On July 26, 1769, Padre Gomez of the Portola expedition (the first Europeans in California) discovered a spring that provided the party with a welcome source of fresh water. They camped nearby, and the site was called the "Spring of Padre Gomez." One hundred years later, the place was given it's current name, Tomato Springs, because of the wild tomatos which grew there. The photos above show Tomato Springs as it appears today. The images were provided by Irvine Ranch Conservancy docent Mike Boeck. .
In his Traveler's Guide to Historical Sites on the Irvine Ranch, historian Jim Sleeper writes, "On December 16, 1912, a posse of 200 men shot it out with Joe Matlock, the 'Tomato Springs Bandit' on this spot. After attacking a girl, Matlock dared pursuers to 'come and get him'. One deputy was killed and three others injured before Matlock was cut down."
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Mike points out that "today, the area is called Portola Springs and is located on Old Bee Canyon Road, a stone's throw north of Portola Parkway. Lambert Reservoir, [which was once adjacent to the springs,] has been removed."
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James Lorson, owner of Lorson's Books & Prints in Fullerton, passed away this week. His shop has been a favorite of local historians for 30 years. He will certainly be missed by those who knew him. The store's website says, "Our shop will continue on, maintaining his high standard of service and quality.
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Faye Jonason, Director of the Camp Pendleton Command Museum, will discuss the history of the Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores and Camp Pendleton at the next Orange County Historical Society meeting, this Thursday, Nov. 13, 7:30pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., in Orange. A related tour of historic sites on Camp Pendleton will be held on Dec. 9th. (One need not attend one event to attend the other.) Details are available on the OCHS website.
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Merrilee's/Tripp's Market Update: It seems the new owners of 124 Main in Huntington Beach have not yet submitted their plans for demolition to the City Planning Department. I hope this means they've changed their minds. But it may also mean they don't know CEQA and will suffer the fate of the guy who illegally tore down Johnnie's Broiler in Downey. I'll keep an eye on this.