Olema, said to be an Indian word meaning “coyote,” is the name of a town in Marin County, one mile from the head of Tomales Bay, and thirty-five miles northwest of San Francisco.
Pacheco (a surname), that of a pioneer family of California. The town of Pacheco is in Contra Costa County, thirty miles northeast of San Francisco. Although Governor Romualdo Pacheco, of whom Bancroft says that “his record as a citizen, in respect of character, attainments and social standing was a good one,” was the most prominent member of the family, the town was not named in his honor, but for Salvio Pacheco, a man who served in many military and civil offices. “He spent his life on Mount Diablo Rancho, on which is the town bearing his name.”
Pescadero (fishing place), is in a fertile valley of San Matéo County, on the coast about forty-four miles south of San Francisco. There are a number of Pescaderos in the state.
Pinole is said to be an Aztec word, applied to any kind of grain or seeds, parched and ground. Of this flour a very appetizing sort of gruel was made. The town of Pinole is in Contra Costa County, twelve miles west of Martínez. It is the site of extensive powder works. See page [239.]
Portolá (a surname), is the name of a town in San Matéo County, and was named in honor of the celebrated discoverer of San Francisco Bay.
Potrero (pasture ground), is one of the districts of San Francisco. This is only one of the many Potreros in the state.
Presidio is a word used by the Spaniards in the double meaning of prison or military post. It may be that the custom of using convicts as soldiers, prevalent with the Spanish, had something to do with this double usage of the word. The Presidio of San Francisco, now a regular military post of the United States, although still retaining its Castilian name, is picturesquely and delightfully situated on the north end of the peninsula. There is also a government presidio at Monterey.
Point Reyes (kings point), was named by Vizcaíno in honor of the “three wise men,” or “holy kings,” because it was discovered on the day of their devotion. This point is in Marin County and is the outer point of Drake’s Bay, where the noted adventurer is supposed to have made his anchorage, and where Cermeñón was wrecked.
Rodéo (round-up of cattle). Rodéos were held, and in some parts of the state still take place, for the purpose of separating and branding the cattle belonging to individual owners, an operation decidedly necessary when pastures were unfenced, and in early days one of the most picturesque features of California life. The village of Rodéo is in Contra Costa County.
San Anselmo (St. Anselm), is in Marin County.