#Weather santa cruz today

[amadholes-lostre]

State of California

I already implied multiple times how different yet imperative California is now in the BNHA-AU. How now there is a new ethnicity due thr mixture of Latin and Anglo (mostly Latin culture) culturr including a new language, how there is a new religion originate from here that now dominated Latin America, and just how different it is from today.

California is still have some similarity from today however; Sacramento is still the capital city with Los Angels still the most populous, it has the highest population (more than 80mil) and most powerful economy in the Union, and still important in the West Coast. Texas is still in second when it comes to population (around 50mil) and population, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. California also has the highest rail passengers by state alone, maybe similar to Japan ridership. It is likely it is only beaten by the Northeast corridor, but that region should have a population already at 100mil.

Geography

There is not much change when it comes to geography. It is not like there suddenly are topical rainforests (California actually has temperate rainforests). However, thanks to activists, technology, and laws, many damage to the environment by the Climate Crisis were alleviated. Many Redwood and Sequoia trees managed to reclaimed historic range and then some. There are bisons roaming California, too, with extinct animals brought by to life like mammoth and ground sloth, and mythical creature. California also change their agriculture practice, emulating how Dutch cultivated their products, using greenhouses, hydroponic for efficient water saving, etc. I not going get into more detail (go watch a YouTube about Dutch farming), but this method allowed majority of Central Valley be reclaimed by nature, making the land looks like what it did in the 19th century: Lake Tulare is now permanent, marshlands and has a huge delta.

California also deurbanization (actually desuburbanization) many sprawling cities across the state. For instance, the cities I used to live in -Brentwood and Discovery Bay - are now gone, paved out. Many cities, especially in CV, have greenbelt, which also act the limited of their jurisdiction. I also think, with the Climate Crises alleviated, sea levels will drop by a meter or so, so now half of San Francisco Bay, especially south of San Mateo Bridge, is gone, mostly just salt marshes (and no, there are laws forbidding development on it).

There is a bit more rain due to El Nino and La Nina weather system now having a precedence. Like 2-3 years Nino and then 2-3 years Nina. So there could be a drought season. However, those also mean there's a lot more run, even during the mid-spring to mid-fall in Nino. Tropical storms are not uncommon during Nino, at least 1-2. This also means California will lose like a quarter of their desert are gone, so Antelope Valley and San Bernardino Valley biome are similar to Central Valley.

Cities

Bit difficult to talk about cities since some cities changed their name, some new ones, and that I need to make a map. I gonna try to convey the city position by only referring high population, North to South.

Redien- (Redding)- 500k. Know for rail connecting to Redwood Empire Corridor and to Oregon, high percentage of non-Kalifornáns, and high population of Therians/Lycan (Enid lives here).

Bí-Sierra (changing the name)(Chico) - 400k. Know for: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Yebu -250k. Know for: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sacramento - 5mil. Know for being the capital, HQ of Golden State Railway Company.

Metropolis of San Francisco - 17mil. Know for the birth of Califity, Memorial of Califia, Angel of the Bay Statue (looks like a Japanese woman wearing a kimono, also know as Liberty of the West)/Museum of Asian and Latin Fredoians between early 19th century-1950s and Beyond.

Amid-Tu-Rifã (changing the name)(Stockton)- 500k. Know for looking like Venice and Amsterdam.

Tuolumne-ín-Estanislao (Modesto) - 500k. Know for: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Santa Cruz - 120k. Know for beaches and UCSC.

Salinas -1.2mil. Know for just having an HSR train.

Monterey -90k. Know for the aquarium.

Lafenia [Lafenã means Lavander in Californin (Madera)] - 3.5mil. Know for having the HQ of Rolosron (Golden Iron) Company (focus on rolling stocks), SU Laféna (focus on urban design, transportation engineering, and architecture), and vocation on public transit course.

Fresno - 3.2mil. Know for not being Fresno anymore and a dry port (ironically, it's adjacent by a massive river).

Nés Nakiśa (City near Visalia, between Tulare and Tipton)- 2.5mil. Know for being named after Nakiśa the Lover, the Innocent, and the Miracle-Worker.

Nés Anaís (Bakersfield)- 3.7mil. Know for being the birthplace of Anaís, the Lover, the Guardian, and the Martyr.

Santa de Nagasaki, also called Sanagi (in Santa Maria Valley) -6mil. Know for being a cyberpunk-like city (dont know if that's a good thing or not), cyberware and powered suits industry, and the few pro-hero academy in the world meant for non-quirks. It was a former city-state between the Dark Age to 2200s.

Santa Barbara- 200k. Know for just being a nice city.

Metropolis of Los Angels - 24mil. Know for the Gate of Angels (mixture of Brandenburg Gate and Arc de Triomphe, at San Fernando City), Los Angeles Central Station (mixture of Penn Station and Grand Central Station), Los Angeles Grand Park/The Meadow (bigger than Central Park and Golden Gate Park, at the former city of Compton, adjacent to LA River), The Sequoia (think Tokyo Skytree, have branch-like Observation deck, 670 meters tall, somewhere between Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown).

Rifãsíd (Riverside)- 500k. Know for ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

San Diego- 9mil. Likely just the same as today.

All together, this brings it up to 78 mil people. There are other cities, towns, and villages in California like Eureka, towns around Lake Tahoe, and others around, but theses cities are considered either major, well-know, or important. All these cities, with the exception of Santa Cruz and Monterey, are connected by NAHSR, and Sacramento and Los Angeles are connected to the Continental wide Maglev network. I gonna explain California railways network later.

Most of the cities kept today boundary, however demolishing many of its sprawling suburban housing. Like I said before, most cities city boundary are tangible by its greenbelt, and they can't, by state-law, develop pass it unless their km density passed 25km, which many city, especially in Central Valley, haven't pass it. Actually, many cities in the Valley have an average of 250km land areas, with average of 12k km2 density.

Many cities, but especially to SF and LA, have patches of urban forest. Not parks meant for recreation, but forest that is meant for nature. SF and LA have many patches of those urban forests, many usually 1 km² but could be higher than 100 km². They used wildlife crossing to connect them all.

Many cities looks like a mixture of futuristic architecture (I will talk about that later) and somewhat traditional-like like Isabelan architecture (eclecticism of Spanish Colonial and SF-like Victorian architecture, need to talk about that). However, Sanagi is just straight-up cyberpunk city, like I will call it Capital City of Cybernetic, with having an unusually higher percentage of Non-Quirks. Non-Quirks are more likely to installed cyberware than Quirks, to the point majority of their bodies is cybernetic. (Lets not kid ourselves, with BNHA having robots the size of skyscrapers and artificial islands in the middle of the ocean, yeah they will stereotypical cyberpunk technology.)

Economy

I think I hinted this before, but California, and frankly majority of the world are what I considered social democracy, or at least, some form of socialist. In California (and Fredoia), almost every necessity goods or service like water, energy, internet, healthcare, public transportation (including airlines), etc. is own by the government. Meanwhile, some that considered necessity but needs some in-hand by the people like housing (majority of it), foods, etc collectively owned either by neighborhoods (districts), groups, or guilds. Now I think about it, it kinda similar to Post-War Britain, especially how it comes to Attlee policies.

In California, the state has a market socialism and guild socialism (Democratic Socialism). There are companies that are controlled by employees; democratically elected company leaders, a 1 to 5 ratio wages, input how the company should be headed, etc. Half the company stock is owned by the employees, and the other half is owned by the local governments, which is then controlled by the people. They voted how the stock revenue should be allotted and apportioned accordingly (either funding for transit, schooling, maintained, etc.). However, sometimes, thanks to public banks, they will give denizens the money through all the stocks in the city.

For guild, sometime a mixture of labor unions, company of laborers, or craftmanship. Many cities have guild in it jurisdiction. For instance, and this I have an idea for a while: biking is considered a one major ways of transportation in California. Because of that, bikes is a huge industry in the state, bikes repairers and retailers are common in cities. A guild that focus on biking will required those to join to and gain a permit. The permit is meant for laborer protects, universal bike parts, . Meanwhile, customer who have a warrant for the city bike guild could go to any bike repair: if they broke their bike kilometers away from their usual repairers, they could go to a close by repair shop and have it fix free thanks to the guild warrant.

Another city guild/company is like a group of crafter who also works together, but unlike something like a bike-like guild, it act more like a company whose own/control/manage by the city, like for construction company. It will be more efficient since the city will have experience with laborers, more efficient in talks and shit, and if there is unneeded constructions, many laborers will simply be put on paid leave (which kind of unnecessary because California is always either building or maintaining something lol).

Agriculture is owned by small farming communities. Honesty, they likely lived in Tipi-like housing similarly what I talk about in my last post. Their farming is just straight up just like the Dutch, which give higher yields for hecto without needing to use more lands. The government will give the community findings and buy their products so to keep foods extremely low. the government will then sell it, low price, to merchant/retailers who then sell it to consumer in again, low price. However, 1/3 of foods product in California is grown by urban farming.

The majority of housing is collectively controlled by locals/tenets. I based it on Singapore town council and House and Development Board. I know that anyone who knows about this is probably not a good thing, but the other synonymy or trying, think of example is Homeowner Association, which is worse. Each city (or ' special wards' for metropolis cases) have districts, which democratically handled housing (and other buildings). They also have delegates for the city council. The district receives tenets rents and is handling it by either paying utilities, repairs, or insurance (not like insurance company, "just-in-case" like natural disasters, hero/villain's battle, etc.). Prices are dependable on housing types (a duplex will be more expensive than an apartment, while a town house be more expensive than a triplex), rooms (if you have kids, the price will be lower), floors, material of the building itself, and construction method. But price are all fixated, meaning if there a housing that have all the characteristic in two different location, and one is consider far more desirable for its surroundings, the two housing are still the same price. In today markets, we usually handle this by outbidding another buyer, which increases house prices. This is the reason why San Francisco is so expensive. Instead, California housing is handled by a lottery system, fairness by fate instead of higher monetary. Some participant are allowed to have some advantage depending on their situation: if they live in the district/city majority of their life, if they have a family, they lost another lottery, they are about to be homeless soon, and such. Ironically, Frinsica (San Francisco) is still difficult to get a house there, lol.

In housing there, people either rent or buy housing. By renting, it usually cheaper- if we using today renting price, an average price for like an one room apartment will likely be $150 per month (people have limits of free utilities until hiting that limit. Parking isn't included and is optionable since like more than half of California doesn't have a car). It's for people living short-termin the area, occasionally students for either high school/college who doesn't want to live in dorms/SRO, newly adults, or people who simply want an easily life (which is not stigmatize in California). However, it usually has a maximum limit of how long someone could rent there (usually 5 years), so people are either evicted or pay an expensive extension. Buying a hosing is also preferable and also cheaper than today. I don't know what is considerably an average price, but likely a triplex unit will cost $150k (you not owning the entire building, just the unit. You do collectively share it with two other owners). Buying is likely similar to how Singapore housing (go look at a YouTube video, lol). One thing to note is that the owner cannot sell their unit or rent it to another tenet. They could only sell it to the district, which would likely be the same price with 5% add. The owner could allow their unit to be inherited or allow friends/families/associates to live in it, but that likely it. Selling or renting it will defeat the purpose of a lottery system.

