Julian, California

The town of Julian, California, is a small village near the center of San Diego County, California, U.S., with a population of about 1,000 inhabitants. First settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century, the area experienced a “gold rush” in the 1870s after the discovery of placer gold in 1869 followed shortly thereafter by hard-rock mining claims. Although the mines played out by the middle of the 20th century, the area has retained a small population based on a local economy of tourism and agriculture. Julian is known especially for its local apple variety, first cultivated in the area in the 1870s.

Clear, dark night skies have long been a feature of the area that continues to attract visitors and residents alike. The Julian Dark Sky Network (JDSN), founded in 2015, has worked continuously to enhance the awareness of Julian’s residents on the subjects of dark skies and quality outdoor lighting, leading to the present IDSC nomination. Having learned much from the other IDSC in its region, Borrego Springs, the JDSN made laudable efforts to earn the IDA accreditation.