Las Calabazas means “the squashes” or “the gourds,” particularly with reference to the wild gourds that grow in that locality.—(Mr. Charles F. Lummis.)

El Chorro (the gushing stream), is the name of a creek near San LuÍs Obispo, and was so named from a waterfall on its course.

Garvanza is a corrupt word, possibly corrupted from garbanzo (chick-pea). The town name is a modern one, not given by Spaniards but by tenderfeet, and there is no known reason for its application.—(Mr. Charles F. Lummis.)

LeÓn turns out not to be of Spanish origin.

In a recent publication on a California subject the definition of Palo Alto is given as “high hill,” and of Palo Verde as “green hill,” both of which are, of course, incorrect. Anyone who will take the trouble to consult an ordinary Spanish dictionary will find that palo means “stick.” As stated elsewhere in this book, the Spaniards used this word in the sense of “tree,” and Palo Alto consequently means “high tree,” as is fully set forth under the heading of this name in these pages. The meaning of Palo Verde is, of course, “green tree.”

Pecho (breast) Rock is so named from the shape of the rock.

Prado (meadow) is a modern name applied without much regard for its fitness.—(Mr. Charles F. Lummis.)

Rivera should be spelled with a “b” instead of a “v.” It means “banks of a stream,” and the name is given for this reason.—(Mr. Charles F. Lummis.)

Serena (serene) is incomplete in this form, as Spaniards do not use an adjective standing alone as a place name. It may have been originally La Ensenada Serena (the serene bay) in reference to the charming little cove situated there.

Triunfo (triumph) is a modern real estate name, and has no historical significance that can be discovered.—(Mr. Charles F. Lummis.)