California's Best Theme Parks

California Theme Parks totally rock!  It's time to take a break, relieve the stress and have some FUN, California.  Whether for an inside-California vacation, or for weekend fun with the family, these fantastic California theme parks will satisfy your longing for a total escape.  Here are ten of my favorite rockin' theme parks:

Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure
Anaheim, California

Disneyland superstars Mickey and Minnie Mouse host a world-famous party that includes It's A Small World, The Tea Cups, Mickey's Toontown, hot rides, parades, 21 shows, fireworks, 70 restaurants, eight "lands", a new Space Mountain, plus nearly 100 really cool shops. You can't beat the Magic Kingdom!

Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal City, California

Universal Studios Hollywood is the world's largest movie studio and theme park that gives you the inside look at the sets and behind-the-scenes secrets of legendary films. Treat yourself to big movie action, the world's first blockbuster roller coaster - Revenge of the Mummy, City Walk, the Simpsons, big-time shopping, great dining and rockin' entertainment.  A very cool Hollywood experience!

Knott's Theme Park and Soak City
Buena Park, California

Knott's Berry Farm theme park rocks the Old West with train rides, a stagecoach, a ghost town, Supreme Scream, Xcelerator, GhostRider, and Mrs. Knott's world-famous chicken dinners - my favorite - YUM!  What used to be a berry farm is now 160 acres of totally fun rides, unique shows and really cool attractions. You can even party at Camp Snoopy with the PEANUTS gang!

Legoland California
Carlsbad, California

Legoland California is total family fun with over 50 rides, shows and cool stuff for the whole family to enjoy. Everybody will love the Fun Town Fire Academy fire truck race, riding the Coastersaurus, digging for fossils at Dino Island, and splashing at AQUAZONE Wave Racers. The shows and resaurants are way cool!

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Marine World
Vallejo, California

Six Flags Marine World is America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park. Shouka the beautiful killer whale welcomes you to the Medusa roller coaster, marine life, wildlife, 35 rides, nine cool shows and more than 35 animal attractions. “Ocean Discovery,” a Caribbean-themed ocean experience,  puts you up close with dolphins, stingrays, penguins and sea lions.  Cool!

San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park
Escondido, California

Gigantic wildlife sanctuary with 3,500 animals, 400 species, a massive botanical collection of 3,500 botanical species and 1.5 million plant specimens. The fun includes The Wgasa Bush Line Railway, Photo Caravan Safari Tour, Cheetah Run Safari, ZooWerks, GLACIER RUN 3-D, Lion Camp, Condor Ridge, Heart of Africa, Elephant Overlook, Lorikeet Landing, Nairobi Village, Kilimanjaro Safari Walk, and the African Aviary.  Unforgettable!

SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego, California

One of the largest zoological collections in the world!  Rides include Shipwreck Rapids, Wild Arctic, Skyride, Skytower, Journey To Atlantis. Attractions include Forbidden Reef, Manatee Rescue, Penguin Encounter, Shark Encounter, Rocky Point Preserve, Tide Pools, Wild Arctic, Shamu's Happy Harbor, Freshwater Aquarium, Aquarium de la Mer, World of the Sea Aquarium and Dolphin Encounter.  Yes!

Six Flags Magic Mountain
Valencia, California

Six Flags Magic Mountain is the capitol of XTREME roller coasters on Earth - the thrill ride Mecca! 16 world-class roller coasters, 100+ rides, games and attractions, including Cyclone 500, Deja Vu, Dive Devil, Flashback, Freefall, Grinder Gearworks, Ninja, Superman: The Escape, and 'X'-the world's one and only fourth dimensional roller coaster.  Tons and tons of rides!

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Santa Cruz, California

Right on the beach!  35+ rides and attractions, featuring two national historic landmarks: the 1924 Giant Dipper roller coaster and the 1911 Looff Carousel, lots of restaurants, shops, games, indoor arcades, and miniature golf. Enjoy Double Shot, Haunted Castle, Cliff Hanger, Fireball, Crazy Surf, Typhoon and more cool stuff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and so totally California!

California's Great America
Santa Clara, California

Northern California's favorite place for family fun and thrills starring your kids' favorite Nickelodeon characters, and the most kids rides and attractions in the Bay Area. Rides include Delirium, Top Gun, Psycho Mouse, Invertigo, Drop Zone Stunt Tower, Vortex and Xtreme Skyflyer.  So totally worth it!

