Area description and history - Del Mar Heights Road is a popular freeway exit off of Freeway 5, and bisects the Del Mar heights area of Del Mar. Hillside homes and fantastic ocean views are interspersed with breathtaking canyons and winding streets. Some of the homes in this area are actually in the city of San Diego, but nonetheless retain the character of Del Mar at its best. Torrey Pines State Reserve is nearby and provide some fantastic outdoor activities and opportunities to enjoy Pacific Ocean views and outdoor sports. Del Mar was named in the late 1800's by Ella Loop. She and husband, Theodore, owned a tent city by the beach which was also called Del Mar, Spanish for "by the sea". Theodore, worked as a contractor and engineer for the California Southern Railroad which arrived in Del Mar in 1882. Theodore Loop next formed a partnership with Jacob Taylor to sell 50 x 140 foot lots. Their marketing created some traffic and interest which helped launch South Coast Land Company's resort with the centerpiece Stratford Inn. Receiving electricity from San Diego Gas and Electric in the late 1920s, residential areas began taking shape and the area experienced its boom. In 1959 Del Mar residents decided to incorporate as a city with a five-member City Council rather than become part of the City of San Diego.