There is a national bank, a public bank owned by the federal government. Each state have their own banks which connected to the federal bank. The benefits is there is no monthly fees, withdrawing money from other state bank atm without fees, easier gaining loans with lower interest rate (great for starting business ), better retirement account which also connects to social security. However, there is a limit how much someone could have in their account before they start paying a monthly fee: $100K, and the fees gets much higher along with the saving account. (Also, it is common for people to have two retirement, the average lifespan is 160 years, and there are also quirks that allow some people to have longer lifespans).

For artisan guilds like for writers and artists, there is likely an universal-like wage so writers/artists could allow to do their craft. However, there is likely a quota/requirement so they actually do what they meant to do.

For exports and well-known sectors, it likely will be the same as today with some key differences. For one, they know for rolling stocks, specifically for HSR, metro rails, and trollies. The company that handles it, Rolosron, is located in Laféna. Another is Kalimé, or sometimes called Kaliniśon, animations production in California. It has their own unique style, similar to anime in Japan: inspiration, and how I think it will look like are SPOP, Gurihiru works, and some comics like Specter Inspector. Produced in either Los Angeles or San Francisco. Cyberware is also well-known, many of which are produced in Sanagi. Maybe also biking manufacturers, revenues from Califinitan pilgrims, and likely that it.

Half the main energy source are renewable, including solar energy, wind energy, ocean tide, and hydroelectricity. The rest is nuclear fusion plants, and when I mean plants, I mean there are only four plants in the entire state (they needed imported huge amount of tritium gas, also yes, there are still fission plants). There are also room-temperature superconductors, which it is not as common so its usually use for either fusion reactors, transmission tower (almost all California's wind power comes from the Great Plains), energy storages for cities. They are also getting into the noireau (metallic hydrogen) industry.

California working hours is 6 hours, and could only work for 4 days. Cause of this, they have 3 day weekend. In Califinity, they viewed that person must time in three order: Friday for resting, Saturday for indulgence, Sunday for praying. They also get 2 four weeks vacation and 1 three weeks of vacation.

Transportation

YEAH! This is the one I waiting for; I keep indulging about California having an intricate rail network. For now, I gonna talk about non-rail transit because I dont fuck around with trains.

The majority of California used rails for transportation, with Los Angeles rails having 28mil passengers in a city of 24mil (wondering how, go look at Tokyo transportations section in Wiki). However, there are many people who also use either the bus or are preferable to either walk or bike to their destination. There are people who uses cars, but it a privilege to use it, and expensive too: there is congestion charge, parking fees, registration fees for battery cars, high taxes for either ammonia or noireau fuels , and high tolls for using Interstate/Expressways (maybe like $1000-1500 for per year, and higher for freight trucks) (many freeway/interstate were demolished in inner-cities however).

Not only that, many cities have streets design that are similar to Tokyo and European cities: having few boulevard that connect the city in boarder scale, but have streets that either one-way, or pedestrian only zone.

This kind of street are very common in California cities.

California owns a state-enterprise airliner, Golden Airline. There are only 5 major airports in California, 3 that deal with international (as in, non-UNEC member)/intercontinental destinations): San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, San Diego International Airport, East Bay Transcontinental Airport (Oakland Airport), and Santa Ana Transcontinental Airport (John Wayne).Not only are there fewer airports, but intrastate flights are banned in the state. Thanks to federal law, constitution, and UNEC, flights are also banned to Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Navajo-Hopi, and the State of Baja California.

Rail

California owns a state-enterprise that deals with rail passengers called Golden Railways Company (HQ in Sacramento). Actually, it is one of seven subsidies of Amtrak, which is far larger than today, to the point there has to be smaller companies to deal with railways. The other is Lone Star Railways (Texas and California are the only states to have their own railway companies; HQ in Austin), Northeast Railway Company (Northeast region including Maryland and DC, HQ in New York City), Russet Railway Company (Midwest States that isn't under Lakotah lands; HQ in Chicago), Cascadia Railway Company (Oregon and Washington states; HQ in Olympia, WA), South Railways Company (can't think of a good name lol, compassed all other Southern States; HQ in Atlanta, GA), and Sunwest Railway Company (Southwestern States including Idaho, Montana and Wyoming (any left over lol); HQ is maybe either in Phoenix, Santa Fe or Denver).

California has a massive railway network; it's possible to go to any destination via rails in the state, via regional corridor like the Redwood Empire Corridor (talk about that soon), or intercity/hsr. California two important corridors; the Golden Corridor that goes through Central Valley all the to San Diego (and connects to other states and countries), and the Southern Range Corridor (also called Salinas) that started in San Francisco, goes through Salinas Valley, to Sanagi, Santa Barbara and then Los Angels.

The Golden Corridor used the legacy route of CAHSR, a project that, despite its flaws, was fundamentally crucial for the state. I gonna digress for a bit but people bitching about how the route "should be shorten" or go pass certain cities missed the point. California does not have a good connection with its cities. Yeah, there is Amtrak, but the issue is that it is too slow for conveniences, many of its tracks are owned by freight companies, and there are no direct routes for SF-Fresno-LA. The reason why there is such high population in Central Valley is thanks to CAHSR (and other things). The only reason there is some route change is because there are always things to improve on, some cities are just gone, and there are other routes that don't need HSR.

(What the majority of GC looks like)

There is some new routes and changes of route. For one, it goes further norths to Chico, Redding, and then to Oregon. Another is the corridor at SF-Jose. Right now, CAHSR will share with Caltrain, using the same rails. It is great because it electrified the rails. However, there are some flaws. There are still level crossing, which, admittingly, some are being constructed to have grade separation. Another issue is that it has double-track railways, and it's in the middle of an urban environment.

A few decades after Califia's death (maybe 2080s to 2090s), California has somewhat of a rail revolution, transforming the state railways. For one, the state converted half of state route 101 (SF-Mountain View) into quadruple-track railway. The benefits that it allows HSR trains to go faster, allowing other trains to share (the Bay Area has a RER/S-Bahn trains), and is more separate from urban neighborhoods. The corridor split off from MV: one goes to San Jose Central Station (dual-track again), another still going along US101 than merging with IS880 (still a quad-track). The former Caltrain corridor is converted into a BART line (which is owned by BATA- Bay Area Transportation Authority/likely succeeded Seamless Bay Area). Once the corridor enters SF, it follows the same route of US101 (there is now freeways in SF), which, instead following CAHSR terminating underground, it goes to SF Central Station at the former IS80 above ground. It's a through-station and follows into SF-O Bay Bridge, which either goes to Oakland 16th Street Station, or continues to Sacramento. The Bay Bridge (Golden Gate Bridge and San Mateo Bridge too) itself is similar to New York Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge: railways in the bottom, 3x3 road, and a pedestrian/cycling route atop.

(Where SF/Frinsica Central Station will be located. Also note this is the only way for cars to enter the bridge. Also, i am hitting on my image limit, lol.

For the majority of the corridor, from Sacramento to San Diego, the majority is quadruple-tracks. Well, maybe six-track if you count Maglev, it fellows the Golden Corridor. Also, San Francisco is the largest city in Fredoia that doesn't have a maglev station (lol, lmao even). Some cities are gone, so the corridor does not stop there. Kings/Tulare is Nés Nakiśa, the one near Visalia, and then to Nés Anaís. If a city is adjacent along the corridor, it will have a station, but the HSR will bypass it. There are also minor corridors that connect to the Golden Corridor. Best metaphor, the Golden Corridor is an artery that connects capillary.

After Bakersfield, it bypassed Palmdale and continued to Burbank/LA. Like I said before, Palmdale is connected to the Golden Corridor and does have it own Corridor, its only that HSR does not go there. After LA, it continue down south; it does not go west to San Bernardino. Instead, it continues journeying to Anaheim and then cutting through Chino Hills towards Riverside. From there, it either goes to Las Vegas and/or Phoenix and/or Jeddito and the rest of the country. Or it continues to San Diego, Tijuana, Mexicali, and then all the way to Mexico City. It is quite common for Californians and Mexicans to travel for either places thanks to UNEC having a open border policy.

(Notices how once stopping at Riverside, it either goes south, north, or northeast). (Also, I mention before and forgot to said it here, HSR can go up to 450 kph (average likely 400 kph). How they achieved this, other then making sure the corridor is as straight as possible is by: having wireless power transfer beneath the tracks (not eroding the overhead lines), concretene (concrete that has graphene mixed in it) to withstand the vibration and have longer lifespan, and nistíl (neo-steel which is my own idea; just steel itron mixed with graphene) which also withstand the vibration, friction, and have a longer lifespan).

The Southern Range Corridor, or the Salinas Corridor, is another corridor that meant for HSR. The Golden Corridor became extremely congestion: not only regional and HSR trains are using it, but also interstate and international trains frequent the route. So GRC constructed another corridor (likely in the early 2200s) to alleviate the main corridor traffic. It also has many cities in this region, especially Salinas and Sanagi, that don't have proper train lines. The corridor started from Gilroy. Instead ofgoing east, it goes south, going to Salinas. Then it goes southeast through Salinas Valley, continuing all the to Paso Robles. Then it goes south through the mountains, going through San Luis Obispo, then stopping at Sanagi (Santa Maria Valley). It then goes southeast again to through another hills, stopping at Santa Barbara, then through the mountains again to Ventura, goes to Oxnard, Camarillo, and then to Los Angeles Central Station.

(What the corridor looks like)

Now, the Golden Corridor and Salinas Corridor aren't the only corridors, but those two are the most important, having HSR lines and high traffic. There are other corridors in California, local/regional ones that connect to either corridors. Small traffic yet crucial. One corridor I want to talk about is the Redwood Empire Corridor.

(red is dual-tracks and blue is single-tracks)

The Redwood Empire population, minus anything south of Santa Rosa, is around 750k. Once past Santa Rosa, the corridor goes in a counter-clockwise. The red that goes east-west allows the line to form a 0-shape route. There is like an average 15-20 on the line. I got the idea from Not Just Bikes video about Switzerland. Thanks to this, there are far more people who travel to Redwood forest, especially in spring and summer. There are other corridors in low-populated regions that use similar routes.

The state entire uses clock-fast scheduling- arriving or departing either at 0s or 5s- and pulse timetabling.

There are different categories and types of rail trains, basing it off from Germany and some from the UK. The reason why those two is because it's the only one I can find in Wikipedia, lol. Usually based on how important the hub is, intermittent trips, number of passengers daily, and huge the building is. If I properly made a category list, LA and Sacramento will be 1 (having a maglev stop) while San Francisco and Lafénia will be 2 (not having one. Also, being the last stop before an important junctions is the reason why Lafénia has such a high population).

Education

Before I startn I need to remind everyone that the average lifespan is 160. This means that people ages slower, including sexual maturity like some animals like giant tortoises and bowhead whales. So there people in their 50s who looks in their 20s, or in their 90/100s who looks like in their 40s, similar like Aragorn from lotr (this also means women/afab are averagely 2-3 inches shorter than men/amab, and menstrual cycle is 60 days. Average Ostrace age is usually 200-250 excluding Kitsune and Sanguinarians). So schooling lasts a bit longer than today. (Also, California schooling is implemented country-wide with some difference.) There are laws that require schools to be surrounded by pedestrian-only streets. School days are Monday-Thursday. Some schools also have Friday but it is only half-time

There is 4 levels based on age:

Elementary school, also have daycare :0-8

Primary School: 8-12

Lower Secondary School: 12-16

Upper Secondary School (referred to as Liséa in Kalifornán): 16-20

Elementary schools are far more common than the other 3 schoolings, with an average 1 elementary per 1.5 km. The reason is that is so young children could be closer to their schools. It compassed pre-school, kindergarten, and Grades 1 and 2. Elementary teaches students their primary language (Kalifornan), basic math, and such. An average elementary will likely have a body of 100-200 students, with teachers having a class of 8-10. The elementary playground will also act as a local park. Elementary students are also called Ducklings due teachers picking up their students and herding them to schools like a parent duck and students wearing bright coats.

