Stamp Exclusion

Re “Stamp of Approval for Mexicanos,” Commentary, Jan. 3:

I’d like to know what it means to be an American. Mariano Vallejo’s ancestors came to Mexico with Cortes. His father, a native of Sinaloa, accompanied Father Junipero Serra from Mexico to California in 1769 as a member of his military guard. His mother, Maria Lugo, was born in Santa Barbara in 1776. Her birth was witnessed by his father, a 40-year-old sergeant, who said, “She will be my wife.” And 13 years later she was.

They had 13 children. Two of them, Mariano and Salvatore, married the Carrillo sisters. They settled in Napa where they planted the first vineyards. Their hospitality, music and massive library made them the center of California’s cultural life. And when America claimed California for its own, Mariano foresaw the value of one nation. Though he and Salvatore lost thousands of acres, they were fervent patriots. Salvatore, my great-great grandfather, fought in the Civil War. The brothers are buried beside one another. How ironic that any Mexican crossing the border today could be called illegal.

LOREES YERBY

Santa Monica