California
California is the most populous state in the United States and it is also the third largest in area. Only Alaska and Texas are larger.
California lies on the Pacific Ocean and is bordered by Oregon in the north, Nevada and Arizona in the east, Mexico in the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
The landscape changes from the beaches in the west, swiftly rising to the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. In the winter it's possible to go both surfing ans skiing in the same day. Mount Whitney is the highest mountain peak in the United States outside of Alaska. In the north of the state, in Redwood National Park, you can see the world's tallest tree, which is about 370 feet in height. As well as the mountain ranges, California also shares Death Valley, which is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, with Nevada.
California is also famous for the Napa Valley, which is one of the main wine growing regions in the USA.
The state of California has so much history and so much to see. It was in 1849 that gold was discovered in the state, culminating in the Gold Rush. You have the historic cities of San Francisco in the north with it's famous Alcatraz Prison, Los Angeles in the south with it's suburbs of Hollywood, home of the movie industry, and Anaheim, home of Disneyland. Further south San Diego and it's world famous zoo. Then the beaches, "California GIrls", surfing, skiing in the mountains. There is probably more to do in the state of California than in any other state.
Many thanks to www.50states.com for use of the state map.
CALIFORNIA ON WIKIPEDIA
California () is the most populous state in the United States, and the third largest by area. California is the second most populous sub-national entity in the Americas, behind only São Paulo, Brazil. It is located on the West Coast of the United States, and is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada to the northeast, Arizona to the southeast, the Mexican state of Baja California to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Its four largest cities are Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco. The state is home to the nation's second and sixth largest metropolitan areas as well as eight of the nation's fifty largest cities. It is known for its varied climate and geography, as well as its diverse population.
California is the third-largest U.S. state by land area, after Alaska and Texas. Its geography ranges from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the east, to Mojave desert areas in the southeast and the Redwood?Douglas fir forests of the northwest. The center of the state is dominated by the Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world. California is the most geographically diverse state in the nation, and contains the highest (Mount Whitney) and lowest (Death Valley) points in the contiguous United States.
Beginning in the late 18th century, the area known as Alta California was colonized by the Spanish Empire. In 1821, Mexico, including Alta California, became an independent republic. In 1846 a group of American settlers in Sonoma declared the independence of a California Republic. As a result of the Mexican-American War, Mexico ceded California to the United States. It became the 31st state admitted to the union on September 9, 1850.
In the 19th century, the California Gold Rush brought about dramatic changes, with a large influx of people and an economic boom that caused San Francisco to grow from a hamlet of tents to a world-renowned boomtown. Key developments in the early 20th century included the emergence of Los Angeles as center of the American entertainment industry, and the growth of a large, state-wide tourism sector. In addition to California's prosperous agricultural industry, other important contributors to the economy include aerospace, petroleum, and information technology. If California were a country, it would rank among the ten largest economies in the world, with a GDP similar to that of Italy. It would be the 35th most populous country.
CURRENT WEATHER IN SACRAMENTO
Current weather conditions in Sacramento, CA (94203)
Local Pollen Reports
57°F (Feels like 57°F)
Last update: 11/9/09 4:53 PM PST
Humidity: 64%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 45°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.10in steady
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: calm From: Airport Conditions

Tonight
Low
Low: 44°F
Sunrise: 6:42 AM
Sunset: 4:58 PM

Tuesday
Nov 10
N/A
High: 68°F
Low: 45°F
Sunrise: 6:43 AM
Sunset: 4:57 PM

Wednesday
Nov 11
Mostly Cloudy
High: 63°F
Low: 42°F
Sunrise: 6:44 AM
Sunset: 4:56 PM

