tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70707577951000585942024-03-12T18:08:20.403-07:00Californian AdventurerTrying to get a taste of all the cool stuff happening in the Golden StateMainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-43806268377025358032009-03-16T17:13:00.001-07:002009-03-16T17:15:14.857-07:00California Academic DecathalonMarch 15, 2009 - Sacramento:<br /><br />More than 500 competitors from 60 California high schools, with their coaches and parents, filled the cavernous Sacramento Memorial Auditorium for the last event in a grueling two-day match to select the brainiest team of high schoolers in the state.<br /><br />Moorpark High School took top honors in the 30th Annual California Academic Decathlon on Monday, setting the stage for the reigning national champion team to defend its title next month. Moorpark High set a record last year for the highest score in the statewide competition.<br /><br />El Camino Real High School placed second this year in the state competition.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-2075914591348367522009-03-16T17:09:00.001-07:002009-03-16T17:11:54.196-07:00Prop 1A- Special Elections 2009Largest State Tax Increase or Responsible Budget Management?<br /><br /><br />California Proposition 1A, also known as the Budget Stabilization Act, will appear on the special, statewide May 19, 2009 ballot in California as part of a package that state legislators believe will fix the state's budget problems. <br /><br />Proposition 1A will extend for as long as four years the approximately $16 billion tax increase that is part of the budget deal struck in Sacramento. It will also impose a limit on the amount the state can spend each year.<br /><br />Although six of the seven statewide ballot propositions on the May ballot (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F) are intended to close an approximately $42 billion budget gap. A new report by the California Legislative Analyst's Office said in early March that tax revenues flowing into the state treasury are "well below" the projections it used earlier in the year, and that California's government now faces an additional $8 billion gap in addition to the earlier $42 billion gap.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-27187100314337541582009-01-28T08:39:00.000-08:002009-01-28T08:40:49.107-08:00More Snow in California Ski ResortsIt was just in the nick of time, as warm temperatures had been threatening mountain resorts' snow conditions for two weeks. The weather let up Monday (for an amazing powder day, I might add) with just a few snow flurries and is expected to return to crisp, sunny skies Tuesday. Here's how some west coast resorts stacked up on Monday:<br /><br /><LI>Mountain High reported two inches of natural snowfall matched with overnight temperatures in the teens, which enabled the resort to make more snow.<br /><br /><LI>Over the hill at Bear Mountain natural accumulation was four inches. Snowmaking is expected to continue for several days.<br /><br /><LI>Mammoth Mountain reported five feet of fresh snow accumulated over the last four days.<br /><br /><LI>Northstar-at-Tahoe reports a seven-day snowfall total of two feet at the summit.<br /><br /><LI>There was plenty of shredding to be had at Sierra-at-Tahoe, too, where 34 inches were recorded at the summit over the weekend.<br /><br /><LI>Nearby Kirkwood Mountain Resort was graced with up to 39 inches of snow, reporting that the top foot of snow is lighter than the snow underneath it.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-27315299686423174192009-01-28T05:48:00.000-08:002009-01-28T05:51:00.833-08:00Fiscal Aid to CaliforniaAn economic stimulus package working its way through Congress could provide $10 billion in federal relief over the next two years for California's public schools, raising optimism among educators that it might ease cutbacks caused by the state's budget crisis.<br /><br />The money is part of an $825 billion stimulus package the House of Representatives is expected to vote on today. It contains about $140 billion for schools nationwide. <br /><br />The package would provide millions of dollars to most school districts in the Bay Area and across the state for construction, special education and help for low-income students.<br /><br />"This does not solve the fiscal crisis, but it does throw us a lifeline," state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell said Tuesday.