PART ONE: Early Life along the Coast.

Between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountain ranges of southwestern California, the landscape looks like a wrinkled bedsheet. Native Americans were the first people to settle the warm southwestern region. The Shoshonean and Yuman-speakers usually set up their villages along creeks or on riverbanks, where a fresh water supply was available. Dusting off the old maps, Spanish officials studied Aha California. On July 16, 1769, Father Serra planted a cross next to the chapel and said the Catholic mass. This religious service formally established San Diego de Alcalá the first California mission. INSETS: Eating Acorns;Burning the Chaparrals;Untitled;Untitled