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Moving to California

California became the 31^st state on Sept 9^th 1850.  California is affectionately referred to as the Golden state as gold was discovered there in the mid 19^th century and also the fields of wild golden poppies bloom though out the state during Spring giving a golden glow to the land.

Origin of state's name: The word California comes from the Spanish word "califia" which is a "mythical romantic paradise".

Capital City: The capital city is Sacramento and the state is bordered by Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and the Pacific Ocean. The state has 840 miles of coastline.

Population: The state has a population in excess of 33 million people and growing.

Economy:  Agriculture includes fruits and nuts especially almonds, grape growing and wine making and nursery stock. California is known as one of the three dairy states, the other two are New York and Wisconsin.

Industry includes computer and computer software manufacture primarily based in California's Silicon Valley, tourism and of course film production. 

State Motto: the state motto is "Eureka" or "I have found it".

State Flower: the state flower is the California poppy or Eschscholtzia calilfornica which is characterized by its beautiful deep golden color and grows wild throughout the state.

State Song: The state Song is "I love you, California" that sings the praises of this great state.

State Bird: the state bird is the California quail or Lophortyx californica and this game bird is characterized by its hardy nature.

State Tree: The state tree is the Redwood or toxodiaceae Sequoia which grow to heights of over 300feet.

California - Interesting Facts

• Inyo National Forest is home to the bristle cone pine, the oldest living species. Some of the trees are thought to be over 4,600 years old.
• Fresno has named itself as the Raisin Capital of the World.
• California experiences numerous seismic tremors each year.
• The first person to personally receive a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood was actress Joanne Woodward in 1960. She is married to acclaimed actor Paul Newman.  
• Death Valley is several hundred feet below sea level and is considered to be one of the hottest places in the western hemisphere. It is also the lowest point in the continental US.
• Mount Whitney is the highest point in the continental US at over 14,000 feet.

California – Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in California and many famous people call California their home today. This includes actors, athletes, authors, politicians and entertainers. Arguably the most famous is former US President Richard M Nixon who hails from California. Tennis twins Venus and Serena William are from Lynwood, California and California has the reputation as being home to some of the worlds' most famous people including Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

California Mortgage Find home mortgage companies in California and get a free mortgage quotes.