<br /><br />Although no package has been approved, California educators are salivating over what could be the largest infusion of one-time federal cash for schools in the state's history. <br /><br />California is facing a $42 billion budget gap over the next 18 months, and state lawmakers have yet to agree on how to close it. With the state on the brink of running out of cash, California hopes to borrow money to keep short-term cash flowing.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-70479412173067738482009-01-09T09:04:00.000-08:002009-01-09T09:06:47.947-08:00Stay in Crescent City<p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/redwoodcoast/ccthtl04.jpg">.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/hotels/cilogo.gif" ALIGN=LEFT><font size=4><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/redwoodcoast/ccth_crescentcity_comfortinn.htm">Crescent City Comfort Inn</a></font><br /><br><font size=2>100 Walton St, Crescent City, CA 95531;<br /><br>Location: Southside near Crescent City Harbor</font><br /><br>This 100 percent non-smoking hotel is located at Gateway to the Redwood Forest and offers large rooms, some with partial ocean views. <br />Many of the rooms and suites have a balcony and a large whirlpool bath. <br />Guestroom Amenities at the Comfort Inn include in-room coffee service, 25-inch TV, microwave, refrigerator, ironing board,<br /> iron, clock radio, hair dryer, cable and HBO.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-61646407066296860482009-01-07T11:37:00.001-08:002009-01-07T11:39:12.227-08:00Ski Season is Booming<p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/globul1a.gif" ALIGN=LEFT><font size=4><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/inlandempire/big_bear_lake.htm">Big Bear Mountain Tour</a></font><br />Wrightwood, CA - Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood is reporting a record-breaking holiday season, with skier visits up more than 40% over last year for the two-week Christmas period.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-16720235402603048152009-01-07T05:45:00.000-08:002009-01-07T05:51:01.527-08:00Whale Watching is Back<p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/globul1a.gif" ALIGn=LEFT><font size=4 color=blue><br /> <a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/spt/whale.htm">California Whale Watching Tours</a> : Jan-Mar</font><br /> <br>From January through March, some 28,000 Pacific Gray Whales make their annual migration up along<br /> the coast to their summer Alaska feeding grounds. During the summer Blue and Humpback Whales also<br /> come to visit the local waters delighting visitors with upclose encounters. <br /><br /><p>California has several major world class aquarium exhibits and a number of lessor ones with a major emphasis on exploring life and habitat of the California Coastline.<br /><br /><p>The several major aquariums can provide a lot more info about guided VIP whale watching tours.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/globul1a.gif" ALIGN=LEFT><font size=4 color=blue><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/montereybay/mbaquarium.htm">Tour Monterey Bay Aquarium</a> - Monterey CA</font><br /><br>Since it first opened in 1984, this facility has quickly evolved into one of the most unique and most popular attractions in America. It features many award-winning exhibits that are rich in information about the many animals, plants and natural habitats of our oceans with a special emphasis on the Pacific Ocean.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/globul1a.gif" ALIGN=LEFT><font size=4 color=blue><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/longbeach/pacificaquarium.htm">Aquarium of the Pacific</a> - Long Beach CA</font><br /><br>It takes more than an ordinary aquarium to lead you on journey of discovery of the world's largest ocean. Special exhibits let your dive into a unique exploration of sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. <br /><br /><p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/globul1a.gif" ALIGN=LEFT><font size=4 color=blue><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/spt/coastal_monument.htm">California Coastal National Monument</a></font><br /><br>Established in 2000, the California Coastal National Monument runs the entire length of the California coast (1,100 miles) between Oregon and Mexico, extends 12 nautical miles from the shoreline, and encompasses thousands of BLM administered islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and pinnacles above mean high tide.<br /><br /><p>Cooperatively managed with other federal, state, local overnment, universities, and private interests, the primary purpose of the Monument is to protect important biological and geological values. The islands, rocks, reefs, and pinnacles provide forage and breeding grounds for significant populations of birds and sea mammals.