Changes

==History==

==History==

California's first European contact came in the 16th 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>

California's first European contact came in the 16th 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==

*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 1932 and 1984.

*Los Angeles hosted the Summer [[Olympics]] in 1932 and 1984.

*The California Redwood was named the official state tree in 1937. <ref>http://www.learncalifornia.org/doc.asp?id=678</ref>

*The California [[Redwood]] was named the official state tree in 1937. <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>

==Politics==

==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{{fact}}. Due to heavy immigrant populations, a history of liberal legislation, and the influence of Hollywood, California is considered to be one of the [[blue state|"blue-est" states]] in the Union{{fact}}.

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. Due to heavy [[immigrant]] populations, a history of liberal legislation, and the influence of [[Hollywood]], California is considered to be one of the [[blue state|"blue-est" states]] in the Union, consistently voting for Democratic legislature and Presidential candidates.

[[Richard Nixon]] is the only President to have been born in California.

[[Richard Nixon]] is the only President to have been born in California.