Tell me about California!
 

Well, after seeing CutiePie's Texas thread--c'mon Californians! Tell me more about California! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I'm a native New yorker--and I've only been to CA twice--but my, my I love it there! I've only visited SF and LA--but California is certainly one of my most favorite destinations! I think I want to move to CA after college in NY! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Well...where do I start? Possibly with--within a 90 minute drive I am in the middle of the desert, or up in the mountains skiing, or in 10 minutes I'm staring at the ocean...

With gorgeous natural landscape, amazing weather, and a million other things, I simply wouldn't live anywhere else.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif So much more to say, but that's all the time I have right now...newbie? SoCalGirl? Theta-cutie? USCourtney? Persephone? Where are y'all?

Thanks Amy ! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif HOpefully more Californians come here and talk about the state, too! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

TEXAS KICKS cough*#%cough

Umm sorry bebe, but I totally disagree. I visited Texas before...gotta say, I hated it! Just doesn't work if you're a non-conservative, non-Republican! Sorry, I love CAli's environment WAYYYYYY more. Liberal, fun, welcoming, and as Amy said--a beach, a ski resort, a desert, a valley--all in Cali baby!

Plus I just thought that some Texans are sexist.

I'm not Californian but I will offer my input as I've been there 4x in my life.

I can mostly tell you about San Francisco and San Jose (Silicon Valley). San Francisco's weather can change on a dime and this is because of the San Francisco Bay. While in San Francisco, refer to it as "San Francisco" or "The City"....if you call it Frisco or San Fran, everyone will know you're a tourist (or from elsewhere!). San Francisco is fairly expensive and it can be tough to find a reasonably priced place where to live. Also, SF has homeless people like you wouldn't believe so if this is something that bothers you, I wouldn't recommend SF. The weather can be chilly in the summer (this is not suntanning and Beach Boys territory, but it can get hot, if it is not windy), but SF has great ammentities and night life. Also, as far as big cities go, I would say it is fairly safe...just avoid the neighbourhood known as "Tenderloin"....it is very scarey and rough!

San Jose (and surrounding areas): the heart of Silicon Valley. This is about 30 miles South of San Francisco and the climate is quite different. They used to have fruit orchards here, so the weather is hot and sunny. There isn't a lot of character to San Jose as it is a lot of business parks thanks to all the computer companies. Nicer cities are Redwood City, Palo Alto (Stanford Univ. is here!) and so on. San Jose and its surrounding areas have a high housing cost, thanks to all the I.T. firms in the area.

Los Angeles: I went to Disneyland when I was little so I don't remember much. I do remember going to Newport Beach and that it was lovely.

The only thing I would say about California is that it is probably one of the more expensive states to live in. But it is beautiful, the people are laid back and forward thinking. A lot of "trends" start out in California, like step aerobics, Tae-Bo that kind of thing. Californians are legendary for being the first to pioneer something.

If my Canadian citizenship thing wasn't an issue, I would be in California in 2 seconds!
You'll love it!!

What is the weather like there? Is it humid?

I gotta agree about Cali. It definitely is the shizz. In another thread I mentioned that I would gladly leave Hawaii to be able to live in California, and I may actually have the chance if my prospective graduate schools accept me!

And bebechick's comment about "why are there 403184039243 californians in tx?"...WTF was that about? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

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"Talk doesn't cook rice."--Someone smart

Visit Alpha Gamma Delta-Delta Sigma chapter!

[This message has been edited by OohTeenyWahine (edited April 14, 2001).]

Weather is amazing here Billy. Not too humid at all. Today it is 75 and sunny and the air smells like orange blossoms and jasmine. The hottest time of the year is August and September, when temps in the city reach 85 or 90. It can get into the 100's in the San Fernando Valley. I speak only of Los Angeles, here as that is where I live.

I've alos lived in San Diego and there is no more perfect climate on earth, IMHO.

AND, finally, I didn't see bebe_chicks post on the 4058675732 or whatever Californians in Texas, but, as an alum of USC, why was every other student there, from Texas?

Just showin' a little California pride. I happen to think this state is paradise--there is something for everyone here--whether you're a surfer, a skiier, a conservative, a liberal, a 'granola' or 'shallow.'

A

Thanks guys keep the comments coming!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif California truly is the bomb. *sigh* I love NY, but I can't get enough of CA's weather, ppl, nightlife, etc. etc.!!