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-23906058717390231242009-01-06T05:47:00.000-08:002009-01-06T05:49:35.407-08:00Joshua Tree in Wintertime<p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mojave/joshuatreetall.jpg" ALIGN=RIGHT><br /><font size=4><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mojave/joshuatree.htm">Joshua Tree National Park</a></font><br /><br>I went out with the Boy Scouts to visit Joshua Tree last week. They love the place with all the abundance of its giant rock formations. Never mind that the temperature dropped by 25 degrees right at sunset.<br /><br>Standing nearly 40 feet tall, the Joshua Tree is not really a tree at all but the largest member of the Yucca family of plants. It was so name by early Mormon pioneers crossing the desert who found the angular branches to resemble the outstretched arms of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promise Land.<br /><br /><p>Of particular note are the many unusual plants found here including Joshua trees, cactus,<br />ocotillo, smoke treess, palo verdes, pinon pins, yucca plants. The best<br />time to visit is early spring when a big array of desert wildflowers<br />reach full bloom.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-88628784309020339732009-01-06T05:44:00.000-08:002009-01-06T05:46:11.633-08:00San Diego Chargers Advance<p><font size=4><a href="http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-2717099-10378857" target="_top"><br />AFC Divisional Game Tickets</a><br /><br>11-Jan-2009 : San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers</font><br /><br>Sunday / 4:45 PM @ Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA,<br /><br>Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s status for Sunday’s Divisional Playoff game in Pittsburgh is uncertain due to his sore groin, <br />but Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett will be prepared to carry the load if needed just as they did against the Colts on Saturday.<br />But the weather in Pittsburgh is going to be oh so cold!MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-35772909636763317152009-01-05T21:14:00.000-08:002009-01-05T21:15:55.934-08:00La Jolla Classic Car Show<p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/globul1a.gif" ALIGN=LEFT><font size=4 color=blue><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/sandiego/la_jolla.htm">Tour La Jolla Classic Car Show</a> - Jan 11, 2009</font><br /><br />Over 140 classic vintage automobiles will be on display at the 5th Annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic on January 11th. Come admire the breathtaking views of La Jolla Cove and the coastline as you view the range of fine cars, and make sure to stroll up to La Jolla Village for a taste of the exceptional dining and stylish shopping on offer.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-5056645427135570172008-12-03T20:17:00.000-08:002008-12-03T20:21:19.252-08:00New California Legislature Starts SessionOh Man! Did a lot happen on the first day of the new California Legislature on Dec 1st. The governor declares a fiscal state of emergency as revenue shortfalls continue to plunge. <br /><br />The same day Congress starts working a proposal to bailout state and local governments. This proposal will only encourage politicians to continue their terrible fiscal policies instead of cleaning up wasteful programs.<br /><br />I hate when politicians resort to dump tricks.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-3819101439460320792008-11-19T21:38:00.000-08:002008-11-19T21:39:15.166-08:00Carlsbad Vacation GetawayWe have a new special featuring vacation opportunities in <a href="http://carlsbadbeachhotelresort.blogspot.com">Carlsbad California</a>.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-19849400659938575612008-11-15T10:42:00.000-08:002008-11-15T10:45:51.778-08:00California Home School<b>Open Up School in the Great California Outdoors for your children</b><br /><br />Home School offers dramatic opportunities for students to research and expand their horizons in vocations of their choice. Much of this can happen in the great California Outdoors.<br /><br />California home schooling opportunities are constantly improving.<br />See the special report <a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/spt/school_home.htm">Here</a> and <a href="http://www.maintour.com/spt/homeschool_general.htm">Here</a>.<br /><br />Another big part of this is the great <a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/spt/scout_camps.htm">Scouting Adventures</a> available in California.