 In 1781, de Neve issued the first rules regarding governance of secular pueblos like Los Angeles, the "Regulations for the Government of the Province of the Californias" ("Reglamento para el gobierno de la provincia de Californias")

Felipe de Neve was appointed governor of the Californias in 1775.For two years he was based at Loreto, Baja California, then moved to Monterey, California.It was during de Neve's administration that Lieutenant José Joaquín Moraga is credited with building the Presidio of San Francisco, after the site was selected by Juan Bautista de Anza in 1776.