I am very interested in Archeology and I am thinking of going into that feild of study, but I would like to research the subject first. I was hoping you could help me with that.
Michael Vlach <Maxhacer@hotmail.com>

I am a high school student who is interested in archaeology, and would really like to become a professor of it. Well after I travel the world! You have many interesting facts and pictures about archaeology itself, and that has helped me greatly! Thanks
Cathy <cack3@hotmail.com> great site!
patrick mckinney <pmckin5284@aol>

I was just checking on Universities that had archaeology programs.
Daniel Cardenas <godofkaos@hawaii.rr.com>

I've been searching for a school that provides a solid archeology program, and CSUMB caught my eye.
Brian Keith Mason <foursevensd@yahoo.com>

I am a high school student interested in archaeology and I appreciate having your department on the internet because it makes my college search much faster.
James Woodside <Hombre_suave_82@yahoo.com>

I enjoyed looking through this website. I saw a few pictures I hadent seen before in San Juan. Also I learned a few things I didn't even know they existed here in San Juan.
Mayra Renteria <Mayra1985@yahoo.com>

I enjoyed looking through your site; I saw many interesting things I've never seen before about the little town I've lived in for 10 years, San Jaun Bautista. I like being part of the project at the Luck Museum with Anzar High School.
Jeannette Martinez <Jeannette7_@exite.com>

This is just a test!
Test <Test>

interesting
Crystal Halstead <chalstead@hot.rr.com>

I am interested in studying archaeology
Jillian Dojka <Boblaurbob@aol.com>

very nice site....will be moving to area to learn and work
Tricia Farlinger <petitebrunetteangel@yahoo.com>

Please let me Know about your long term programs in American Archaeology
Guilherme Albagli de Almeida <albagliusp@hotmail.com>

I am a member of the Twitchell family. I think this sight is great I will be keeping an eye on this site and see how you grow. Another question, do you know if it is possible, or are we able to clean and fix up the grave sites of our ancestors buried in the cemetery... If you have any others that contact you about these families please feel free to give them my email address, Ilike to hear from others researching the same families. Thanks Yvonne Hawley
Yvonne Hawley <Vonnieh50@aol.com>

I am a student from Mexico that will be transfering.
cinthya contreras mendez <cinthya_contreras_mx@yahoo.com>

Hey Brian, A great web page. Glad to see the tuition is going to good use. Keep up the hard work. Love you, Mom
Catherine Ayers <catherine_ayers@agilent.com>

You have a great historical website and everyone who was involved in its design and deployment should stand up and take a bow! Building an interesting website is no little feat and your respectful handling of the history of the area comes through loud and clear. It's a work of Art. Thanks!
Mike Lovelace <mike@BlueSkySearch.com>

As an American living in Saudia Arabia, I am very interested in distant learning, in particular archaeology and anthropology. I need some direction to schools offering distance learning in these areas.
Jerre Miller <millerleann@Hotmail.com>

Ruben, We are looking forward to the Grand Opening of the Luck Museum for the San Juan Bautista Historical Society on June 3 at noon at the VFW with chicken BBQ. Hope to see you and the students there; the general public is invited as well. Arch Hayes will speak on the Larios family influence on San Juan. We plan a ribbon cutting and photo session about 3 at the Museum at 3rd and Monterey. Ted was here last week, and we planned what houses in town to document more closely for his Capstoneproject which will eventually end up here on the Web Site. Keep up the great work. Reservations: (831) 623-4542 [Our new phone/fax line will be in next week at (831) 623-2001.] GGG
Georgana/San Juan Bautista Historical Society <sjb95045@jps.net>

Great site! I'm wondering what credits and gpa are required to enter the school. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
Colleen Kane <kanec@seattleu.edu>

Looking forward to Grand Opening Luck Museum June 3 at noon What wonderful responses you are making to the Guest Book visitors. Miss you and your students. GGG
Georgana at the Luck Museum <sjb95045>

Dear Dr. Mendoza, We had to do our mission in something other than legos. My teacher didn't want the legos. I don't know why. That's okay though. We decided to build the mission with styrofom. It looks good.It took us 7 hours. My favorit part was putting in the cemetary and the jail.We took the inside of some cardboard and painted it red for the roof. Mom wanted to by a kit but Iwouldn't let her! I hope you like the pictures.Thanks for all of the help. Hope the digging is going well. Your friend, Steven Lenoir
Steven Lenoir <swlenoir@pacbell.com>

