My Paternal Grandmother, Margaret Emelda Bernal y Peralta.  She was born in San Jose, CA in 1883.  I don't remember her too well, as she passed on when I was very young.  I DO remember that she loved all of us a LOT, and was a very sweet lady.

Grandma was related to just about all the Spanish Californio families, including the Vallejo's, the Pena's, the Berryessa's, etc.

The way these people lived their lives is a MOST interesting topic of research.  I envy them for what they had...

I feel free to consider that almost anyone else who claims to be a native Californian is, with the exception of the native Indians, a newcomer...