Primary schools are a bit more widespread due to students being supposed to act more independently, maybe like 1 per 5-10 km. Students are supposed to learn their second languages (usually either English or Spanish, but in some cases, a different language if the neighborhood has a large non-Californian population). An average class has 10-12 students with 500 per school, and students stay in the same class all day. Parents pick their child schools. Schools last 8:30-1:30

Lower Secondary School is widespread too, with 1 LS per 10-20 km. Students again will learn another language, learn more complex subjects, and such. Average classrooms are 12-16 and like PS, students shared same classes. Students are allow to pick their schooling when entering Lower School. School last 8:30-2:30.

Upper Secondary School (or Liséa in California) is far more widespread, with 1 per 20-40 km. Unlike the last three, students do not share classes but go to classes individually. UP acts more like a university than the other schools. Students may learn another language, but it is not mandatory. Not only students may choose their schooling but they could go to another city's schools if desire. It is common for students from small cities and towns to go to bigger cities like SF and LA for schooling (staying at either schools' dorm, social single-room occupancy, or renting an apartment). Students also gain a counselor who guides them for post-US life and careers, especially if it's related to their quirks. It is dependable on the student's schedule, but Schools last 8:30-3:30.

From Primary to Upper School, all students are required to wear an uniform. However, dress code is only not strict but students are courage to customize their uniform, embracing California social individualism. Gender restricted is illegal, and students, regardless of gender, are allowed to wear either pants or skirts. In fact, it is common for boys and masculine genderqueers to wear skirts during summer classes.

Classes scheduling is dependable on cities and their school district, but there are causes where classes have hybrid scheduling of Block and Timetable, with all 8 classes the first Monday, and A/B for the rest of the week. However, some classes, like language and math, are required to be held daily. A school year lasted from late March-Late June = 4/5 weeks vacation= Early August-Late Nov./Early Dec. = 4/5 weeks vacation = Early Jan - Mid/Late Feb = 2/3 weeks vacation = New School Year.

There is a new legal status called Minor. When a student/child reached the age of 15 years-old, their legal status will be listed as Minor, a transition from childhood to adulthood. Under this status, they enjoy far more privilege than they did as a child:

Allow to consume alcohol that is under 5%.

vote in local election.

Go to doctors without parents permission and do minor procedures like HRT

Watch +16 movies at the theaters.

At age 20, they allowed to do:

Voted in State and National-wide election and run for local office.

Consume all levels of alcohol.

Watch +20 movies at theaters.

Allow to do major medical procedures like gender-assignment surgery.

At age 25, they allowed to do:

Run for state and national-wide lower-chamber office (upper chamber and executive branch is 35).

Join the military.

Allow to work in Pleasure Guild (adult films, sex workers).

Drive and operate machineries like cars, trucks, trains, planes, etc.

Culture

The majority of Californians are an ethnicity I already talked about, Kalifornán. Kalifornáns formed (how does a new ethnicity happen?) due to many other Latins ethnicities' culture, especially Mexicans, shared, borrowed, and merged their culture together with Anglo in California. The language, again called Kalifornán, formed from Spanglish. Kalifornáns is primarily found in California, but many are also found in either US states like Arizona and in Mexico states like Baja California.

Kalifornáns are usually energetic and cheerful, more so than non-Kalifornáns. They greeted one another with hugs and kisses on cheeks, regardless of gender (even in formal greeting, they do so, though only with other Kalifornáns). Informal and casual parties are common, lasting into 1-3 am. When guests come over, the host usually serves coffee like cafecito and some pastries. It is just like other Latin Americans' etiquette.

Small street parties are also more common, usually starting around 4-6 pm. Its due to how permits are not really required, only informing a police officer and asking permission of either store or restaurant owners if they throw one. This creates a stereotype of how Kalifornáns are always throwing parties.

Different gender and sexuality are far more acceptable and common in California, with at least 30% self-identified being queers. Even men who consider themselves cishet will wear skirts if the day is hot, and wear bright colors and showing off skin (think timothee chalamet venice film festival outfit).

In beaches and film, breasts are not stigmatized, and it's common for women or genderqueers with breasts to be top less (though some wears a wrap around their shoulder). Non-genital nudity in media is also non-censor and is known to be shown in media below rated-16. Breasts are not sexualize in California, they are more interested in hips, waists, thigh, and butts.

Kalifornáns celebrated their Quinceañera, regardless of gender. For Kalifornáns, especially Califinitans, a child reaching 15 years old, a Minor in legal status, is considered the second most important birthday of their life (behind their Awakenday). This age is considered a transition of childhood to adulthood, and so, many people celebrate their coming in age day. For girls is called Quinceañera, boys is called Quinceañero, and for nonbinaries and other genderqueers is called Quinceañere. It is commonly to celebrate Quinceañera-children all together in the end of the month, usually at a Califinitan temple, and the government pays half of the celebration.

It is common for Kalifornáns to have mini-vacation once a month or so, using their 3-day weekend. They usually preferred traveling 2 and a half hours away from their home, using HSR (hence the high ridership). It's also common for Minors, even young as 15, to have mini vacation by themselves or with friends. It also common for them to visit family or friends if they attend school in another city.

Kalifornáns usually started parenthood between their 40s-50s, usually having 2-4 kids. Parents use their parental leaves for childrearing; parental leaves could be used for up to 3 years, and both the workplace and government pay for their leave ( the workplace is only up to a year). However, it is common for parents to stay home up to six months, where either parents (or ternary or more parents) will agree upon a schedule where one either: work half day and the other take care of the child, one work full day while the other care, or do a hybrid with mixing both schedules. It's very common for families, friends, and amises (will explain that later) to help rear the child, including the community, too. Thanks to technology and different social norms, there are different ways to begotten a child: artificial wombs are becoming the most popular way, though queue are long. (For artificial wombs, gestation is much larger -16-18 months, but the benefits are that infants are more developed compared to natural ways. They will be born as a 6 months old infant and soon start crawling a month later). Vitro gametogenesis is already mainstream. Another method is synth-organ/glan: synthesizing tissue that does certain functions that can't be found in human biology initially ex: having a specific gland to filter carbon dioxide, or having freckle-like bioluminescent marks. Meaning, it is possible for ciswomen to have a synth-penis that produces estrogen and gamete and, likewise, for cismen.

In Kalifornáns, and frankly, Califinitans too, there are considered 3 important important group that fomrat into structures of an individual: families, friends, and lovers, and they all central around the person. In Califinity, one of the most important holidays (expect the day Califia death/transcendence) involves around this, celebrated in the first 3-day weekend of June (it is no coincident why it is in June). So, while romantic is important, platonic-ships are also very important. One such instance is called amís. An amís (or amise/amisa/amiśo) is someone most dearest, closest friend. A word that is similar to it is the Japanese word Nakama. Rarely will people have more than one amís. It is common between amís to have a civil union while also romantically marry to another person. Amís are known to be intimate, including cuddling, small kisses, and hugs (sex is uncommon but not unheard of). Amís will also raise child together, and sometime they will be both child biological parent. There is a genre in media that is meant for amís.

Snippet culture

Can't really think of categorizing this so I gonna type it out. Kalifornán parents don't genderize their child name. Since Kalifornán uses some Spanish rules, including grammatical genders (-a is feminin, -o is masculine, -e is nonbinary/genderqueer, and no vowels mean gender neutral; likely will use ä,ö, and ë), the parents uses gender neutral, and it's up to the child if they want a gender suffix.

It's common for children to call their parents by their first, especially if they're same-gender. For instance, Anne Boonchuy will usually call her mom Mami Oum. However, sometimes, they will have a nonbinary/gender neutral informal parent word, Parí (pair-e). Same uses if both parents are same-gender or one happens to be a genderqueer.

This isn't only done by Kalifornáns but also country-wide, but it expects for both couples to take each other's name, like how Latin Americans do so. For example, Anne Boonchuy full name is Anne Asnee-Boonchuy (Asnee is Oum's surname). Usually, women keep their mother surname and men likewise. Same-gender couple, like a sapphic couple, both will keep their mother surname and again likewise for gay men couple. Nonbinary/genderqueer couple or partner is a bit difficult, but they usually choose what name to keep or keep if one of their is nonbinary/genderqueer. There are also new surnames. (Disgressing a bit, but Emma Nolan full name is Emma Emdis-Nolan. The -Dis suffix means "daughter," and Em- is shortened for Emma. Also, she has two mothers, but she still gets disowned due to being a non-quirk (oof). Also, she has six other sisters).

There are some new dishes, one is which is sandwich/taco-like. It's similar to roujiamo (Chinese sandwich, which half the bread is halfway slice before stuffing food into) with using arepa (or any other flatbread). The bread is slice halfway, and then hallowing it inisde. Then, the ingredients uses spiced and shredded grilled meat (usually chicken), shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cutted green onions, maybe diced of white onions, and condiments of sour cream, and either BBQ or thousand islands sauce.

The majority of Southern California are non-Deitist Califinitans, and Northern California are Deitist Califinitans (especially in the Bay Area and Central Valley).

Romantic relationships with age gaps will likely be more common due to longer lifespan, especially if dating an Ostrace. Yoko Tanaka is likely twice the age of Divina, though Sanguinarians ages even slower than an average Ostrace. It will not be surprising if, say, a young Japanese lesbian dated a Kitsune and found out she was alive when Matthew C. Perry went ashore on Japan.

There is a balcony culture, similar to what Montreal has. Since most people in California don't own a single detach housing anymore, and that many housing has a balcony, people will convey their balcony in their own liking. An average balcony is likely a bit smaller than an average room, half which jutted out from the building. There are a lot of hanging plants, many of which are flowering that dangle from it (I based it on Cartagena historic district), and it is common to see people having conversations from across one.

Popular sports are association football that doesn't revolve quirks, girdfield that use flyers (flying broomstick) and non-mage-kind could play, and Metaball, which is the most popular sport in the world. Metaball is a quirks sport, meaning a person needs to have a quirk in order to play. The rules are malleable depending on players, but everyone is required to use a soft exosuit. Capture the Flags is also popular, which is mostly a pro-hero game that heros, usually forming a team based on their cities and playing against each other. The game could escalate very fast, and it is popular on pro-hero academies.

Don't know what else to talk about. The justice system is vastly different, like police officers (other than requiring to have some sort of degree) can't carry lethal arms. The US has a gendarmerie force, the National Guard, which revolves usually against highly dangerous quirks (justice systems are not allowed to use the term "villian")(raiding, capturing, and transporting), internal security, and all that stuff. Pro-heros operate differently than Japan, which are like private cops. Pro-hero is another branch of the National Guard, meaning it's a gendarmerie, different from that they focus more on their quirks individually. Pro-heros usually are put in team, squad, and operate individually and occasionally as teams like Justice League and The Avenger. The highest ranking team in the US is called Liberty Paladins, which usually involves protecting both the prime minister and president, dangerous missions, and stuff (California hero team is called Golden Costodian). Also, during the time of war, Peo-heros will act and operate like soldiers.