Dear Aaron, Having just returned from an out of town conference, I am just now catching up with mail messages. As for your questions regarding the CSUMB curriculum, I would have you check the "Curriculum" link on this site, and see the class descriptions located at: http://archaeology.monterey.edu/catalog.html. Please note that courses are offered at different times, and some courses are offered more frequently than others listed. Because the Institute of Archaeology at CSUMB is interdisciplinary, you would be required to complete an interdisciplinary core curriculum...and then work to concentrate in your chosen area of archaeology. In addition to courses, you would prepare a capstone study focusing on the subject-matter withinwhich you wish to become most proficient. As for what you should take in the way of courses at the secondary grade level...I would suggest that you should consider taking a geology class as a matter of due course. In addition, a computing course (if needed), as well as a writing course, would prove most useful if you are to attend CSUMB or another university. In addition, you may wish to consider a photography course, and or a ceramics course...so that you can develop some of those skills that will come in handy in the field and in the lab. Developing a working knowledge of a region of the world where you would like to do
archaeology would also be of use...for example, if you wish to study or work in the Maya region of Mexico and Central America, studies specific to those countries and cultures would prepare you for field work in those contexts. Otherwise, I hope this brief narrative helps...I will have our administrative assistant forward additional materials to you...as per your address. With Utmost Regards, Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Director, CSUMB Institute of Archaeology
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

just searching the net for possible schools.
Linda Haight <lhaight@earthlink.net>

Dr. Mendoza, I am a grade 12 student at Parkside Collegiate Institute, St.Thomas, Ontario Canada. I am very interested in archaeology and ancient history and wish to pursue this feild after high school. I have seen the web site for archaeology for CSUMB and am greatly interested. Would you suggest anything I should do to continue on this course? Is there any information that can be sent about the archaeology courses at CSUMB? I still have my OAC(grade 13) year left. Are there any courses ishould look to take to continue on this path? I will be glad to here from you with suggestions. Thank you. Aaron Robb
Aaron Robb <mistchef@execulink.com>

Grate WebSite.My grandfather was a Castro..John Baptist Castro of Warsonville born 1875.Enjoyed the photo's of San Juan. Use to visit the area when I was a child,late 1940's. Looking forward to viewing more in your Site. Ginger Brown ginger@arcology.net
Ginger Brown <ginger@arcology.net>

thanks
robert pinto <rpintoe@earthlink.net>

Dear Sir, Thank you for the posting of your wonderful story regarding your days at Fort Ord. I am taking the liberty of forwarding your message to one of my colleagues who is currently preparing a social history project on the art of Fort Ord. To date, Dr. Shenk and his students have scanned hundreds of artworks produced by the soldiers of Fort Ord, and recently, an exhibit and conference were sponsored by the university to highlight the contributions of the soldiers of Fort Ord. Having servedthe new university since its founding, I have seen many changes here at the Fort, but am among those who would seek to preserve the memories of the soldiers who dutifully served our country during the Fort's 60 year history. If you ever get a chance to visit the Fort and the campus again, please do contact me so that we can arrange a tour of the campus facility. With Utmost Regards,Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Director, CSUMB Institute of Archaeology, Center for Social and Behavioral
Sciences
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

i will go here some day!!!
lewis <tommyboy1364@aol.com>

Nice job. I understand my family settled in this town during the gold rush.
David W. Twitchell <A72HRHLD@AOL.COM>

Dear Linda, Thank you for your words of support and encouragement regarding the new SJB Historical Society web site. As for birth or baptism records, I know that the Castro family goes back to the earliest days of the Old Mission and community of San Juan Bautista. As such, Castro family records would likely turn up in the original mission birth, baptismal and death records. These are available through the Santa Barbara Mission Archives, as well as by way of other sources like those related to the burial records for the local cemetery...and there are a number of Castro's buried at that site. In addition, I would like to recommend that you check the Church of Latter Day Saints web site and genealogical registers...these are among the most extensive records available for most all Americans. As for the web site...we would love to include genealogical information...and plan to do so in the not too distant future. Much of that process will depend on what we can turn up with the SJB Historical Society collection and contributions of family genealogy charts by current and former San Juan residents. Finally, you should note that the community of San Juan Bautista was once called San Juan de Castro for a brief period...but eventually, the nameSan Juan was again returned to the original name of the mission settlement of San Juan Bautista. There isn't a book written about the community of San Juan Bautista that doesn't include reference and information about the old Castro family of San Juan. Also, you should know that an effort is currently underway to preserve the old Andres Castro adobe of Watsonville and vicinity. The adobe was badly damaged in the 1989 earthquake, and the owner is wishing to donate the building to the state so that it may be restored. With Utmost Regards, Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Institute Director & Founding Faculty, CSUMB Institute of Archaeology
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

