The Berets, led by their "Prime Minister" David Sanchez, claimed the territory rightfully belonged to Mexico and demanded that its 42,000 acres of undeveloped land be developed into housing.

"[2] The group, which consisted of 26 members of the Brown Berets, posted a large Mexican flag on the point above the Chimes Tower and called the spot “Campo Tecolote” (Camp Owl).

"[1] A resident of Avalon, John Regalado, noted the negative reaction the group drew, later stating, "the locals began calling the occupiers the 'Brown Burritos' instead of the Brown Berets.

[7] According to The Catalina Islander coverage of the time, the "vigilante-type" mob assembled at the country club to "go up and pound” the Berets, but were convinced by Sheriff Jack Vaughn to stand down and allow law enforcement to deal with the situation.

[7] A little more than three weeks after the occupation's beginning, policemen from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's office came to enforce an "illegal zoning ordinance" on September 22, 1972.