My approach to illustrate the history of our valley open space is to break the historical time into some distinct phases. The first such phase is the occupation of this area by American Indians. The second is the century of the prospectors and settlers. The third is approximately a fifty year period, which is the consolidation of the valley land by five wealthy, absentee landowners. The final phase, which we are experiencing currently, is the passing of these large valley ranches from the origin...