San Diego Shines

Named a 2008 Top Town By True West

Mention “San Diego” and you probably don’t think “Old West.” Beaches, sunshine, a laid back lifestyle? Yes. Old West? Not likely.

Yet the city has a heritage that goes back to 1769 (now that’s Old West!). Just as important—San Diego is determined to keep its heritage alive and well and something to show off to visitors, which is why we named it our Number 10 Top True Western Town of 2008.

The announcement comes in the January/February issue of True West Magazine, one newsstands January 15, 2008. The Number 1 Town is St. Joseph, Missouri.

The city has some amazing historic districts, starting with the Old Town section that was the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. It features a mix of museums, living history exhibits and buildings that date into the mid 19^th century along with trendy restaurants and shops—many of them in authentic or recreated 1800s structures. Then there’s the Gaslamp Quarter, the old red light district of the 1880s that attracted gamblers, conmen and investors including Wyatt Earp. It went downhill over the years, only to be redeveloped and restored (sans the gambling and prostitution) in the 1980s. The classic Victorian architecture now houses residential lofts, galleries, theaters, boutiques and shops.

“San Diego is much more than its popular image,” says True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “It has done a remarkable job of preserving and maintaining its heritage, much to the delight of the millions of visitors to town. San Diego is truly worthy of this recognition as a Top True Western Town.”

Preservation efforts are a community affair in San Diego. Citizen groups like the Boosters of Old Town and the Save Our History Organisation oversee buildings, provide tours, plan and sponsor events, and raise money for continuing preservation projects.

Past top town recipients: Helper, Utah (2007) and Sheridan, Wyoming (2006).

True West editors determine winners for this annual award based on criteria demonstrating how each town preserves its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events and promotion of historic resources.

The feature includes Towns to Watch for their good works in historic preservation and several legendary locales folks should know.

True West magazine is in its 55th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit http://www.twmag.com or call 888-687-1881.

Contact: Mark Boardman

765-491-4063 mailto:mboardman@twmag.com