Prior to the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810, California was under Spanish rule. Mexico controlled California in 1822, beginning the Rancho period. The Mexican governors distributed large tracts of land to people of influence. Ranching conditions were almost perfect because the climate was mild enough to allow animals to live throughout the year with little shelter. In this unit, students will describe how the Rancho period of settlement left its mark on the development of the local community. Suggested time for unit implementation is 3 weeks. The content is rancho-specific to Rancho San Pedro, and an asterisk in the text indicates areas where resources for a different rancho or community needs to be inserted. The lesson plan provides teacher background; lists focus questions; and gives additional information and student activities, dividing the topic into: "Beginning the Topic,""Developing the Topic," and "Culminating the Topic." Assessment opportunities are embedded in the curriculum and occur throughout the unit. The focus questions provide a framework for the evaluation of the unit. Extended/correlated activities are suggested in the lesson. Listed are resources for the sample topic. Additional information, maps, and sample worksheets are appended. (BT)