The future of Rancho Lilac, the historic and cultural ranch in Valley Center, has been uncertain for years, but that uncertainty dissipated last week when the county-wide planning agency known as SANDAG voted to approve the publication of a proposal in which a public entity would assume ownership and management of the property, which dates back to 1865. It has been widely touted as being rich in history and an environmental gem.

The Valley Center Historical Society and the Valley Center Trails Assn. had lobbied extensively to keep the ranch open to the public and for trails to be built on the 900-acre site. The two organizations objected to an earlier contract which would have rejected both claims. This plan was aborted by SANDAG in 2020.

The new RFP (Request for Proposal) contains the following language: There will be special outreach at the Valley Center Historical Society and History Museum and Valley Center Trails Assn. as a community partner. Public hearings will take place before SANDAG selects a permanent owner.

During a 7-year period during which the Historical Society worked with Caltrans, the legal owner of the ranch since 2011, 46 historic resources were identified as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The property is at 31928 Lilac Road, Valley Center.

Lilac Ranch, as the property was originally called, dates back to 1865 when it covered 2,300 acres and was a former cattle ranch. Its importance was elevated in 1945 when the ranch was purchased by industrialist Irving Salomon who made significant improvements and began raising herds of award-winning Herefords, Hampshires and quarter horses. He renamed the place to Rancho Lilac, which is more romantic.

The ranch began to gain international attention in 1953 when Colonel Salomon was appointed to the United Nations as Ambassador and Undersecretary. The guests of the house ultimately included diplomats, dignitaries, celebrities, authors and artists. The History Museum hosted a full-day ranch tour several years ago, which drew over 600 people.