BEBE--1st graders have shown more class than you. If you don't like California--so be it, but you don't have to come on here and enter that ridiculous number in, saying that number of people have chosen to go to TX...so dear Bebe--do you got the stats to PROVE IT??? Or are you just naming off pointless things from the top of your head, which you can't even back up?? Get a life, please. you can go and praise Texas all you want--just don't do it here.

I totally agree Bubbles!Like I said in a previous post, this is a college, grad and beyond chatroom....if a h.s. student has the class and maturity to post here, Welcome! If they don't....well, to the Yahoo! kiddie corner!

Well Said Super XO! And, I might add, we would not all be here today connecting thru greekchat if not for california-- the home of the first sucessful internet dial ups in the 60's between UCLA and Stanford.

The best donuts in the world are only found in Los Angeles at Randy's Donuts!!! They are the only ones I will eat.

I discovered this last January...

The best thing about California (well, maybe So Cal only)?

DEL TACO...where one can order almost 20 items off the menu for less than $10.00! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

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"Talk doesn't cook rice."--Someone smart

Visit Alpha Gamma Delta-Delta Sigma chapter and help some sisters out!

ha ha OTW. Del Taco is in the Southwest I believe. I've seen them in Vegas and in AZ.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif But boy did we ever live off Del Taco in college--had one right at the end of fraternity/sorority row.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif
Amy

You are so right, Susan! I think she is probably just jealous of all the attention California gets!!

But, you know, the attention is well-deserved! There are so many pioneers here, so many progressives, so much fun and such a variety of everything. Here's a few things I love that no one else has mentioned:

California is just as diverse, and usually more so than any other place in the world! It's fun interacting with other cultures. Usually my favorite part is the different food. i love Thai, Japanese, Indian, Curry, nouvelle Californian and just about anything else there is to try.

Second, the environment. This is why people live here. Tons of people have already mentioned the weather and Amy stole the words right out of my mouth with access to different locales. Here's something else. Did you know California has the highest peak in the continental US (Mt. Whitney) and the lowest point in the world (Badwater, in Death Valley). And those two points are just a couple hours away from each other. In fact, in one day you could probably go to Badwater, then climb Mt. whitney, although you'd get real sick from the elevation!

I love the national parks here, cuz I love nature! Death Valley sounds awful, but is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has the most extreme points on earth, with Badwater, like I mentioned at -200 ft. elevation and just about 11 miles away, 11,000 ft. telescope peak. They actually call it Death Valley because of how cold and snowy it is in winter, but it does get to almost 130 degrees in summer sometimes. There are volcanic craters, mountains, desert wildlife, mines, castles and sand dunes just like the Sahara.

And what about the Sierras? Aside from skiing, there are so many recreational activities like hangliding, hiking, mountain biking, and boating on the thousands of lakes. Pictures of Half Dome in Yosemite are always so inspirational to me and I am so excited to go see it in a couple of months for the first time in person. the great thing is that it is only a couple of hours away from my home in SF.

What else? the redwoods are world-renowned. Lake Tahoe and it's emerald bay is one of the most photographed spots on the planet. Hearst Castle is fun and on the beautiful drive up and down the coast on famous PCH- Highway 1.

What I love about Californians is how well they take care of their stuff. Yeah, everyone hears how polluted LA is, but we also know CA has the strictest emissions standards and so much protected National Park, State Park, National Forest and more land owned by the Bureau of Land Management than any other state except Alaska.

So, you can tell I am an environmentalist! There's nothing I love better than experiencing all the different facets of nature and making sure that it's not littered with trash and pollution...Californians are pretty good about this, IMO. Also, I thought this would present a slightly different perspective since when outsiders think of California, they typically think of Hollywood, Silicon Valley, beaches and LOTS of people! That's all true, but there's so much more! In fact, what does califonia not have? I don't know! It's a place of great beauty, craziness, and joy. Can you tell I am in love with my home state? I am so glad to be back!!!!!

Wow! I'm sorry for that last post, you guys! I hope no one gets eye-strain reading it...I had no idea I had typed so much!

Boy--I have a LOT to say about my beautiful state--California!!! However, I'm at work now--so can't really say much. But lemme tell ya--when I get the chance, our threads will put the Texas thread to shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW--SuperXO, I totally disagree with you about Cali being a mean state!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif I was so surprised when I read your comment! Are you from SF? I'm from SF originally--in college in Colorado--but the ppl of SF are the best--the nicest, some of the most educated, the most accepting, etc. I have never heard bad words about SF's ppl! I've been to Texas--to be honest, I felt like I was being smothered in its total overexaggerate (IMHO) old-fashioness. I like being treated like an equal, not as a "little missy"! Ughh. I just felt like I was being treated like an object. Definitely not in CA though!

