Area description and history - The famous Torrey Pines State Reserve, is perhaps the finest beach in the County, and is home to Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the protected State estuary. Homes adjacent to this area do not have to worry about new construction in the valley obstructing their view because of the estuary's status as a California State Reserve. Fun and fantastic outdoor activities are just a stones throw away from this exceptional playground. 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..