"californio" is a funny word
Californio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The Californios were Spanish-speaking inhabitants of Alta California, first a part of New Spain, later of Mexico. This area was later annexed in 1848 by the United States following the Mexican-American War.
Californios included both the descendants of European settlers from Spain and Mexico, and also included other European settlers, Mestizos, and local Native Americans who adopted Spanish culture and converted to Christianity. Some white Americans (Yankees), who settled in California, spoke Spanish, and lived as Mexicans, are also considered Californios.
At first, Spanish and later Mexican officials encouraged people from the northern and western provinces of Mexico—as well as people from other parts of Latin America, most notably Peru and Chile—to settle in California. The United States government did not continue this practice.
Much of Californio society lived at or near the many Missions, which were established in the 18th and 19th centuries. There were 21 Missions under the Roman Catholic church along the fabled route, El Camino Real.
Some Americans became honorary Californios due to their early arrival, marriage to Californios, and their adoption of, and adaptation to, Spanish culture and religion. Some wealthy Californio nobles intermarried with the settlers; thus a few prominent families in California may have Spanish or Mexican ancestors.