Downtown San Diego History | News 8 Throwback Special

Like many downtown areas in the United States, San Diego has had boom and bust cycles. From the 1860s to the 1990s, we explore the history of the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown through our vast archive. You’ll see a bustling downtown in 1960 film, run down and seedy in the 70s, rising again in the 80s, and thriving in the 90s. Our reporters have covered it extensively through the decades and we’ve picked out stories that delve into issues occurring at the time.

[@generay6807]

This is such a blast from the past. Thanks for posting. I used to run around downtown back in the early 80’s Although I moved away in 99, I still miss San Diego every day.

[@johnjaco5544]

You wouldn't now.

[@brianchisnell1548]

Horton built his 2nd home on 1st. Between Fir and Grape. He built his mother- in- law a house on the property right on the corner of 1st and Fir. Big two story. My Grandparents lived there. All torn down mid 60s 😢

[@marcoantonio-df4mr]

San Diego what a beautiful City love the 🛣️

[@marcoantonio-df4mr]

And Disneyland Anaheim

[@hallala234]

25:42 the building on the right was sold in a no bid secret auction to the former SD mayor, Maureen O'Conner's sister... The city had to settle with the store owner that was bellow the hotel (ferris and ferris) for a substantial amount. They moved him accross the street, next to Cincos, which he co-own and the new store was sandwitched between Cincos and the pizza place that he also owned! He would have paid 4 times as much for the building that he had one of his businesses in, and the city, in addition to leasing him the new space and subsidizing his rent paid him $1M to settle! That was in 1991! He built another restaurant in half of the space given to him for the store and sold all 4 businesses in early 2000s and moved back home to Dearborn! The building on the left used to be a bank, then opened up as Injun Joe, but the name was changed to Buffalo Joe's since Injun was a slur! Thanks for posting! The KFMB reporters from back then were like family!

[@briangarza7532]

What a blast from the past!! Lived here all my life, used to see the Bruce Lee movies at the Balboa, james Bond movies at the California theaters, Walt Disney movies at the Fox theaters, those were the days.

[@KeithReed-t1n]

I don't know what I can say with your dad I got this down I've only like this downtown it's your marriage to have always been

[@KeithReed-t1n]

I've had someone interested in being my closest friend before and she wants to roommate and everything else was more than that I haven't found a lady to beat me yet but I'm sure she'd be perfectly well San Diego somewhere why is there cuz I'm in New York one thing I love about my San Diego today Allstate baby born CenturyLink Police station museum woman of my life to be coming back like you so pretty and I want to be with her she was with me it's so secure Henry Harrison place to go it would be really together Papa Bear call Dad Faith grandparents are you doing Ronnie hahaha it says that social security Blake Shelton radio what's that a radio station on Media group tailgating Walgreens if I was thinking about wrong

[@KeithReed-t1n]

Avery what's the family business downtown office husband and wife couple business name

[@normdavis3450]

13:00 I loved Horton Plaza. It was a great shopping center with fun walkways and many different levels. Now in 2023 that area has returned to a homeless blight - even worse than it was in this footage from the late seventies.

[@jasonsimmonswva]

Great to hear the history.

[@marcoantonio-df4mr]

Trowback from Canada too 👍🇲🇽😁🇨🇦

[@marcoantonio-df4mr]

Good archive news 👍

[@johnjaco5544]

So sad to see it now,spent lots of time downtown in the 60's-70's.

[@ShakeMyWay]

The women were of questionable character? But, the men frequenting them didn't get a word? Hmmm.

[@ladyrose3285]

@24:56 That Keating building was used in the Simon & Simon tv show filmed of course in Los Angeles, but did have some outdoor scenes showed for the show, from San Diego. Check out the opening credits for that show. BTW I use to go to downtown San Diego Gaslight district for dining and some entertainment including shopping at the old Horton Plaza mall in the 1990's

[@KeithReed-t1n]

No matter who you are big buddy

[@marcoantonio-df4mr]

Good thing they destroy that half block.👍🙏🗣️✔️🇺🇲 Clean again

[@1986SSMONTECARLO]

@ 4:08 Anthony Bourdain's Brother from another Mother

[@Bmgrip]

Downtown, Not Here! 😂

[@TheGAI316]

Damn Horton plaza dead now

[@loveguitar2x]

Now it’s a homeless shelter 😂

[@Bmgrip]

Downtown, Not Here! 😂

[@Bmgrip]

Downtown, Not Here! 😂