Santa Catalina Island: A Californian Gem

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-ehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Son las diez y media
  [sohn lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl prohk-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ....)]

Before European contact, Santa Catalina Island was home to the Tongva people, who referred to the island as 'Pimu' or 'Pimu'nga.' The Tongva lived in large villages and engaged in fishing, trade, and the crafting of intricate tools and goods. Archeological evidence indicates that the island was inhabited for at least 7,000 years before Spanish explorers arrived.

In 1542, the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish flag, became the first European to set foot on Santa Catalina Island. He named it 'San Salvador' after his ship. Later, in 1602, Spanish explorer Sebastián Vizcaíno arrived and renamed it 'Santa Catalina' in honor of Saint Catherine. The island was used intermittently by Spanish missionaries and settlers, though it never became a permanent mission site.

During the 19th century, Santa Catalina Island became a haven for pirates, smugglers, and otter hunters. The island's remote coves and hidden bays provided ample cover for illicit activities. Notable figures such as the pirate Hippolyte de Bouchard used the island as a base for operations, adding a layer of intrigue to its history.

The California Gold Rush of 1848 brought new attention to Santa Catalina Island. By the mid-19th century, the island was used for ranching, with sheep and cattle grazing its hills. James Lick, a wealthy landowner, purchased the island in 1864 but faced challenges in developing it due to its isolated location and lack of fresh water.

In 1891, the Banning brothers—William, Joseph, and Hancock—purchased Santa Catalina Island with the vision of transforming it into a tourist destination. They built infrastructure including hotels, a dance pavilion, and the iconic Catalina Casino. Unfortunately, a massive fire in 1915 destroyed much of their development, but their efforts laid the groundwork for future tourism.

In 1919, William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate, purchased Santa Catalina Island. He invested heavily in its development, building the iconic Catalina Casino in 1929, enhancing transportation, and promoting tourism. Under Wrigley's ownership, the island became a popular retreat for Hollywood celebrities and the general public alike.

During World War II, the U.S. military took control of Santa Catalina Island, using it for training exercises and as a coastal defense station. The island's strategic location made it an ideal spot for anti-aircraft training and other military activities. Post-war, the island was returned to civilian use and resumed its role as a tourist destination.

In 1975, the Catalina Island Conservancy was established to protect and restore the island's natural environment. Today, more than 88% of the island is managed by the Conservancy, ensuring the preservation of its unique flora and fauna. Modern Catalina Island is a blend of historical charm and natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the world to its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites.

Santa Catalina Island is accessible by ferry, helicopter, or private boat. The most common way to get to the island is by ferry, with regular services departing from Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach. The ferry ride takes about an hour. Helicopter services are available from Long Beach, San Pedro, and Orange County, offering a faster but more expensive option. Private boats can dock at the island's harbors, with mooring fees applicable.

Once on Santa Catalina Island, transportation options include golf carts, bicycles, taxis, and the Catalina Island Trolley. Golf carts are a popular mode of transport for tourists and can be rented by the hour. Bicycles offer a more eco-friendly way to explore the island. Taxis are available for point-to-point travel, and the Catalina Island Trolley operates on a fixed route, covering key points of interest in Avalon. Walking is also a viable option within Avalon due to its compact size.

The official currency on Santa Catalina Island is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in Avalon and Two Harbors, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote areas. Some small vendors and local artisans may prefer cash payments.

Santa Catalina Island is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it's important to stay vigilant and practice standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but petty theft can occur. Always secure your valuables and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The island has a local Sheriff's Station and medical facilities, including the Catalina Island Medical Center in Avalon. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Avalon where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing suitable for a beach destination. Don't wear overly revealing swimwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect the local customs and traditions, although the island is not particularly religious. Public Transport: Do be courteous to other passengers on the Catalina Island Trolley. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Hi.' A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and island specialties. Don't litter; always dispose of your trash properly to keep the island clean.

To experience Santa Catalina Island like a local, visit the local farmers' market in Avalon for fresh produce and unique island-made products. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss out on the island's outdoor activities, such as snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking, to fully appreciate its natural beauty. For a unique experience, take a tour of the Catalina Casino, which offers a glimpse into the island's glamorous past.