The early street names honored the missions. St. James Street is named for Mission San Diego de Alcalá (James is English for Diego) and St. John Street for Mission San Juan Bautista. Other names honor people: Reed Street and its neighbors Margaret, Virginia and Martha streets recall James F. Reed of the Donner Party and his family, and Julian Street recalls Captain Julian Hanks of the early pueblo.
Questions people ask
Why is it called St. James Street?
It honors Mission San Diego de Alcalá; James is the English form of Diego.
Who is Reed Street named after?
James F. Reed, a survivor of the Donner Party who settled in San Jose.