Byliners

By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—In the 1820s, the hacienda built within the Presidio walls for California’s first Mexican governor, Jose Maria de Echeandia, commanded a view of other habitations and San Diego Bay. It was located on the hill below where the Serra Museum stands today, in the area where the brick and tile

By Donald H. Harrison   SAN DIEGO – Screened from the major part of San Diego Bay by the 1.5 mile-long Harbor Island—which was created in 1961 from materials dredged to make San Diego Bay deeper for large naval vessels – Spanish Landing requires a leap of the imagination to appreciate its historic significance. Approximately

    By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—No one knows for sure how he spelled his name—was it Joao Rodrigues Cabrilho or Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo? No one knows for certain his nationality. Was he Portuguese or a Spaniard? Where he was born is a mystery. So is where he died. And the name he gave

        By Donald H. Harrison EL CAJON, California — If it appears during fall that it has been snowing in the California Native Plants Garden at Grossmont College, don’t bother checking the thermometer or calling the Guiness Book of Records. The white precipitate isn’t snow at all, but in fact is a

By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—The Visitors and Interpretive Center of Mission Trails Regional Park is low-tech compared to razzmatazz commercial attractions like Disneyland or Sea World, but it effectively teaches about Native American life and about nature. Its exhibits appeal to a full range of age groups with a variety of learning styles. Whether

By Donald H. Harrison SAN DIEGO—There are some 40 miles of trails in Mission Trails Regional Park along the San Diego River and surrounding grasslands and mountains. Hikers can view Kumeyaay and Spanish archaeological sites, possibly encounter some endangered animals and some dangerous ones, and be introduced to plants with characteristics so interesting they almost