I'm Tanja--a Clairemont native
My roots in Clairemont run deep. I grew up in a quiet cul-de-sac off Moraga Ave. The canyon was my backyard, and I explored to my heart’s content. My desire and curiosity for exploration never left me.
I rode my bike to Clairemont Square, where I hit up Miller’s Outpost, Pacific Eyes & T’s, and watched double features at the old movie theater.
My family watched Fourth of July fireworks over the bay from Cadman Park. Life was simple and good.
I went to high school back east and college in the South (Go Gamecocks!), but San Diego has always been home. I returned after college, moved out of state a couple more times, before finally settling for good.
I’ve lived in PB, Cardiff, OB, Point Loma, and Mission Hills–but Clairemont called me back. I bought a home in the Mountain streets and have lived here for more than 20 years.
I remember the Clairemont of yesterday, and it’s undergone a remarkable transformation to what it is today. There are things I miss. But there are many things I’m excited about.
I built this site to pay homage to my hometown and share the news about what Clairemont has to offer. If you see me on the trails of Tecolote Canyon or sipping a glass of wine at Luce, be sure to say hello!
History of Clairemont
The Village Within a City
The first plans for Clairemont were laid in 1950. The area was uninhabited, save for some wildlife.
But Carlos Tavares and Louis Burgener had a vision, building the neighborhood’s first homes overlooking the sweeping bay views. And, in homage to his wife Claire, Carlos named the area Clairemont.
Claire was the one who encouraged Carlos to build here, and to make it a community that families with children would enjoy. Cul-de-sacs where kids could play became a staple of Clairemont.
The first homes sold in the 1950s were less than $25,000–a far cry from the million dollar plus prices today.
Claire Tavares
The namesake and inspiration for Clairemont.
Lou Burgener
Lou, along with Carlos Tavares, was one of the original developers of Clairemont.
Clairemont Aerial View
The early Clairemont home development.
Clairemont Quad
Now known as the Clairemont Village Shopping Center, home to Fast Times and Sprouts.
Aerial View of Balboa/Genesee Intersection
The heart of Clairemont, now home to Target, Marshalls, Starbucks, and Home Depot.
All images courtesy of Clairemont Town Council
75 Years Later
The Evolution of Clairemont
In the years since, Clairemont has grown to be one of San Diego’s most desirable neighborhoods. Minutes from the beach, close to every freeway, it really is the heart of San Diego.
Landmarks like the Clairemont Bowl and Clairemont Theatre are indelibly etched into the memory of longtime residents. Today, new residents are giving the original Clairemont homes facelifts. Business owners and restaurateurs are staking claim in this central location and expanding its offerings.
The diverse tapestry of Clairemont’s residents make the neighborhood vibrant and alive.
Can’t wait to see what the next 75 years brings.