Mug Shot — «California - California Beaches»

City: California Country: USA Edition: 2008 Icon Edition Belongs to: 975 users (78 trading, 124 seeking)

California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state and the third most extensive. It is home to the nation's 2nd and 6th largest census statistical areas and eight of the nation's fifty most populated cities. The capital city is Sacramento. California's diverse geography ranges from the Pacific Coast in the west, to the Sierra Nevada mountains in the east – from the Redwood–Douglas-fir forests of the northwest, to the Mojave Desert areas in the southeast. The center of the state is dominated by Central Valley, a major agricultural area. California contains both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States (Mount Whitney and Death Valley), and has the 3rd longest coastline of all states. Earthquakes are a common occurrence due to the state's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire: about 37,000 are recorded annually. The name California once referred to a large area of North America claimed by Spain that included much of modern-day Southwestern United States and the Baja California peninsula. Beginning in the late 18th century, the area known as Alta California, comprising the California territory north of the Baja Peninsula, was colonized by the Spanish Empire as part of New Spain. In 1821, Alta California became a part of Mexico following its successful war for independence. Shortly after the beginning of the Mexican-American War in 1846, a group of American settlers in Sonoma declared an independent California Republic in Alta California. Though its existence was short-lived, its flag became the precursor for California's current state flag. American victory in the war led to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, in which Mexico ceded Alta California to the United States. Western areas of Alta California became the state of California, which was admitted as the 31st state on September 9, 1850. The California Gold Rush beginning in 1848 led to dramatic social and demographic change, with large scale immigration from the U.S. and abroad and an accompanying economic boom. Key developments in the early 20th century included the emergence of Los Angeles as the center of the American entertainment industry, and the growth of a large, state-wide tourism sector. The late 20th century saw the development of the technology and information sectors, punctuated by the growth of Silicon Valley. California's prosperous agricultural industry also emerged; at least half of the fresh fruit produced in the United States are now cultivated in California, and the state also leads in the production of vegetables. Other important contributors to its economy include aerospace, education, and manufacturing. If California were a country, it would have the 8th largest economy in the world and it would be the 34th most populous nation.

California Beaches provide one of the most popular vacations in the USA and the trends tells us why. 54% of the nation’s population lives within 50 miles of shorelines, and more people are moving to coastal areas every day. 500 California beaches offer tourists diverse landscapes, activities, & attractions to explore along 1,000 miles of the USA's west coast. Paralleling and sometimes veering away from the Pacific Ocean are flat, sandy expanses and rocky shores. Top 10 beach picks are: San Diego's Ocean Beach (OB), Encinitas, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Carmel, Santa Cruz and Ocean Beach San Francisco.

photo by lucky
edited by mobydick74

  USA, California

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