Pretty much that it. I planning on changing the US name, somewhat similar to Saoirse, got inspired watching a sex scene of Saoirse Ronan with Charlotte Murchison and I kinda like that name.

[eucalyptus-lesbian]

Last night we went and got our favorite tacos in our town and went and ate them in the little side street that they blocked off during the pandemic and kept blocked off for people to gather and eat at picnic tables, feels like a little biergarden in the middle of Park. My tacos were sooo good and then we walked around town a little waiting for 7:30 when our movie was gonna start. Asteroid City was so good! It was a lot of fun :) we took our time walking back to where Id parked my car and it was almost 10 and still sooo warm and nice out and so many people were out on what feels like the first warm day we’ve had in so so long.

Im off for the next four days! And starting ADD medication today (strattera) which Im nervous but hopeful about. This weather is so lovely it just makes me want to cook and play music with all the windows open and eat fruit. Driving to santa cruz to have a backyard bbq with our former housemates/good friends at the sweet little home they rent in the mountains and will get to see their baby and their dog who is obsessed with us :o)

Then tuesday leigh and I are gonna take camp chairs a couple blocks down from our apartment and post up on webster to watch our town’s superr long 4th of july parade. People take it so seriously here lmao because its like 2 hours and so much fun. The sweet and kind of crazy hairdresser we both go to apparently is going to be in the parade lmao and invited us to come by to her party after where she said there’ll be a lot of her mma training friends so maybe we’ll drop into that! Happy and excited for all this time off!

[sciencespies]

Heavy Rain in California Causes Flooding but Offers Respite From Drought

https://sciencespies.com/environment/heavy-rain-in-california-causes-flooding-but-offers-respite-from-drought/

Heavy Rain in California Causes Flooding but Offers Respite From Drought

Rain, snow and wind were battering parts of California on Saturday less than a week after another “atmospheric river” pounded the West Coast.

LAKE ARROWHEAD, Calif. — Heavy rain and snow caused landslides and flooding in parts of California on Saturday, shutting down two major highways as another “atmospheric river” system pounded the West Coast, but also brought a measure of relief to the drought-plagued state.

An hourslong torrent of rain forced Highway 101 to close south of San Francisco because of flooding, cutting off a major route between the city and the Silicon Valley. The storm temporarily forced the closure of Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada, a route that connects skiers to South Lake Tahoe.

The heaviest flooding and risk of damage was in Northern California, where rain was expected to let up by Saturday evening, but some rivers and streams were already reaching flood stage levels. In Sacramento County, officials declared a local state of emergency and warned residents in one rural area to evacuate because of rising waters.

Authorities issued evacuation orders for several Northern California communities where rising waters swamped streets on Saturday. The evacuations included parts of El Dorado County, east of Sacramento, and areas of Santa Cruz County, southwest of San Jose.

In Monterey County, further south, the local sheriff issued an evacuation warning for one region due to flooding. In San Ramon, east of San Francisco, the local police reported evacuation efforts were underway on Saturday afternoon. San Ramon police lieutenant Tami Williams said the department used armored vehicles to reach “senior citizens who needed assistance with evacuations due to flooding.” She said the department came to the aid of 13 people.

A rock slide blocked State Route 299 near Burnt Ranch, Calif., east of Eureka.Micah Crockett/Caltrans, via Associated Press

The Cosumnes River in Northern California exceeded flood stage and was expected to crest at 15.5 feet by Saturday night. Parts of the state have already had up to seven inches of rain from Friday to Saturday. Downtown San Francisco was pushing close to its record for most rainfall on a single day, with 5.33 inches of rain reported by Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. (The record, set in 1994, is 5.54 inches in one day).

No injuries or deaths had been reported in the region Saturday night.

In Southern California, light to moderate rain was falling in the Los Angeles area on Saturday and was expected to be accompanied by strong wind gusts through the evening, forecasters said. A high-wind warning is in place for most of the area’s mountains and the Antelope Valley.

The current downpour is being driven by an atmospheric river flowing from the Pacific Ocean, a meteorological phenomenon that carries condensed water vapor from other parts of the world.

An unusually strong and long-lasting atmospheric river on the West Coast just after Christmas led to the deaths of five people after trees fell on vehicles in three separate episodes, the authorities in Oregon said. Tens of thousands in the Pacific Northwest lost power.

More on California

U.C. Employee Strike: Academic employees at the University of California voted to return to work, ending a historically large strike that had disrupted research and classes for nearly six weeks.

Wildfires: California avoided a third year of catastrophic wildfires because of a combination of well-timed precipitation and favorable wind conditions — or “luck,” as experts put it.

San Francisco’s Empty Downtown: Tech workers are still at home. The $17 salad place is expanding into the suburbs. Today San Francisco has what is perhaps the most deserted major downtown in America.

Los Angeles’s New Mayor: Karen Bass was sworn in as the first female mayor of the nation’s second-largest city in a ceremony that celebrated her historic win but also underscored the obstacles ahead.

Significant flooding was expected in the Sacramento area until 10 p.m. on Saturday, and heavy snow at higher altitudes, National Weather Service forecasters said.

Officials urged drivers to turn around if they came upon flooded roads. Sacramento firefighters rescued several teenagers from tree limbs early on Saturday after their car was stuck in floodwaters. No injuries were reported, the authorities said.

A map showing the precipitation forecast for California and surrounding areas for December 29 to January 3.

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Five-day precipitation forecast

1

2

3

5

10+ inches

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Source: NOAA

Notes: Estimates are for Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. Eastern time to Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. Forecast is as of 4:55 p.m. on Dec. 29. Values are in inches of water or the equivalent amount of melted snow and ice.

By Zach Levitt

Highway 92 from Skyline Boulevard to Main Street in Half Moon Bay was closed because of flooding.

The greatest risk of the extreme weather is in previously burned areas along the coast, William Churchill, a forecaster and meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Md., said this week. Rapid, prolonged rainfall could cause mudslides or debris flows, he said.

But in California — where reservoir levels have fallen, major rivers have run nearly dry and residents have been under emergency conservation orders for months — a storm that is dumping rain and snow on the region brings hope that this winter could at last break the state’s punishing dry spell.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for parts of the Sierra Nevada in Central California, near Yosemite National Park, saying that as much as five feet of snow could accumulate at the highest elevations.

More rain is in the forecast across the state during most of the first week of the new year.

Water experts are normally circumspect when trying to explain the impact of a single atmospheric river on the state’s current drought, which began in 2020. But they have a glimmer of hope as a succession of storms are in the forecast.

“The whole weather outcome in parts of the West hinges on these atmospheric rivers,” said Marty Ralph, the director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The storm, he added, “is looking like a potent contributor to busting the drought.”

Karla Nemeth, the director of the California Department of Water Resources, the agency that manages the Golden State’s most precious resource, said that California must toe a fine line during intense winter storms. On one hand, the state desperately needs winter rain and snow to replenish water supplies before the annual dry spell that often persists from spring through fall.

But climate change has also intensified weather extremes in the West, and long bouts of heavy rain can cause devastating flooding or mudslides in areas that have recently burned. Warm storms in particular could melt snow prematurely and send a torrent of water down mountains and into already saturated cities.

“This is kind of a Goldilocks situation,” Ms. Nemeth said. “We’re cautiously optimistic.”

On California’s ski slopes, the unusually heavy snowfall was a welcome gift. Mammoth Mountain, a resort on the border of Yosemite National Park, expected to see several feet of snow on Saturday, with more snowfall expected through mid-January, said Lauren Burke, the resort’s director of communications.

The resort had already benefited from heavy snowfall this winter, including 10 to 15 feet of snow in the past month alone, Ms. Burke said. By midday Saturday, the resort was recording 90 to 131 inches of snow at its base depth, among the deepest in the country, according to data from On The Snow, which tracks snow cover at resorts nationwide.

“The snowpack holds up really well, even with this warmer, wet, heavy snow,” Ms. Burke said. “It just kind of slathers the mountain and builds up a really deep base.”

Significant snowpack has accumulated across the Sierra Nevada region, including, in the Southern Sierra, nearly 200 percent of the average snow water equivalent that is typically recorded at this time of year, according to data from the California Department of Water Resources.

While cautioning against the risk of flooding, experts say the storms are on track to be largely beneficial to the state. That’s in part because the water levels of the West’s major rivers and reservoirs are already so much lower than normal, so it would take an extraordinary amount of rain over a short period of time to fill them back up; the worst flooding takes place when big waterways and reservoirs spill over their banks in populated areas.

Ms. Nemeth noted, for instance, that the coming series of storms could boost the water storage supply by about a third at Lake Oroville, one of the state’s largest reservoirs and by some measures its most important. That would bring the stored water supply to about 1.5 million acre feet, which is still less than the 1.6 million acre feet that she said would be ideal.

Recent research has shown that atmospheric rivers are the source of as much as half of the precipitation along the West Coast.

Dr. Ralph and his colleagues have developed a system for categorizing the storms borne by atmospheric rivers that is similar to the system for categorizing hurricanes. And they believe that with the recent advances in the accuracy of forecasting, water managers can take better advantage of wet periods by more precisely releasing or holding water at reservoirs.

He said that the center’s high-tech forecasting tools and models show there could be more rain deep into January in California.

Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow with the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center, said that a rainy January would not only deliver relief to the state’s residents, but it would also be a lifeline to salmon, migratory birds and other species that have been struggling in the state’s ailing waterways and wetlands.

Still, he emphasized that one downpour will not end the extreme drought in the West, nor should it cause state leaders to bring any less urgency to figuring out how to live with less water.

Dr. Mount pointed to last winter, when an “epic snowfall” in December gave way to the three driest months on record in January, February and March, leaving California’s water managers scrambling.

#Environment

[bethestaryouareradio]

Endless summer

By Cynthia Brian

“Magnificent Autumn… It is the funeral anthem of the dying year.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When I was young, I was a surfer girl. I spent many weekends catching waves in Santa Cruz, Bolinas, and Hawaii. My favorite movie was The Endless Summer.  I dreamt of traveling the globe in search of the perfect ride.

Today, I surf gardening catalogs and magazines looking for the waves of new plant species and hardy specimens that are deer-resistant and drought-tolerant to thrive in our clay soils.

The first few days of autumn were refreshing. The cooler temperatures prompted me to start digging and enhancing the soil as I anticipated the joys of fall plantings. But Mother Nature had other plans and decided to shower us with an endless summer of sizzling sunshine and stifling nights. The winds have been so ferocious that I awoke to my patio umbrellas blown across my backyard. Until recent years, summer has always been a favorite season, but as our globe warms, an endless summer portends a major drought in the future. While the East Coast suffers from torrential rains, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, the West Coast endures another heat wave and increased risk of deadly wildfires. 

As temperatures soared to 103 degrees, our street suffered a fire hydrant leak this week, resulting in our neighborhood’s water being shut off for twenty-four hours without warning. It was disconcerting to turn on the tap with no drip available. My empathy for those anguishing in disaster areas and war zones soared when water and basic necessities are unavailable. Water is life.

Before I provide tips on drought-tolerant plants that you may wish to include in your landscape, I want to remind you that although fire season in California is considered year-round, October is an especially monstrous month for wildfires. Make sure you have your home Go-Bag up-to-date and ready to go in the event of an emergency. It’s a smart idea to keep an additional Go-Bag in your car in case you get stranded and can’t make it home. Fill these Go-Bags with all the necessities you, your family, and your pets will need for three days, including water, protein bars, a first-aid kit, medications, masks, gloves, extra chargers, blankets, change of clothes, jacket, socks, headlamp, and a flash drive with your important documents, photos, or other digital items that you don’t have in the cloud.