Ruben, You have a beautiful website! Best wishes with your historical society and projects. I'm a Castro family descendent transplanted to Southeast Texas. My great-grandfather was born to Jose Antonio Castro and Maria Merced Ortega at San Juan Bautista in 1845, the youngest of their 25 children. Do you have any of the birth or baptism records of the town or mission? Do you know whom I should contact? Do you have any plans to include genealogical information? Thanks, Linda
Linda Castro <miteoak@gte.net>

Dear Dr. Mendoza, Yesterday I got to visit my old 3rd grade classroom and give a report about you. They watched the video of you that goes with the literature book and then I told them all about my visit with you. I showed them the helmet and they asked me to try it on. Then I showed them lots and lots of pictures of me and you. The asked me lots of questions and I even had to go back a second day because I had so many things to tell them. I think all of the 3rd graders were glad to have me in there class. I just wanted to let you know that I got to share all about you with the other class and that my 3rd grade teacher was very proud of me. I hope you are having a good new year. i really like being in the 4th grade. I'm learning a lot about oceans and about Native Americans. Soon I will have the mission project to do. I want to build the mission out of legos but my mom doesn't think we ownenough of brown legos. I think that means she should just buy me more. I hope you are doing well. Your friend,Steven LeNoir
Steven LeNoir <swlenoir@pacbell.net>

Sir: My brother in law forwarded this link to me, when I read it itkind of hit home. I am a third generation Californian and a retired soldier. Although I did not take my Basic Training at Ft Ord when I returned from Vietnam I was assigned to Ft Hood, Texas. At Ft Hood I reenlisted for Ft Ord to be near my home for a short time. When I arrived at I arrived at Ord in Sept '72 and Left in Jan '74 for Germany. While at Ft Ord I was a Military Policeman, and was an MP when the Very First Females were allowed to become MPs. We at the 54th Military Police Company on Ft Ord had three of them. I was also the Motorcycle Squad, because I had the only Military Drivers License for motorcycles in the Company. Ft Ord will always be a Warm spot in my life because My Wife and I also got Married in the Main Chapel on Post on 23 Jan '73, and on Nov 17th '73 My Daughter was born at the Hospital there. The day she was born they had a Natural Disaster Test going on and they thought that my wife was a part of it. Until she Yelled at the NCOIC of the admitting Room. It was a Very Funny Scene after that. Thank you for letting me Tellyo about my experiences at Beautiful Fort Ord, California. I Really Loved being Stationed there!!!!!!1 Donald E. Frazier SFC (RET)
Donald E. Frazier SFC(RET) <tigershark_38@yahoo.com>

We need much more of this. Twitchell's were early settlers at Sutters Fort Where gold was first discovered.. Every death of we older people looses an encyclopedia of history. Keep up the good work
Twitchell <pinetree@atcnet.net>

Hello, and thank you for your website about the San Juan Bautista Historical Society. Because of your knowledge about the society, I'm hoping you might know of someone in that area, who would do a lookup for me, for a fee. What I want, is a copy of an obituary from March, 1951. If you know of someone, please let me know where to send the information and my check. Thanks very much. Susan Warnock
Susan Warnock <SWarnock@aol.com>

I much appreciate the web page my great grandparents lived in the area and were baptized at the mission. Jody White Wood
Jody White Wood <jody@fiber.net>

Hi do you have genealogical offerings at the historical society? I am interested in someone looking up information on Anna Breen birth abt 1869 possible parents James and Fidella Sanford Breen. Married Archie Steele near San Juan Buatista in 1887. Had 3 children....then information about her disappears- the children were brought to Michigan and adopted out to Archie's sister. Lois
Lois <kldegraaf@email.msn.com>

