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An easy cache at the largely unknown Hood Mansion, Calfornia Landmark #692.
When California was a province of Mexico, the Mexican government made grants of land to private individuals between 1822 to 1846.
In 1839, California Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado granted over 18,000 acres to Don Juan (a.k.a. "John") Wilson, a famous sea captain, and his wife, Ramona Carrillo, sister-in-law of General Mariano Guadelupe Vallejo. This land became Ranch Los Guilicos. At that time, most of the northern Sonoma Valley were swamps with willow trees abound, and the site of the nearby modern town of Kenwood was entirely under water.
John Wilson later sold the land to William Hood and William Pettit. William Hood eventually became the single owner of the ranch, and he built the Hood House in 1858 for his bride, Elisha Shaw of Sonoma. The bricks used in its construction were fired on site. Other improvements were an adobe building, a vineyard, and a winery, none of which remain.
Unfortunately, Hood could not pay his debts on the land and he sold it in 1893. The Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization, bought it on June 24, 1924. By then, the Los Guilicos Ranch had been reduced to 1,200 acres. There was a dam with a 2 million gallon holding capacity, and hundreds of acres of orchards, vineyards, and grain crops. Other buildings were used as a rest home for retired Pythians.
The California Department of Youth Authority purchased the land and the mansion to establish the Los Guilicos School for Girls. Its reputation as an upstanding and effective alternative education for wayward girls was shattered by a 4-day riot in March of 1953. One night during dinner, a 14-year-old girl incited the riot, and with the help of 5 others, began smashing windows and furniture. 6 girls went to jail, 6 others were sent to Napa State Hospital, and at least 30 others were injured. That night, about 60 of the remaining girls smashed more windows, tossed toilets out of windows, and stole kitchen knives as they wreaked destruction. Some escaped and robbed liquor from a Kenwood grocery store. The CHP, lockdowns, tear gas and the National Guard were required to contain them. Yet, the violence continued until 38 more girls were taken to jail. It is unknown what events sparked the riots, but one reporter stated that less than half the students were active participants. Los Guilicos Today The remaining lands at Los Guilicos are home to Hood House, several horticultural gardens of the Santa Rosa Junior College, and a juvenile detention facility.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ab arrq sbe uvagf, guvf vf rnfl