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April 30, 2007
California, The Great State
by Jack Lee
I know it's easy to feel this State is going to Hades and there probably was never a better time to live somewhere else. But, then you have to remember those other things that made California a special place unlike anywhere else. Let me remind you of a few of them now and toss in some trivia just for fun.
We've got the highest mountain peak in the lower 48 states, over 14,495 feet at the summit, do you know it's name? Hint: It's within a 100 miles of the lowest point in the continental US, also in California. Like rural settings? We have one county with no high school, no ATM's, no dentist, no banks and not even a traffic light. I knew the deputy up there who rode the line trail into the back country to check on the folks living in cabins during the snow season...his name is Clint Eastwood, maybe you've heard of him? So, do you know what county I'm talking about? Here's another hint, it begins with an A, and no it's not Amador County.
We also hold claim to the city that is the Avocado Capital of the World, ever hear of Fallbrook? California raises more turkeys (and I am not talking about politicians) than any other state in the entire USA! Would you believe the largest 3 day rodeo in America is held just up the road in Red Bluff? (By the way, did you guess Mt. Whitney and Alpine County? If you did, you're right and yep Clint was a reserve deputy for Alpine County and rode horseback patrol)
When it comes to producing lots of things we're no slouch either. Our state economy ranks 6th in the world, just ahead of China, Canada and Italy...yes, I said China...check it out. California accounts for over 13 percent of the nation's output, and trails only Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
We hold title to the deepest gold mine in North America, it's the old Kennedy mine in Jackson. (See photo of the original mine site) A giant sequoia located in California's Kings Canyon National Park was named the nation's national Christmas tree...the nation's Christmas tree and it's over 300 feet tall! We also have redwood trees dating back to before the time of Jesus, imagine something growing that is over 2000 years old? Yes, you're lucky to live in California among so many man made and natural wonders and speaking of luck, did you know the Country Store in Baker has sold more winning California State Lottery tickets than any outlet in the state? Be sure and stop in for a ticket next time you're in the area and good luck!
Thank goodness this nation has California to add to it's massive economy...our exports totaled $94 billion in 2003 and it went up over 20% in 04!
If you haven't seen the railroad museum in Sacramento, maybe you should. It is the largest museum of its kind in North America!
And this time of year try a ride on 395, it is the gateway to the state's premier fishing lakes and streams. We've got the best lake and stream fishing bar none. The road winds and climbs past desert sage and gray rock formations and into deep green pine forests...it also takes you across Mt. Whitney, a harrowing ride to say the least!
For you campers, here is a link to some 400+ campgrounds! We've got the best camping in the US, from beach front sites to alpine villages, you can't beat California for camping.
Like to hoist a cold one every now and then? You're in the right place, we have 7 of the nations largest breweries right here. Drinking libations is an old California tradition that dates back to our first known public bar, called the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland, built in 1852. Or maybe you would prefer to sip a glass of fine California wine? Then you would be pleased to know you're in the land of plenty. In 2005 California produced a record high of 441 million gallons of wine (185.4 million nine-liter cases from 350,000 tons of grapes) with a retail value of $16.5 billion! That might explain why there's over 1350 wineries you can tour and sample la vino. Just don't try to do it all in one day, uh, that would be some hang over!
Oh, I almost forgot to mention you don't have too travel to far for your first taste, 4 of those wineries are right here in Butte County. The best part of this story is that California in finally being recognized for it's world class wines that often rival the best French wines.
The job market here is among the best in the world too. California has added about 2.4 million jobs over the past decade, an annual growth rate of 1.8 percent. Lot of those were clean high tech jobs. Not bad, eh? This might explain why your home price has gone up so much. The statewide average home is now over $500k. That's more than most people south of the border will make in three or four lifetimes! But, don't worry about the state getting too populated. Growth has slowed to about 2% per year, a manageable rate.
We are a genuine melting pot here, 25% of the state's current population is foreign born and half of them are from Latin America. Let's hope our growth stays around 2% because the K-12 school-age population is now growing the slowest of all age groups, reflecting our overall decline in birth rate. We now total over 36 million people living here as of 2005 and that's up about 3 million from 2000.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my brief recap of what's good in California and what we're about. It's a truly a great state to live in, even with our problems. And just remember, whatever those problems are, they pale compared to what's good about this place! (Now you just vote smart and it will get even better)
Posted by Post Scripts at April 30, 2007 09:15 PM