I have just become aware that my grandmother lived in San Juan and went to school there. The time period would have been 1866 to 1880. I am wondering if there are any list of the students attending the schools of San Juan or census or register of San Juan. Her name was Amelia Manley and she possible was living with a Metz or Bacon relative. Thank you for your interest and help. Jeanne BJ654@aol.com
Jeanne <BJ654@aol.com>

Dear SJB Historical Society web site visitor, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your kind comments and important questions regarding the San Juan Bautista Historical Society web site located at: http://archaeology.monterey.edu/sjbhs/index.html. Because of recent conference commitments and other business...including my recent appointment to the Board of Directors of the California Missions Foundation, I have been delayed in responding to some of your varied queries. As such, I reply in this group posting. If you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me or Georgiana Gularte of the SJB Historical Society. Georgiana may be contacted at: GGG.sjb95045@jps.net Many of you posted questions to the address book and the email link regarding how you might go about tracking personal family histories. A number of the names that were mentioned in some of your emails are easily recognized in the San Juan Bautista Historical Society collections located at the Luck Library and Museum. Though the Luck Museum itself is still in the process of being prepared for exhibitions and collections, the collection is safely stored in the Luck Library of San Juan Bautista. As for specific family names, the Castro, Breen, Larios, Taix, and many other families are represented in the collections...both in termsof documents and photographs, as well as by way of memorabilia including old certificates (birth, death, deeds, etc), maps, letters, scrap books, etc. As for how one can track birth and death records, the local cemetery maintains a plot by plot log of all burials (including such families as the Breen's and Larios') at the cemetery. In addition, a visit to the old cemetery provides a great deal of information about birth and death dates for many of those present at that location...a veritable geneology is available connecting individuals and families back to about the 1850's. In addition, the Old Mission maintains birth, baptismal, and death records for all that have come and gone from the parish of Old Mission San Juan Bautista. One can access such records by contacting the Old Mission, the Diocese of Monterey, by visiting the Diocese of Monterey archives in Monterey, or by reviewing the actual early mission registry of births, marriages, and deaths from as early as 1797 when the mission was founded. The registries themselves may be reviewed in paper copy in archives such as the Santa Barbara Mission Archives, the Bancroft Library, or by way of contacting the geneological researchers of the Church of Latter Day Saints...where much of thiscountries most extensive geneological research has been completed. For the Church of Latter Day Saints, you may wish to track down their web sites and inquire about specific family names. Finally, one last possible resource for family birth, marriage, and death information can be obtained from some of the early newspapers of San Juan Bautista and Hollister that are archived with the San Juan Bautista Historical Society and the Luck Library and Museum. I do wish you the best in your respective searches for family history, and invite any of you that would like to contribute to the Luck Library and Museum archive and repository todo so by way of the San Juan Bautista Historical Society. We invite donations of photographs, documents, and San Juan artifacts and memorabilia that serves to document the early history of San Juan Bautista and its many early California families. In addition, if you would be willing to donate hardcopy or digitized images for use on this developing web site, please contact me at ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu or by phone at 831-582-3760. Your contributions to the Society, Museum, or web site are greatly appreciated. Finally, if you would like to see additional web site links about the history or current events of San Juan Bautista, please visit: http://archaeology.monterey.edu/Courses/sbsa364s/sites.html. Best Wishes, Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Institute Director & Founding Faculty Institute of Archaeological Science, Technology, and Visualization Center for Social and Behavioral Sciences California State University Monterey Bay 100 Campus Center Seaside, CA 93955-8001 Email: ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu Internet: http://archaeology.monterey.edu Voice: 831-582-3760 Fax: 831-582-3566
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

I am pleased to see this site being developed. I am doing research on WHITTON, SWOPE, and MEGGETTS.
Beverley Groen Johns <momjohns@goldstate.net>

I found your website very interesting both in content and in structure. San Juan Bautista is one of my most favorite historical spots in California. Now I can click on your url intead of driving 100 miles whenever I want to visit! I would also like to point out that I received many JavaScript errors when I clicked on the Museum page - all of the errors have to do with image swapping on that page.
Jerry Dwyer <gjdwyer@home.com>

Great website and I plan to visit often. I am researching my Grandmothers family, her parents George and Katherine (Donovan) Bradley who were reported to be residents of San Juan Bautista prior to 1880. Their daughter Margaret Bradley shows on the 1880 Census as a resident of St. Johns Orphanage. It is thought that George Bradley died about this time and was buried in San Juan though we have found no records to document this
Jim Gallagher <Xfiremar@aol.com>

