Los Banos is an area rich in history and cultural diversity. You'll love it here.

Some folks believe the feeling of peace and serenity in Los Banos emanates from the earth itself, due to original residents . . . Native American Yokuts, who lived off the Eden-like wetlands in serenity for many years.  Native Americans were very aware of the nature of the flood plains, and built their villages on the upland portions of the Central Valley.

In those days, before the dams and canals, the wetlands in this area were principally fed by Bear Creek, Los Banos Creek, and the San Joaquin River, the second largest river in California.  So vast was this native watershed that the marshes completely stopped the exploration of the valley by early Spanish explorers such as Juan de Anza and Pedro Font.  Great American Naturalist John Muir wrote or searching two weeks to find a safe place to ford the mighty San Joaquin.

The Yokuts traveled the wetlands (which then extended north to Redding and south to the Tulare Lake Basin) in tulle bots, feasting on salmon, sturgeon, and other fish from the rivers.  Game, including elk, deer, and waterfowl were abundant.

The wetlands provided nearly everything the Yokuts needed.  The wetlands and surrounding alkaline soil even provided a good source of essential trace elements and minerals such as iodine and selenium.  Housepits were dug out to a depth of about three feet and the dirt was piled around the outside of the hole.  They then constructed a dome from willow branches, probably covered with tulle reeds, and mud to make them waterproof.  The dirt floors eventually sealed from the oil in the inhabitants feet, making them watertight and easily swept.  Some of the floors still hold water today.

But in the late 18th Century, the Padres and the mission builders came . . . and the Yokut's way of life near Los Banos changed forever.  During the 100 years of Spanish rule, the California Indians adopted the Spanish culture.  Actually they had three choices; join the Spaniards, escape elsewhere, or stand and fight.  The tried all three, but no matter their choice, their culture was lost.

What we have left today are some archeological sites, (one of which may complicate the northern Highway 152 bypass route).  Historian Frank Latta's book "Handbook of the Yokuts", and artifacts which abound throughout the area.  Many locals decorate their years with mortars and pestles the Yokuts once used, as well as collect arrowheads and other common artifacts.

Wave after wave of people have crossed the unchanging Los Banos hills during the centuries and moved to the Westside to enjoy the richness and prosperity of its plains.

The first Europeans to move into the area were sailors from the Portuguese and Spanish whaling ships who landed at Monterey Bay.  Taking the sheep that sailed with them, they moved over the mountains to find grassy plains to nurture their stock.

From 1808 to 1833, the Spanish missionaries moved up the coast of California.  (This timetable also marks the end of the Yokut culture.)  Franciscan Priest Padre Arroyo frequently left the Mission San Juan Bautista to enjoy a dip in the pools of clear water along Los Banos Creek, about ten miles south of Pacheco Pass, hence the name of Los Banos, "The Baths".

The Gold Rush days were great for the valley folk.  Gold seekers needed the hides, wool, tallow and meat of the cattle and sheep that roamed the open range of the San Joaquin Valley.  By 1849 mules and teams of oxen were pulling freight wagons along the west side of the San Joaquin River, bringing farm products, groceries, posts, nails, and other much needed items to the miners, settlers and homesteaders.

The rags to riches story of Henry Miller is an important part of Los Banos history.  Mr. Miller arrived in New York from Germany in 1847 with five dollars in his pocket.  At his death (here in LB) in 1916 he left and estate valued at over $46,000,000.  History records indicate that Miller's livestock holdings once included a million head of cattle and a hundred thousand sheep.  He was the largest single landowner in the entire United States. 

Miller's generosity was legendary.  Any drifter could get a free meal and a place to sleep from any of Miller's outposts.  Evidently he never forgot poverty, or kindness.

In 1871 Miller built an extensive irrigation system, opening up the West side for production of an even greater abundance of agricultural products.

By 1907 the citizens incorporated the city.  Their first act was to sell sewer bonds and ban hogs from the city.  (I don't understand the hog banning, but I wasn't there to vote.)  

Market hunters and sportsmen also came into the area to shoot ducks and other game.  As a matter of fact they still do, Los Banos is a part of the Pacific Flyway - the north/south migratory path of waterfowl.  During the season some 700 birds fly overhead . . . every hour.  There are many duck clubs in the Los Banos area.

The vast irrigation system brought farmers from the Petaluma area to live in the Los Banos plains, and the "Great San Francisco Earthquake" sent even more people flocking over the hills to live in the safety of the Los Banos area.

Los Banos has of course changed and evolved over time.  One thing that remains constant is our cultural diversity.  In this small community Italians, French Basque, Hispanic, Asian, Portuguese, African-Americans and Anglos come together to form a rich history and an exciting future.

Years ago Los Banos was termed "The Crossroads" because State Highways 33, 152, and 165 pass through the city, and Interstate 5 skirts its western boundaries.  Today the name means much more than that.  Los Banos has become the crossroads in many a life.  

Affordable housing and desirable lifestyle cause many, or rather allow many, to choose/change the direction of their lives.  Refugees from the harried, crowded, expensive areas "over the hill" find the peace and prosperity in Los Banos allows some families to live on a single income.  The family pace slows and new meaning is often found in living, loving, and parenting.

Our area continues to grow and be shaped by the constant flow of immigrants that have always made up the tow.  Today the immigrants are not necessarily from other countries, but from other regions within our own state.  New home buyers come from as far north as South San Francisco to as far south as Santa Cruz.  

We know the simple old town ways won't last forever, and we're counting on newcomers' involvement in our schools and our community to help us mange the rapid growth we've been experiencing, and that is projected for our future. New people bring new ideas and help incorporate them into the community.

If you're considering relocating to Los Banos, there are several things to consider, particularly if you'll need to commute any distance to work.  First is the long commute, it can get to be a grind.  There is the added expense of gas, maintenance, wear and tear on your vehicle and you.  Yet there are those who've commuted 4 hours round trip for 18 years.  Some folks carpool to save money, time, our environment, and to enjoy companionship.  There is a local commuter club.  Others travel alone but have joined "The Wild Ones" a local CB radio club of near 200, comprised mainly of commuters.

Another thing to consider is that you'll be living in an agricultural community with natural smells that aren't always pleasant.  There is intense activity on the roadways during harvest time of the many summer and fall crops grown here.  

Pollens in the Valley can be heavy at times, causing those with respiratory problems some discomfort, although most of us immigrants have become acclimated to the pollens.  For a couple months in the winter the tulle fog is fierce, meaning there are times you can't see 100 feet in front of you.  That's really something to consider about your commute.  My family and I have driven over Pacheco Pass at 22mph with the window down in order to see the road and the "Botts Dots".

Your shopping trends will be dramatically altered.  We've places to shop, but not like you're used to.  It's ok, you adjust, and learn to love it.  Life is full of trade-offs.  What we offer here is neighborliness and service.  We're people friendly here in LB, if you don't find what you need, someone will order it for you.

Los Banos is more than affordable housing, it is a lifestyle.  We lovingly refer to it as a state of mind.  It is one that we hope you will come to enjoy along with us. Buying a home is more than finding a place to live, more importantly it's finding a place to love.

Yokut history is courtesy "The Paper", a locally owned and operated Los Banos newspaper.  Portions of Los Banos History are courtesy of the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce.