Why were some San Diego streets named after Yiddish words? Here at the J Street Viewpoint, overlooking the city, it’s easy to ponder such quirky questions. J Street Viewpoint isn’t just a place for stunning views. It’s a place to reflect on San Diego’s haphazard, and sometimes humorous, history of street naming. San Diego’s street names offer a glimpse into the city’s diverse cultural influences. Did you know that a street in Clairemont, Caminito de Oi Vay, slipped through the city’s naming process likely due to a Yiddish-Spanish mix-up? Or that developer Harvey Furgatch memorialized his pets and accountant with street names in Serra Mesa and Santee? While at J Street Viewpoint, consider the story of Harvala Street. Initially believed to have Spanish origins, it actually comes from the Yiddish diminutive of Harvey, a developer’s childhood nickname. From the whimsical to the sentimental, San Diego’s street names add another layer to the city’s rich tapestry. So, as you take in the panorama from J Street Viewpoint, remember that beneath the surface of this beautiful city lies a treasure trove of unusual stories waiting to be discovered.
Sweetwater River
From high in the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Sweetwater River begins its journey. It’s a 55-mile trek to the Pacific, a