Excellent website, the best I've seen in this historical category. I live and work in SJB and it has that old town charm you just don't find anywhere else. You did it justice
Mike Lovelace <mike@blueskysearch.com>

I'm thrilled to see this website! I would love to contribute some family information regarding the Butron family. I have a few pictures I can scan and submit. One is of Maria Antonia (German) Arrieta, the wife to Nicolas Butron, son to Manuel Josef Butron, the co-grantee of the land grant Natividad. The picture of her is just before she died in 1904. She is my 3rd great grandmother. Would love to hear from anyone wishing to trade info. I have a website of genealogical information on this family. I haven't updated it in a long while, but do plan on continuing with adding pictures and links. www.geocities.com/tayberry.geo
Charlene <Tayberry@geocities.com>

What a wonderful piece of history for all to see. I've visited here many times and to look over each picture brings back many wonderful times spent here. Thank you.
Allene Watt Kirschman <kwatt@mlode.com>

Congratulations to all on your achievments. I still have warm feelings for my few years in San Juan.
Bill Roddy <bill-roddy@home.com>

Twitchell's were early settlers in San Juan. They settled there in 1851. The two original Twitchell families were "Dr" Joshua Twitchell, and Ephraim Twitchell both from IL.
Edwin Twitchell <etwitch@yahoo.com>

Thank you. This is a fantastic addition to the web.. Being interested in the History of San Juan Bautista I will be a regular visitor
Bettie H Dall <dall26@inreach.com>

Hi, my husband, Michael, is a direct descendent of John Joseph Bermingham of San Juan. Our family line is through John Joseph's son Thomas William. I have begun a family history and have quite a lot of information on the family once they arrived here in Fresno, but the early years spent in San Juan are not as well known. Who should we contact to begin the research of our family life in your city? Are the church records of marriages, births, baptisms, etc. still with you or are they in Monterey?Thomas' brother J. Alex was a member of the NSGW, would there be any of their records left in town? Any suggestions on how to begin would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you.
Paula C Tilden <tilden@ucsfresno.edu>

Ruben and Friends, I am so proud to be a part of this project. During the holidays I have taken the time to get my computer "into the 21st century"(as my children say)and at last am able to read all of the wonderful comments and your splendid answers to questions. To think that you were one of those students who came to San Juan Bautista as a child and have made your life work from that first visit fills my heart with joy. All of us thank you and the students. Phone line goes in next Friday. We need to move into the Luck Museum by March 1. I am preparing the next newsletter and looking forward to class getting back on site. GGG
Georgana Grossi Gularte <grossi@jps.net>

Great Site!!!
Brian Serabian <Orbian01@aol.com>

I must compliment you Ruben on how you keep the site running at top notch! I am amazed how you caught on so quickly! Hope you and the family are doing good!
Christian Graves <admin@archaeology.monterey.edu>

Ruben, what's new...or should I say, what's old?
Joe Mendoza<Jmend105@aol.com>

Dear Mr. Lofgren,  I was referred to you by the folks at the California Mission Studies Association...they indicated to me thatyou are working with your daughter on a project regarding Old Mission San Juan Bautista.  I am currently the archaeologist and associate curator at Old Mission San Juan Bautista, and thought that I might assist with your question regarding "When did the Mission San Juan Bautista close?".   First, the Old Mission has provided continuous -- weekly -- religious and parish-related services for the entire course of its history since its founding on June 24th, 1797.  In 1833, the Old Mission was beset with the challenges of the Secularization Act of 1833, and as a result, parish properties were immediately expropriated by the Mexican government of that time.  Though mission Indians were the intended recipients of any and all mission lands, the Mexicangovernment's conflicts with the provincial government of early California led to many abuses.  As a result, though much of the mission's properties were confiscated and deeded away by the government, the pastor of that time managed to hold onto a few of the mission's buildings, including the church proper, and the surviving convento wing (now the museum).  The other wings of the convento quadrangle around the courtyard (now the mission garden) were confiscated by the government and turned into housing for government officials.  Those buildings ultimately burned to the ground, and only the mission church, chapel, and conventsurvived the destruction.   So, to answer your question, the mission was never fully abandoned or closed...however, the secularization decree had a major impact on the mission's ability to support itself.  In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln deeded back the properties of the Old Mission Orchard to the church, and since that time, the mission has acted under the jurisdication of the Diocese of Monterey.  I hope that this quick history lesson will help.  Gook luck on the project.  Best Wishes,  Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Institute  Director & Founding Faculty
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

