As of this writing in 2007, there are copies of the History Books in the SLO Public Library System. The first book was written in 1974, which states a history from 1884 to 1974.  It was compiled by many long time residents of the area. Another edition was published in 1984, which updated the info in the 1974 edition. In 1994, the third edition came out, primarily covering events and changes that took place between 1984 and 1994. It is my understanding that the intent was to publish updates every 10 years. However, when the various organizations were contacted for updates during 2004, there was not enough interest to create a 2004 edition.
       Mr. J.V. Webster details the origins of the Rancho Huer Huero on page 22 of the original Creston History Book. Throughout the 18th century, the Creston area was populated by a few Indian tribes. California was invested under the Spanish Laws of the Indies in the name of the King of Spain by Gaspar de Portola in 1769. It was lost to Mexico in 1822. The first land grants were made by Mexican Governor Alvarado and the Governors who followed him through 1846. They were made to men who established cattle and sheep in the areas granted to Messrs. Dana, Branch, Carrillio, and others. One square Mexican league of land was granted to Mariano Bonilla by Governor Alvarado on May 9, 1842. An additional three square leagues were granted to Bonilla by Governor Pio Pico on March 28, 1846. this was the beginning of Rancho Huer Huero.
       California became a Territory of the United States under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. During the time of the Convention of the Territory of California in 1849, and before, California came very close to becoming an independent Republic. We enjoy seeing the Bear Flag flying proudly under the Stars and Stripes.
       On September 9, 1850, California was admitted to the Union as a state. At this time, the Ranchos had absorbed the area between their original Grants by right of Possession and use.  The Federal Land Commission did not recognize these claims. The exact boundaries of the original grants were established. The rest was sold to private investors or homesteaded. Rancho Huer Huero, to the extent of the 15,684.95 acres, was patented to Francisco Branch August 9, 1866. The drought of 1862-1864 broke the old rancheros. Cattle and sheep died by the thousands. The ranchos sold for any small price that could be obtained. Investors bought parts of the old grants. Families bought farms and ranches, some of which still carry the old family names.
         In the late 1870s, Adams, Ambrose, Cressey, and Webster bought the Rancho Huer Huero and finished the subdivision of the Rancho. They negotiated through Mr. Phillips and others to establish the final sale. The town of Creston was laid out at this time. Final boundaries were established and the County Survey in 1890 fixed the lot numbers as they are today.

     For those of us who live along Highway 58, 2007 will be remembered as the year that the Huer Huero River Bridge was torn down ( one lane at a time ) to rebuild the bridge in 2008. I have heard that the new bridge will be better reinforced for earthquakes and that it will be 4 feet  higher than the old bridge, allowing for more storm runoff. This project will hopefully be completed by the end of 2008.

             If you would like to contribute more history to this page, please call me at 438-3543. Thanks.