Hustling and bustling. Sun flashing. Hollywood. Tech giants. All of these words can only describe one place in the world, California. California’s greatness is backed by its influence on the rest of the union with not only being the 5th largest economy in the world, but even politically being the residing state of the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader, Kevin McCarthy. Despite it being the most populous state, nothing is too big to fail. Unfortunately, California still has its fair share of problems like every other state with its outmigration increasing by 38% in 2019 and the recall Governor Newsom effort surpassing 1.9 million signatures.

Despite its challenges, California is the greatest state in the Union because of its landscape, culture, and history.

First and foremost, California’s landscape is unmatched. When people think of California, their eyes light up with the thought of sunny beach fronts and voluminous waters. Especially in our own Orange County, we have access to Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Seal Beach, Long Beach, and etc. This asset creates a booming economy and thriving community that improves the standard of living for us all. Not only is it aesthetically gorgeous, but supports a wide range of professions such as fishing, oil, and the ever so important small businesses (family owned restaurants, clothing etc), especially now during Covid-19.

It is also important not to forget about California’s mountainous and valley regions. Yosemite and Sequoia have renowned forests protected by the federal government. Parks like Sequoia can boast of their redwood trees that are the tallest in the world and the iconic “General Sherman Tree,” the largest tree in the world. I’ve actually seen this tree in person and even though it’s difficult to appreciate this tree’s size because all the other trees around it are huge, you can’t help feeling engulfed by the forest’s entirety.

Yosemite gets over 4 million tourists annually. It’s breathtaking when you are on top of the world after climbing it’s many mountains. I’ve also been to this area and people regularly drink straight from its rivers whilst climbing the mountains. Snow from the top of the mountain melts during the springtime so it’s the prime season to go. It might sound gross, but we’ve all got to live a little. However, why does landscape matter when we have technology? Don’t images on Google and vlogs suffice?

The reason why landscape matters is because the depth of nature cannot be replicated. Throughout history, the most successful civilizations have always been near a river and the same concept applies. Beautiful landscape and terrain provide opportunities to explore and learn. Remember when you were a child and touched every little thing? If you ever drive by Mile Square Park, you can see parents with their children and older people enjoying their time. Walk by the outskirts of Huntington Beach and see a flood of beach goers making sand castles, swimming, and etc. The perspective attained in unmatchable.

Secondly, California is the best state because of its culture.

California’s culture sets the prerequisite for the rest of the world and it’s easy to see why. This state is in the center of movie production, celebrities, sports, and national politics. Aside from the Hollywood culture, California has the largest influx of immigrants which allow the best of cultures to interact. In our very own Orange County, there are plazas of small business eateries that highlight international culinary. In Garden Grove, you can enter authentic Korean markets where you’ll be able to try fresh kimchi and exotic live snails. In Fountain Valley, you can taste Mediterranean and Vietnamese cuisine.

Furthermore, California’s many different regions each have their own environment which makes it perfect for traveling; it makes it seem as if California is many states into one. You’ll be able to travel from LA where you’ll feel like an elite metropolitan and then back to Bakersfield where you can feel like a farmer in the span of hours. It’s amazing! Though one might ask, why does leading the world in culture matter?

Leading the world in culture matters because it sets the prerequisite for the vision we want.

For example, California has been leading the world in reducing carbon emissions for some time and it’s considered at the forefront of the issues. Investments in natural gas, green energy, nuclear, and other alternative forms of energy has been the promise of politicians for many decades and it’s the better world we want. As of recent history, carbon emissions went down during the Obama and Trump Administration and is expected to continue going down with the Biden. Hopefully, in a way that is balanced and takes all factors into consideration.

Last, but not least, California’s history is part of the trifecta that makes it the greatest state in the union. California’s history is rich of adventure and inspiration. Tenacity of California’s have prevailed time and time again with the gold miners immigrating in search of opportunities, imprisoning of Japanese Americans due to McCarthyism, housing crash, and one could argue with the issues California is facing now.

The coast is brimmed with historical landmarks that give us access to where it all happened and moments that unite us.

For example, here is Hearst Castle (which I’ve personally been too) that used to be the residence of a wealthy media mogul, William Randolph Hearst. In fact, William Randolph Hearst’s influence probably matches up there with Henry Ford, but you don’t hear about him as often as the media. Imagine the amount of wealth and influence a person has to have in order to build an estate like that to live in. History gives us stories, hope, and a chance to learn if we take it.

Why does a rich history contribute to a better society? The reason history contributes to a better society is because it provides a point of reference. A point of reference gives a reminder of morale that is needed through some of the roughest moments that we can look back towards today like the Great Depression. Furthermore, we are able to analyze decision of the past and learn which methods work and don’t work.

Well…what about homelessness, crime, high taxes? Is it livable? California remains the most populous state and has its fair share of issues like every state. When you think of where you want to raise your children and grow your family, California peaks at the top of the list because of its opportunities and people. While living in California might be costly, it is certainly worth it. It’s exactly as you see in the movies with a thriving, supportive community that’s an experience you’ll never forget combined with a series of activities. Whether you’re just visiting or permanently residing, California is certainly the state that gets the most attention and I wouldn’t have it any other way.