| Otay Mesa | |
|---|---|
| — Community of San Diego — | |
|
Otay Mesa
|
|
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | County of San Diego |
| City | City of San Diego |
Otay Mesa is a community in the southern section of the city of San Diego, just north of the U.S.–Mexico border. It is bordered by the Otay River Valley and the city of Chula Vista on the north, Interstate 805 and the neighborhoods of Ocean View Hills and San Ysidro on the west, and unincorporated land of San Diego County on the north and east. Major thoroughfares include Otay Mesa Road/California State Route 905, Otay Valley Road/Heritage Road, Siempre Viva Road, and California State Route 125.
South of the border between the United States and Mexico, the same region continues as a residential and industrial area called "Mesa de Otay", which is one of nine "delegaciones" (boroughs) of Tijuana Municipality.
Contents |
Otay (pronounced Oh-Tie) is derived from the Kumeyaay language. Although its meaning is disputed,[1] possible derivations include "otai", meaning "brushy"; "Tou-ti" meaning "big mountain";[2] or "etaay" meaning "big".[3] Mesa is the Spanish word for plateau, table or tableland.
Aviation pioneer John J. Montgomery made experimental glider aircraft flights from Otay Mesa in 1883.[4]
The area which now includes Otay Mesa West was annexed from San Diego County along with other portions of South San Diego in 1957.
The Otay Mesa Port of Entry is one of two border crossings within the city of San Diego, the other being the San Ysidro Port of Entry six miles to the west. Otay Mesa also houses an immigration detention center. Pacific Gateway Park is located between Otay Mesa Road and the international border.
Trucks are generally instructed to use the border crossing in Otay Mesa instead of the San Ysidro one.
Public schools in Otay Mesa include San Ysidro High School.