“Arturo Bandini made his uncomfortable home in a residential hotel” wrote John Fante. But who was Bandini? Juan Bandini, a Peruvian-born Californio, played many roles. He was a public figure, politician, and ranchero. But he is best known for his impact on San Diego’s development.
Born in Lima, Peru in 1800, Juan’s father, José Bandini, was a Spanish sea captain. José moved to California in 1819. He then participated in the Mexican War of Independence in 1821. After the revolution, the Bandini family relocated to San Diego. They arrived on the brig Natalie on September 1, 1834.
Juan Bandini married Marie de los Dolores Estudillo in 1822. Marie was the daughter of Captain José María Estudillo. Together, Juan and Marie had three daughters named Arcadia, Ysidora, and Josefa. They also had two sons named Juanito and another who died young. After Marie’s passing, Bandini remarried. His second wife was Refugia Argüello, daughter of Santiago Argüello. They had three sons, Juan de la Cruz, Alfredo, and Arturo. They also had two daughters named Dolores and Victoria.
In 1829, Bandini constructed Casa de Bandini. It was a large U-shaped, one-story house with 12 rooms. Financial difficulties forced Bandini to sell his house in 1859. Later, part of the building became a store. In 1869, it was transformed into the Cosmopolitan Hotel. A second story and wraparound porch were added. You can still find Casa de Bandini in Old Town San Diego. It stands on the east corner of the town square. Recently, it was remodeled and reopened as a hotel and restaurant. Fun fact: the house wasn’t always stuccoed. That “Spanish Colonial” look was a modern addition.
Bandini served in various public offices. He was a member of the assembly. He also served as sub-comisario of revenues and substitute congressman. In 1836, Bandini was granted Rancho Tecate. However, raids by fugitive neophytes and natives forced him to abandon it. This area is now Tecate. In 1838, the Mexican government granted him Rancho Jurupa. It is located in modern-day San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
During the Mexican–American War, Bandini supported the Americans. He and Santiago Arguello urged people not to resist. After the war, Bandini became critical of the U.S. government. He especially opposed the Land Act of 1851. This act allowed challenges to Mexican land grants. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 had guaranteed recognition of these grants.
From March to September 1848, Bandini served as Juez de Paz (Justice of the Peace) of San Diego Pueblo. In 1850, he opened a store and built the Gila House hotel in San Diego. Soon after, he moved to Mexico. Then in 1855, he moved to Los Angeles. He died there in 1859.
Bandini was known for his elegant dress and gracious manner. People saw him as charming. He was a fluent writer, excellent dancer, fair musician, and fine horseman. His home was San Diego’s social center. Richard Henry Dana Jr. described him as having a slight, elegant figure. Dana noted his graceful movements, beautiful dancing, and refined Castilian speech. He always carried himself with the bearing of a man of high birth. Bandini also possessed a gift for sardonic humor and sarcasm. Bandini’s lifestyle and generosity led to financial problems. His children often had to help him out later in life. So next time you think of Bandini, remember the man of elegance. Remember the public figure who lived a full life.