038: A Warrior's Journey: The Legend of Chief Solano

05/23/24 • 12 min

Towering over people at 6'7", the imposing figure of Chief Francisco Solano loomed large in early 19th-century California.

Born a Suisun native named Sina, he received the name Francisco Solano at his Mission Dolores baptism in 1810. Solano rose to become a formidable military leader, commanding thousands of indigenous warriors for the Mexican authorities.

His skill in battle and diplomacy was invaluable to General Mariano Vallejo in establishing control over Native groups in Northern California. Solano straddled two worlds - respected by Indians and Californios for both his might and intelligence. Eyewitness accounts paint him as an awe-inspiring warrior.

After Mexican rule ended, Solano faded into legend, with conflicting reports of his final years and resting place. His legacy endures through place names, a towering statue, and the persistent mystique surrounding this titan who bestrode the eras of Spanish, Mexican and American California.

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Towering over people at 6'7", the imposing figure of Chief Francisco Solano loomed large in early 19th-century California.

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037: General of the Northern Frontier: Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo

This episode is dedicated the remarkable life of Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a central figure in the pivotal era of California's origins.

Born into a military family in 1808 Monterey, Vallejo's thirst for knowledge and quick wit allowed him to receive a prestigious education from the governor himself. Vallejo rapidly ascended the military ranks, becoming the powerful commander who established a pueblo and presidio in Sonoma - the northernmost reaches of the territory. Vallejo's exploits included an unlikely friendship with a Native American chieftain that shaped the history of Mexican California.

When the Bear Flag Revolt sought to overthrow Mexican rule, the charismatic Vallejo charmed the insurgents over a meal before being imprisoned.

In the new State of California, Vallejo fought tirelessly to preserve the voices and stories of his fellow Californios. He collaborated extensively with esteemed historian H.H. Bancroft, opening doors to gather oral histories. Vallejo's own remarkable memoirs shed light on this captivating era.

Listen now to dive into the extraordinary life of this trailblazer who left an indelible mark on California history.
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039: Secrets of Mission Architecture: Dr. Rubén Mendoza (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this interview, I talk with trailblazing archaeologist Dr. Rubén Mendoza.
Recounting his unexpected path from a curious young boy to a renowned scholar, Mendoza shares his pioneering work decoding the California missions' architectural secrets.
His discoveries point to an incredible cosmic architecture. The missions were constructed with startling precision to capture rays of sunlight during solstices, equinoxes, and sacred feast days.
This strategic solar geometry suggests a profound intermingling of European and indigenous astronomy.
Mendoza builds a compelling case that the missions embody a masterful hybrid tradition melding European and Native American influences into an architectural marvel.
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