on the northern Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz County, California, is a world-renowned surf location, traditionally defined as the area along the coast from 41st Ave to Moran Lagoon, up 30th Ave to Portola and over to 41st Ave down to the sea at the "Hook". It has a firmly rooted surf culture. Early history The Ohlone were the early inhabitants of the Central Coast, prior to the arrival of the Spaniards in 1769. The Spanish sent missionaries to introduce indigenous people to Christianity. The Spanish missions held onto their land and power for twelve years after the independence of Mexico from Spain in 1821. The Mexican government seized the Mission lands and distributed it to a few powerful families, among them the Rodriguezes and the Arandas. Mexican land grants Rancho Arroyo del Rodeo was granted by Gov. Figueroa to Francisco Rodriguez. This area was used for cattle round ups by the Rodriguez and Castro families, in a natural amphitheater where the freeway crosses Rodeo Gulch. Also known as "Los Coyotes", a one-quarter square league from Rodeo Gulch to Soquel Creek, from the sea up. Rancho Encinalitos (little live oak ranch), owned by Alejandro Rodriguez, ran from Corcoran West and included the lands to Woods Lagoon. Daubenbiss and Hames The conclusion of the Mexican American War in 1850 resulted in more immigration. Americans and Europeans joined with the Mexican Rancho families or through purchase gained land in the area. In 1845 John Daubenbiss and John Hames bought from Alexander Rodriguez. The Daubenbiss house is on the rise coming out of Soquel Village. The 1855 grant was confirmed by the land commission. Originally surveyed as in 1858, it was resurveyed in 1861 as . In 1869, after a second notice they appealed yet were held to the smaller size because they didn't object in time. H. and E. Pagels patented part of the lands in 1868. Hames and Daubenbiss patented this Rancho in 1882. Nineteenth century M. Leonard owned east of Woods Lagoon- The Yacht Harbor and Arena Gulch to Schwan Lagoon- the twin lakes area. Schwan owned 72 acres from Schwan Lagoon to near Blacks Point. He built the Inn in 1892. Helped develop Twin Lakes trolley station. Property landscaped by N.A. Beckwith with naturalistic landscape including eucalyptus. Henry Johans owned 85 acres from the Blacks Point and Sunny Cove area to 17th Ave. James Corcoran owned 183 acres of