My daughter is working on a project regarding the Mission San Juan Bautista.  We have been searching the Internet for hours trying to find an answer to the question:  When did the Mission San Juan Bautista close?  Can you help?  Signed, a very grateful parent!
Jim Lofgren <Jimlofgren@aol.com>

Dear Vivian, The Mutsun or Mutsune Indians were the primary native peoples of the San Juan Bautista area. They are a variant of the larger Ohlone or Costanoan Indian culture of the Central Coast of California. You may wish to take a look at a book titled "The Ohlone Way: Indian Life in the San Francisco-Monterey Bay Area." The book is by Malcolm Margolin and was published by Heyday Books (Berkeley) in 1978. The Tulare Indians that you mention were actually a central California group brought to the mission during some of the many construction projects at that mission. Both Yokuts and Tulare, as well as Rumsen Indians from the presidio or fortress at Monterey were also among old San Juan Bautista's residents. Traditionally, the Tulare or Tularenos were in conflict with the Mutsun as well as with the Spanish. As for the mission Artifact pages, I do not yet have images linked to those pages so the info located there might be a bit dry...it's all database. You may wish to check the "Featured Sites" section of this web site for "Artifacts Online." The mortar and pestle pictured on that page is one created by the Mutsun peoples. Well, I hope that helps for the moment...also, be sure to check "This Old Mission" at the top of this site. Best Wishes, Ruben Mendoza
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

I would like to be able to log onto the mission artifact website, but am unable to do so. Please email back as to the procedure for this. My son is doing a mission report of San Juan Bautista. Also, I would appreciate any information you may have regarding Indian tribes that frequented/lived at the mission. All we have been able to determin are the Tulare. Are there others? Any info re Tulare or other tribes at San Juan Bautista would be appreciated.
Vivian Krotzer <vkrotzer@yahoo.com>

See the Luck Museum web site at http://archaeology.monterey.edu/sjbhs/index.html. This site is a collaborative project of the Museum Education Project and San Juan Bautista Historical Society. If you have information that you'd like to share regarding life in Old San Juan Bautista, please feel free to post your comments here.
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

Looks great....Hope WLC can look as good as you someday.
Gail Salgado <gail_salgado>

Thank you for your many comments. Great pictures! I'm looking forward to working there [San Juan]. Good information.
Cynthia Tiberend <Cynthia_Tiberend@monterey.edu>

I am an archaeologist just finishing my Ph.D. I grew up in Monterey, and I am very interested to see what you all are doing. Thanks for the info!
Amy Ostenso <aeo1@cornell.edu>

It looks Great!! Good job everyone!
Jocelyn Esquer

If any of you view this....I am looking for a course study for Underwater Archaeology. No luck so far. Could you please respond if you offer anything within this category... THANX A MILL......AMY
Amicia Hankins <hankins@ridgenet.net>

thank you for all of the wonderful info
Daniel calderon <Daniel@equitysb.com>

Dear Steven, I wanted to let you know that your last message really made my day. Every so often, archaeologists can have a bad day that turns into a whole week...I was having one of those days. I was touched to hear that your teacher hung my last email message on the wall for the Open House. Please do let your teacher and your mom know that if you do visit Old Mission San Juan Bautista this summer, I would be most honored to provide you and your guests with a personal tour of the archaeological and historical areas of the Old Mission. Of course, you will need to let me know ahead of time about when you might be out so that I can plan ahead. Best wishes and good luck with your digs and your place on third base! With Utmost Regards, Ruben Mendoza, Ph.D., Director CSU Monterey Bay Institute of Archaeology. ps: I wanted you to know that I have posted your last two messages in the Guest Book of the Institute of Archaeology Home Page at: http://archaeology.monterey.edu/
<ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

Dr. Mendoza: Thanks for replying to me last week. I took your email in to class and the teacher hung it up for Open House. My mom was proud of me. In our literature book it has an interview of you, and my mom told me that if I did all of my chores this week she would buy me your book Time Dectective. I am glad we read about you. Next week we have Easter vacation, and my mom is taking me to some of the california missions not too far from here since now I am interested in them because of you. We look on the internet at pictures of the mission where you are digging. She said maybe this summer she would take me up there to see your mission. She's a teacher, so she will be on vacation to. We are going to my baseball game right now. I play thrid base.Thank you again for writing to me.
Steven LeNoir Riverside. sirsteven@pacbell.net>

