The diaries kept by members of the Gaspar de Portola expedition clearly record the natural conditions in Southern California long before any efforts to bring water from outside the region.
Fray Juan Crespi, writing on July 17, 1769 northeast of what is now Carlsbad.
“In a little while we climbed a very grassy hill without rocks, in open country, then traveled over mesas that are in part covered with grass and in part by a grove of young oaks, rosemary, and other shrubs not known to us. Aside from this all the land is well covered with grass and is mellow. After traveling about a league we descended to a valley full of alders, in which we saw a village, but without people.”
Miguel Costansó, on July 20, 1769 near today’s Rancho Santa Margarita;
“We set out very early in the morning, following one of the canyons that terminated on the northern side of the valley of San Juan Capistrano. This canyon afterwards turned to the northeast, and, for this reason, we left it so as not to go out of our course. After passing some hills, we came into another spacious and pleasant canyon adorned with groves of trees and covered with pasture. The day’s journey was two leagues. To this place we gave the name of Santa Margarita.”
Gaspar de Portola, from today’s La Cienega Blvd. between Olympic Blvd. and Gregory Way, on August 3, 1769:
“We had much pasture, water, and an abundance of antelope and deer.”
I’m sure the king of Spain was thrilled he was adding so much barren desert to his kingdom!
Yes if ya go back 150 or 500 years. But the lay of the land has all been changed. Natural rivers which used to provide some water have long since been concreted over and sends billions of gallons to the sea....
I’m talking about 2017 S. CA with upwards of 15,000,0000 water consuming thirsty people....lol.
Again, ya turn off the water in 2017 CA, you got a desert landscape in 12 months.
Bet the rent.
I was told La Cienega is Spanish for “the swamp”. Don’t know how true that is...