At first, California may seem to be two (or three) different states: Northern California, with its Mediterranean climate, eclectic politics and high-tech focus and Southern California, which is commonly associated with Hollywood, beaches, and bikini babes and surfer dudes.  The truth is that California offers more much more than these stereotypical definitions.  The common cultural thread between these vast areas involves an acceptance of diversity among its people, a love of new and innovative ideas, and a tenacity to survive in one of the most beautiful and volatile regions in the world.

Though there are many legal and political issues surrounding immigration into Cailfornia, this state has always ultimately benefitted from accepting people from every culture and color.  The immigrants who come here provide ways to learn more about the world without ever needing a passport or exchanging currency.  All cities in California have two or more ethnic groups living together harmoniously.  It is not unusual to take a stroll around the park and see women in saris or men with turbans walking the same path and saying hello to you.  This phenomenon is not limited to large cities, either.  Many suburban areas have become enclaves for various ethnic groups.  While Chinatowns are usually the most famous, you can also find areas where Latinos, Russians, Filipinos, Thais, Indians, Italians and other nationalities have gathered and set up Mom-and-Pop shops and restaurants that provide authentic tastes of their homelands.  The traveller who is prepared for this multi-culturalism will understand and enjoy California thoroughly.

Another common trait among Californians is their love of the new and innovative.  This is the state where the personal computer and blue jeans were invented, where California cuisine and wines grew to challenge European offerings, where the Free Speech movement took hold, and where the phrase "Dude!" became popular.  Okay, that last one proves not every idea from California is great, but no one can deny that if you want to try something different, this is the state to see.  If some of these examples of innovation seem dated, you should try visiting the new Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, seeing "The Incredibles" which was produced at Pixar Studios in Emeryville, or listening to your iPod which was designed by Apple Computers in Cupertino.  California is where the future is made.

Ultimately, the defining characteristic of Californians is a hopefulness and willingness to live fully in the face of persistent disaster.  The state is famously part of the "Ring of Fire," a geological definition of the Pacific Rim areas most likely to be affected by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and has experienced the effects of this in 1906 and 1989.  There have also been fires, floods, mudslides, drought, West Nile virus and Medfly invasions to worry about regularly.  Combine this with growing living costs and housing prices, even Californians wonder occasionally what they are doing here.  The answer lies in the fact that it is hard for many residents to turn their backs on a place with such mild climates and beautiful scenery.  You are never more than a couple of hours from some of the most spectacular views in the world, whether you are captivated by snow-capped mountains, waterfalls, redwoods, deserts, or beaches that drop into the deep, vast Pacific Ocean.  While winter storms may buffet the state with rain, residents who previously lived in the East Coast will tell you they are happy not to deal with shoveling snow anymore (though this option is available in Yosemite National Park or Lake Tahoe, where the snow can be a beautiful bonus).

The combination of all these things: the great natural accessible beauty of the state, the diversity of its people and the constant innovation makes the state and its people a wonderful place to see and experience.  Because the state is so large that it could be divided in to several others, be sure to ask the very friendly and open-minded locals to help you with whatever questions you have about their part of California.