Scripps Ranch:

E.W. Scripps and his mentor, his beloved half-sister, Ellen Browning Scripps, came to California in 1890 and purchased 400 acres of what is today Scripps Ranch for $5,000. Thirty acres were to be E.W.'s, for his home and grounds; the rest would belong to Ellen. Eventually he acquired 2,100 acres, becoming a laughingstock for investing in the stony, treeless, waterless, hopeless acreage. Undaunted, he immediately started to build what he thought would be a "winter" home, to which he could escape during the cold months in Illinois.

He supervised construction of the ranch for eight years, completing the adobe east wing in 1898. By 1900 it became the families year round home, with E.W. seldom leaving it until 1917. The estate grounds were covered with citrus, pine, eucalyptus, and other beautiful trees, some of which still stand at the Scripps Ranch Swim and Racquet Club on Aviary Dr..

E.W. whos pride and joy in Miramar never waned, conducted most of his business from the Ranch. He loved the quality of life it afforded him and his family, just as today's residents do. 

Further developed in 1976, Scripps Ranch is an oasis among the desert-like sagebrush located about 25 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Active, involved residents are governed by a set of conditions and covenants, but restrictions are not as severe as in other master-planned communities. Home styles are diverse and range from adult living on Miramar Reservoir/Lake to large single-family homes set around green belts and parks. United States International University and the San Diego City Unified School District are within Scripps Ranch. Miramar College is located in the adjacent community of Mira Mesa.

Scripps Ranch's residents enjoy spending their time at the Scripps Ranch Library located across from the Miramar Reservoir/Lake; taking advantage of the, now, 4 mile in and out loop around the lake (was a 5 mile complete loop) for rollerblading, walking, running or cycling plus utilizing the boat launch for those that wish to paddle around the lake water to admire the surrounding hillside landscape and ducks.  

For more information on Scripps Ranch please visit the Scripps Ranch Civic Association or the San Diego Chamber of Commerce.