California
California, known as the Golden State, became the 31st state on September 9, 1850. It is located on the west coast of the United States, by the Pacific Ocean and bordered by Oregon, Nevada and Arizona. It is the largest state in population and the third largest state in area. Its governor is Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Contents
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. [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 1932 and 1984.
- The California Redwood was named the official state tree in 1937. [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. Here are some notable univerisities from California.
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
Places of Interest
Major Cities
Statewide officials
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R)
- Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
- Senator Barbara Boxer (D)
External Links
References
- ↑ http://www.kindredtrails.com/California-History-1.html
- ↑ http://www.californiamissions.com/cahistory/background.html
- ↑ http://www.learncalifornia.org/doc.asp?id=678
- ↑ http://www.50states.com/facts/calif.htm
- ↑ Answers.com
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