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-53615825308754040532008-11-07T16:24:00.001-08:002008-11-07T16:32:07.078-08:00San Diego Chargers Football<i><b>The Bolts</I></b> have a firm grip on 2nd place in the AFC West and still have a shot to overtake Denver for a NFL Playoff Berth:<br /><br />If San Diego wants to keep pace with Denver, all they have to do is take care of business against the 1-7 Chiefs this weekend. The NFL odds for this game find San Diego as a 15-point favorite of Kansas City with the total set at 47.<br /><br />After firing their defensive coordinator - the Chargers are more confident that they can shut down the opposition. Ron Rivera, formerly with the Bears, will take over.<br />This weekend's opponents, The K.C. Chiefs have had troubles of their own.<br /><br />All games are QualComm Stadium:<br /><br />11/9/08 SUN - vs. K.C. Chiefs<br />11/23/08 SUN - vs. Indianapolis Colts<br />11/30/08 SUN - vs. Atlanta Falcons<br />12/04/08 THU - vs. Oakland Raiders<br />12/28/08 SUN - vs. Denver Broncos (Will this game decide the winner of the AFC West?)<br /><br />For Chargers Game Tickets visit <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2717099-10279540" target="_top">HERE</a> or hit the banner below:<br /><br /><br /><p><center><!-- TixNow BANN 9%USD --><br /><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2717099-10279540" target="_top"><br /><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2717099-10279540" width="468" height="60" alt="Click Here for tickets at TicketsNow" border="0"/></a></center>MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-44290225995675780592008-11-07T16:09:00.000-08:002008-11-07T16:21:37.374-08:00Trans-Siberian Orchestra Visits CaliforniaThis is a unique opportunity to hear some great holiday music.<br /><br />TSO is a rock orchestra renowned for their renditions of traditional Christmas songs. They have been touring every year since 1996 and include musical style influences of progressive rock, symphonic metal, heavy metal, and classical music. <br /><br />Some of their most well-known works include such songs as Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 (a rendition of Carol of the Bells, originally featured on Savatage's 1995 album, Dead Winter Dead), and Wizards in Winter, both of which are popular selections of radio DJs during the Christmas season.<br /><br />The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been joined by big-name artists on their popular seasonal tours. Here are the 2008 concert dates:<br /><br />11/14/08 FRI - Reno Events Center - Reno NV<br />11/15/08 SAT - ARCO Arena - Sacramento CA<br />11/16/08 SUN - HP Pavillion - San Jose CA<br />11/19/08 WED - Save Mart Center - Fresno CA<br />11/20/08 THU - MGM Grand Garden Arena - Las Vegas NV<br />11/21/08 FRI - Honda Center - Anaheim CA<br />11/22/08 SAT - San Diego Sports Arena<br /><br />To order your tickets click <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2717099-10279540" target="_top">HERE</a> or hit this banner:<br /><br /><p><center><!-- TixNow BANN 9%USD --><br /><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2717099-10279540" target="_top"><br /><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2717099-10279540" width="468" height="60" alt="Click Here for tickets at TicketsNow" border="0"/></a></center>MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-67087113057340090022008-11-07T12:26:00.000-08:002008-11-07T12:39:40.767-08:00Lost Voter Power<a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/countywatch/2008_CA_election_votes.pdf">Here</a> is our tally for the election turnout for the Nov 2008 Presidential Race. We compared the voter turnout to the census population of each county. The state average was 30.5%.<br /><br />The top 5 counties are as follows with % of the total population that voted:<br /> - Alpine 57.2%<br /> - Sierra 55.4%<br /> - Plumas 52.9%<br /> - Mariposa 51.6%<br /> - Amador 49.9%<br /><br />The bottom 5 counties were:<br /> - San Benito 18.2%<br /> - Imperial 20.4%<br /> - Tulare 21.4%<br /> - Monterey 22.6%<br /> - Sutter 23.0%<br /><br />What do we see here? The counties on the top list got about 2.6 times more votes per resident than the bottom list. Why would that be? Do the bottom counties suffer from voter apathy? Illegal aliens? Extra children? <br /><br />Los Angeles County deserves special mention. They have just over over 28% of the total population of California - but only registered less than 26% of the total vote of the state. That was 233,000 lost votes which could have swung some of the proposition issues and especially some local races.<br /><br />Look up your county and see how civic minded your neighbors are.