<P> During the rest of the 1820s the agriculture and cattle ranching expanded, as did the trade in hides and tallow . The new church was completed, and the political life of the city developed . Los Angeles was separated from Santa Barbara administration . The system of ditches which provided water from the river was rebuilt . Trade and commerce further increased with the secularization of the California missions by the Mexican Congress in 1833 . Extensive mission lands suddenly became available to government officials, ranchers, and land speculators . The governor made more than 800 land grants during this period, including a grant of over 33,000 - acres in 1839 to Francisco Sepúlveda which was later developed as the westside of Los Angeles . </P> <P> Much of this progress, however, bypassed the Indians of the traditional villages who were not assimilated into the mestizo culture . Being regarded as minors who could not think for themselves, they were increasingly marginalized and relieved of their land titles, often by being drawn into debt or alcohol . </P> <P> In 1834, Governor Pico was married to Maria Ignacio Alvarado in the Plaza church . It was attended by the entire population of the pueblo, 800 people, plus hundreds from elsewhere in Alta California . In 1835, the Mexican Congress declared Los Angeles a city, making it the official capital of Alta California . It was now the region's leading city . </P> <P> The same period also saw the arrival of many foreigners from the United States and Europe . They would play a pivotal role in the U.S. takeover . Early California settler John Bidwell included several historical figures in his recollection of people he knew in March, 1845 . </P>

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