spanish california

Spanish California

Introduction

The `golden state` has the largest Spanish speaking population in the US with 12 million of the total 34 million inhabitants. The geography of the state varies considerably from the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the east, down to the fertile Central Valley and then back up again to the lower mountains of the Coast Ranges overlooking the Pacific ocean. Throughout the state the Spanish influence is ever present in the names of the cities, cuisine, art, sport and overall culture.

History - Spanish influence

The first european to see California was Cabrillo, a Spanish explorer who discovered San Diego bay and the coast further northwards in 1542. The English and Russians were also exploring the area around that time, but the Spanish Franciscan monks founded many missions in key spots which created a powerbase for future colonisation. San Diego and San Francisco were developed and the missions were instrumental in building the agricultural and cattle rearing industries. Initially Monterey became the capital of Alta California, but Sacramento was eventually chosen as capital. The state became a US territory when Mexico surrendered it over in 1847.

The Economy

California has the largest economy in the US and eight largest in the world. The state is active in most sectors and renown for computers and electronics in Silicon Valley and Santa Clara county. Transportation, machinery, chemicals and agriculture are also massively important. Exports have always been very high, although have reduced in the recent decade. International trade has always been buoyant with foreign investment from Europe and Japan. There are many large companies with parent ownership from outside the US. Of course tourism is still a major force within the state from within and without the US. The lure of Los Angeles and the lovely climate and surfing beaches of the south attracts millions of people to the state every year.

Wine in California

In the last thirty years, Californian wines popularity across the world has soared. Up to the 70s, they were always regarded as gluggable but not classic. Blush Zinfandel and Chardonnay were sold by the demi-john, but now a whole range of first class grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc are beating the world. The most famous vineyards are based in the Napa valley, where the Cabernets and Merlots are rivalling the best of Bordeaux. A lot of this success has been down to Robert Mondavi who introduced the classic production methods of Europe plus some new techniques to suit the Californian region. He also was prepared to share his knowledge with othe winemakers, so the whole area took on the better techniques. When this was coupled with the excellent climate, soil and terrain of California, the quality of wines sky-rocketed and began to take on the rest of the world.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles city has a populaton of 4 million, but the immediate urban area has almost 18 million, making it one of the most populous areas in the world. It is characterised by its multi-cultural make-up, with large communities of Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Armenians, Iranians and Thais. The city was founded in 1871 as `El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles del Rio de Porciuncula` and became part of Mexico in 1821. At the end of the Mexican-American War, it became part of the state of California in 1850. It has since become one of the most important economic centres in the USA and world, renown for its lead in the entertainment and music business in Hollywood.

The Mediterranean climate attracts plenty of holiday-makers to the twenty plus beaches on offer. Venice beach offers the exotic characters, Manhattan has a nice path for strolling and plenty of beach volleyball. Redondo Beach is great for kids with plenty of sand and amusements. If you prefer quieter beaches, try Paradise Cove with its excellent restaurant or the other small Matador Beach to watch the sun go down.

Interesting facts about California

1. One in eight of all Americans live in California

2. It is a state where the majority are minorities! Nearly 60% of the population is Hispanic, Asian, Native American or other group. 26% of residents where not born in the US.

3. Only Alaska and Texas have a greater land area.

4. 3 out of the 10 largest cities in the USA are in California: Los Angeles; San Diego and San Jose.

5. It grows 50% of all the US fruit, vegetables and nuts with almonds being the highest value export

6. Los Angeles used to be called El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de la Porciuncula, which means Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angeles of the Small Portion!

7. Los Angeles has more theatres and museums than any other city in the USA, 80 and 300 respectively.

8. When gold was found in 1848 the fishing village of San Francisco became world famous and the population grew to 35,000 people. It now has a population of almost a million.

9. San Diego has 70 miles of beaches and is reckoned to have the best climate in the USA.

10. The state flag with the bear and 5-pointed star above a red bar derived from a hastily made flag by early settlers in 1846 who proclaimed independence from Mexico.

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