Correction:  Last month I identified Jacumba as the location of the “Golden Spike”—the last spike driven at the completion of the SD&A Railroad. Roger Chalberg later informed me that the Golden Spike was actually driven 1,000 feet east of the entrance to Tunnel 8 in Carizo Gorge.  Thanks to Roger for keeping me “on track”. 

A very special thanks to Gene Vick, ranch manager for Star Ranch, who has provided me with much detailed information about the history of the ranch.  Without his help, these series of articles could not have been written.

In a previous article, I discussed John D. Spreckels’ role in bringing the railroad to Campo.  Interestingly enough, one of his heirs, Harriet Holebrook, former owner of Corta Madera Ranch in the Mountain Empire, and her friends played polo regularly on weekends with the Camp Lockett Calvary officers on the Campo Meadows. 

After the war, Hugh Martin successfully bought back those same meadows east of SR94 from Camp Lockett.

In 1968, Barry DeVorzon acquired the property now known as Star Ranch.  The name was derived from the investors who were also “stars” in the music recording industry.  Barry discovered the group, The Cascades, in 1963, which recorded the hit tune, “Rhythm of the Rain” which reached Number 3 on the Billboard Record charts that year.  The Cascades originally assembled in San Diego where they all were enlisted Navy men. The Cascades used to be known as the Silver Strands, then the Thundernotes until Barry changed their name after being inspired by the name of a popular dishwashing detergent—Cascade.  The Cascades’ lead singer, John Claude Gummoe, once said of Barry, “Barry was the driving force behind The Cascades. He molded us and rehearsed us and put together our sound with his unique brand of genius. He brought our demo to Perry Botkin Jr. for a truly incredible arrangement. Perry's celeste figures in "Rhythm of the Rain" were so catchy and gave my song a real identity. Barry then took us into the legendary Gold Star Studios, along with the best studio cats that Hollywood had to offer and produced what we all know now to be one of the greatest classic pop sounds of Pre-Beatles pop/rock. Thanks Barry, Great Job.” 

Barry wrote a song titled “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight?” for the Cascades. But they decided to leave Valiant Records. Barry decided to form his own singing group, Barry and the Tamerlanes, and had a top ten record with it.
Barry also discovered the very popular recording group, The Association, in 1966 that also recorded for his record label, Valiant Records.  The Association was at the center of the 60’s California pop culture scene at the same time as the Mamas and Papas and the Beach Boys.  The Association recorded “Along Comes Mary” and “Cherish” for the Valiant Records label.  They later recorded “Never My Love” for another recording company. 

Barry sold Valiant to Warner Brothers in 1967.  In 1971, Barry wrote the words and music to the song, “Bless the Beasts and the Children” for the movie of the same name.  That song was nominated for an Academy Award but lost to Quincy Jones’ “Theme from Shaft”. Barry also wrote “Nadia’s Theme” for Nadia Comaneci who won three gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Montreal in 1976. Later, that song was selected as the theme song for the daytime soap opera, “Young and the Restless”.  Barry also wrote music for other movies including “Xanadu” in 1980, and he wrote theme music for American television shows.  Star Ranch continues to operate as a cattle ranch under the ownership of Barry today. 

For the years that follow, while Star Ranch continues to raise cattle, the ranch also attempts to grow a variety of crops.  In 1983, brush fires burn trestles ending railroad operations through Campo Valley, temporarily ending an important era in Campo history.  In 1983-1985, Star Ranch attempts to grow potatoes, but the venture proves unsuccessful. In 1986 to 1987, the Newman Seed Company, a French-owned firm, to grow onions, approaches Star Ranch. Attempts at onion growing  ‘bring tears to the eyes’ of Star Ranch owners as that venture also proves to be unsuccessful. Today, Newman Seed Company continues to operate in the Imperial Valley.  Likewise, Spreckels Sugar Company is also still functioning as their operations continue in the Imperial Valley.  In 1987 to 1994, Star Ranch raises African geraniums—a fairly successful venture for seven years. 

In early 2002, work begins on concept planning for the community of Star Ranch. In May of 2002, The Paul Company begins attending monthly Planning Group (previously referred to as Sponsor Group) meetings. From February of 2003 through October of 2004, the Star Ranch team works with subcommittees on the Community Character Statement and the Cameron Corners Village Center. In October of 2005, Star Ranch begins a series of three community meetings at the barn to present preliminary plans and gather input. Many comments from the community were received and incorporated into the Star Ranch plan. The Paul Company submitted the Specific Plan for Star Ranch in October of 2005 after more than 3-1/2 years of working with the community of Lake Morena Village and Campo. The Star Ranch team continues to attend monthly Planning Group meetings and participate in various subcommittees. The approval process and public outreach for Star Ranch is expected to continue until 2010.

Mike Ratajski is a planning consultant to the proposed Star Ranch project.  Mr. Ratajski has been researching the history of Star Ranch and the Campo Valley as a means of weaving the area’s heritage into the proposed community of Star Ranch.  In the process, Mr. Ratajski has chosen to share his discoveries with members of the community who may have an interest in their past.