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-43756572462043318702008-11-05T10:52:00.001-08:002008-11-05T10:55:10.467-08:00Voting to Improve California BeachesI found the results for Prop D in <a href="http://www.CaliforniaResortLife.com/sandiego/">San Diego</a> to be of interest.<br />From <a href="http://www.10news.com/news/17895944/detail.html">KGTV 10 News</a>:<br /><br />Beach Alcohol Ban Close To Being Permanent<br />SAN DIEGO -- San Diego voters appear to have approved a permanent ban on alcohol at San Diego beaches and coastal parks.<br /><br />With 46.5 percent of precincts counted, 57.6 percent, or 133,805 people, voted in favor of Proposition D, while 42.4 percent, or 98,497 voters, were opposed.<br /><br />Proposition D makes the consumption of alcohol unlawful at all city beaches, Mission Bay Park and other coastal recreation areas.<br /><br />Councilman Kevin Faulconer, who represents the beach areas, spearheaded a one-year trial ban on alcohol at San Diego's beaches and coastal parks following a Labor Day melee in Pacific Beach. More than a dozen people were arrested during the fracas for throwing beer cans at police clad in riot gear.<br /><br />In response, the City Council enacted a temporary ban on alcohol at city beaches in November. The prohibition would have expired Jan. 14 if voters didn't adopt Proposition D.<br /><br />Proponents of the ban argue it has made the beaches safer.<br /><br />"Frankly, I think the people of San Diego have spoken that they want safe beaches, they want police in the neighborhoods and not babysitting drunks at the beach," Jim Lantry, with the group <a href="http://www.SafeBeachesSanDiego.org">SafeBeachesSanDiego.org</a>, told 10News at San Diego's Golden Hall.<br /><br />His position was backed up by a recent police report that found alcohol-related crimes overall dropped this year in San Diego's beach areas following the implementation of the booze ban.<br /><br />There were 3,438 alcohol-related citations given in 2007, compared to 2,855 so far this year, a decline of nearly 17 percent, according to a report presented to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee.<br /><br />Opponents argued that other factors contributed to a decline in crime in the beach areas, including a decrease in visitors.<br /><br />They pledged to keep up the fight.<br /><br />"The city has voted on this twice before, we have defeated this twice before," Jacob Pyle, with the group FreePB.org, told 10News. "So you know what if we loose this battle, and I don't think we will, we still have two more strikes to go."<br /><br />Attempts to prohibit drinking at city beaches have failed twice in the past. There was a thwarted attempted to ban booze at the beach in 1991. In 2002, voters narrowly rejected a proposition to prohibit alcohol at the beach.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-46669321807531609662008-11-05T09:38:00.000-08:002008-11-05T09:47:06.057-08:00California Election ResultsVoting Results for the state elections yesterday<br /><br />YES : Prop 1A - High Speed Rail Bond - $40 Million. <br />(But where are they going to build it?)<br />YES : Prop 2 - Farm Animal Protection - <br />(We already pay $9/dozen of organic free range eggs.)<br />YES : Prop 3 - Children's Hospital Bond -<br />(Who could say no to a commercial full of special needs children?)<br />NO : Prop 4 - Abortion Notification<br />(Could have been a tool to stop child predators.)<br />YES : Prop 5 - Non-violent criminal rehab<br />(Voters yank away the get out of jail free card to Meth Dealers)<br />NO : Prop 6 - Criminal Just Bond<br />(No funding in this tight economy.)<br />N0 : Prop 7 - Renewable Energy<br />YES : Prop 8 - Marriage Initiative<br />(But is it retroactive?)<br />YES : Prop 9 - Crime Victims Rights<br />NO : Prop 10 - Alternative Fuels<br />(Very poorly written)<br />? : Prop 11 - Redistricting <br />(At this time leads slightly but too close to call)<br />YES : Prop 12 - Veterans Home Loan Bond Act<br />(Costs the state nothing - all paid back by Mortgage holders)MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-79919599697462963912008-09-22T16:16:00.000-07:002008-09-22T16:18:48.520-07:00Berkeley Tree-Sitters hit with Massive FinesI guess actions have consequences:<br />This in today's <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/22/BAUB131HLG.DTL&tsp=1" TARGET=_BLANK>S.F. Gate</a>:<br /><br /><UL><br />Berkeley’s infamous tree-sitters have been hit with a rude surprise since they came down to earth: Judges are socking them with thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees.