Almost Rancho Guejito State Park
This page reflects the materials collected, written and published by Eloise Perkins (1921-1989) She was a staff writer and columnist for the Times Advocate now known as the North County Times. Eloise knew everything about everyone around North County and documented our history.
Charles Powell purchased the Guejito in 1939owned it untill1959 when he died. He ran 2000 head of cattle, modernized the adobe and installed an electric plant. His will stipulated that the property not be sold for at least 10 years after his death as he intended to return to the Guejito post mortem. His return was not detected despite his obvious love for the Guejito. The cattle ranch was not financially profitable. The cattle leases brought in $300,000/ year and property taxes alone were $135,000/year. The property, there pronounced Gee-hee-to, was put up for sale in 1970 by the trustee, Title Insurance and Trust, shortly after expiration of the terms of Powell's will. A flyer advertising the sale for $9,500,000 or $475/acre was printed and can be viewed here.
During this time access to the Ranch was open and an increasing number of visitors toured the property. This quickly gave rise to a movement to preserve Rancho Guejito. A committee called "Californians for the Guejito" was formed to promote acquisition of the Ranch as a State Park. Resolutions of support were passed by The Cities of Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, and the County of San Diego. State Senator John Stull introduced a bill calling for a feasibility study.
In 1973or 1974 a $250,000,000 State Park bond measure was passed and the Guejito was put on the acquisition priority list. The State feasibility study was completed and was characterized as "glowing". State Parks recommended to the legislature that the Guejito Ranch be"acquired immediately to insure protection of the primary resources." and that an additional 14,000 acres in the vicinity be acquired at a later date. Supporters envisioned a living museum on a working cattle ranch operated out of the adobes just like it was in the days of the Dons when there were over 800 Ranchos in California.
But as Eloise reported on Jan. 6 1974 "Huge Guejito Ranch Eludes Public". Governor Jerry Brown vetoed acquisition of the Ranch. It was reported that State funds were not available but it is not clear whether the bond measure had yet passed.
Once the the State acquisition failed Benjamin Coates was able to purchase the Ranch and promptly did so, taking it off the market and declaring that it is not for sale.
Eloise Has much more to share when I get the chance.
Kit Wilson