POINT LOMA – In an era marked by rapid growth, San Diego experienced a transformation, expanding from a seaside community of 74,683 in 1920 to nearly 148,000 residents by the decade’s end.
The city boasted its first two high schools: Russ School, later known as San Diego High School, opened in 1892, followed by La Jolla High School in 1922.
This period of expansion led Edgar F. Hastings, a diligent member of the Board of Education, to advocate for a new high school in Point Loma, a community catching up between the shores of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
Despite skepticism from fellow board members—who deemed Hastings’ vision as “Hastings’ Folly”—Hastings persevered.
On September 8, 1925, Point Loma Junior-Senior High School officially opened its doors.
Pete Ross was appointed the first principal, and today, the school’s stadium bears his name.
He managed a faculty of 30 teachers, who commuted from distant areas in their Model Ts to a campus that was initially devoid of surrounding homes.
The school featured an architectural design in the Spanish Revival style, with stunning three-story buildings adorned with curved archways and wrought iron.
The first day welcomed 386 students from grades 7 to 12, with teachers earning a modest $90 a month to provide a rich and challenging curriculum.
One significant oversight by Hastings and the architects was the size of the campus, which spanned only 17 acres.
Once a gymnasium was constructed, nearby houses in the Loma Portal neighborhood encroached upon the school grounds.
State regulations stipulate that today, a high school accommodating 1,600 students must occupy 51 acres—three times the original size of Point Loma High School’s campus.
Over the years, the institution was renamed Point Loma High School, coinciding with the inauguration of Richard Henry Dana Junior High School.
According to historical records, Dana opened in 1941 initially for seventh-graders, gradually expanding to include eighth graders between 1942 and 1945, ultimately evolving into a full 7-9 grade junior high in 1945.
During this vibrant period, the school’s marching band practiced in the streets adjacent to the campus.
However, the State of California mandated that all municipal school structures withstand earthquakes.
Consequently, several buildings at Point Loma High School— including the expansive auditorium, administration building, and various structures—were slated for demolition.
Ironically, demolition teams faced unexpected challenges, as the robust buildings resisted the wrecking ball.
Subsequently, Zola Street was incorporated into the campus, and the teachers’ parking lot was eliminated, shifting parking arrangements to Clove Street amid limited space.
The reconstruction of Point Loma High School in its original architectural style proved to be prohibitively expensive.
As a result, the replacement structures diverged significantly from the original aesthetic, instead adopting the generic “box with windows” design typical of modern school districts.
Many longtime residents and alumni express nostalgia for the lost architectural beauty of their alma mater.
Yet, considering the costs associated with reconstructing the Spanish Revival buildings, many would likely be left astounded.
Modernization projects commenced as the district initiated a whole-site evaluation of the campus, leading to numerous upgrades.
The 800 Building, a distinctive round classroom structure, was deemed inadequate, lacking ADA access and restroom facilities.
The building, which had classrooms spreading radially from its center, also housed outdated technology in a flood-prone basement.
In response to these challenges, a modern weight room was established for student use, enhanced with technology from race car driver Jimmy Johnson that features electronics for analyzing form and monitors for student instruction.
Additionally, a new two-story classroom building, the 1000 Building, was erected on the southwest corner of the campus to accommodate social science and history classes.
Within this structure, a room dedicated to athletic trainers features essential medical facilities for student athletes, reflective of the modernized approach to school athletics.
All high schools now employ certified athletic trainers, crucial for managing injuries and fostering swift rehabilitation for athletes.
The 200 and 300 buildings underwent extensive renovations, ensuring every classroom was equipped with modern technology and internet access.
To enhance campus safety and accessibility, curbside drop-off zones were introduced along Chatsworth Boulevard and security fencing was implemented to restrict campus access.
Upgrades to the administration building included new fire alarms, telephone systems, and comprehensive video surveillance throughout the school.
The auto shop facility, deemed outdated, was demolished to facilitate additional parking renovations.
Energy panels, recently installed, now provide electricity to the campus, helping to reduce operational costs while promoting sustainability.
A new music center was added, complete with individualized practice rooms and specialized areas for a robust music program, proudly bearing the name of Dr. Dean Nelson of PLNU.
Students now benefit from state-of-the-art video production facilities, which foster creativity and technical skills in media production.
A pivotal advancement was the addition of stadium lighting, transitioning Point Loma into the modern era of high school athletics after overcoming community concerns regarding nighttime events.
The first illuminated event occurred on August 25, 2017, during a football game, marking a new chapter in the school’s athletics.
Regular meetings continue between the school and local residents, addressing concerns arising from stadium activities while adhering to restrictions on night events and exercise curfews.
Enhancements to the stadium include additional visitor seating for 500 guests, combined with snack facilities and improved restroom access.
Repairs to the stadium’s crumbling east wall were crucial, culminating in its reinforcement and flashy new paint to proclaim “HOME OF THE POINTERS” alongside the school’s updated logo.
A new three-story media center/classroom building on Chatsworth Boulevard has been constructed, housing an advanced media center and state-of-the-art classrooms on upper floors.
The updated media center incorporates features beyond traditional libraries, including computer resources, meeting rooms, and study areas.
With the consolidation of telephone and media wiring into the new building’s basement, the campus becomes less susceptible to flooding issues.
As educational facilities evolve, further improvements loom on the horizon, including the planned demolition of outdated structures and the construction of a new gym above a structured parking facility to address space constraints.
While some alumni and local residents voice apprehension regarding these ongoing changes, the question remains: Will Point Loma High School continue to foster outstanding, creative, and resourceful young adults who thrive beyond graduation?
The answer seems to resonate positively—undoubtedly.
image source from：timesofsandiego
