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The Avila Adobe
 The Avila Adobe soon became Christine's home. She shared it with all who came to Olvera Street. By 10:00 a.m. she had bathed, eaten breakfast, and was ready for the day. The doors were now opened to the public for touring "The Beautiful Adobe House." A tranquil sense of being took you into the past, where bedrooms were Spanish style with a variety of ornate existence. Placed in each room was antique furniture made of natural, dark cherry wood , handcrafted, and carved with beautiful detailed designs dating back to the 1818. Now only one wing remains today of the eighteen-room mansion of Don Francisco Avila, early Mayor of the Pueblo de Los Angeles. I recall elegantly made bedspreads and Spanish shawls draped over finely polished furniture, radiated in all its splendor.
 Mario Valadez came to Los Angeles from Durango, México in 1926. In 1928 while visiting Olvera Street, he met Mrs. Sterling and introduced himself to her. She saw in him very special qualities and asked him to become her personal translator. He worked by her side and had an office at the Avila Adobe House with her. Shortly after, Mario became the Assistant Manager to Mrs. Sterling on Olvera Street. Without wages for this position, Mario was very dedicated to her cause. A puesto was then assigned to him where he taught the Spanish language. He wrote and published a small book to sell entitled "Learn Spanish Pronto!" which was enjoyed by the tourists. It was a satisfying success for Mario. Later, when Mario was promoted as General Manager of Olvera Street, Tony De Sousa became his Assistant Manager. They were a great team.
 Imagining families stirring throughout the Avila Adobe House, one wonder what events took place during the hours of the day. At the entrance of the house to the right, just as you stepped in, was a lovely chapel used for daily prayer. On special occasions weddings took place for members of the merchants (the Olvera Street families). My younger brother Bert (Humberto), who came to Olvera Street after his service in the Navy, was married there with Shelley. She then gave birth to their daughter Tara. All the rooms in the house were  open for viewing. Short wrought iron gates kept you from entering the rooms. On the patio was a large pond, filled with five-inch, beautiful goldfish. They were cared for by Cruz Ledesma. He was Christine's buddy and lived there as well. Cruz was one of her shinning stars on Olvera Street. I guess you could say he was our "Celebrity". A very special character on Olvera Street, "Mi Compadre". He became an important figure to our family.
Enchanting was what it was walking through the Avila Adobe house where Christine Sterling the First Lady of Olvera Street lived. "One Special Lady" made a difference in the lives of many people. Her ingenuity to this day is cherished and will always be remembered.
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