This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/UW.2ADI/2213 Message Board Post: Hello, I am a member of the California Genealogical Society (www.calgensoc.org) We have just published a new research book to assist researchers trying to find information prior to the 1906 earthquake. It is called Raking the Ashes, Genealogical Strategies for Pre-1906 Research. Member Nancy Peterson, CG has done a magnificent job of not only telling about the records that survived but also other records one can use to get the needed information. We have had excellent reviews on the book by noted genealogists...I am sure this will help you if you need pre-1906 assistance. Reviewers have also mentioned that this book would be very useful for any place where records have been destroyed. Information about the book is on our website. This would be great for early San Mateo records too...jane