"Keeweechic's California" California by keeweechic

California Travel Guide: 53,659 reviews and 100,837 photos

California was first sighted by a Spanish navigator in 1542 but the first mission was not established until 1769 in San Diego. California became a U.S. territory in 1847 when Mexico surrendered it to John C. Fremont and in 1848 gold was discovered at Sutters Mill, starting the big California Gold Rush which brought settlers into the state in large numbers. The US Census Bureau declared in 1964 that California had surpassed New York and had become the most populous state in the country. More immigrants settle in California than any other state. California leads the country in consumer spending and personal income.

California, known as the Golden State, borders the states of Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Mexico and the Pacific ocean. It state is mostly mountainous but it is so diverse with areas ranging from flat desert 282 feet below sea level to mountains over 14,000 feet. The Central valley is ideal for agriculture. The climate, though as diverse as the geography, is generally Mediterranean and mild. There is also the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the sun and surf and the outdoors sports.

I have put together the areas of California I have visited although they are mainly coastal. There are large gaps in this great State that I have yet to see and hope to one day.

State Motto

The Greek word "Eureka" has appeared on the state seal since 1849 and means "I have found it". The words were probably intended to refer to the discovery of gold in California. Archimedes, the famed Greek mathematician, is said to have exclaimed "Eureka!" when, after long study, he discovered a method of determining the purity of gold. In 1957, attempts were made to establish "In God We Trust" as the state motto, but "Eureka" was made the official state motto in 1963.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks. (c) keeweechic 2001 - 2006 (copyright)

Intro Updated Sep 3, 2006
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Reviews (38)

Getting to Long Beach Transportation (7)

By Car : The city can be reached from several major freeways. The San Diego (I-405) and the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy... more travel advice

Getting to Sausalito Transportation (7)

By Ferry : Golden Gate Ferry provides daily ferry service between Larkspur or Sausalito (Marin County) and San... more travel advice

Getting to San Diego Transportation (7)

By Air : San Diego International Airport is at Lindbergh Field and just minutes from downtown. A shuttle service is... more travel advice

Getting to Los Angeles Transportation (7)

By Air : Los Angeles has four major airports, LAX International, Burbank-Glendale Airport, John Wayne Airport and... more travel advice

Hotels (4)
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Things to Do (24)
See All SAN FRANCISCO

Local Customs (2)
See All Sales Tax
Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Crime

Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 20, 2004

1 photo

California Speak

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Comments (33)

Sweetberry1 Oct 31, 2004 at 5:08 AM Report Abuse

Woww... this page is Super girl.. Hmm.. Nob Hill, huh? Nice!!! Would like to explore this State.. Fantastic photos CB.. ;-)
Carmela71 Feb 26, 2004 at 1:52 AM Report Abuse

God tips, I remember reading that joke. while in Ny I had also a few missunderstoods lol with some words.
topoftheworl Feb 20, 2004 at 8:03 PM Report Abuse

'California Spea': Hilarious and thought provoking.
b1bob Jul 26, 2003 at 6:05 PM Report Abuse

California is one of the most beautiful states in the union.
Jeannette1 Jul 26, 2003 at 5:23 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful pics of some of the highlights of California. I really enjoyed the California Speak travelogue. Also the flower pics on your homepage are superb. Now you need to come back and see some of the "not so touristy places" like Sacramento :-)
truus_s Jun 18, 2003 at 3:31 PM Report Abuse

SUPER great page..beautifull photos..i hope to see this one day!TtHANKS
spartan Aug 19, 2002 at 11:15 AM Report Abuse

Love the translations page...I can now pronounce my name :-)
MarioAlmeida Aug 17, 2002 at 5:41 PM Report Abuse

I am so gealous of your USA trips...Youare a US trotter
frankcanfly Aug 14, 2002 at 8:17 PM Report Abuse

I love places with 4 seasons!! Got any CHiPs?
Sergioalc Jul 8, 2002 at 10:29 AM Report Abuse

Great INFO, thanks!