Thursday
Nov 12
Cloudy
High: 62°F
Low: 39°F
Sunrise: 6:45 AM
Sunset: 4:55 PM
FEATURED LENSES ABOUT CALIFORNIA
This is a selection of top lenses about the state. If you would like to see your lens featured here, please could you Favorite this lens and also Lensroll it to yours. Let me know if you have linked to this lens and I will add yours.
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Eagle Rock, California
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Nestled between the southern California communities of Pasadena and Glendale, Eagle Rock was one of the first homestead settlements in Los Angeles. Though it officially became a city in 1906 and was incorporated in 1911, Eagle Rock was settled by far...
LENSES ABOUT CALIFORNIA
If you have a lens about the state or know of one by another lensmaster, feel free to add it to this list and to vote for the lenses that are on the list.
California Condor
The California Condor was on the brink of extincti more...4 points
Death Valley National Park
For over a hundred years, visitors have been flock more...3 points
California Road Trip
California has some of the most famous, scenic and more...3 points
Palm Springs
Deep in the Coachella Valley of California lies th more...3 points
Idyllwild California 92549
Idyllwild, California is a small mountain town nea more...2 points
Where to Stay In and Near Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is one of America's premier more...2 points
Yosemite National Park
View the Crown Jewel of the High Sierras, Yosemite more...2 points
Our Favorite Places in San Diego
My husband, Don, spent most of his growing up year more...2 points
Destination Hearst Castle: San Simeon, California
One of a kind Hearst Castle is a wonderful excuse more...2 points
Big Sur Tour: A California Roadtrip You'll Remember
Start you're trip through Big Sur in San Francisco more...2 points
A Spring Afternoon in Paso Robles, California
I spend a good part of my free time at the house I more...1 point
My San Francisco
This lens will point to all kinds of information a more...1 point
San Diego Travel Guide and Information
eautiful San Diego is located on Southern Californ more...1 point
Visit San Francisco
Sometimes when you live close to a big city, you f more...1 point
Templeton, California
Templeton, California is a small, friendly communi more...1 point
California Vacation Bucket List
Hopefully you're not really ready to kick the buck more...1 point
Mendocino County, California
We recently had the privilege of housesitting in M more...1 point
DISNEYLAND CALIFORNIA
Everyone knows and loves the Disney theme parks, and the Anaheim suburb of Los Angeles is home to Disneyland, the original Disney theme park.
If you have a lens about the state or know of one by another lensmaster, feel free to add it to this list and to vote for the lenses that are on the list.
It's A Small World
It's A Small World is a Fantasyland boat ride thro more...2 points
CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY
California is home to the world famous Napa Valley, which is the most important vine producing region in the USA. If you have a lens about the Napa Valley or Wine Making in California, or know of one by another lensmaster, feel free to add it to this list and to vote for the lenses that are on the list.
Hidden Creek Wine in the Livermore Valley Wine Country
Livermore Valley Wine CountryHidden Creek Wine is more...2 points
Michael Chiarello's NapaStyle
NapaStyle, founded by acclaimed chef and author, M more...2 points
Michael Chiarello Video Showcase
This showcase features videos from NapaStyle on Fi more...2 points
Livermore Valley Wine Country Lensography
In 1893, the Livermore Valley was a thriving wine more...2 points
Travel to Napa - Wine Capital of the World
Napa is one of the oldest cities in California, fo more...0 points
RECOMMENDED READING ABOUT CALIFORNIA
GOOGLE MAPS
Planning a trip to California? Use this handy map from Google to help you find what you are looking for.
CALIFORNIA ITEMS ON AMAZON
CALIFORNIA HERE I COME
"California Here I Come" was made famous by Al Jolson and is the unofficial state song of California. This is an interesting arrangement played by The Raspberry Jam Band.
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN'
"California Dreamin'" was a huge hit for The Mamas And The Papas in 1965 and #89 on the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.
CALIFORNIA GIRLS
"California Girls" was a huge hit for The Beachboys in 1965 and #71 on the Rolling Stone list of The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time.
NEWS ITEMS ABOUT CALIFORNIA
See what the news media are saying about California.
- A victory for Southern California citizenship applicants
- By Anna Gorman Hundreds of legal immigrants in Southern California who have been waiting years for citizenship will have their cases resolved as a result of ...
- California's Jahvid Best to miss at least one game after scary fall
- California running back Jahvid Best leaps backward into the end zone to score against Oregon State on Saturday. Best came down on his shoulders and head, ...
- Sushi chefs 'make 330ft California roll'
- Amateur sushi chefs have reportedly made a world record-sized dish in celebration of the University of California's Centre for Japanese Studies. ...
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- The rig hauling a full load of pears was traveling at high speed when the driver lost control on a westbound S-curve, California Highway Patrol Sgt. Trent ...
BLOG POSTS ABOUT CALIFORNIA
See what bloggers are saying about California.
- The Volokh Conspiracy » Blog Archive » More on California Tax ...
- Thank you for bringing my City Journal article (http://www.city-journal.org/2009/19_4_california.html) on California and Texas to the attention of the Volokh conspirators, and for your generous and thoughtful analysis ...
- Untangling California | Mother Jones
- For years, a shifting alliance of activists here in California has been pressing the idea of calling a constitutional convention to try and cut through the partisan tangle in Sacramento. Unfortunately, since only the legislature can ...
- Poll shows gloomy view in California - Kendra Marr - POLITICO.com
- Californians hold Obama in high regard, but have a grim outlook on their state's future.
- Has California Peaked? - California Progress Report
- Over the last few weeks a debate has raged online and in print about whether California is a failed state. By now you likely know my answer: it is, but we can and must revive the California Dream for the 21st century. ...
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THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