When working in your yard, on red-flag days, scorching hot or windy days, refrain from using any equipment that could cause a spark: lawnmower, weed whacker, or chainsaw. Do not ignite a fire pit, cook over an open flame, vape, or smoke outdoors. Be fire-safe.

In September articles, I discussed how to prepare your soil for fall plantings (Prescription to Plant: https://lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1815/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Prescription-to-Plant.html) and also suggested plants that are deer resistant, (Dear Deer! https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1816/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Dear-Deer.html). But how do we move forward in an endless summer of heat and heavy winds?

The answer is to keep your landscape appropriately watered so that established plants and trees don’t perish. WAIT to plant anything until the weather cools. The soil will still be warm, but the air temperatures will be lower. In this scenario, with minimal watering, the roots can establish themselves and be less stressed.

If you are considering reseeding your lawn or adding sod, start preparing the soil. Turn the soil six inches, mix in compost, then WAIT for chillier weather. Double-check your irrigation system to make sure that your sprinklers will reach every part of your grass. If you are ordering sod, start now researching the type of grass you want to install and get a quote from a reputable landscaper or grower. In the past few weeks, I had to replace my irrigation controllers. I hired my handyman from HoneyHomes to help me. I also repositioned several sprinkler lines. Thankfully, everything is working perfectly now after several years of pulling hoses. If you need help, this company has qualified service people in Lamorinda and you can get a major discount with my code https://honeyh.me/eXEn. As soon as the weather cools, I’ll be reseeding and overseeding, knowing that when I turn on a sprinkler, it will work.

Drought-tolerant plants to consider for fall:

If you’ve been perusing my garden columns, you already have a list of deer-resistant plants and know how to prepare the soil with mulch and drainage that retains moisture without waterlogging. Here are a few of my favorite low-water options that can be planted before the winter cold arrives and after our endless summer has ceased. Remember, no matter how drought-tolerant a plant is, every plant needs some water. California natives will be the most tolerant, conserving more water and requiring less maintenance. Many natives are also deer-resistant. 

Natives:

Manzanita

California Poppy

California lilac (ceanothus)

Muhly grass

Pink flowering currant

Blue-eyes grass

Salvia

Yarrow

California fuchsia

Blue elderberry

Shaw’s Agave

Other Drought-Tolerant Plants:

Lavender

Aloe Vera

Echeveria

Barberry

Sedum

Russian Sage

Feather Reed Grass

Black-eyed Susan

Pride of Madeira

Stonecrop

Succulents

Cacti

Many wildflowers

For a flash of annual border color, buy pansies. They use relatively little water, are low maintenance, and provide beauty in the winter.

You can create a beautiful and sustainable landscape with native and drought-tolerant plants. Biodiversity is increased, and you’ll cultivate a garden that will thrive in arid and water-scarce conditions. Save every drop of water by putting a bucket in your shower or a bowl near your sinks. I use the water for my indoor plants and patio potted plants. If you want to go the extra mile, install a rain catcher or barrel to collect the water from downspouts. 

On a positive sunny note, my tomato plants are enjoying this endless summer. They have mingled with my Jacobinia Justica Carnea and continue to sprout new flowers which will provide me with tomatoes for a few more months.

As we look forward to a magnificent autumn, catch a gardening wave in this endless summer! Soon enough, the funeral anthem of a dying year will be playing, and we’ll be longing to surf the sunshine again.

Happy Gardening. Happy Growing!

 Lamorinda WEekly: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1817/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Endless-Summer.html

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardener at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

[oceanwavesail]

Top 4 Sailing Destinations of the Canary Island

Many individuals all over the world consider sailing to be both a sport and a passion. A location that provides wonderful weather, solid infrastructure, contemporary marinas, and the chance to sail in azure waters is the ideal sailing destination for sailors. Every sailor's ambition is to have a year-round sailing region that offers sophisticated navigation and sports sailing conditions. Having access to top-notch sailboats and yachts is crucial whether you're planning a fun day trip or a long-distance expedition. This article will examine the top Sailing Destinations of the Canary Island that provide these features and the reasons why every sailor should travel there. Prepare to set sail and explore the year-round sailing regions with the most cutting-edge marinas and the best sailing conditions for blue water and sport sailing.

Sailing in the Canary Islands

Weather and wind conditions

Some of the world's best sailing conditions may be found off the coast of Africa in the Canary Islands. With temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius and consistent trade winds blowing between 15 and 25 knots, the weather and wind conditions are perfect for sailing all year long. Additionally, the water is a lovely 19° to 23°C, making it ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkelling.

Types of boats available for sailing

There are several different boat types that can be sailed in the Canary Islands, including monohulls, catamarans, and opulent yachts. These vessels can be rented at contemporary marinas that have all the amenities and services that sailors require. Along with restaurants and gas outlets, many marinas also provide repair and maintenance services.

Navigational challenges in the region

Due to the rocky shoreline, strong currents, and erratic weather, navigating the Canary Islands can be difficult. However, navigating the waters surrounding the islands is much simpler today thanks to advanced navigational instruments and current charting systems. The islands are situated on a major shipping path, therefore sailors must be aware of the potential risks and take the appropriate precautions.

For all sorts of sailors, the Canary Islands offer a superb sailing experience. In this breathtaking region of the world, sailors may experience the ultimate sailing trip thanks to ideal weather conditions, contemporary marinas, a broad selection of boats, and cutting-edge navigation systems.

Learn more about the Sailing Destinations in Itlay

Top Sailing Destinations of the Canary Islands

Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are some of the finest sailing destinations in the archipelago and each has its own scenery, attractions, and sailing routes. We'll learn more about these four islands below:

Tenerife

Tenerife is one of the finest sailing destinations in the Canary Islands, offering the ideal blend of gorgeous scenery, excellent weather, and contemporary ports. With a wide variety of sights and activities to satisfy all tastes, the island is the largest and most populous in the archipelago.

With several ports and coves to discover, sailing routes around Tenerife offer a combination of coastal and open-sea sailing. Sailing can be done on a wide variety of watercraft, including sailboats, sailing yachts, and catamarans. A number of contemporary marinas, including Puerto Colón, Marina del Sur, and Marina San Miguel, are also located on the island and offer all the amenities needed for sailors.

The southern coast of Tenerife is one of the most well-liked sailing routes because it offers breathtaking views of the Teide volcano and the wild coastline. Another path will take you to the lovely national park on the island of La Gomera, which is immediately west of Tenerife.

The historic village of Garachico, the black-sand beaches of Los Gigantes, and the bustling capital city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife are just a few of the attractions and sites of interest available to sailors in Tenerife. The island is also renowned for its top-notch cuisine, with many eateries serving up fresh fish and authentic Canarian fare.

Overall, Tenerife is a must-visit location for sailors because it provides the ideal blend of excellent sailing conditions, cutting-edge marinas, and breathtaking natural scenery. Tenerife is the ideal location for a sailing trip in the Canary Islands due to its wide variety of sights and activities.

Gran Canaria

Another popular sailing destination of the Canary Islands is Gran Canaria, which is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, breathtaking scenery, and exciting nightlife. The second-most populous island in the archipelago has a wide range of attractions and activities.

From coastal sailing to open sea passages to other islands in the archipelago, Gran Canaria's sailing routes provide a variety of experiences. Modern marinas including Puerto de la Luz, Pasito Blanco, and Anfi del Mar rent out a variety of boats, including sailboats, sailing yachts, and catamarans, for sailing.

The southwest coast of Gran Canaria is a well-liked sailing route where you can visit lovely beaches like Playa de Mogán and Playa de Amadores and enjoy the well-known Maspalomas sand dunes. You can also go a different path to reach the stunning island of Tenerife, which is only 50 nautical miles away.

Sailing enthusiasts can find a wide range of attractions and areas of interest on Gran Canaria, including the magnificent Tamadaba Natural Park, the Roque Nublo rock formation, and the ancient city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The island is renowned for its exciting nightlife, with a wide variety of bars and eateries serving delectable regional fare and energizing beverages.

Overall, Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands is a great place to go sailing since it has stunning scenery, up-to-date marinas, and a variety of attractions and activities. Gran Canaria is a great option for sailors searching for an unique and entertaining experience because of its vibrant culture, breathtaking beaches, and good sailing conditions.

Lanzarote

In the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is a distinct sailing location renowned for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear blue waters. Numerous contemporary marinas, notably Marina Rubicón and Puerto Calero, are located on the island and provide all the amenities needed for sailors.

With several ports and coves to discover, sailing routes around Lanzarote offer a combination of coastal and open sea sailing. Sailing can be done on a wide variety of watercraft, including sailboats, sailing yachts, and catamarans. One well-liked sailing route takes you to the island of La Graciosa, which is home to stunning beaches and a charming fishing village and is situated just off the northern coast of Lanzarote.

Sailing enthusiasts may find a wide range of attractions and areas of interest in Lanzarote, including the Timanfaya National Park, which is home to breathtaking volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity.

Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands' Fuerteventura is a popular sailing destination thanks to its stunning sandy beaches, clear waters, and consistent winds. Numerous contemporary marinas, like Puerto del Rosario and Marina de Caleta de Fuste, are located on the island and offer all the amenities needed for sailors.

There are many ports and coves to explore along the coastal and open-water sailing routes that circle Fuerteventura. Sailing can be done on a wide variety of watercraft, including sailboats, sailing yachts, and catamarans. A well-known sailing path leads to the island of Lobos, which is just off the northern coast of Fuerteventura and has spectacular scenery and crystal-clear waters.

Sailing enthusiasts may find a wide range of attractions and areas of interest in Fuerteventura, including the spectacular beaches and sand dunes of the Corralejo Natural Park. The island is also home to Costa Calma's stunning beaches, the historic port city of Gran Tarajal, and the lovely village of Betancuria. If you’re looking for breathtaking places to sail then do visit Italy. The Coastline offers the best sailing destinations of Italy.

[zeruch]

The many and varied atmospheric moods of today's road trip through Santa Cruz/Bonny Doon/Davenport/Woodside ... The weather definitely had multiple personality disorder. (at California, USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CprMwkHu3ZC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[newstfionline]

Monday, January 16, 2023

Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow (AP) Storm-battered California got more wind, rain and snow on Saturday, raising flooding concerns, causing power outages and making travel dangerous. Bands of rain with gusty winds started in the north and spread south, with more storms expected to follow into early next week, the National Weather Service said. Flood warnings were issued for the region north of San Francisco Bay, including Marin, Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. To the south, warnings were posted for parts of counties including San Mateo and Santa Cruz, where the tiny community of Felton Grove along the San Lorenzo River was ordered evacuated. Slick roads, snow and whiteout conditions plagued highways through the Sierra Nevada.

Why Do Documents Marked Secret Keep Showing Up in Strange Places? (NYT) There is much we still do not know about President Biden’s stash of secret documents, but one thing is painfully obvious: The system for protecting secrets vital to national security has spun out of control. No one should be surprised that documents marked secret keep showing up in strange places. Last July, the government’s own watchdog in charge of managing systems for protecting “national security information,” Mark Bradley, reported that this office decided to stop trying to count how many secrets the government created each year: “We can no longer keep our heads above the tsunami.” How many more of these scandals need to explode before we recognize that there is a deeper problem, one that we cannot begin to solve unless we come together as a country and confront it head on? The current system costs over $18 billion a year and allows countless unnamed bureaucrats to evade democratic oversight. Those involved in this system include even presidents, who have resisted almost any congressional oversight or judicial review in determining whether information should be classified or made public. The president’s almost exclusive authority over determining what constitutes national-security information and who can have access to it is unlike anything else in American politics: a form of power that is fully sovereign, with almost no effective checks or balances.