<br /><br />Ironically, much of the money - which could total more than $10,000 per sitter - is going straight to the University of California, the very institution the tree-sitters were protesting as they tried to save a grove of trees outside Memorial Stadium.<br /><br />“It’s really vindictive,” said an attorney for some the sitters, Dennis Cunningham. “They don’t have this kind of money.”<br /><br />Maybe, but university lawyer Michael Goldstein isn’t making any apologies. “We’ve asked the judge to throw the book at them,” Goldstein said flatly.<br /><br />UC Berkeley estimates it spent more than $800,000 on police and other security measures during the 22 months sitters were up in the trees. The university spent $40,000 alone on the scaffolding that went up around the final tree during the last day of the protest this month.<br /></UL>MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-3292749513091253722008-09-22T06:57:00.000-07:002008-09-22T07:01:38.069-07:00Tour Lava Beds National Monument<p>This region covers Siskiyou County is famous several popular natural attractions<br />including Mt Shasta, at 14,197 ft, is the tallest volcano in California; Lava Beds National Monument,<br />and Klamath River wilderness area.<br /><br /><p><img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/lava2.jpg" ALIGN=RIGHT><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/lava_beds.htm">Lava Beds National Monument</a><br /><br>This region has witnessed many violent volcanic eruptions over the last half-million years.<br />Many diverse and fascinating volcanic features now mark the landscape.<br />Park features include more than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites,<br />and historic battlefields. An exciting California high desert adventure.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/yreka.htm">Tour Yreka CA</a><br>Discover Historic Yreka when gold was found in 1851. <br /> Today, the spirit of gold rush era lives on in the buildings<br /> on within the Yreka Historic District.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/klamath_falls.htm">Tour Klamath Falls OR</a><br /><br>Located in a geographically diverse area east of the Cascade Mountains and north of the<br /> Oregon/California border, the Red Lion Inn Klamath Falls is close to snow-capped mountains,<br /> sunny high desert and "The Klamath", Oregon's largest lake.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/weed.htm">Tour Weed CA</a><br /><br>The historic lumber town of Weed in south Siskiyou County with a breathtaking<br /> view of beautiful Mt. Shasta, is a haven for the outdoor recreation enthusiast. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/scott_valley.htm">Tour Scott Valley</a><br /><br>Explore the scenic Scott River Valley and the eastern approach to Marble Mountain Wilderness Area.<br />Includes the historic villages of Fort Jones and Etna.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/happy_camp.htm">Tour Happy Camp</a><br /><br>The wild, scenic western region of Siskiyou County where the main highway (SR-96) follows<br />the Klamath River through dense forest.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/mccloud.htm">Tour McCloud CA</a><br /><br>The town of McCloud is proud of its varied and fascinating history. We welcome you to take a look back to its timber and railroad<br /> beginnings and forward to what the future may hold for this historic lumber community.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/mountshasta/tulelake.htm#tlnwr">Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge</a><br /><br>Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex<br /><br>Encompasses 39,116 acres of mostly open water and<br /> croplands. Approximately 17,000 acres are leased by farmers under a program administered<br /> by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. These crops, together with the waste grain and potatoes from<br /> the lease program are a major food source for migrating and wintering waterfowl.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-44822289806247086242008-09-13T22:33:00.000-07:002008-09-13T22:36:01.965-07:00Rancho Cuyamaca State ParkVisit <a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/northsd/cuyamaca.htm">Rancho Cuyamaca State Park</a> -<br /><br />The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. <br />There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. <br /><br />At Cuyamaca look for the waterfalls near Green Valley Campground, headwaters to the Sweetwater River. There are also hidden meadows near Granite Springs or Milk Ranch Road. And great views from the top of Cuyamaca Peak or Stonewall Peak.