Introducing Hispanic California culture
Dear Editor:
Growing up in California meant you had many Hispanic friends. This was a time when cities could discriminate against Asian property owners, leaving county lines open for other ethnic backgrounds. In high school I learned Hispanic students were mandated to arrive an hour early for a second shower “to release” hair lice, even though lice had never been found. They never told their parents because they did not want to hurt them. I was too young to know what to do, but I was sad for my friend and assured her I would not tell anyone else. I thought she was brave and beautiful inside and out.
Before 1846 California belonged to the Mexican State. It was their home, which they shared with us. They were the native settlers and we were the immigrants. The changeover from Spanish to Mexican control in 1821 introduced new laws, a shift of power from missionaries to secular governors, and powerful ranching families. Demographics included Mexican settlers, immigrants of Russia, American fur trappers, and European entrepreneurs. The U.S. - Mexican War broke out in 1846.