This is a set of lenses about the United States Of America and includes all 50 states, with a lens for each. Each lens includes a list where you can add any lenses that are relevant to that state. Added Bonus: if you add a link back to my state lens and Lensroll it to yours, I will make your lens a Favorite Lens to help spotlight it.
ALABAMA ALASKA ARIZONA
ARKANSAS CALIFORNIA COLORADO
CONNECTICUT DELAWARE FLORIDA
GEORGIA HAWAII IDAHO
ILLINOIS INDIANA IOWA
KANSAS KENTUCKY LOUISIANA
MAINE MARYLAND MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN MINNESOTA MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI MONTANA NEBRASKA
NEVADA NEW HAMPSHIRE NEW JERSEY
NEW MEXICO NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA
NORTH DAKOTA OHIO OKLAHOMA
OREGON PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH DAKOTA TENNESSEE
TEXAS UTAH VERMONT
VIRGINIA WASHINGTON WEST VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN WYOMING THE USA
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK
Please let me know if you liked this lens (or not). It's always good to know what visitors think, so if you have a few moments, a comment from you would be much appreciated. When another lensmaster leaves a comment for me, I always try and return the favor by visiting their lenses, which is only fair.
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CherylK wrote...
This is an awesome lens. I just love California, Tony! We've spent a lot of time there from San Diego up to the Northern California redwoods. I've lensrolled this to my Mendocino County lens. Mendocino County is great wine country, too. Also, Sonoma County has wonderful Pinot Noirs...the climate is perfect there for pinot noir grapes.
QueSea wrote...
Great collection of information about California. It's designed well too. Thanks for the share.
aj2008 wrote...
All the leaves are brown
And the skies are grey.......
How did I just know that California Dreamin' by the Mamas and Papas would be on this lens!
A little tip - I happen to know another lensmaster gets quite a few Amazon sales with the Fodors Travel Guides - you may want to include them on your Amazon modules on these lenses.
Rajays wrote...
Well done Tony! Another informative lens on United States - California. I can't wait to read your lenses on all the States. Great lens ideas. :) Blessed by a Squid Angel!
paperfacets wrote...
Dear Poddys,
I favored and lensrolled this to my Route 66 lens about Pasadena , CA and the Mother Road. Thank you, I can use a link to it. Good series on the U.S. Have you traveled part of rte66? I need members for my Group. lol I'm traveling alone there. Sherry@paperfacets
TheGreenerMe wrote...
I'll be out in California this week! I can't wait, but it's partly for work. Great work Poddys!
ABOUT PODDYS
Lensmaster poddys, aka Tony Payne, has been a member since January 15 2008, has rated 2,541 lenses, favorited 1,545, and has created 78 lenses from scratch. This member's top-ranked page is "Bournemouth - Seaside Beaches Holidays Sunshine". See all my lenses
My Bio

Off The Record - My Blog
Lots More About Me
The Laughline
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I am an English guy who moved to the USA in 1994, spent 12 years in Indiana, then moved to South Florida in 2005. I have a background in computers, have run my own web sites since 1998, and spend more time working than I would like (as do we all)...
I enjoy travel, spent a year in New Zealand, followed by 12 years of travel for work, mostly to Central and South America and the Caribbean. I love meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures and experiencing different ways of life. I have met some wonderful people on my travels, and one of thing I have found is that laughter is one of the best ways to make friends.
I love humour, and have run a jokes mailing list for the last 8 years, helping make thousands of people laugh around the world. A lot of my humour also shows through in my lenses and blogs.
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- poddys
- aka Tony Payne
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by poddys

Off The Record - My Blog
Lots More About Me
The Laughline
The Daily Joke Collection
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