Americans are flocking to Mexico—a trend ignored during Biden's immigration-focused visit (USA Today) For more than a decade, Marcos Del Rosario Santiago has lived in la Roma—at the time an up and coming neighborhood in the west side of Mexico City. But Del Rosario has seen a shift in his neighborhood. More Airbnbs are popping up after those living in apartments, some who have had to already have three or four roommates, could no longer afford to live there. At his local panadería, where he often orders a coffee and pan dulce, he used to only hear people order in Spanish, even if they were not Mexican. Now, he said he’s seeing and hearing more foreigners order in English. Less than five miles from Del Rosario's neighborhood, President Joe Biden met with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador this past week to discuss how to stop large swaths of migrants from coming to the United States illegally. But another burgeoning phenomenon remains largely ignored: Americans migrating to Mexico. In the last decade, Mexico has become the top nation for U.S. Americans to move to—a trend that ramped up during the pandemic. There are now a record number of U.S. Americans becoming temporary residents in Mexico as of 2022. According to an analysis from Bloomberg, there was an 85% increase between 2019 and 2022 in the number of Americans becoming temporary residents in Mexico.

Peru declares state of emergency in Lima after weeks of protests (Guardian) Peru’s government has declared a state of emergency in the capital of Lima and three other regions following weeks of protests against President Dina Boluarte that have claimed at least 42 lives. The measure, in force for 30 days, authorises the army to intervene to maintain order and suspends several constitutional rights such as freedom of movement and assembly, according to a decree published in the official gazette on Saturday. In addition to the capital, the state of emergency covers the regions of Cusco and Puno and the port of Callao, adjacent to Lima.

Brazil’s military blocked arrests of Bolsonaro rioters, officials say (Washington Post) As security forces cleared supporters of defeated former president Jair Bolsonaro from Brazil’s Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court last Sunday, the insurrectionists retreated to a place they had made their sanctuary: the lawn outside the national headquarters of the army. The bolsonaristas had camped on the sprawling green space since the right-wing leader’s October election loss to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. They, like Bolsonaro himself, refused to recognize Lula’s victory, even after the leftist was sworn in Jan. 1. For weeks, they had called on the military to stage a coup to keep Bolsonaro in power. It was an idea that observers in and out of Brazil saw as far-fetched. But when top Lula administration officials arrived at the army headquarters Sunday night with the aim of securing the detention of insurrectionists at the camp, they were confronted with tanks and three lines of military personnel. “You are not going to arrest people here,” Brazil’s senior army commander, Gen. Júlio César de Arruda, told new Justice Minister Flávio Dino, according to two officials who were present. That act of protection, which Lula administration officials say gave hundreds of insurrectionists time to escape arrest, is one of several indications of a troubling pattern that authorities are now investigating as evidence of alleged collusion between military and police officials and the thousands of rioters who invaded the institutions at the heart of Brazil’s young democracy.

Britain Says It Will Give Ukraine Tanks (NYT) After years of resisting providing Ukraine with some of the West’s most high-powered weaponry, Britain indicated on Saturday that it would give battle tanks to Ukrainian forces to help prepare them for anticipated Russian assaults this spring. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain told President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine about his “ambition” to provide British main battle tanks and additional artillery systems, according to a statement from Downing Street. The British Challenger IIs would be the first Western-made battle tanks to be sent to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February. Officials in the United States and Europe have long worried that sending tanks and other powerful weapons that would substantially increase Ukraine’s ability to hurt Russian forces could prompt President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to escalate the conflict, even by potentially attacking Western targets or deploying small-scale nuclear weapons. But that calculus has begun to change in recent weeks, as Western officials worry that time is tight to help Ukraine prepare for an anticipated Russian offensive this spring and, some say, a counteroffensive of its own.

Billionaires Heading to Davos Reflect Changed World Order (Bloomberg) After two years of pandemic disruption, the World Economic Forum is back in its wintry Alpine setting, running from Jan. 16-20. But the makeup of the billionaire guest list is decidedly different, reflecting the global upheaval that’s reshaped fortunes and shifted centers of power amid war, disease and surging inflation. There are roughly 116 billionaires registered to attend this year’s event, 40% more than a decade ago. But there will be none from Russia. The war in Ukraine and Russia’s ostracization by the West have effectively banished the oligarchs from the annual confab of capitalist elites. In addition to the absent Russians, there are none from China this year, with the nation still reeling from a spike in Covid cases and swooning stock market that erased $224 billion from the fortunes of the country’s richest people in 2022. Helping fill the void is an upsurge in the number of billionaires hailing from the Gulf. India, a consistently big presence in Davos in prior years, has 13 billionaires attending. Americans, as usual, form the largest group, with 33 billionaires set to attend.

At least 68 killed in Nepal’s worst air crash in 30 years (Reuters) At least 68 people were killed on Sunday when a domestic flight crashed in Pokhara in Nepal, the small Himalayan country’s worst air crash in three decades. Hundreds of rescue workers were scouring the hillside where the Yeti Airlines flight, carrying 72 people from the capital Kathmandu, went down. The crash is Nepal’s deadliest since 1992, the Aviation Safety Network database showed, when a Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A300 crashed into a hillside upon approach to Kathmandu, killing all 167 people on board. At least 309 people have died since 2000 in plane or helicopter crashes in Nepal—home to eight of the world’s 14 highest mountains, including Everest—where sudden weather changes can make for hazardous conditions.

China Reports Nearly 60,000 Covid-Linked Deaths Since Lifting Restrictions (NYT) China said on Saturday that it had recorded nearly 60,000 fatalities linked to the coronavirus in the month since the country lifted its strict “zero Covid” policy, accelerating an outbreak that is believed to have infected millions of people. The disclosure was the first time China has provided an official measure of the Covid wave now sweeping the country, and represents a huge spike in the official death toll. China has faced mounting criticism from other countries and from the World Health Organization for not providing reliable data about the extent of its Covid outbreak and about the number of deaths across the country despite widespread scenes of overflowing hospitals, morgues and funeral homes in recent weeks. Before the announcement, China said that only 37 people had died of Covid since Dec. 7, the day it ended its “zero Covid” policy.

Israelis rally in three cities against Netanyahu legal reforms (Reuters) Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in three major cities on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plans, with organisers accusing him of undermining democratic rule weeks after his reelection. Bestriding a religious-nationalist coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, Netanyahu, now in his sixth term, wants to rein in the Supreme Court in what he has described as a restoration of the balance of the three branches of government. Critics say the proposed reforms would cripple judicial independence, foster corruption, set back minority rights and deprive Israel’s courts system of credibility that helps fend off war-crimes allegations abroad. Among those opposed are the Supreme Court chief justice and the country’s attorney-general.

Somalia leads fight against al-Shabab (AP) In what is being called “total war” by the government of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s that was elected in May, Somalis across the Horn of Africa nation are being encouraged to stand up to the al-Shabab extremists who have long embedded in Somali society, exploiting clan divisions and extorting millions of dollars a year from businesses and farmers in their quest to impose an Islamic caliphate. On Thursday, Somalia’s government announced a “people’s uprising” as it seeks to pressure al-Shabab from all angles, including financial ones. It’s being described as the most significant offensive against the al-Shabab extremist group in more than a decade. And this time, Somali fighters are in the lead, backed by U.S. and African Union forces. Al-Shabab’s thousands of fighters have held back the nation’s recovery from decades of conflict by carrying out brazen attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere.

[datamattsson]

Yep, the weather has been bonkers the last few days in Santa Cruz. We've learned a new word: BombCyclone! The destruction is quite mild in comparison to a Tsunami but we have a brittle ecosystem along our coasts and it's sad to see. Here's a pretty sunset from today instead. 🌄

[importanttigercreation]

Welcome to the news channel of the Angry Nature, Today we will tell you about Chile Wildfire, Nevado del Ruiz Volcano👇 https://youtu.be/fmHjxpvisvU Eight forest fires are currently raging in Chile, while 25 other fires have been contained so far, authorities said, adding that more than 4,400 hectares in the country's central and southern regions have been destroyed as a result. The Interior and Public Security Ministry's National Emergency Office (Onemi) said on Wednesday that the biggest ongoing blaze has already razed 309 hectares in Palmilla, a commune in the O'Higgins Region to the south of the capital Santiago, reports Xinhua news agency. The largest fire contained, but not extinguished, has destroyed 1,915 hectares since it was detected on December 6 in the communes of Lolol and Santa Cruz, also in O'Higgins. A forest fire in the central Santiago Metropolitan Region left one person dead and five injured, and destroyed 46 homes and 659 hectares. Chile's meteorological agency issued an alert on Tuesday for seven of the country's 16 regions due to high temperatures that have sparked dozens of forest fires. The alert lasts until Friday and applies to the Metropolitan region, which is home to more than 7 million people. #O'Higgins_wildfire #chile_wildfire #angry_nature #Palmilla_wildfire #forest_fire #burning #wildfire _______________________________ The channel lists such natural disasters as: 1) Geological emergencies: #earthquake  #volcanic_eruption  #mudflow, #landslide landfall, #avalanche; 2) Hydrological emergencies:  #flash_flood #tsunami  Limnological catastrophe, floods, flooding; 3) Fires: Forest fire, Peat fire, Glass Fire, Wildfire; 4) Meteorological emergencies: #tornado, ATTENTION: All videos are taken from open sources. The selection is based on publication date, title, description, and venue. Sometimes, due to unfair posting of news on social networks, the video may contain frames that do not correspond to the date and place. It is not always possible to check all videos. We apologize for any errors! Thank you for watching, don't forget to subscribe our channel, We Wish you good Weather,

[exploremains]

Weather santa cruz today

WEATHER SANTA CRUZ TODAY PLUS

Winds ease into Monday night and coastal stratus will slowly move inland into the night. Winds will be light to moderate through the morning, but become moderate to breezy for Monday afternoon as widespread VFR returns. Stratus will also filter into the SF Bay leading to IFR at OAK. Stratus is building along the coast and into the Monterey Bay, causing LIFR CIGs at MRY and SNS. Mid to high clouds continue to pass through the region. But its another solemn reminder that it is only mid September, and climatologically September and October are the primary months when dry, offshore winds develop around the Bay Area.ĪVIATION. It only just started showing up in model so for now it will be monitored. If this scenario plays out, that leads to the probability that winds can turn offshore and heighten fire concerns. Meanwhile, the Euro does not have a closed low, it keeps it a trough and brings it a bit more inland and Sunday through Tuesday. While there is not many impacts associated with this, for this discussion it is to note that this patter would keep consistent onshore flow present. The GFS and Canadian model have the upper level trough form into a closed low by Saturday morning just west of Seattle, moving southward into early next week. For now, there seems to be discrepancies in models. Speaking of next weekend, that looks to be the next time the upper level pattern changes. Temperatures will warm slightly back to normal conditions for the end of the work week and next weekend. An additional benefit for constant onshore flow is that it will help to blow most if not all the smoke and haze remaining around the Bay Area farther inland to the East. Prevailing onshore winds will be featured through the week with afternoon seabreezes each day.

