Commentary

Opinions, offerings and ambling ramblings.
The History of the Miwok People of California

The History of the Miwok People of California

The Miwok people's history in California is a testament to resilience, culture, and deep connection to the land. Originating from a diverse geography ranging from the coastal regions to the Sierra Nevada, the Miwok has been integral to the state's history of...

Faith & Fortitude: Mormon Pioneers in California

Faith & Fortitude: Mormon Pioneers in California

The story of Mormon pioneers in California begins with an arduous journey driven by faith and a quest for religious freedom. These early settlers heeded the call to the West, undertaking a dangerous trek that would lead them to establish new frontiers far from their...

The History of Burbank, California: From Aviation to Animation

The History of Burbank, California: From Aviation to Animation

Long before it became synonymous with entertainment in California, Burbank began as a hub for sheep ranching and agriculture after its establishment in 1887. Named after a dentist and entrepreneur, Dr. David Burbank, the city was poised for growth with its fertile...

The History of San Bernardino, California: Pioneers & Progress

The History of San Bernardino, California: Pioneers & Progress

San Bernardino's history stretches back thousands of years as a crossroads for Native American tribes. The arrival of Spanish missions introduced new cultural and economic dynamics, shaping the early contours of a community that would become pivotal in California's...

The History of Santa Clarita, California

The History of Santa Clarita, California

Santa Clarita's history is rooted in the ancient lands of the Tataviam and Chumash tribes, whose cultural imprints remain part of the city's heritage. The Spanish colonization introduced the mission system, forever altering the region's trajectory and laying the...

The History of Chula Vista: The Evolution of a Californian Jewel

The History of Chula Vista: The Evolution of a Californian Jewel

Chula Vista's history, lush with cultural integration, began long before its official incorporation. The Kumeyaay people originally inhabited the land, a testament to the region's deep indigenous heritage. Spanish exploration brought new influences to the area, which...

The History of Huntington Beach, California

The History of Huntington Beach, California

Before its iconic pier stretched into the Pacific, Huntington Beach was the ancestral home of the Tongva people. This land of natural abundance later became part of the Spanish land grants, specifically the vast Rancho Los Nietos, which set the groundwork for its...

The History of Santa Ana, California

The History of Santa Ana, California

Santa Ana's rich history began long before its official founding, with the Tongva people cultivating the land. The Spanish colonization brought forth the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, laying the foundation for a diverse community that would flourish in the centuries...

The History of Irvine, California: Modern Planned Perfection

The History of Irvine, California: Modern Planned Perfection

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Irvine's history is unique in its intentionality; from the outset, it was designed to be a balanced environment for living, learning, and working. Unlike cities that evolved organically, Irvine was master-planned, with careful...

The History of Oakland: A California Metropolis

The History of Oakland: A California Metropolis

Oakland, California, stands today as a bustling hub of commerce, culture, and community on the eastern shores of the San Francisco Bay. The city's vibrancy is rooted in a history as diverse and dynamic as its population. From its earliest days to its current status as...

The History of Santa Barbara, California: The American Riviera

The History of Santa Barbara, California: The American Riviera

Santa Barbara, known fondly as the American Riviera, is nestled along the Pacific coast, a gem of California's storied landscape. Its history is a vibrant collage that stretches from ancient indigenous tribes to Spanish missions, from the glitz of the American film...

The History of Sausalito, California

The History of Sausalito, California

Perched on the northern tip of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, California, is a picturesque enclave known for its stunning waterfront views and artistic community. But the serene beauty of today belies a past pulsating with maritime hustle, wartime efforts, and...

Tracing the History of South Lake Tahoe

Tracing the History of South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, with its crystalline waters and alpine landscapes, has long been a jewel in the Sierra Nevada's crown. Its history, rich with tales of Native American heritage, pioneering spirit, and touristic development, is as captivating as the scenic beauty that...

The History of Modesto: A California Classic

The History of Modesto: A California Classic

Modesto, California, nestled in the fertile heartland of the Central Valley, is a city whose history is as rich and varied as the crops that sprout from its soil. Often bypassed by travelers heading to more famous California destinations, Modesto's story is a...

The History of California’s Gold Rush: Echoes of the Eureka

The History of California’s Gold Rush: Echoes of the Eureka

In 1848, a discovery at Sutter's Mill sparked a phenomenon that would shape the destiny of California and the nation. The Gold Rush was a pivotal event in American history, one that set off a tidal wave of hope, ambition, and adventure. Here unfolds the story of the...