<br /><br /><u>Park Wildlife:</U><br />The most commonly seen wildlife includes mule deer, gray squirrels, raccoons and striped skunks. Predators such as gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions are also present.<br /><br /><u>Park Campgrounds:</U><br />The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Call for availability during the remainder of the year.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-80940743322088650522008-09-06T20:53:00.000-07:002008-09-06T21:00:26.794-07:00Theme Park Summer Crowds have gone.<p><a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-2717099-10436164" target="_top"><br /><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2717099-10436164" width="300" height="250"></a><br /><br /><IMG SRC="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/antelopevalley/valhtl01.jpg"><br /><br /><br /><br>Kids are back in school and that means the big crowds have disappeared from area theme parks.<br /><br /><p><font size=4 color=blue><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/antelopevalley/sixflags.htm">Six Flags Magic Mountain</a> - The Xtreme Park</font><br /><br /><p><u>Magic Mountain</U> is a 260 acre theme park and entertainment complex located a short distance north of Los Angeles<br />There are over 100 rides (including 16 super-scream roller coasters), shows and attractions.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-22576841785489762672008-09-05T08:48:00.000-07:002008-09-05T08:51:54.976-07:00A Story from Little Red HenAllow me to share the latest story to hit my mailbox. However, I've changed the names to protect the guilty.<br /><br /><i>Once upon a time, on a farm in Texas , there was a little red hen who scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered quite a few grains of wheat.<br /><br /> She called all of her neighbors together and said, 'If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?'<br /><br /> 'Not I,' said the cow.<br /><br /> 'Not I,' said the duck.<br /><br /> 'Not I,' said the pig. <br /><br /> 'Not I,' said the goose. <br /><br /> 'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain. <br /><br /> 'Who will help me reap my wheat?' asked the little red hen. <br /><br /> 'Not I,' said the duck. <br /><br /> 'Out of my classification,' said the pig. <br /><br /> 'I'd lose my seniority,' said the cow. <br /><br /> 'I'd lose my unemployment compensation,' said the goose. <br /><br /> 'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen, and so she did. <br /><br /> At last it came time to bake the bread. <br /><br /> 'Who will help me bake the bread?' asked the little red hen. <br /><br /> 'That would be overtime for me,' said the cow. <br /><br /> 'I'd lose my welfare benefits,' said the duck. <br /><br /> 'I'm a dropout and never learned how,' said the pig. <br /><br /> 'If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination,' said the goose. <br /><br /> 'Then I will do it by myself,' said the little red hen. <br /><br /> She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, 'No, I shall eat all five loaves.' <br /><br /> 'Excess profits!' cried the cow. <br /><br /> 'Capitalist leech!' screamed the duck. <br /><br /> 'I demand equal rights!' yelled the goose. <br /><br /> The pig just grunted in disdain. <br /><br /> And they all painted 'Unfair!' picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities. <br /><br /> Then the farmer came. He said to the little red hen, 'You must not be so greedy.' <br /><br /> 'But I earned the bread,' said the little red hen. <br /><br />'Exactly,' said the farmer. 'That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle.' <br /><br />And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, 'I am grateful, for now I truly understand.' <br /><br />But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all the Democrats smiled. 'Fairness' had been established. <br /><br />Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for. <br /></I><br /><br />IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-27633636232260594742008-09-04T11:16:00.000-07:002008-09-04T11:20:09.994-07:00Camp Pendleton Race Series<a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/northsd/camp_pendleton.htm">Camp Pendleton</a> near <a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/northsd/oceanside.htm">Oceanside California</a> Features a very active racing schedule year round. This year's famous mud run is all sold out - but watch for the next one.<br /><br />Biking, running, triathlons, obstacle courses, mud run - through the scenic rolling hills of the Camp Pendleton USMC Base. <br /><b>Camp Pendleton Bulldog Bike Race [MAR]</b> - 26 mile race with ocean views are throughout the majority of the course; this is one of four opportunities to ride on base. <br /><b>Camp Pendleton Devil Dog Duathlon [APR]</b> - 5K Run / 30K Bike / 5K Run through Area 43 along Las Pulgas Rd.