Introduction to El Cajon, California
El Cajon is a California city located in San Diego County. It is situated about 15 miles east of the city of San Diego, to which it is linked by Interstate Highway 8. Incorporated in 1912, the central city area of El Cajon evolved into a much larger incorporated area, coincident with large population spikes occurring after World War II and again between 1970 and 1990. As a General Law City, El Cajon derives legal authority for its city acts from the laws of the State of California as opposed to a city charter. El Cajon is governed by a five-member City Council including an elected Mayor, who serves a four-year term as presiding officer of the City Council and is the city representative at ceremonial functions. Until 1968, the Mayor was a City Council member chosen by the Council to serve a one-year term.
Arts, Education and Entertainment
El Cajon is home to Grossmount Community College, Cuyamaca College, San Diego Christian College and the Southern California Seminary. Also located within the city's boundaries are Gillespie Field (airport) and Knox House Museum. There are several attractions within easy driving distance, including the following:
- San Diego Zoo.
- Sea World (San Diego).
- San Diego Wild Animal Park.
- San Diego Aerospace Museum.
- San Diego Museum of Art.
- Balboa Park.
- LEGOland (Carlsbad, about 40 miles north).
- Disneyland (Anaheim, about 100 miles north).
- Knott's Berry Farm/Knott's Soak City (Buena Park, about 105 miles north).
The following professional sports teams reside in or near San Diego County:
- Baseball:
- (Major League Baseball) San Diego Padres.
- (Major League Baseball) Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
- (Minor League Baseball) San Diego SurfDawgs (an independent team in the Golden Baseball League).
- Football:
- (National Football League) San Diego Chargers.
- Hockey:
- (National Hockey League) Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
College football fans will note that San Diego is home to the San Diego State University Aztecs, and Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego is the host site of both the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl game and also the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl game, held every December. Pro fans will take note of the fact that Qualcomm, in addition to serving as home field of the San Diego Chargers, has also hosted three NFL Super Bowl games.
