Pico’s Epic Ride
Step back in time to Old California and learn about the midnight ride and the friendship that inspired a nation at this free OC Parks event. Discover the role that Orange County played in California’s annexation and why Pio Pico, the last Mexican Governor of California, evaded capture at the rancho of his friend Bernardo Yorba at the start of the Mexican-American War.
Presented by mother and son duo, Jamie Della, author, and Kobe Wood, musician, this retelling of a hidden story takes place at their ancestor’s adobe home built in 1871. The Ramon Peralta Adobe is open once a month and showcases the legacy of the Californio Dons and Doñas of Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana.
Our story begins at San Diego Mission where the Pico and Yorba sons were educated by Franciscan Friars and learned horsemen skills needed for raising cattle from their fathers who guarded the Fort. Pío Pico and Bernardo Yorba were born the same year, 1801, and maintained a strong bond and fierce loyalty to each other as they grew into manhood on the Alta California frontier. When Mexico won its independence from the viselike grip of Spain, they left Californios largely on their own to develop their cattle ranchos, orchards, and raise large families. Pío Pico became governor and lived in El pueblo de Los Angeles. Bernardo Yorba preferred tending his orchards and cattle on his Rancho Cañon de Santiago. Pío (pictured on the left) and Bernardo (on the right) had very similar cattle brands.
Rodeos, fiestas, lots of family, and music characterized Mexican California. Kobe will sing, play, and teach the traditional El Capotín song that was played and sung in California 1840s. The Ranchero Era only lasted 70 years but imprinted the American culture forever with the Californio vaquero lifestyle that became cowboy culture of the West and the vision of California charm with a white adobe red tiled home covered in bougainvillea, the lilt of the Spanish guitar, the smell of delicious food, and, most importantly a warm welcome when you need it most. Come to this free event to discover the hidden story of how Mexican Californios fought for their freedom right here in Orange County, California.
October 3, 11:30 am
Ramon Peralta Adobe
6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim
Jamie Della is an award-winning author of ten books, Mexican Californian historian, ordained priestess, magickal mentor, and teacher. Her articles about food sovereignty, water justice, and the rising Divine Feminine have appeared in four anthologies, several magazines, and online platforms.
Kobe Wood is the lead singer/songwriter for Lukup Music, a local California band creating a genre-bending sound combining rock, reggae, and world music influences to uplift, inspire, and get you back in the groove.
