LA SCENERY
When Spanish occupation of California began in 1769, an exploratory expedition of more than 60 persons led by Gaspar de Portola moved north through the area now known as Los Angeles. They camped by a river where fertile soil and availability of water for irrigation impressed members of the party. Father Juan Crespi, who accompanied the group, saw the location as having all the requirements for a large settlement. He named the river El Rio de Nuestra Senora la Reyna de Los Angeles de Porciuncula, which means "The River of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of Porciuncula. "