WEATHER SANTA CRUZ TODAY PLUS

On the plus side, it will help maintain the marine layer and even deepen it slightly through midweek. Cold air advection behind it will drive temperatures at the surface to approximately 5 to 10 degrees below seasonal normal values for Tuesday and Wednesday around the Bay Area. A long wave trough develops over the Pacific and sets up along the California Coastline. At some point, it is expected on Monday that the radar eventually gets switched over to clear-air mode.Ī much quieter weather pattern is forecast for the work week. There remains a non-zero chance for a small pop-up shower today, given the higher precipitable water values and the influence of the local topography, but confidence is exceptionally low given how mostly stable the atmosphere has become. The upper level low associated with the higher moisture content will slowly leave the Bay Area and move eastward through the course of Monday. Winds have already switched around to the northwest providing additional onshore flow and cooling to the region. The radar remains in precip mode due to weak cells are are still present in the North Bay, moving northward out of the area. With the marine layer being below 1000 feet, Half Moon Bay has recorded visibility down to 4 statue miles, so patchy fog may be possible on the immediate coastline, but only expected to be in small pockets and not last too long after sunrise. Mid-level clouds remain in the area as the artifacts of the once tropical system. Temperatures remain mostly in the 60s overnight, with a few upper 50s along the coast and low 70s on the inland mountains and ridgetops. Slight warming forecast into next weekend.ĭISCUSSION. Cooling temperatures drop below seasonal normal values Tuesday and Wednesday. Lingering isolated showers are possible, but confidence is low. Cloud cover will slowly move eastward through Monday. Area Discussion for - San Francisco/Monterey Bay Area, CA (on/off) Help NOTE: mouseover dotted underlined text for definitionĪrea Forecast Discussion National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area 433 AM PDT Mon Sep 12 2022

[trendingjagat]

Mumbai: Season’s heaviest rain, second-highest 24-hour Sept spell in 26 years – mumbai news Mumbai’s suburbs witnessed an incessant downpour between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning with 286.4mm rain, categorised as extremely heavy rainfall.

[pcttrailsidereader]

Flee for Your Life? Wildfires transform hiking in California's mountains

This is an excerpt from an article published on August 21, 2022 in the Santa Cruz Sentinel. I wish so many of our posts were not related to wildfires but fires have become a critical issue in trip planning and trip safety. Make sure you read to the recommendations at the end of the piece.

By Ethan Baron

Andrew Schrock woke around midnight smelling smoke on a backpacking trip late last month in California’s far north.

“I heard what I thought was rain but was ashes on the tent,” said Schrock, 43.

Using a satellite-based device from the Klamath National Forest near the Oregon border, he texted family and friends back home to find out what was happening – but “no one was up.”

He’d had cell service a mile back along the iconic Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, so he set out alone in the dark, got online, and discovered that the McKinney Fire – which has since grown to more than 60,000 acres, killed four people and required the rescue of 60 hikers from the California side of the trail – had ignited behind him to the south the previous afternoon.

Ask anyone who hikes in California’s mountains about wildfires and you’ll likely get an earful about canceled trips, detours, lung-burning smoke and, possibly, harrowing escapes. Backcountry travelers are increasingly finding themselves on the dangerous edge of a changing climate that is driving drought, parching forests, spreading tree-killing beetles and altering weather patterns. Add in heavy vegetation buildup from decades of fire suppression, and you have frequent, ferocious forest fires that scramble hikers’ best-laid plans and demand new tactics for staying safe.

Schrock, of Long Beach, flew from Ashland, Oregon, to Fresno and then caught a bus to Yosemite to get back into the Sierra Nevada and finish his vacation covering more ground and enjoying the wilderness on his multi-year quest to complete the Pacific Crest Trail, he recalled while taking a snack break beside Lower Echo Lake near Lake Tahoe.

Dallan Clancy of Belmont, 68, finishing up a day hike 100 miles west of Sacramento at Carson Pass, said he had to cancel an overnight trip last September in the southern Sierra because the U.S. Forest Service shut access to all but one of California’s national forests over fire risks, including what the agency called “fire behavior that is beyond the norm of our experience and models such as large, quick runs in the night.” Clancy said he and four friends are aiming to do the trip this year, “unless it gets really bad.”

“We’ve always made note of escape routes, but on this trip, we actually planned our escape routes. We wanted to know the routes we could take to get out to a road,” said Jack Daro, a Southern California musician taking a break at Carson Pass during a backpacking trek to Yosemite National Park.

Hikers in years past “just went and did whatever you wanted to do wherever you wanted to go,” Wilkinson said. But 2020 marked a transformation, with the million-acre August Complex Fire, the Creek Fire northeast of Fresno that led to helicopter evacuations of hundreds of people including hikers on the John Muir Trail, and other massive blazes launching California into the age of mega-fires, Wilkinson said.

Nine of California’s 20 biggest fires since 1932 have occurred in the past three years, torching 4.1 million acres, according to Cal Fire. This year’s five biggest blazes have burned 116,000 acres, and “we’re just now getting into peak wildfire season,” Wilkinson said.

U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Adrienne Freeman noted that fire can move much faster in today’s baked-crisp forests. “The window between OK and not OK,” Freeman said, “is becoming shorter and shorter.”

Backcountry journeyers who think seeing smoke but no flames means they’re fine may be mistaken, Wilkinson said. “Fire can move like a freight train, much faster than a person can run.”

Some hikers have dramatically changed the way they travel. Loetitia Saint-Jacques, 50, a Tahoe City veterinary technician, was on an overnight trip this month near South Lake Tahoe. Before the mega-fires, she and her companions would take long trips into deep wilderness. “We don’t go as remote now,” Saint-Jacques said. “Now it’s shorter trips. We do overnights, instead of five to eight days.”

Long-distance speed-hiker Ella Raff had multiple run-ins with wildfire and its fallout after embarking on the Pacific Crest Trail in June to walk from Mexico to Canada. Last month, the Washburn Fire in Yosemite shrouded her in smoke for two days. “I was just breathing heavy smoke 24/7. It’s not very fun,” said Raff, 29, of Portland. Farther north in California, traversing 85 miles of trail charred from last year’s nearly million-acre Dixie Fire left Raff covered in ash and dismayed by a “surreal” landscape with little animal life.

Soon after, she smelled smoke from the McKinney Fire. As she was nearing the Oregon border, authorities shut the trail ahead. More than 100 miles of the route remain closed, with the fire, which started July 29, now almost contained. Raff made her way to Portland, then to Washington to hike the trail southward from Canada.

Changing jumping-off points, routes, destinations, or timing to cope with uncertainty about fires is now routine for hikers in California. The Caldor Fire, which ravaged 220,000 acres southwest of Lake Tahoe last year from August to October, forced Truckee artist Danae Anderson, 63, to cancel three backpacking trips. “Everything was too smoky up here,” said Anderson, hiking beside Lower Echo Lake. She went to Yosemite instead.

Reckless target shooting by a father and son allegedly caused the Caldor Fire. The inferno’s scar stretches nearly 50 miles southwest of Echo Lakes in a swath up to 15 miles wide, much of it a blackened wasteland of lifeless trees, some downed, some standing without greenery, granite on many boulders shattered in places by the intense heat. More than 80 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail were closed from the fire’s start last August until early this year. Hikers passing through such areas may find water scarce, and standing dead trees can pose a deadly toppling hazard, said Matt Rump, a trail stewardship staffer for the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

Crews take down the most dangerous trees, but because there are so many dead, and they provide important wildlife habitat, officials accept some risk to hikers, under the calculus that “if you get whacked, it’s your time,” said Cheryl Bailey, 73, a volunteer for the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, as she walked along the 2 1/2 miles of the rim trail that run through the Caldor scar and that she’s been helping rebuild.

Some hikers console themselves with fire’s importance to forest health, but many of today’s blazes burn so hot they kill trees accustomed to lower-intensity fires.

In the Echo Chalet store where Schrock, who fled the McKinney Fire, bought snacks, cashier Georgia Sprague, 22, chatted with the trekkers whose ebbs and flows depend on fires and smoke. Many expressed urgency over climate change.

“They feel a lot of a push to get out,” she said, “and see the world before it burns up.”

Wildfire safety tips for hikers

Recommendations for staying safe while hiking in the age of mega-fires:

Check websites such as InciWeb for fire information and PurpleAir for air-quality information before, and if possible during, backcountry trips.

2. Give friends and family your itinerary, always know your location and pay close attention to your surroundings in case you need to retreat.

3. Know whether fires are prohibited where you’re going.

4. Carry paper maps in addition to any digital maps or apps.

5. Use cell phones and satellite-based devices to monitor weather, fires, wind, air quality and alerts such as Red Flag wildfire warnings, and to stay in close contact with people not in the wilderness who may have better access to weather and fire information. Many satellite-based messaging devices such as the popular Garmin inReach also act as rescue beacons; trekkers wishing to stay less connected may prefer personal locator beacons that are only for emergency rescue.

6. Pay attention to signs at trailheads and trail junctions.

7. Gather crowd-sourced fire and trail information from reliable websites and forums.

8. Carry an N95 mask in case of smoke.

9. Watch the sky for smoke, and use your nose to detect it.

[gravelish]

Tucson - Oro Valley

21 March 2022

I had time this morning for a longer ride, so I drove 15 minutes north from downtown Tucson and parked at Ted Walker Park at the northwestern tip of the ‘Loop.’ The ride was a simple 35-mile circuit north through Oro Valley, an upscale xeric suburban landscape north of the city.

The first leg was north on the bike path along the dry wash of the Canada del Oro (on a wide, smooth trail). The second leg was on the wide boulevards through Rancho Vistoso (smooth pavement, good shoulders, little traffic). The third leg was a bike path parallel to Tangerine Road (the shoulder would have been okay, but the new trail is a nice option, particularly as development and traffic continues to increase here).

At the intersection of Tangerine and Twin Peaks Roads, I turned south. I considered turning north and heading up to check out the Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain, but I suspect there’s a gate to keep people like me away (most of the residential developments around here have gates, so they’re clearly afraid of something). Twin Peaks Road was downhill and there was a tailwind, so it went by quickly (the shoulder was fine, though there was also a wide sidewalk/bike path). The final leg of the ride was on the good bike path that follows the Santa Cruz River back toward the city.

I’m not keen on this kind of desert suburbia, but it was still a great ride. It wasn’t exactly flat, but it was close (see the profile). It was around 15C when I began riding at 7:45; a few degrees warmer at the end. There was a light breeze from the northwest, but not enough to impact the riding. There were still puddles in the shadows from yesterday afternoon’s showers. There was also some fresh snow on the higher peaks and the radio reported that the Mount Lemmon Road was closed due to weather (providing a tidy excuse for not riding up it today!).

After the ride, I tossed the bike in the back of the car and drove back to the Mercado San Augustin for a breakfast burrito and a latte.

[sfbayautomaticgates]

Brief Overview About Top Benefits of Automatic Gates Installation

You may be interested in installing modern driveway by licensed and trained driveway gates installer in Los Angeles if you are looking for a highly effective way for improving the curb appeal, value and security of your residential property in LA.

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at some of those benefits so that residents of LA can make a more informed decision regarding whether or not a gate for you. Some of the benefits of driveway door installations at your residential property in LA are briefly discussed in this article so that you are can more informed decision about the same.

