CALIFORNIA

California State Song
I love you, California, you're the greatest state
of all
I love you in the winter, summer, spring, and in the
fall.
I love your fertile valleys; your dear mountains I
adore,
I love your grand old ocean and I love her rugged shore.


Prospectors
cried, "Eureka!" during the most famous gold rush of modern times in
1849. It is now the state motto. California is known as the "Golden
State" because of the gold found there, its golden poppy flowers, and
brilliant sunshine. Spanish explorers named the state in the 1500's
after a treasure island in a famous Spanish story. The abbreviation for
California is CA.
"Eureka!" hasn't been the only thing shouted by surprised
Californians. Cries of "Earthquake!" and "Fire!" were heard in San
Francisco on April 18, 1906. An earthquake in the city was one of the
worst disasters in United States history. The quake resulted in fires
that burned for three days. At least 3,000 people died, most of the city
was destroyed, and there was over $500 million in damage. Some
scientists fear that another catastrophic earthquake will occur along
California's San Andreas Fault in the future.

California
is the most populous state and still growing. It is also the third
largest; only Alaska and Texas surpass it. A Pacific state, California
is bordered by Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east,
Mexico to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
In California, tourists can see a varied and beautiful
landscapes that includes mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. The state
shares the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range named after the highest
mountain range in Spain, with the state of Nevada. One can also see
Mount Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the United States outside of
Alaska. And in Redwood National Park, one can see the world's tallest
tree, at about 370 feet.
In addition to its places of great heights, California
also shares Death Valley, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere,
with Nevada. Be careful if you visit; temperatures can reach a deadly
134 degrees F. Besides Death Valley, California also contains Salinas
Valley, John Steinbeck's childhood home, and the inspiration for much in
his novels, especially the plight of poor farm workers. And one can
also experience see spectacular waterfalls, fantastic rock formations,
and huge sequoias at Yosemite National Park.

There are many other tourist attractions in California. Visitors can see
the world famous San Diego Zoo in California's oldest city. They can
also ride a cable car, visit Fisherman's Warf, sway in the wind on the
Golden Gate Bridge, or just enjoy the view from one of San Francisco's
43 hills. If tourists are looking for excitement they can surf in the
Pacific Ocean or go on the rides at Disneyland. Criminal historians can
see where the country's worst criminals were imprisoned at Alcatraz. And
for all the star watchers, there is always Los
Angeles, home of Hollywood. Thrill seekers can also go for a wild ride
on one of the world's largest freeway systems in Los Angeles.