 The name of Penitencia Creek came into existence at least as early as 1840.At that time the Arroyo Aguague (now referred to as Upper Penitencia Creek) terminated in a "sausal" (willow grove and freshwater marsh) that flowed in turn into Penitencia Creek (now referred to as Lower Penitencia Creek).When the Arroyo Aguague was diverted in the 1850s to Coyote Creek, it became known as Upper Penitencia Creek.