Alright--a LOT more about California coming from me soon! Newbie is from SF, too, Bubbles--but she's been really busy/stressed out lately with schoolwork, so that's why she hasn't replied yet. I'm sure she has a lot of praise for her state too! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Theta-cutie (edited April 17, 2001).]

Mannnn... now I want to be there more than ever. I'm gonna thank you all in my oscar speach.

it was 83 degrees and sunny and gorgeous today in los angeles. 'nuff said.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

It snowed here. Quit rubbing it in! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Theta,
actually, I like the people in California, too. It's true that in one of my posts in the Texas thread, I talked about Californians being kinda rude compared to Texans, but I didn't insinuate that I didn't like that. I find the bumper sticker I mentioned really funny and I in no way feel that Californians are extra mean. I just know a lot of people feel that way because they like the syrupy sweet type people you find in some more old-fashioned places, it seems to me. I like the no-nonsense, say-something-worthwhile-or-don't-waste-my-time type people I find in Cali. Those are the people I am comfy with and that's why I stay here year after year. I love people who don't bug you unless you asked to be bugged. That's how I see califnornia. People don't try to get into your business here.

Well, it's all perspective. I know a lot of people consider that attitude rude, so that's why I said Californians can be mean. But, some people love it! I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Usually I don't try to apologize for my posts, but I would hate to give anyone the impression that I don't love everything about California. Again, there are TOO MANY people, but they are the smartest, most diverse and easiest people to live around in the country! Go Cali!

WOW, THANKS so much to all you californians who replied--you guys are the best!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif Now I want to live there more than ever! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I love the weather out there--back here in the east--it gets pretty darn brutal! Keep the replies coming, I love it! And THANKS again for all the information--Cali sounds almost like heaven! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Mandy

California is simply one of the most beautiful places to live in, IMHO!! I LOVE CA...if I could, I would go and move there right now! It is simply PERFECT--the people are wonderful--nice, smart, tons of fun, cultured, on top of everything (from World News to Entertainment and everything in between), accepting of "different" people's lifestyles, non-discriminating, and the ppl are GORGEOUS.

I have always had a thing for CA men--I don't know why, they seem to be the best guys of the whole nation...and that's saying a lot, since I travel tons!

There's also nothing like the lush CA landscape, with rolling hills one mile away from the city, with the crashing surf a few blocks away, with beautiful icy white snow in the Sierras...and the beaches are simply gorgeous. Plus it has part of Lake Tahoe and some of the finest resorts.

There's also nothing that will ever top CA in my book--in entertainment, in the quality of the people who live there, in the beauitful homes and weather...sure, it's expensive to live in parts of CA (San Francisco is #2 in the WHOLE Nation for most expensive living), but it's SOOO well worth the money. I envy my cousins who live in SF, LA, SD!!

I've already promised myself that I will live in CA sometime in my lifetime--and you bet that I'm gonna try and make it quick!

Jacqueline

Well this has seemed to turn into a Tx vs. Ca battle here....but anyway..I'm originally from texas and lived there for 19 years, and have lived the last 3 years in California (los Angeles)...So anybody that hasn't lived in both states can't really judge either one....Obviously I'm partial to Texas cuz thats my homeland, if you like the down home, friendly atmosphere then Texas is your place. If you like to slow things down and have a little pride in your state then Texas is your place. If you like breathing clean air and seeing more then a few stars at night then Texas is your place. When I came out to Cali from Texas it was pretty much culture shock to me. The weather is beautiful, the girls are blonde(and if they were'nt born blonde then they most likely are now), you have a beach no more then a 1/2 hour away, you will see races of people you never even thought existed. Its a fast paced lifestyle, everyone has got somewhere to be. You pretty much have people trying to live a simple life in a not so simple atmospere (Nor Cal people dont get mad, im speaking specifically about So Cal). Theres like 12 million people in Southern California, so in result a lot of competition, more individuality, terrible real estate costs, and a 405 freeway that will make you want to kill yourself....But anyway...you make the call.....

Oh yeah...I forgot...Sorry Cali Ladies...the girls in Texas are much hotter

GEE WHIZ...SAE...talk about BIASED. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif Well anyway..I have spent a lot of time in Cali as I said in my previous post. I've witnessed the direct opposites of what you said about Cali. couldn't rave enough about the state. Too bad you don't think the same way.

Alright now SAE...