Celebrate living in the Golden State.  Plan a fun escape!

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California State Parks Open

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced a plan that will keep California state parks open by reducing maintenance, administrative staff and operating hours at some parks.

Previously, up to 100 facilities were set to close, but California citizens, bloggers and environmental groups caused quite a backlash against the planned park closures.  Right on, Californians!

Schwarzenegger said that California officials have come up with an alternative plan to keep the state parks open with a reduction of the hours or days of operation, but no state parks will shut down.

Some restrooms might be cleaned only once per day, some parks will close weekdays and be open on weekends and holidays, and portions of a park may close part of the week. State Parks that already close because of seasonal conditions might be closed a little longer.

"Working closely with my departments of Finance and Parks and Recreation, we have successfully found a way to avoid closing parks this year.  This is fantastic news for all Californians!” Schwarzenegger declared, jubilantly.

It's time to go out and enjoy a beautiful Autumn at our state parks, and the weekend is here!  Visit our California State Parks and make some great memories.

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Los Angeles Moonlight Drive

Los Angeles can be a great city to drive around at night.  The lights, the sounds, and the energy of a Southern California night are intoxicating and hypnotic.  70 degrees and dry, with a spooky California wildfire moon?  It's so L.A.!

As I cruise the L.A. freeways on an electric Friday night, the city is alive with excitement!  Every lane is packed, bumper to bumper, with beautiful cars, all traveling 70 miles per hour.  Surrounded by millions of sparkling city lights, I feel an adrenaline rush.

Floating over the 101 Freeway's Cahuenga Pass, from Universal City into Hollywood, I catch a dazzling view of Downtown Tinseltown below.  The Hollywood Freeway is a flood of millions of headlights and taillights, with searchlights lighting up the night sky.

Every car has the windows down, with hair flying around everywhere.  I can hear different kinds of music blasting out of the cars around me.  Rock, Techno, Country, Jazz, Surf, Punk and Reggaeton.  So free, so alive, so California!

As I surf the freeways, as a part of this mechanical wave through nighttime Los Angeles, I feel hypnotized and spellbound.  I've driven around many cities at night, but none are as cool as this one... or as strange.

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Michelle Phillips: California Dream

Michelle Phillips is the 'hot chick' from The Mamas and The Papas and the songwriter who penned "California Dreamin" and Creeque Alley.

Michelle is the ex-wife of musical genius John Phillips and actor Dennis Hopper, and she is the former girlfriend of actor Jack Nicholson.

There's no disputing that this feminine icon of Californiality was the hottest hippie-chick of the Love Generation.

Michelle is the still-hot mama to pop star Chynna Phillips, of the pop trio Wilson Phillips, as well as step-mama to actress Mackenzie Phillips.  The mysterious California rock star and actress is still a dream, but what is her reality?

I remember my first album by The Mamas and The Papas.  They created a new 'California sound' in 1965.

With John Phillips' great songs, Denny Doherty's velvety voice, and the seductive style and personality of Cass Elliot, Michelle Phillips' angelic face was as stunning as the group's new sound.

Holly Michelle Gilliam was born in Long Beach, California.  Michelle married John Phillips when she was just a teenager.  With their group, she became an international rock star with an abusive marriage --- at barely beyond high school age.

Later, four of Phillips' friends were taken by the Manson Family. Michelle had to move on.

Fast-forward to the '80s, when Michelle was dynamite on Knots Landing - and the '90s, when she sizzled on Beverly Hills 90210.  She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Michelle's music continues to be played today, and the California Sound lives on.

Michelle Phillips will always belong to California.  She is one of the greatest cultural icons ever to represent the Golden State.  Hippie Queen, rock star, Hollywood actress, celebrity, songwriter and author, Mama Michelle remains our golden girl.

All the leaves are brown, and the sky is gray --- not while Michelle Phillips still keeps the California Dream alive.

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California's Next Golden Era

California has made it through a refiner's fire.  A purer and more concentrated Golden State is emerging.  A new era of exciting momentum is beginning for a rapidly changing California.

Real estate is being snatched-up by confident investors.  Weaker companies' failures have made room for the innovative and aggressive.  A new wave of entrepreneurs is rising up to redefine society - and success - in California.

