Toyon, in the rose family, carries a name given to it by Native Americans and produces fruit related to apples. Because it ripens and turns bright red around the holidays, its common names are Christmas berry and California Holly. Toyon’s scientific name, Heteromeles arbutifolia, means “different apple.” There’s debate surrounding the plant’s association with the naming of Hollywood. [See link … Read More
Freeway Debates & Historic Preservation 1950’s – 1970’s
Once the minerals were exhausted, many hastily built mining towns were abandoned. Grass Valley and Nevada City persisted after the Gold Rush because San Francisco investors gambled on hard rock mining, water rights, and power generation. Large cattle ranches had become established. Lumber mills continued to operate, supplying timber for the railroad (mid-1860’s through 1870’s). Railroads moved goods and people … Read More
