San Diego Union (San Diego, California) March 7, 1954, Page 88
San Diego Union (San Diego, California) December 19, 1955, Page 12
19
San Diego Union (San Diego, california) December 23, 1989, Page 22
SeekersoftheSpring:A History of Carlsbad, by Marje Howard-Jones.
Carlsbad, California: The Friends of the Carlsbad Library, 1982.
Stockton Daily Evening Record (Stockton, california) August 17, 1920, Page 7
Windows on the Past an Illustrated History of Carlsbad, California, by Susan
Schnebelen Gutierrez, The Donning Company Publishers, 2002
20
APPENDIX A
BUILDING FORMS
21
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Page 2 of 4 *Resource Name or
*Recorded by: Kristi S. Hawthorne
Primary# __________________ _
HRI# ---------------------
Tri no mi a I --------------------
# (Assigned by recorder)
*Date 11/11/2023
4080 SuonyhiU Drive, Carlsbad CA
@ Continuation D Update
History of ownership was determined through San Diego County Master Property Records and Recorded Deeds
through the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder's Office.
Donald and Lorraine Briggs filed their Carlsbad Highlands subdivision with the County of San Diego in April 1950.
Donald Allen Briggs was born July 14, 1896 in Lowell, Massachusetts to Charles and Elizabeth Briggs. The Briggs
family moved to Oregon by about 1905 and by 1918 had settled in Sacramento, California.
During World War I Donald Briggs served as an ensign in the Navy, after which he enrolled in the University of
California. In 1920 Donald Briggs married Lorraine Hasselo in Stockton, California.
Briggs is often credited with his work in the flower industry, particularly gladiolus and the bird-of-paradise. But it
was his mother Elizabeth Briggs who pioneered in the flower industry in San Diego County.
The 1930 the San Diego Union headline read: "Woman Makes Big Success in Bulb Culture." The article went on to say
that "Mrs. Elizabeth Briggs, whose name has become synonymous with several widely known varieties of gladiolus, and
whose entries in flower shows throughout the county bring her much valuable trophies and much recognition as an
originator of new varieties. In fact, she sometimes is referred to as the 'Burbank' of gladiolus culture. And she also is
known in this vicinity as the 'Gladiolus Queen'. Two of the best-known varieties that she has originated are the
'Coronado'and Winged Victory'.
"Mrs. Briggs' business, now the Briggs Floral Company is on a three-acre ranch in Avocado Acres, a large trek under
development by the Ed Fletcher company, three miles north of Encinitas. The business has grown almost into an
industry, because it requires the attention of five persons, besides Mrs. Briggs, all members of her family. Mrs. Briggs
work is such a centered chiefly around breeding and origination. last year the company shipped six carloads of bulbs to
New York, Chicago, and other cities in the country, besides practically every civilized country in the world."
Donald worked closely with his mother in the flower industry. In 1951 the San Diego Union again featured the
mother and son in an extensive article:
"Mrs. Briggs is the mother of Donald Briggs of Encinitas, one of the West's largest gladiolus bulb producers and the
operator of a wholesale flower market at Los Angeles. He grew up in the business under her instructions. Their careers
are closely interwoven.
"While she would disclaim the honor, experts of San Diego County's multi-million dollar flower industry credit her with
being the industry's founder. She certainly is Southern California's pioneer large scale gladiolus grower. Her business
career began in Sacramento in 1914.
Elizabeth Briggs provided details on the beginning of her work: "My son Donald, then 18, had just returned from Phillips
Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, and he and I started growing gladiolus bulbs on city lots. But after two years, he
enlisted in the World War, and my husband went into the YMCA War work. I continue to grow bulbs at Lodi and sold a
car load. After the war, Donald attended the University of California, Berkeley, then returned to help me with the bulbs.
I was taking care of three acres with a hoe. The climate of Monterey was such that we could not grow winter flowers, so
26 years ago, we came to San Diego County."
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
State of California -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
CONTINUATION SHEET
Page 3 of 4 *Resource Name or
*Recorded by: Kristi S. Hawthorne
Pnmary# _________________ _
HRI# __________________ _
Tnnomial ---------------------
# (Assigned by recorder)
*Date 11/11/2023
4080 Sunnvhm Drive, Carlsbad CA
Ii'.! Continuation D Update
The article continued: "Only until recently Mrs. Briggs owned a half interest in the gladiolus business now operated
exclusively by son Donald. But she decided to sell to him, and now conducts his experimental work on monthly salary
basis. The Briggs flower enterprise had been operated chiefly on leased land of the Encinitas area, but because of the
development of the avocado industry there, and the steady cutting up of land into building lots, Briggs has acquire 200
acres at Carlsbad for his growing."
