The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of the Gopherus genus native to the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is seen as a keystone species because it digs burrows that provide shelter for 360 other animal species.They are threatened by predation and habitat destruction.he taking of gopher tortoises for sale or use as food or pets has also had a serious effect on some populations. The seriousness of the loss of adult tortoises is magnified by the length of time required for tortoises to reach maturity and their low reproductive rate.
In 1990, Jim and Linda Magglos took out a third mortgage on their home and opened the first Baja Fresh in Newbury Park, California in the Conejo Valley. Franchising began in 1995, and the chain had expanded to 31 outlets by 1997.
In a very roundabout way. Baja California was first named California by Hernando de AlarcÃ³n (at least, this is the earliest record of the name being used) when he verified its existence in 1540. He called it California after the fictional Island of California created by Garci RodrÃ­guez de Montalvo in his romance Las Sergas de EsplandiÃ¡n. This fictional island was described by de Montalvo as being east of Asia. In Las Sergas de EsplandiÃ¡n, California takes its name from its ruler, Queen Calafia.