Northern California: Surfing (Ch. 17)

Unlike Southern California, Northern California is cold, rugged, sharky and holds some of great surf but be prepared to battle against big waves and strong winds. Facing into North Pacific with endless reefs, points and beaches but most with difficult access. Dominant wind is from the north or north-west and swell from the north-west or west. Autumn through to spring is the most consistent with a succession of swells hammering the coastline. Sparsely populated this is still considered to be a surfing frontier by many.

The surf city battle is between Huntington Beach, CA (Southern California) versus Santa Cruz, CA (Northern California). Both claim "surf city," however, Santa Cruz was the site of first recorded surfing in California brought over by Hawaiians. Also, Santa Cruz is home to Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.

Santa Cruz Surfing

Surfing in San Francisco Bay

Surfing in Northern California isn't without its dangers -- we're smack in the middle of the "Red Triangle," where there are more great white shark attacks than anywhere else in the world, and Jeff advises against surfing after a rain storm, as pollution and health hazards do exist at some beaches. Also, be sure to heed our warnings about spots that are expert-only -- strong currents, rip tides, big rocks, and other hazards aren't to be trifled with. - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org//news/surfs-best-breaks-santa-cruz-point-reyes#sthash.nLWUzCbu.dpuf

Surfing in Northern California isn't without its dangers -- we're smack in the middle of the "Red Triangle," where there are more great white shark attacks than anywhere else in the world, and Jeff advises against surfing after a rain storm, as pollution and health hazards do exist at some beaches. Also, be sure to heed our warnings about spots that are expert-only -- strong currents, rip tides, big rocks, and other hazards aren't to be trifled with. - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org//news/surfs-best-breaks-santa-cruz-point-reyes#sthash.nLWUzCbu.dpuf

Surfing in Northern California isn't without its dangers -- we're smack in the middle of the "Red Triangle," where there are more great white shark attacks than anywhere else in the world, and Jeff advises against surfing after a rain storm, as pollution and health hazards do exist at some beaches. Also, be sure to heed our warnings about spots that are expert-only -- strong currents, rip tides, big rocks, and other hazards aren't to be trifled with. - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org//news/surfs-best-breaks-santa-cruz-point-reyes#sthash.nLWUzCbu.dpuf

Surfing in Northern California isn't without its dangers -- we're smack in the middle of the "Red Triangle," where there are more great white shark attacks than anywhere else in the world, and Jeff advises against surfing after a rain storm, as pollution and health hazards do exist at some beaches. Also, be sure to heed our warnings about spots that are expert-only -- strong currents, rip tides, big rocks, and other hazards aren't to be trifled with. - See more at: http://www.norcalhostels.org//news/surfs-best-breaks-santa-cruz-point-reyes#sthash.nLWUzCbu.dpuf

Northern California: Asian Immigration (Ch. 16)

The first major large-scale immigration of Asian Americans in Northern California were brought over to California by the pull factors of the Gold Rush just like many of those that came from the east. Most of these immigrants were Chinese. However, most of these Chinese workers were also driven to leave China due to economic hardship secondary to growing British dominance over china after the Opium War of 1839-1842. After the Gold Rush, many Chinese immigrants were put into work in building the transcontinental Railroad. During the 1900s, with the Spanish-American war being over, many Filipino immigrants also moved the US. Consisting of mainly Male Filipinos coming from the Philippines looking for work, there was a definite big controversy with Interracial Dating and fights broke between white and Filipino population due to his disparity. Japanese Immigration was also established in about 1920s till The immigration act of 1924 was passed federally to slow many of these immigration. Most of the Asian immigrants were brought via Angel Island in San Francisco. Angel Island was considered the Ellis Island of the West. However, instead of Europeans, Asians were the new comers arriving.

Today, Asian Americans compromise about 15% of the California population. Unlike any other ethnic groups, Asian Americans are more widely successful financially wise compared to other ethnic groups. Northern California asians usually work for ITs, and urban jobs. Asian Americans also compromise largest demographics of the University systems of California.

Anti Asian sentiment during the passage of Immigration act of 1924.

