December 9 Exploration in 1595 Sebastian Rodriguez Cermeño, Portuguese explorer for the Spanish king, reached Monterey Bay. He searched the California coast for safe harbors for Spanish galleons returning to Mexico from the Philippines.  Overland trail in 1846 Patrick Breen, traveling with the Donner Party, wrote in his diary: “Commenced snowing about 11 o’clock. Wind N.W. […]