Donald and Lorraine Briggs acquired Lot I of Rancho Auga Hedionda, grew flowers and created the Carlsbad
Highlands Subdivision in 1950.
In 1953 Briggs sold the subject lot, which was unimproved, to Gallinger Corporation, owned by Thomas Gallinger.
Thomas Gallinger also owned a construction company by the same name and it is likely that Gallinger built the
home at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive in 1954.
The home was sold that year to John and Phoebe Henley. John Paul Henley was born in 1917 in Escondido to Rev.
John H. and Ruth Henley. The Henley's relocated to Carlsbad by 1930.
In 1953 John Henley married Phoebe R. Huffman and the two were living on Magnolia Street in Carlsbad before
they moved to the Sunnyhill residence. In 1959 Henley was working as an attendant at a local Chevron Station. He
later went to work for the Carlsbad Municipal Water District where he was employed for 20 years.
In 1962 Henley pulled a permit to have an addition to the home built, adding 369 square feet.
The Henley's sold the home in 1967 to Gerald and Nell Alexander. Gerald W. Alexander was born in 1901 in
Nebraska. He came to Los Angeles, California and in about 1927 married Nell Frances Riley. The couple had two
children, Geraldine and James.
Gerald worked for Warner Bros. movie studio in Los Angeles as a sound mixer and worked on such films as The Jazz
Singer, Mildred Pierce and The Sound of Music. When the Alexander's moved to Carlsbad he had retired. Gerald
Alexander died in 1974 and the home was sold to Chilton Mahin in 1975.
Born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1930, Chilton Ambrose Mahin Ill was a Navy Veteran of World War II. His father brought
the family to Carlsbad in 1938 where he was an automobile salesman.
Chilton married Joan Twitchell in 1953 and the couple lived in Lakewood, California where Chilton worked as a
salesman. In 1975 they relocated to Carlsbad when they purchased the house at 4080 Sunnyhill Drive. Chilton
started his own business that year, Chilton Marketing. He was active in social and civic affairs, serving as the
Commodore of the Oceanside Yacht Club in 1994.
In 2003 Mahin applied and was issued a permit to build a patio cover which extended the length of the home to the
rear.
In 2021 the property was sold to FEHCO, LLC and transferred to Jeffrey and Lisa Sachs that same year. The residence
is currently owned by the Cameron and Shannon Rosenhan, who purchased the property in 2022.
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
APPENDIX B
CHAIN OF TITLE
22
1. Carlsbad Highlands
CHAIN OF TITLE
4080 Sunnyhill Orive
Donald and Lorraine Briggs, Briggs Land Company
Recorded: April 7, 1950, Book 3572, Page 136 of Official Records
2. Grant Deed
Grantor: Donald and Lorraine Briggs
Grantee: Gallinger Corporation
Recorded: July 20, 1953, Book 4936, Page 324 of Official Records
3. Grant Deed
Grantor: Gallinger Corporation
Grantee: John P. Henley and Phoebe P. Henley
Recorded: May 3, 1954, Book 5225, Page 213 of Official Records
4. Grant Deed
Grantor: John P. Henley and Phoebe P. Henley
Grantee: Gerald W. Alexander and Nell F. Alexander
Recorded: January 1, 1967, Document #1967-076468 of Official Records
5. Grant Deed
Grantor: Nell F. Alexander
Grantee: Chilton A. Mahin and Joan T. Mahin
Recorded: January 31, 1975, Document# 1975-0022835 of Official Records
6. Deed
Grantor: Chilton A. Mahin and Joan T. Mahin
Grantee: Chilton A. and Joan Mahin Family Trust
Recorded: July 1, 2009, Document #2009-0362878 of Official Records
7. Deed
Grantor: Chilton A. and Joan Mahin Family Trust
Grantee: FEHCO, LLC
Recorded: August 20, 2021, Document# 2021-0593473 of Official Records
8. Deed
Grantor: FEHCO, LLC
Grantee: cameron Rosenhan and Shannon Rosenhan
Recorded: September 23, 2022, Document #2022-0407033 of Official Records
9. Deed
Grantor: Cameron B. Rosenhan and Shannon Rosenhan
Grantee: CSR Living Trust; Cameron Rosenhan and Shannon C. Rosenhan
Recorded: September 23, 2022, Document #2023-0241852 of Official Records
APPENDIXC
ADDffiONAL VIEWS OF 4080 SUNNYHILL DRIVE
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ATTACHMENTS
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