Chinese Immigrants working on the Transcontinental Railroad

Angel Island

Northern California: Klamath Mountains (Ch. 15)

 The Klamath Mountains lie in the northern most part of the state and some southern parts of Oregon. The Klamath mountains are possibly California's most prestine and least-visited range. Due to low population density of the area, the Klamath mountains are unheard of by most Californians especially those in the south. While low peaks and consist most of the Klamath mountain ranges, it is rich in rivers which cu through steep, heavily wooded peaks with raptors and fultures flying over head through the forest. Towns include Redding, Arcata, Weaverville, and Willow Creek. The Klamath mountains has inspired the "Bigfoot" story. The Klamath mountains are idea for climbing, hiking, back packing and river rafting.

Part of Low mountains and rivers of the Klamath Mountains

Klamath Mountains, Northern California/Southern Oregon

Northern California: Hispanic Immigration (Ch. 14)

Most of the state's Hispanic growth occurred in Southern California during the 1990s especially in Los Angeles suburbs. However, during the later years 2000s, there is an ever changing faster growth of the Hispanic population in Northern California. The growth of Hispanics in Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano, Sonoma, San Joaquina and Sacramento counties exceed their growth rate statewide. These is due to historic ties of Hispanics to agriculture in the North and East bay.  However, Hispanic growth has also been seen and is steepest in cities such as Oakland and richmond. It is projected that hispanics would compromise 43% of the states population by 2025 secondary to the group's higher birthrates and cheaper housing.

Hispanic Agriculture Workers

Northern California: Indegenous Imprints (Ch. 13)

Northwest California
This area would include the Tolowa, Shasta, Karok, Yurok Hupa Whilikut, Chilula, Chimarike and Wiyot tribes. The distinctive northern rainforest environment encouraged these tribes to establish their villages along the many rivers, lagoons and coastal bays that dotted northern California. While this territory was crisscrossed with thousands of trails, the most efficient form of transportation was the dugout canoe used to travel up and down rivers and cross the wider and deeper ones such as the Klamath. These tribes used the great coast Redwood trees for the manufacture of their boats and houses. Redwoods were cleverly felled by burning at the base and then split with elkhorn wedges. Redwood and sometimes cedar planks were used to construct rectangular gabled homes. Baskets in a variety of designs were manufactured in with the twined technique only. Many of these arts survived into the twentieth century and traditional skills have enjoyed a great renaissance in the past twenty years.
The elaborate ritual life of these tribes featured a World Renewal ceremony held each Fall in the largest villages. Sponsored by the wealthiest men in the communities, the ceremony's purpose was to prevent future natural catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods or failure of acorn crop or a poor salmon run. Supplication to supernatural spirits. Because such disasters directly threaten the community, great attention to detail and the utmost solemnity accompanied such ceremonies. This and other traditional rituals continue to be practiced, despite the grinding poverty that plagues many of these groups.
These tribes were governed by the most wealthy and powerful lineage leaders. The great emphasis on wealth found in these cultures is reflected in the emphasis on private ownership of food resources such as oak groves and fishing areas.

Northeast California

This region included the Modoc, Achumawi, and Atsugewi tribes. The western portion of this territory was rich in acorn and Salmon. Further to the East, the climate changes from mountainous to a high desert type of topography. Here food resources were grass seeds, tuber berries along with rabbit and deer.

These Indians found tule to be a useful source of both food (the rootbulb is consumed) and a convenient material when laced together to form floor mats and structure covering. Volcanic mountains in the Western portion of their territory supplied the valuable trade commodity obsidian. The Social-political organization of these peoples was independent but connected to their neighbors by marriage ties. Following contact, the Achumawi and Atsuguewi suffered a tremendous population decline due to vigilante violence and respiratory diseases. The Modocs spectacular 1872 resistance to removal to the Oregon territory was the last heroic military defense of native sovereignty in 19th century California Indian History.

Some surviving Northeast tribesmen received public land allotments around the turn of the century. The XL Rancheria was established for some of these Indians in 1938. 

 

Northern California: Mountains (Ch. 12)

The California mountains were formed millions of years ago. Until today, it still grows a few inches a year. The highest peaks in the California lie within the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet is the tallest. Second is Mount Williamson at 14,380, also within the Sierra Nevada. The foothills area of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges comprises much of California's Gold rush. The Sierra has 200–250 sunny days each year, warm summers, fierce winters, and varied terrain, a rare combination of rugged variety and pleasant weather. The famous Yosemite Valley lies in the Central Sierra. Several of the highlights to the famed Yosemite National Park within the Sierra Nevada range are Half Dome and the Yosemite waterfall. The large, deep freshwater Lake Tahoe lies to the North of Yosemite. The Sierra is also home to the Giant Sequoia, the most massive trees on Earth. The three major national parks in this province are Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park which all lie in Northern California.

