San Dimas, California

San Dimas is a city located in Los Angeles County, California. As of the 2004 census, the city had a total population of 36,200.

Saint Dismas

Don Palomares recieved a 15000 acre land grant from Governor Alvadro in 1837, which included the land of present day cities Pomona, Claremont, La Verne, Glendora, and San Dimas. This holding was called Rancho San Jose. The northern part of the Rancho was cut through with wild canyons, and while they were of little use for vinyards, beans, and corn, they were an ideal place to house Don Palomares's prize cattle and horses during harsh winters. Due to their distance from the Hacienda, these corrals were often raided by horse thieves and cattle rustlers. Frustrated by the loss of his cattle, Don Palomares began referring to the area as "San Dismas", in hopes that the thieves would turn to Saint Dismas (the patron saint of reformed thieves) and repent of their crimes. In time, the name caught on, and the area was called San Dismas. Eventually, the first 's' was dropped (in error) and the area became known as San Dimas.

Related Topics:
Pomona - Claremont - La Verne - Glendora - Saint Dismas

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