To answer the question: is Baja California?, one must take a look at history.

History isn't my best subject, so please correct me if I'm wrong here - but I understand Cortez claimed "Baja California" for the crown of Spain, and then "Alta California" was later claimed as the Franciscan fathers moved up the coast an built missions and the soldiers built forts.

Initially, all of California was claimed by Mexico (who won independance from Spain in 1821), but after the US-Mexican war ended in 1847, Alta California was claimed by the United States, just 1 year before gold was discovered in them thar hills....

So, yes - its Baja California - and it is Mexican territory.

Canie