In 1903 Kate Sessions began buying up land in Mission Hills. She chose this area because of its good soil, moist sea breezes and because it was so far away from everything, she hoped she wouldn't be disturbed for years. In 1907 Kate and Alice Rainford (later of Rainford Florists) began circulating a petition asking property owners to support extending the electric trolley car line from First Avenue and Washington to Lewis Street. Since many property owners did not live in the immediate area, the duo traveled all over by horse and buggy rounding up signatures. With property owners' approval, the city widened the necessary roads in 1908 and J.D. Spreckels, the owner of the San Diego Electric Railway Company, began extending the trolley line. By 1909 you could go from Market Street in downtown to Lewis and Stephens Streets.

Mission Hills was officially born January 20, 1908. That's when subdivision map #1115 was filed at the County Recorder's Office. While Sessions and Rainford were circulating their trolley petition, a group of investors proved J.D. Spreckel's theory that development followed the trolley tracks. Knowing the trolley was coming, the investors bought a tract of land north of Johnston Heights. One of the investors was George Marston who named the subdivision "Mission Hills".

Today Mission Hills is a busy community that offers several restaurants and shops.