Chino Hills city feature
About this landmark
A 750-acre resort community and golf destination since the 1920s
Los Serranos opened in 1925 on April 25, located at 15656 Yorba Ave in Chino Hills. The facility comprises two 18-hole courses: the North Course built in 1925 and the South Course, whose Long and Blue tees play to 6,360 yards at par 72. The South Course is described as one of the region's top playable courses and regularly hosts major qualifying events and tournaments. Today the community is part of the City of Chino Hills, San Bernardino County, incorporated December 1, 1991.
Origins and early development
Davidson Investment Company purchased land in the early 1920s to develop the property as a resort where members could buy small lots and build casitas and cabanas. Harlow C. Davidson (1873–1931) and his brothers acquired the land from Rancho Santa Ana del Chino in late 1923. The golf course architect was John Duncan Dunn. Approximately half of the acquired acreage was dedicated to the golf course, with the remainder set aside for residential development.
The opening-day exhibition featured George Von Elm, a three-time Southern California amateur golf champion, along with Clare Griswold, Chick Fraser, and Hutt Martin. The original clubhouse was converted from the historic Joseph Bridger adobe house. Early amenities included a reservoir and lake stocked with fish, a horse stable with riding trails, an outdoor Mayan Court for dancing and events, and bungalow accommodations. The facility's first golf professional was Cy Johnston, who served until 1928.
Twentieth-century evolution and Jack Kramer era
In the decades following the 1920s opening, Los Serranos remained a regional golf destination. Tennis champion Jack Kramer acquired the golf club's lease in 1953, became its sole owner in 1961, and remained owner until his death in 2009. During his tenure, the club maintained its position as a private recreational community. Jack Kramer's son, David Kramer, was named the 2021 Chino Valley "Citizen of the Year."
Following incorporation into Chino Hills, the community continued to develop. Since 2007, the City has invested more than 20 million dollars in Los Serranos infrastructure improvements, including sidewalks, streetlights, and storm drains. The neighborhood features distinctively narrow residential lots, approximately 30 feet wide, a legacy of planning decisions made after development stalled in the 1930s.
Insurance connection: Earthquake coverage options
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover earthquake damage. Insurance companies must offer earthquake coverage every other year, with 30 days to accept before rejection. California Earthquake Authority (CEA) basic coverage includes dwelling coverage matching the homeowners policy limit, personal property of 5,000–25,000 dollars, and additional living expenses. CEA deductibles range from 5% to 25%, though homes over 1 million dollars or built before 1980 face a minimum 15% deductible. California law requires homeowners and renters insurance to cover fire damage caused by or following an earthquake, regardless of separate earthquake coverage. Eligibility and limits depend on the individual policy. The issued policy controls.
Primary sources: Wikipedia entry on Los Serranos neighborhood, Homestead Museum blog post, and BlueGolf course profile.
Insurance context is general information only. The issued policy and its endorsements settle coverage.