All right in OTL for the colonial period there was already a Spanish California. But my question is what if for whatever reason the Anglos are unable or unwilling to ever cross the appalachians, say because there is a strong and powerful New France that blocks it.
How would California develop if there was no Anglo influx? If the Spanish empire did fall apart would it stay under Mexican control or would it be eager for independence? If there is never a trans-continental Rail Road, would California stay undeveloped? Would the Ranchos collapse inevitably or would they retain their power? Would the Spanish allow or even encourage Phillipino immigration, if there is a need for workers in California?