Student Tour
On Saturday, October 18, San Jacinto High School Wood Technology students spent their “Saturday School” traveling back in time to early Alta California. In an effort to expand students’ local and culturally relevant design fluency, the class explored Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano, the state’s oldest neighborhood.
Led by Helen Gavin from the San Juan Docent Society, and a direct descendant of one of the original Spanish guards sent to secure the Mission centuries ago, students examined Spanish colonial design primary resources including period furniture, homes, buildings and even an archaeology site. Ms. Gavin was able to give the group access to many businesses, private properties, museums and the historic El Adobe building, including its original jail.
The trip offered hands-on insight into the craftsmanship and cultural influences that continue to shape California’s architectural identity.
