Difference between revisions of "California"
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[[Image:California_State_Flag.gif|thumb|right|The state flag of California.]] | [[Image:California_State_Flag.gif|thumb|right|The state flag of California.]] | ||
| − | '''California''', known as the Golden State, is a state on the west coast of the [[United States]]. It is the largest state in population and the | + | '''California''', known as the Golden State, is a state on the west coast of the [[United States]]. It is the largest state in population and the forth largest state in area. Its governor is [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | California's first European contact came in the | + | California's first European contact came in the 15th century AD. Spanish explorer and conquistador [[Hernando Cortez]] explored Alta California (upper California) extensively during this time period. Several years after this, [[Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo]] explored the area in his search for a passage to Asia. <ref>http://www.kindredtrails.com/California-History-1.html</ref> The Catholic church established a strong presence in the area over the next 200 years by establishing a number of missions in the area. <ref>http://www.californiamissions.com/cahistory/background.html</ref> |
==Miscellaneous facts== | ==Miscellaneous facts== | ||
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*The capital of California is [[Sacramento]]. However, the largest cities in population are, respectively, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. | *The capital of California is [[Sacramento]]. However, the largest cities in population are, respectively, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. | ||
| − | *Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in | + | *Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in 1928 and 1988. |
| − | *The California Redwood was named the official state tree in | + | *The California Redwood was named the official state tree in 1927. <ref>http://www.learncalifornia.org/doc.asp?id=678</ref> |
*California's San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the United States. <ref>http://www.50states.com/facts/calif.htm</ref> | *California's San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the United States. <ref>http://www.50states.com/facts/calif.htm</ref> | ||
Revision as of 21:53, September 16, 2007
California, known as the Golden State, is a state on the west coast of the United States. It is the largest state in population and the forth largest state in area. Its governor is Arnold Schwarzenegger.
History
California's first European contact came in the 15th century AD. Spanish explorer and conquistador Hernando Cortez explored Alta California (upper California) extensively during this time period. Several years after this, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo explored the area in his search for a passage to Asia. [1] The Catholic church established a strong presence in the area over the next 200 years by establishing a number of missions in the area. [2]
Miscellaneous facts
- The capital of California is Sacramento. However, the largest cities in population are, respectively, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose.
- Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics in 1928 and 1988.
- The California Redwood was named the official state tree in 1927. [3]
- California's San Bernardino County is the largest county by area in the United States. [4]
- Since 2000, California has offered domestic partnerships, which are similiar to same sex marriage.[5]
Politics
California's governor is the liberal Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is the same position that was once held by Ronald Reagan, who later became President of the United States. Today, however, California is thought of as one of the most liberal states in America[Citation Needed]. Due to heavy immigrant populations, a history of liberal legislation, and the influence of Hollywood, California is considered to be one of the "blue-est" states in the Union[Citation Needed].
Richard Nixon is the only President to have been born in California.
Spectator Sports
California has more professional sports teams than any other state.
- NBA - Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings
- NHL - Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks
- NFL - Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers, and San Diego Chargers
- Baseball - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants
In college sports, UCLA and USC have recently had great success, in basketball and football respectively.
Education
The state of California has three tiers of public higher education: the California community colleges, the California State University (CSU) system, and the University of California (UC) system.
Major Cities
Statewide officials
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)
- Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
- Senator Barbara Boxer (D)
External Links
References
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