Dear Steven, My students and I have recovered everything from Spanish and Mexican cannonballs to Mutsune Indian shell crosses and French and British porcelains or ceramics. We have also excavated the old well that once provided water to the mission, and the foundations for two entire buildings. We have determined that the buildings probably burned to the ground sometime around the 1830's (over 170 years ago)...and that the burning was probably due to a raid that resulted in a fire. Cannonballs, musket balls, and Indian arrowheads were found in the burned out buildings. Hope you do well on your excavation...you may wish to ask your teacher for a children's book that I prepared. It was published by Scholastic Inc., and is titled "Time Detective." There is also a video and a CD-ROM that accompany the book. I'm also working on a childrens book for McGraw Hill's "Science 2000" series. Good luck with your digs! Sincerely, Ruben G. Mendoza, Ph.D., Director CSUMB Institute ofArchaeology ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu
Ruben Mendoza <ruben_mendoza@monterey.edu>

My name is Steven LeNoir. I am 8 years old and a 3rd grader at Pachappa Elementary in Riverside, CA. We are studying archeology and I'm really fascinated about all of your work, Dr. Mendoza. What are some artifacts you found? My email is sirsteven@pacbell.net. I've started my own excavation in my own backyard. All I've found is two pieces of glass so far. They looked like marble. I also won my school science fair. Now I get to compete at UCR! Someday maybe I'll go to college at Monterey. Keep up the good work!
Steven LeNoir <sirsteven@pacbell.net>

Great Website. Will surely check regularly. Thank you
Jesse Obas <jesus_obas@monterey.edu>

I'm not only impressed but eager to learn more from Dr. Mendoza.
mariam jamash <mariam_jamash@monterey.edu>

This is my first time as a guest, so I'll be back with comments!
mariam jamash <mariam_jamash@monterey.edu>

I had so much fun in this class when I took it in the Spring 98 semester. I recommend it to anyone who wants to work with a great bunch of people and has an interest in Calif history. Prof. Mendoza knows his stuff & enjoys sharing what he knows
Dahlia Gonzalez <dahlia_gonzalez@monterey.edu>

I have been considering applying to CSUMB. After viewing this web page I am not only impressed, but eager to get my application process going.
BreeLyn DuPertuis <pallasathena69@hotmail.com>

I am looking for a college that will be incorporating Archaeological Science as a major. I am particularly interested in the Maritime Archaeology aspect. I am planing to attend your college in the future, especially if you start that as a major. Please write me back to let me know on the things that your campus is doing or planing to do in that area. Thank You For Your Time, A Perspective Student, Eric Parsons...
Eric Parsons <eric916@www.hotmail.com>

Looks great, I'm hoping I'll be able to join you in 9/99!
Jesse White <alala@aloha.net>

I am interested in the university and was just stopping by to check out the website. I like it!
Cheryl Ogden <Ogdenlwc@aol.com>

The director needs a make over
h, campoy <Hector_Campoy@sc.co.pima.az.us>

Ruben G. Mendoza, I thought I would ensure you received my e-mail address. Jörgen Fägerquist 6213 Tobruk Ct Long Beach, CA 90803-4860 562-498-3196
Jorgen Fagerquist <jorgen_fagerquist@comsolinc.com>

This website is looking better all the time. Just a few more updates, and it will be looking great!
Christian Graves <accurate@lightspeed.net>

been to mission,been by lab
Don Chiaravalle <CSUMB>

Looking forward to viewing the Under Construction portions of your site as much as I have the sites already written!
Maureen James <MaurJames@aol.com>

Great site. Great projects.
Sean Madden <sean_madden@monterey.edu>

I am very much interested in the San Juan area history and archaeology findings.
Renee' W. Viray <r_viray@monterey.edu>

Looks great! Mom gave me the address and showed me the pictures of the beautiful new addition to your family. Tell Linda her cousin Ginny said Hi.
Virginia James Scholl <vscholl@netnitco.net>

It looks great!
linda mendoza <linda_mendoza@monterey.edu>

good job guys!!!!
donaldo urioste <durioste@ix.netcom.com>

Cool Webpage!
Christian Graves <accurate@lightspeed.net>