San Ramon Chronicles


Book Description

Though a relatively young city, San Ramon has history stretching back to California's founding. Ohlone Indians first inhabited the area before rancheros grazed the land more than a century ago. Drawn by the Gold Rush, pioneers and prospectors settled the place promoters labeled a "Garden of Eden." Diversified farming of the valley, full of orchards and plentiful fields, sustained the rural population. Sitting in the shadow of historic Mount Diablo, San Ramon is a growing city recognized for its extraordinary parks, schools and active citizenry. Local author Beverly Lane brings to life San Ramon's vibrant past.




San Ramon Valley


Book Description

The San Ramon Valley stretches for 20 beautiful miles under the shadow of Mount Diablo and includes the bustling communities of San Ramon, Alamo, and Danville. Some 113,000 people make their homes here in a scenic area of open spaces, gracious homes, and tree-lined streets. Also here are major business hubs and the winding Interstate 680 freeway. Of course, this valley wasn't always so populous. In the 1850s, while nearby San Francisco boomed and Oakland grew up, this valley remained rural. Mount Diablo became an important early survey marker during California's gold rush, but only in recent decades have the early ranchos and small villages given way to the modern cities we know today.




Chronicle of San Gabriel


Book Description

After his mother's death, Lucho, a teenager, is sent from Lima to stay with his relatives at the San Gabriel hacienda. There he witnisses the provincial customs of an agrarian community and develops a torturous relationship with his manipulative young cousin.




The Chronicle of San Juan de la Peña


Book Description

Commissioned and supervised by King Pedro IV, and compiled some time around 1380, The Chronicle of San Juan de la Pena was long valued as the earliest complete history of the Crown of Aragon. With Lynn H. Nelson's translation, the Chronicle is at last available in English.













Historic Tales of Alamo, California


Book Description

One of the oldest communities in the East Bay, Alamo is brimming with tales of hope, loss and triumph. Discover the story of the Romero brothers, who lost their rancho to a shrewd and litigious attorney, and the early pioneers who banded together to buy it back at an extraordinary sum. Learn about the deep agricultural roots that supported newcomers drawn to the temperate climate and beautiful valley. Revisit this rural community's transformation from grazing land for Mission San Jose to a beloved home for generations of ranchers, writers and activists. Join historian Beverly Lane and researcher Sharon Burke as they share fascinating tales of Alamo's past.