Easier maintenance You'll be glad to know that they are easier to maintain than ever if you are thinking about replacing your existing one. Improvement in construction materials, such as wrought iron and aluminum, provide them with a long-lasting and lighter construction.

Security It adds a layer of security to your residential property in LA. It is important to understand that the presence of gate at your residential property is likely to deter a would-be intruder. They also allow the resident to stop unauthorized traffic at the end above and beyond any psychological barrier. They lock the entrance of your home. It also makes garage secure if the homeowners can't always park their vehicle in the garage or simply need to block off car traffic to areas of their residential or commercial property in LA.

Curb appeal They look great and effectively add style to the entrance of the homeowners. It looks more polished than regular ones as well as setting off a carefully constructed landscape plan.

Ease of use A fully automatically driveway effectively changes the life of the homeowners for the better. Residents will appreciate how they are not inconvenienced by their wardrobe or the weather conditions if their previous door didn't open automatically or was plagued with problems. You don't have to worry about getting out your favorite vehicle in the rain and other harsh weathering conditions.

Protecting your children and pets Installation of these gates keeps your children and pets in and safe. You'll appreciate how they keep the compete perimeter of your residential or commercial property secure in conjunction with your durable fence if you've ever had a nervous moment while a cat raced out of the garage and toward the street or you have noticed how quickly even a toddler can move out of your eyesight.

Property Value They are a desirable enhancement to the value of your residential or commercial property. In addition to this, installation of a modern door at the entrance of your property appeals to the potential buyers for all the reasons that are listed above in this article. They are one of the universally positive items combined with a fence. It helps increase a home's listing price.

The bottom line These products over the years have become more advanced and accessible than ever. Today Los Angeles driveway gate installation by experienced installers offers residents a wide assortment of benefits, including everything from enhanced household security to curb appeal.

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[nationalparkposters]

Channel Islands National Park – the Galapagos of North America

Channel Islands National Park – the Galapagos of North America: Comprising five gorgeous islands along California's Santa Barbara Channel, Channel Islands National Park enjoys a unique ocean environment. The islands of San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara are shrouded in mist and close to the mainland but seem worlds away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Los Angeles. Yellow Coreopsis & the Anacapa Lighthouse Perhaps it is the more than 2,000 plant and animal species, of which 145 are found nowhere else on the planet, that makes these islands so special. The waters off-shore hold untold numbers of whales, dolphins, elephant seals, and some 30 other species of marine life. This abundance of wildlife and incredible scenery has given the national park the unofficial title of “The Galapagos of North America.” Sea Lion Rookery, Santa Barbara Island The Island Fox - It's found nowhere else on earth! Each season at this island park brings something special to visitors as California's mild weather allows the park to be open all year round. For spectacular views, Inspiration Point on Anacapa Island offers just that, while lounging sea lions can often be spotted on the rock formations of Cathedral Point. During the busy summer season, the blue whale (the largest animal on Earth) and humpback whales can regularly be spotted as they make their migration up north. Due to its location, it is one of the least visited national parks in America. Access is only possible via a short ocean voyage or a small-plane commercial flight, and this light visitation has contributed to its remote feeling and the continued protection of fragile natural resources. Protected by wind and waves, this is a place of solitude and adventure. Anacapa Island juts out of the sea with its craggy volcanic rock, holds an iconic lighthouse, and wildflowers that bring the rocky soil to life. Santa Cruz Island is the largest and most diverse of the islands and is home to 60 plants and animals found nowhere else. Santa Rosa island shelters rare Torrey pine trees, sandstone canyons, and contain vestiges of a ranching past. Water Canyon Beach and Torrey Pines, Santa Rosa Island San Miguel is an island of extremes. Its isolated beaches contain the largest rookeries of seals and sea lions on the planet. Fossilized trees from long ago dot the windy sand dunes. Lastly, the tiny island of Santa Barbara is a mesa framed by twin peaks and steep rock faces, where wildflowers and nesting birds remain untouched. All are surrounded by an underwater national park, one of the world's great marine ecosystems. A Bit of Channel Islands History Much like the Galapagos chain of islands in South America, isolation of these islands has given evolution carte blanche to proceed independently, which accounts for the unique species that thrive here. Dwarf Wooly Mammoth Archeologists have discovered some of the oldest known human remains in North America here. They have also discovered the bones of dwarf wooly mammoths, which thrived on the island until the last Ice Age about 11,000 years ago – an incredible insight into coastal southern California as it once was. This area, in addition to about 148 historic village sites spread among the islands, is a true peek into the ancient past. The native Chumash were one of the most advanced people of their time, flourishing for thousands of years. They developed a complex society where they traded with the mainland in plank canoes, using shell beads for currency. Then the Spaniards arrived in 1542, leading to a tragic end of their society as they were exposed to measles and smallpox, devastating their population. During the 1800s, the descendants of these proud people were moved to the mainland, where they still celebrate their ties to the islands today. The protection of the Channel Islands was ensured when Congress made this a national park, an international biosphere reserve, and national marine sanctuary in 1980. It established long-term monitoring of ecological information gathering so that scientists could predict future conditions in order to continue its protection, including conservation and restoration programs. Click here to see the Channel Islands National Park poster. Rob Decker is a photographer and graphic artist with a single passion for our National Parks! Rob is on a journey to explore and photograph each of our national parks and to create WPA-style posters to celebrate the amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history that embody America's Best Idea! https://national-park-posters.com/blogs/national-park-posters/channel-islands-national-park-the-galapagos-of-north-america?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=Sendible&utm_campaign=RSS

[dougrobyngoold]

March Madness - Tucson, AZ

The above picture was taken from one of the cafeterias at University Hospital in Tucson, where I had breakfast while Doug was in surgery.  I think the surgery lasted a couple of hours, the surgeon talked to me after the surgery - all went well and the atrial fibrillation should stop.  After a one-night stay, Doug was sent on his way.  We were grateful to have the surgery over with and to be on the road to recovery.  Activities were limited for a week, then Doug was free to resume normal activities.  Onward we go!

A week after his surgery, Doug was back on the golf course, awesome!

HOWE TIME FLIES

About 10 days after Doug’s surgery, our friends Art and Donna Howe came to visit us.  It was their first time in Tucson, so we planned a whirlwind tour to give them a little taste of desert living.  

On their first day in town, we headed south to the Titan Missile Museum, we managed to arrive in time to sign up for a tour (they fill up fast!)  We have been on the tour three times now, we still love it.  I would recommend a visit when you are in the area, it is just off I-19, about a 30 minute drive from downtown Tucson.  After the museum, we drove further south to Tubac.  We wandered around town, taking in a few of the artisan shops and some of the local artwork:

One of multiple painted javelinas in the village of Tubac.

Donna made a new friend in Tubac.

After a lunch stop at one of the local restaurants, we meandered back through the village for a little more exploring.  Getting our fill of Tubac, we continued southward to the Santa Cruz Spice Company.  We did a little spice shopping and then made our final stop of the day at the Tumacacori National Historic Park.  It was a gorgeous spring day, which made for some fantastic photo ops at the mission.

Look at those spring flowers and the magnificent sky!

We stopped at the tortilla and beans stand inside the park - yummy!

Crystal-clear day, the Santa Rita Mountains in the distance.

The craftsmanship on the buildings is amazing.

This moth was on one of the sidewalks at the mission, such pretty markings!

What a fun-filled day!  We headed back to our trailer for dinner and games.  More adventures planned for tomorrow!

We filled the morning of the second day with a trip to Barrio Bread, a short walk along Pantano Wash, and then lunch on our patio.  We went out to Saguaro National Park East to show them a crested saguaro on the Loma Verde Trail and for a sunset from Javelina Rocks.  We ended the day with a trip to El Molinito for take-out and then went to the Arizona Beer House to enjoy our food and a few brews.

Day 3 - we headed to downtown Tucson.  We walked along the Turquoise Trail, checking out the history of the area.  We enjoyed adult beverages at The Congress Hotel Bloody Mary Bar and even found some ice cream for Art!  We ended the day at the trailer, perfect weather for outdoor entertaining!

Day 4 - after a breakfast of sausage gravy & biscuits (vegan-style), we went to the range to whack a few golf balls around.  We love the driving range at Fred Enke - the view of the Catalina Mountains is wonderful!

After golf, we made our way out to the Desert Museum.  At this point, we were experiencing a mild shut-down and a few restrictions due to Covid-related concerns.  A few of the exhibits at the Museum were closed and they were not doing the Raptor shows.  However, we ran into a family on our way into the museum and they gave us 4 free passes.  We had a great time wandering around the museum, it is always beautiful out there.

Brittle brush was blooming and the views to the west were spectacular!

Caught the javelinas during naptime.

March is usually a great time to visit the museum, the temperatures aren’t too hot and the cactus are starting to bloom.  We were not disappointed:

We completed our exploration of the Desert Museum and made the long drive back to our place.  Happy hour, dinner, and then more games wrapped up our final night with the Howes.  We are so happy that they finally came for a visit, we hope they will make it an annual thing!

Thanks for coming to see us!

COVID INTERRUPTUS

The week following our friends visit things became more serious around the Covid virus.  Restaurants and indoor spaces were closed down and we were forced to limit our activities with friends here in the park.  Luckily, outdoor activities were a good option for us - we took lots of walks and bike rides.  The weather was gorgeous and the flowers were blooming.

Pretty blooms along Pantano Wash during one of my many walks.

More desert colors!

Some evenings the sky just explodes around here, we feel pretty lucky to be in a place where we can be outside enjoying nature most of the time.

Photos from our 15 mile walk along Pantano Wash - the weather was cool, but we didn’t get wet, just a little wind-blown!

A nice rattler I came across on a bike ride up Harrison Greenway - yikes!

I was very grateful for my new e-bike, lots of great rides along the bike path here in town.  Kept me from going stir crazy!

TANQUE VERDE RIDGE HIKE

During March Doug started training for his planned 2022 trip on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).  The CDT runs 3100 miles from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, staying within 50 miles of the Continental Divide along its course.  He is doing 3 consecutive days a week of 15+ miles each day with his backpack, just to see how his body holds up.  Friday and Saturday he does his miles along the Pantano River Park path, then on Sundays he does an actual hike.  I am joining him for 2 of those 3 days, my feet need a day off!  Today we hiked around 16 miles on the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail.  The hike is fairly steep and I think it is an understatement that my toes were REALLY happy to be done with the descent.  Pretty sure I am going to need a few recovery days after this hike!  In spite of the physical discomfort, it was a beautiful day in the desert and things were blooming along the ridge and Doug grilled us Beyond Meat burgers for dinner. Perfect end to the day!

REALITY HITS

By the end of March, we had come to the conclusion that our trip to Europe for this summer was going to have to be canceled.  We had reservations to fly to England on May 9th and had planned to be over there until some time in August.  Our plan had been to stay at AirBnBs, we were very disappointed to have to cancel all our plans, but Europe was closed down due to the spread of the Covid virus and things here in the United States were not looking any better.  A large portion of our Canadian friends here in the RV park had already headed north, due to recommendations from their government.  Social gatherings were frowned upon and we were doing our best to follow all of the social distancing guidelines in place.  We decided that our best option is to stay in Tucson for the time being, as many RV parks and campgrounds are closed in the U.S. at this point due to Covid.  We feel fortunate to have a place where we can wait this out.  Guess we will just have to hang around for a few more Tucson sunsets.