Sierra Nevada Mountains Half Dome

Northern California : Hydroelectic power (Ch. 11)

California is the biggest economy in the United States. It also consumes more power than any other state. However, California has one of the lowest per capita uses of electricity secondary to tight measures and regulations. Due to this high use of electricity, California is required to produce atleast 200,000 Gigawatts per year. About 12.5% of this comes to Hydroelectric power generated in Northern California. Due to high precipitation and abundance of rivers and flowing water coming from Sierra Nevada, Northern California is a rich place to build dams. Dams mainly have two purpose, for water irrigation (which helps the agriculture sector) and electric power production.

California has nearly 259 hydro plants, which are mostly located in the Sierra Nevada's mountains' west side in northern California. The top 5 largest dams are the Oroville Dam, New bullards Bar Dam, New Melones Dam, Shasta Dam, and New Don Pedro Dam.

Shasta Dam

New Melones Dam

New Bullards Bar Dam

Oroville Dam

Northern California : Economics (Ch. 4)

Northern California Economy

Northern California economy is one that is considered Diverse. It is very diverse in a sense that it produces many agricultural products from grapes (as discussed earlier), to rice, green beans, apples, oranges, carrots, peppers, and all sorts of agricultural products. At the same time, Northern California is home to many younger billionaires of our time due to its location to Silicon Valley, home to Facebook, Apple, Google, Yahoo!, Intel, AMD, and various other newer tech firms. Besides this, Northern California is also home to the San Francisco-Oakland port where it is a main hub connecting much of the west coast to the country. It is in an ideal location due to land connections via rail, river, and roadways to the rest of the country. Though much smaller compared to Detroit, the auto industry is also starting a boom in Northern California with newer companies such as Tesla Motors, based in Fremont, CA where the all electric car Tesla Roadster is made and manufactured.

Inside the Tesla Factory in Fremont, CA

VVideo of the Northern California Economy

Port of Oakland

Northern California : Megalopolis (Ch. 7)

San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland

According the the US Census Bureau 2010, the 5th largest metropolitan area is that located around San Francisco, behind only New York, Greater Los Angeles,  Chicago Metropolitan and Washington area in terms of population. The San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland consist of about 8-9 million people. The area is known for its high diversity population with about 52.5 white, Hispanic/Latino 23.5, Asians coming to about 23.3% of the population and mix of other. Though the public transportation in the downtown San Francisco is common with Bus, Trollies (usually seen in movies), subway, ferry boat, and railroads are abundant, 80.9% of the metropolitan residents still use automobile as the main mean of transportation.

City of San Francisco Connected by the Old Bay Bridge to Oakland

City of San Francisco

San Jose, California

San Francisco hills with Trolly Tracks

San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland Megalopolis in Red

Northern California : Climate (Ch. 2)

Northern California Climate

Northern California has a diverse geography extending from the coast to the snow capped mountains of Sierra Nevada to the east. The climate is generally characterized like Mediterranean climates along the coast due to the latitudinal location. Towards the mountains, it is somewhat Continental Mediterranean climate to Alpine climate zones in the high mountains.

Northern California Coast

A Giant Sequoia Tree situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains where Alpine Climate zones are present during the winter and spring months.

Smith River in Northern California where Continental Mediterranean Climate is common. 

San Francisco Coastal Northwest weather

Northern California : North of the cities (Ch. 5)

Northern California: North of the Cities

Past north the megalopolis of the San Jose-San Francisco-Sacramento, lies counties where most are lightly populated and isolated. Cities include from Santa Rosa (north of San Francisco) to Elk Valley (towards the coast boardering Oregon, and from Lake Tahoe (Bordering Nevada) to Devils Garden to the most North Eastern part of the state. This area of California is known for its many Rivers and lakes including the main Klamath River, Eel River, the Sacramento River, and San Joaquin River for which all end up draining either to the San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean. All these rivers receive their waters mainly from the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

These areas are mainly rural and are agricultural areas. Popular in these areas are most known for their redwood trees, and hilly and mountainous areas. The north coast offers a popular scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. The area is among the most rural and least populated in California mainly known for River activities.


Northern California showing multiple river basins and lakes (Courtesy of California Nevada River Forecast Center) http://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/