<br /><b>Camp Pendleton Mountain Warfare Challenge Bishop CA [MAY] </b> - a challenging 10K off-road run at high altitude with obstacles such as tire course, low crawl, five-foot wall climb, and tunnel crawl. <br /><b>Camp Pendleton Mud Run [JUN] </b> - world famous mud run on the USMC base - a challenging 10K run with hills, tire obstacles, river crossings, two 5-foot walls with mud on both sides, tunnel crawl, slippery hill climb, and the final 30-foot mud pit. <br /><b> Camp Pendleton International Triathlon [July 4th]</b> - The 1.5K swim is in the boat basin / out & back 40K ride / 10K double loop run. <br /><b>Camp Pendleton Sprint Triathalon [AUG]</b> - The venue area will be at ACU-5, Home of the Swift Intruders - 500M swim / 30k Bike Ride / 5K Run. <br /><b>Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon - Camp Pendleton [SEP]</b> - This race draws over 1,000 runners who compete for awards in 50 categories on a 13.1 mile all gravel off-road course. <br /><b>Buffalo Alley 10K - Camp Pendleton [NOV]</b> - formerly the "Horno Ridge Run" - is the ultimate in Hard Corps Competition in a cross-country 10K.MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7070757795100058594.post-41974537805328908562008-09-02T14:35:00.000-07:002008-09-02T14:41:34.968-07:00Imperial Valley Winter Escape<img src="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/brghtl2.jpg"><br /><br /><font size=4><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/">Tour California Imperial Valley Vacation Resorts</a> : </font><br /><br /><br>Located in the remote southeastern corner of the State of California, this desert area presents great adventure opportunities for the non-summer months. Hiking, exploring, wildlife, fishing and river treks along the Lower Colorado River and Salton Sea. Imperial Valley is also home to several great off-road vehicle sand dune recreation areas.<br /><br /><u>El Centro</U> is the commercial hub for the agriculturally rich Imperial Valley. Irrigation successfully transformed a barren desert into productive farmland. Best crops are tomatoes, sugar beets, melons and lettuce. Most of El Centro is located at elevation 45 feet below sea level. <br /><br /><u>Borrego Springs</U> is certainly one of the most scenic desert resort areas of California. The desert valleys are bordered by 9,000 foot mountain peaks. Some have said that Borrego Springs is what Palm Springs was 50 years ago - peaceful, quiet, relaxing. There are no stoplights in Borrego. <br /><br />600,000 acre <u>Anza-Borrego Desert State Park</U>, the largest state park in the contiguous United States and voted the #1 state park in California by National Geographic. This area was first traversed by Spanish explorer Juan Batiste de Anza in 1774. Visitors can traverse canyons full of desert palms, ancient pictographs,<br />majestic cactus and early spring wildflowers.<br /><br />Cibola NWR is located in the floodplain of the lower Colorado River and surrounded by a fringe of desert ridges and washes. The refuge encompasses the historic Colorado River channel and several important backwater areas that are home to many wildlife species. Because of the river’s life sustaining water, wildlife here survive in an environment that reaches 120 degrees in the summer and receives an average of only 2 inches of rain per year. <br /><br /><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/anzaborrego_desert.htm">Anza-Borrego SP</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/borrego_springs.htm">Borrego Springs</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/brawley.htm">Brawley</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/calexico.htm">Calexico</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/calipatria.htm">Calipatria</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/elcentro.htm">El Centro</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/naf_elcentro.htm">NAF El Centro</a> * <br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/holtville.htm">Holtville</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/imperial.htm">Imperial</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/lowercolorado.htm">Lower Colorado</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/saltonsea.htm">Salton Sea</a> *<br /><a href="http://www.californiaresortlife.com/imperialvalley/winterhaven.htm">Winterhaven</a>MainTourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03309793272234493219noreply@blogger.com0