Zapato Chino Creek facts for kids

Zapato Chino Creek is a stream located in Fresno County, California. It was once known by two other names: Arroyo de Las Polvarduras, which means "Creek of the Dust Clouds", and Arroyo de Zapata Chino, meaning "Chinese Shoe Creek".

The creek starts in Zapato Chino Canyon on the eastern side of Mustang Peak. This peak is part of the Diablo Range. From its source, the creek flows northwest through Zapato Chino Canyon. It then crosses Pleasant Valley. After that, it goes through the Polvadero Gap. Finally, it flows northeast.

Usually, Zapato Chino Creek dries up in the San Joaquin Valley. This happens about 11 miles east of Coalinga. However, during years with a lot of rain, the creek can reach Los Gatos Creek.

The Creek's Story

Zapato Chino Creek has a long history. It was an important watering spot on an old trail called El Camino Viejo. This trail connected different places. The creek was between Jacalitos Creek to the north and Canoas Creek to the south.

Old Names of the Creek

In 1907, a map of Fresno County called the lower part of Zapato Chino Creek Pulvero Creek. This name likely came from the Spanish word polvero, which means "dust cloud".

A book from 1913, called Gazetteer of Surface Waters, California, also mentioned the creek. It called it Polvadero Creek. This name might come from polvareda, another Spanish word for "cloud of dust". The book said the creek started in the northern part of a specific area. It flowed northeast for 18 miles into the San Joaquin Valley. It usually sank before reaching Los Gatos Creek.

How the Name Changed

It is thought that when Spanish or Californio people first named the creek, Canoas Creek might have joined Zapato Chino Creek. This would have been near where Zapato Chino Creek comes out of its canyon. They might have thought Zapato Chino Creek ended at this meeting point. From there, the creek would have been called Arroyo de Las Polvarduras. It would flow through the Polvadero Gap until it met Los Gatos Creek.

Over time, the paths of Canoas Creek and Zapato Chino Creek changed. They now flow in separate channels. These channels are still close to where they might have once joined.

The area between the Guijarral Hills and the Kettleman Hills is still called the Polvadero Gap. In 1908, a board officially decided to name the entire creek Zapato Creek. They might not have known about the local names like Polvarderas or Polvadero. Then, in 1964, the name was changed again. It became Zapato Chino Creek for its whole length, all the way to Los Gatos Creek.