No longer will the unnecessary, wasteful and superfluous be allowed to progress unchecked.  Yesterday's gone, and the stakes are much higher today.  Responsibility is simply the ability to respond appropriately, and Californians are demanding it more than ever.

The future will belong to resourceful visionaries with a sixth sense and a third eye.   By providing technology, products and services which more effectively benefit society, California will enjoy new, permanent successes built on the hardships and failures of the recent past.

After absorbing everyone and everything from around the planet for two centuries, California has enough experience and glocalized feedback from its international population to harness the power of organized effort.  We are the world, and we will make great things happen.

The California Dream has emerged stronger but, with much current analysis, oversight and input from citizens, it's getting closer to reality than fantasy.

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California Economy Strikes Back

California's economic recovery has begun.  All of the indicators are that the recession is finally over in the Golden State.  More Californians are now starting new businesses, and with a renewed enthusiasm.

Southern California's Manuel Sanroman is excited about opening a new restaurant in the city of San Fernando next month.  Manuel, 37, moved to California from Mexico 18 years ago.  While studying English, he worked his way up from a dishwasher to a general manager of an upscale chain restaurant location near his beautiful home, which he now owns.

People like Manuel are staking their claims in a renewed California economy.

Mr. Sanroman's confidence in California's economic future is solid as he states, "I've saved money for years while waiting for the right time to invest in my dream.  Now is the right time.  California is starting to turn around just when the banks are more willing to help me and commercial leases are reasonable.  I couldn't be more excited about opening a restaurant at this time."

Other business operators are getting excited too.  The Los Angeles Harbor Grain Terminal in Long Beach is benefiting from the economic turnaround. Business is up nearly 40% since March, and they've doubled their workforce. Yes!

The state's exports are growing as overseas consumers, especially those in Asia, are demanding computers, electronics and agricultural products from California. Tourists are starting to return to the region's hotels and beaches, and home prices appear to be stabilizing in some of California's hardest-hit markets.

Rising optimism remains among economists, who are bullish on California's long-term prospects in areas such as green technology, medical research and international trade. Southern California economic growth was positive last month for the first time in nine quarters!

Global factors now benefit California, with recovering economies in Europe and Asia resuscitating the California companies that make parts for high-tech equipment. It's about time!

A rebound in foreign markets is also driving tourism. This summer, tourism surpassed international trade as L.A. County's top job generator. California's tourism industry is recovering more quickly than in the rest of the country due to Californians traveling alot within the state, which is also a popular tourist destination for Asians.

California's housing market is stabilizing. Southern California home sales were up 11% in August from the prior year. Builders are depleting their inventories of unsold homes and will soon have to start building again.

The prognosis is optimistic for California, with federal stimulus money now being used for research in medical innovation and green technology. Beyond 2010, California will grow faster than the rest of the country, with battery technology, wind power and the computerization of medical records propelling new growth.

California innovation is, once again, paying off.  The state now leads the nation in patent registration for green technology, and it has attracted a record investment in renewable energy and clean technology.

Happy days are, finally, here again.  The Golden State's economic muscles are flexing like Arnold Schwarzenegger's. 

Go for the gold, California!

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California Innovation

In just 159 years, California has become an economic forerunner and global leader in scientific research, education, technology, trade, entertainment, architecture, design, medicine, recreation and the environment.

California’s technological advances date as far back as the Gold Rush, with its innovative methods of water and land movement that were later key to the growth of California's present agricultural industry.

How far California has come!

The inventions of Californians have influenced the lifestyles, work and education of global humanity. Today, California’s technology trade is focused on new developments in aerospace engineering, medical advancement and microchip technology.

Innovation is one of the most exciting aspects of living in California.  What new wave will sweep the globe from our Golden State?  Knowledge-base chips in the human brain's memory sector?  A search engine embedded into the visual cortex?  Architecture which adapts to human thought?

Californians will do it, and with style.

There are many groups of creative innovators in California, including the Bay Area Science & Innovation Consortium, the California Innovation Corridor Network, the Design Innovation Institute of San Diego, the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation, and the Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship to name just a few.

The Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose inspires young people to become innovators in the technologies of the future.  It's totally fun and worth the trip!

While California has grown and developed immensely since the Gold Rush years, the dreams of Californians remain much the same - to create an environment that liberates innovative creativity to rise to the challenges of the future.