ENOUGH with the bashing. Please...can't you be more mature than that, especially your second post? I disagree--Cali women are simply beautiful...and not all are blondes. And hey...so yuou say there are many blondes there...well has it occurred to you that some are just born naturally blonde? umm...DUH. Yeah some dye their hair blonde...but so what?

Look...if you don't have something positive to say about California, please don't post.

'Nuff said.

[This message has been edited by bubbles17 (edited April 25, 2001).]

Not to be rude...but the name of this topic is " Tell me about California"..not "lets be positive about California"....We all have our opinions

Yes, but it seems like your intent is to directly compare Texas and Cali, and of course, you want Texas to be the winner, so you will go and make rude remarks about the appearance http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif of the Cali women vs. the Texas women. We really don't need that.

Reality Check...So Cali isn't the dreamland you thought it was...maybe it would be if the millions of people here hadn't already destroyed it

I am going to have to agree with SAE1955. First off i want to say that I am from Texas but that has nothing to do with me agreeing with him. The post is called "Tell me about California". Do you honestly think that everyone that posted here was going to say positive things about it- like how much they loved it and how it was the best state ever? Come on- this is a collection of people's opinion and he has a right to say whatever he wants to respectfully. So what if he thinks women from Texas are prettier than Californian women. I think that you, bubbles, need to calm down and relax a little bit. Loosen up a little why dont you. Geez! He was not at all bashing California. Its not like he was saying anything directly to you anyways.

Simmer Down Now
You all know that you live in beautiful states and that every corner of this country has it's perks. Just to point out that people from the country or a slower pace of life may find Cali a bit overwhelming. On the other hand people from Cali might find places like Texas a bit boring.

So why don't you all shake hands, make nice and remember...
clears throat to sing UNL's fight song
THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE NEBRASKA...
HA HA HA

Love ya all - HOOTIE

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What do you get when you cross and Alpha Omicron Pi and a Sigma Phi Epsilon? A beautiful Chi Omega!!! http://www.unomaha.edu/~comega

[This message has been edited by Hootie (edited April 25, 2001).]

SAE had some validity in his first post...but the comment about "TEXAS GIRLS ARE BETTER" was really uncalled for. And the comment about "how they are blonde..and if not, they are now"? Get real. You know and I know that's a harsh stereotype. Last I thought this post was about living in California...things about California...if I were a California girl I'd take offense to that.

This thread wasn't started to make Texas (or any other state for that matter) look bad. To be honest, I thought this thread was to talk about positive California things. SAE, if you want to speak highly of your state, there's already a thread for that. But if you have to list the negatives of California, please keep in mind that what you say may offend many people who love the state.

SAE kinda reminds me of that high school girl who initially started the Texas vs. California battle. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif SAE, keep that up and I can guarantee that you won't gain too many friends here.

Harsh words I know, but that's my 2 cents (as usual).

I dont want to start anything, but he SAE has lived in California- so its not like he is saying this based on things he has heard, or from "visits" to California. Of course, we all want to hear positive things all the time but in reality, not everything is "peachy". It is not like anyone here hasnt ever made a comment about how they dont like a certain thing. So what if he doesnt like California as much as Texas. Like Hootie said, its just a state. In the Texas post- i know a couple of people said Houston's weather is just awful and the most air polluted city- which is true, and i didnt make a big fuss about it. Even if i didnt think the weather wasnt bad (if i thought that, i'd be crazy!) and others did- that is their own opinion.

Maybe the comment about the women being hotter in texas was a little over the top.

I've actually already gained many of friends here...and they have no problem hearing me talk bad about Cali..Believe me I get plenty of crap being from Texas, but I've learned to let it go..and about offending people that live here..I could care less...the people are cool here but they have got to be some of the most narrow minded people...if its not So Cali then its not important...you can't disagree with me on that...love ya

I apologize for the Texas/Cali women comment....I like brunettes.

I know California's not perfect. I know it's polluted..yada yada yada. From reading his post I got the impression that he was fueling the Texas vs. California battle that the high school person started a few weeks ago.

SAE, I could give a rat's butt about your friends in California because it wasn't they whom I was talking about. There are many GC Californians on this board. Two people were already offended. Your posts are getting more and more arrogant ("if it's not So Cali then it's not important")...don't you have anything positive to say? You're not gaining too many fans here. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

I apologize to who ever I have offended....I'm just telling it like it is, I have my opinions about California and that is that...obviously almost every person from California would disagree with me...and thats cool...I hope they would...but you would have a hard time debating anything that I said in my original post...maybe an outsider might see things from a different perspective...nothing wrong with that