Social history

 
 
There is no known history of the word “California” being used by Native Americans in oral or written history documentation before the time of the arrival of the Spanish explorers in the late 1520’s and throughout the 1530s and beyond. The name first appears in print in Spanish documents around 1535.  So, where does the name come from and what does a mythical

It is not hard to understand how Riverside, California got its name.  Basically, it translates as a place or settlement beside a river, the Santa Ana River to be exact i

On my Local History travels throughout Riverside County I often encounter unique terms and phrases used to describe local and community cultural heritage.

Yesterday I was invited to attend the Grand Opening and reception for the new Student Services Center, named for Donald and Peggy Cravens, on the College of the Desert campus in Palm Desert, California.

I went for a long hike in and along the river bottom of the Whitewater Preserve, near Whitewater, CA a few weeks back, crossing the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) along the way which runs from Mexico

This ancient Chinese painting shows that the Ching Ming Festival in the old days was quite a busy occasion for the Chinese people.
 
I had the pleasure of attending a Ching Ming (Qing Ming) ceremony at Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, on Saturday, April 3rd. 

This ancient Chinese painting shows that the Ching Ming Festival in the old days was quite a busy occasion for the Chinese people.
 
I had the pleasure of attending a Ching Ming (Qing Ming) ceremony at Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, on Saturday, April 3rd.  This is what is known as the traditional Clear Brightness Festival, or Grave Sweeping Day, and is similar to Dia de los Muertos activities held later in the year for Mexican and Hispanic families.
 

February is National Black History Month.  Dr. Carter G. Woodson is credited with its founding and is considered the Father of Black History Month. Carter G.