Focus on California

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Superlatives are perhaps the best way to describe California when compared to the rest of the U.S.  It has the highest peak in the continental U.S. (Mt. Whitney), boasts the world’s tallest trees (Redwoods),  is the most linguistically diverse (over 200 languages spoken), has the deepest desert (Death Valley) and it is the most populated state.

The name “California” is believed to have derived from a legend that claimed that there was once a civilization consisting of only very strong women who were ruled by Queen Califia.  Contrary to that, it has historically been one of the most diverse areas in pre-Columbian times.  It was originally inhabited by more than 70 distinct groups of Indians.

In today’s society, this diversity still exists from its population, to the religions they practice and the languages they speak.  Close to 60% are Caucasion, 36% are Hispanic and the remainder are Asian, African-American and American Indian.  Languages spoken are 60% English, 26% Spanish, followed by Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean and numerous others for a total of over 200 languages.  The state has the most Roman Catholics of any state, a large Protestant population, the second largest Jewish community in North America and the largest Muslim population in the U.S.

Some would say that Southern California is a magnifying glass of all that diversity.  With inhabitants from all over the world, it has always been at the forefront of new ways of thinking, dressing and even living.  While there is no official definition for the northern boundary of Southern California, it is generally considered to be the land south of the Tehachapi Mountains.  Within those boundaries is Los Angeles, considered to be a major world city, and five counties that are in the top 15 most populous in the U.S.  The region is home to over 23 million people.

The economy of Southern California is also diverse.  The “Tech Coast” is an area known for its technology innovations and world-renowned research institutions. The University of California employs more Nobel Prize laureates than any other institution in the world. It is the entertainment capital of the world and is home to Hollywood, the center of the motion picture industry.  Companies such as Walt Disney, Sony, Paramount Pictures, 20^th Century Fox and Warner Brothers are headquartered there.  The region is also home to many successful sports franchises which add to the economy.  The five largest economic sectors are trade, transportation, government, leisure and hospitality. 

Politically, the state is governed as a republic.  It has three branches consisting of the executive branch, which is the Governor and other independently elected officers; the legislative branch, consisting of the Assembly and Senate; and the judicial branch.  The judiciary in California is the largest in the U.S.  The state also allows direct participation of the electorate by initiative, referendum, recall and ratification.  Since 1990, California has generally elected Democratic candidates, although they had no hesitation in electing Gov. Schwarzenegger who is a Republican.

The income tax in California is the third highest in the nation.  It has six official brackets with the top rate at 9.3%.   Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt.  Corporate income tax is 8.84%, making it the 10^th highest in the nation.  The state levies a 7.25% general sales tax which is above the national median of 5.4.  Local governments are allowed another 1.5%.  Property is assessed at 100% of full cash value.  The maximum tax is limited to 1% of that value. 

With all the sports teams, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World, the ocean and numerous state parks, California has plenty to offer in the way of recreation and entertainment.  So, pack up the grandkids and make a week of it while you tour any of the numerous active adult communities located in Southern California. 

If you haven’t checked out our new website, please do.  There have been lots of great changes to make it much easier to search and we have added numerous properties.