He earned the nick name Mr. California and traveled the world traveling goodwill ambassador for the state. He also served on the State Park and Recreation Commission for 14 years and was instrumental in the creation of Anza Borrego State Park. Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach in Malibu are named in his honor.
His family can trace their heritage back to the conquistadors. Jose Raimundo Carrillo is the family patriarch, and one of the original 12 founding families of San Diego. Jose traveled here in 1769 with Father Junipero Serra. Leo is related by blood or marriage to a long line of original Californians, his grandmother is Josefa Bandini.
Shameless plug here: my favorite Mexican Restaurant - Casa de Bandini, originally the restaurant was located in the Bandini family home in Old Town. The restaurant has since relocated to Carlsbad.
Probably best remembered as Pancho in the Cisco Kid, a role Leo accepted at age 70. and played throughout the series. He was also an engineer for the railroad , a cartoonist, a vaudevillian, radio, theater, movie star, before TV - earning 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
You will find more on Leo Carrillo filmography on the Internet Movie Database.
You will find more on his biography and contributions to California in this article in the Santa Monica Daily Press.
Leo Carrillo purchased Rancho de los Kiotes as a weekend retreat, where life would be as it was in the days of the large haciendas. It is now a Historic Park listed on both state and national registers … and open to the public without charge.
There is a short 2 mile trail around the grounds entering from the side of the driveway, or a large parking lot at the end of the driveway to enter the compound directly, if you prefer to skip the walk.
The hike was not at all challenging and leads to a ranch access point over the 'historic' bridge.
to the Adobe.
The daughter of Leo and Edith (Deedi), Marie Antoinette, donated the ranch complete with original furnishings to the state. Marie Antoinette is also Josefa Bandini's mother's name.
Various historic photos are scattered throughout the adobes. A pamphlet with descriptions is available at the visitor center.
The ranch was designed with a large patio area for entertaining and sufficient landscape for all to enjoy.
The pool has its own beach!, and a wet bar and massive BBQ.
After sunset when the days work was done the ranch hands and guests could retire to the Cantina for some Mariachi music and a cold beer.
This was a working ranch. As such there is a carriage house, bunk house, stables, barn, pigeon loft, studio, all the things a working ranch might need.
Although noted for the peacocks, I did not see any but could hear their calls. They sound like a "cat in heat", almost ghostly in their quality.
To be honest most of these flowers were not on the hike and there is a full time caretaker living on the ranch, maintaining some awesome flower displays.
BTW there is a quiz at the end ...
Pop quiz – recognize these white dots? I’ve blogged them a couple times before, as has GoodTimeRollin.
More flowers coming as we are heading to Borrego Springs next week
No comments:
Post a Comment
I welcome any corrections, additions and more links that tie in to this post. Please place them in your comments. Your comments are always appreciated! and I will reply to all comments.