Hollywood. Silicon Valley. The cities, beaches and redwoods. An
enlightening look at the Sunshine State, people, history, and culture!
California is the country's most populous state. The home of the
entertainment industry and silicon valley. It's known for its beaches,
its redwood forests, and as the "land of fruit and nuts." Its people,
industries, politicians, climate, and allure captivates the world and
draws millions of visitors each year. Exploring the state's fascinating
history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, The Handy California
Answer Book takes an in-depth look look at this fascinating, quirky,
and diverse state.
Learn about the original Indigenous peoples, the Spanish explorers, the
independence from Spain, the secession from Mexico, the Gold Rush, the
building of the Los Angeles Aqueducts, the earthquakes, the water
shortages, and much, much more. Tour landmarks from Disney Land to the
Golden Gate Bridge to Yosemite National Park. Learn about famous sons
and daughters, including Ronald Reagan, Jeff Bridges, Tony Hawk, and
John Steinbeck. Sports (college and professional) are illuminated. The
government, parks, and cultural institutions are all packed into this
comprehensive guide to the state of California. Find answers to more
than 1,100 questions, including:
How did "Eureka!" become the state motto?
Why is a grizzly bear on the state flag when no grizzlies exist in
California?
Was the coast of California ever attacked by pirates?
How did Russians come to colonize part of what is now California?
How did the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad drastically
transform the state?
Does the ghost of Cary Grant still roam his favorite home in Palm
Springs?
Is the "Big One" earthquake inevitable, and are Californians prepared
for it?
How did Silicon Valley become a center for the high tech industry?
Can you eat the snails in your backyard in California?
Why do so many Californians want to divide the state into smaller
states?
What is a "Valley Girl" fer shur fer shur?
Why did the Brooklyn Dodgers move to Los Angeles?
Did anyone ever escape the island prison on Alcatraz?
When you order your fast-food burger at In & Out "animal style," what
will land on your plate?
A convenient place to go to look up the basic--and fun--facts about
California, its history and culture, The Handy California Answer
Book illustrates the unique character of the state through a
combination of facts, stats, and stories, as well as the unusual and
quirky. This informative book also includes a helpful bibliography and
an extensive index, adding to its usefulness.
