The second edition of the new La Vista brings forth a compilation of articles devoted to the study and spread of San Luis Obispo history.
The journal begins with a piece on a forgotten industry that took place in a now long-gone landmark. Historian Howard (Dick) Miller has opened a path to the past as he informs the reader of a small pond, and the invasive species that was placed there, in nineteenth century Morro Bay. His article introduces a pioneer named John Greening, whose story is set within the confines of international commerce, ecological naivety, and government influence.
On June 25, 2016, the community of San Luis Obispo lost one of its most prolific historians. A man whose collection of work throughout his lifetime has aided the research of countless other historians and authors and inspired many to take on projects, thus perpetuating the love and continuation of history in our county. Loren Nicholson, founder and editor of the original La Vista series, passed away this past year. It was his good friend and fellow historian/author Joseph Carotenuti who has provided the reader with a glimpse into the fascinating life of this historian now gone.
It is fair to say that William Randolph Hearst is one of the most intriguing figures of modern American history. His capacity as media mogul, quintessential playboy, and proponent of radical architecture are only parts of the machine that made one of the most influential men of his time. Researcher and author Thomas Brown has worked to provide the true account of the man during the time leading up to and during World War II. It is a piece that provides information and introspection on a man whose best days were behind him as the world rapidly entered a new era.
There is but one road that directly connects the city of San Luis Obispo to North County, and it cuts through the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Commonly known as the Cuesta Grade, this pathway has been historically fraught with steep grades, dangerous turns, and a vast array of diverse people and places who over the years, called the road home. Researcher Tom Taylor set out into the hills to learn more about these people and to capture the remnants of what was left of the pioneers and industrious people who lived there.
San Luis Obispo was once but a small community situated around the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa-- a community that celebrated its rich history and roots through the wonderfully devised La Fiesta de las Flores. Long defunct, the history of the parade and accompanying festival have been detailed in these pages by historian Matthew Herrera as a reminder to the reader of what once was, and perhaps what should be again.
There have been many pioneers in the history of San Luis Obispo County--none more influential to early commerce in the county than David Patrick Mallagh, an enigmatic and industrial character whose own history has long gone unknown. Mallagh's direct descendant, Zachary O'Hagan, has labored to provide an in-depth account of the life of this pioneer, and to shed light onto a little known part of the region's rich history.