California innovation rocks the future.

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Schwarzenegger Success Secret

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the California governor, as well as a California businessman, a California superstar and California's most legendary immigrant.

One might assume that the Golden State is the only secret to Schwarzenegger's success.  While California has been very good for Arnold, there's so much more to his story.

He was not born rich or famous.  Arnold Schwarzenegger started his life as an abused son of a cop.  Money was scarce, and so was the love and encouragement.  Arnold relied on his own strength, determination and social skills to create a future for himself.

Schwarzenegger attracted allies who believed in him because he believed in himself.

Mr. Europe, Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia became his monikers.  He moved forward as a Californian, a college graduate, a businessman, an actor, a Golden Globe winner, a Hollywood superstar, a cultural icon, a hero, a husband, a father, a politician, a governor and a statesman.

Wealthy Californians have candidly told me that Arnold's comprehensive net worth is probably now at $1-billion.  A governor's salary didn't make him a billionaire; he accepts no salary at all.

Schwarzenegger made it by being smart, enthusiastic, adventurous and loyal.

Arnold is drawn to exciting, original thinkers like his wife, First Lady Maria Shriver.  She is a strategist who thrives on thorough research. He thrives on variety and challenges.

Arnold is a starter; Maria is a finisher.  He is the magnetic star; she is the producer/director.

What exactly, then, is Arnold Schwarzenegger's secret to success?  OTHERS.

If he didn't receive proper communication, encouragement and support in his childhood home, he found it through other people.  Arnold Schwarzenegger's greatest example is that, indeed, no man is an island.

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Angelyne

Angelyne, the legendary Hollywood billboard icon, drives a pink Corvette and has a pink Maltese named Buddha.

Angelyne has been getting attention since 1983 when a bunch of billboards popped up all over Los Angeles featuring Angelyne's doll-like image in various poses.

After three decades of Angelyne's painted-blue eyes following me all over L.A., I have to admit that she's become part of Los Angeles culture and Hollywood folklore.

International tourists have actually asked me where they can see an Angelyne billboard, so the legend has been making its way around the world, evidently.

Angelyne ran for California Governor in the 2003 California recall election against Arnold Schwarzenegger. The platinum blonde bombshell finished 28th in a field of 135 gubernatorial candidates, but she got 2,533 votes!

The Angelyne for Governor campaign slogan was, "We've had Gray, we've had Brown, now it's time for some blonde and pink."

How totally California can you get?

Angelyne also declared her candidacy for Hollywood city council in 2002 if it were to secede from Los Angeles.  L.A. didn't split apart, so she started an online petition for honorary Mayor of Hollywood.

The famous Angelyne billboards have appeared in several television shows and Hollywood movies.  My favorite Angelyne billboard cameo is in the film, The Day After Tomorrow, during the Hollywood destruction scene.

Angelyne is a perfect example of why we all love California, the land of butterflies.

Any one of us can reinvent ourselves to our own specifications and have a shot at success.  We can do it our own way, in our own time, and according to our own unique vision.

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California Admission Day 09-09-09

09/09/09 marks the 159th birthday of the State of California and, at the same time, the birth of a new California.  I wouldn't be surprised if the red 5-pointed star on California's state flag spun around 999 times today in celebration!

Some would say that the bear on the flag of the State of California has 9 lives.  California is truly the Comeback Republic.  To celebrate her birthday on the auspicious date of 09/09/09 is an unusual honor for a most unusual California, indeed.

It's ironic that California is also the controversial epicenter of the federal court system's 9th Circuit (the cat-'o'-9-tails, if you will).

September 9 is California Admission Day, when California officially became The Golden State.  Since her incorporation into the U.S. in 1850, California has grown into the most prosperous, most populated and most famous state in the Union.

California has become the ultimate geo-socio-political brand-name on Earth.

May California's future be full of new ideas, new approaches and new successes.  May her fields be bountiful, and may her wine presses be overflowing. May a shining New California emerge as the zenith of humanity's benevolence before The Supreme Creator Of All.

Let today, 09/09/09, be the beginning of a new California Dream... a new California Hope... a new Golden Era of unprecedented accomplishment and universal influence for the good of all Creation.

May your new golden glory outshine the 9 planets, California!

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Californian Wins Kauai Marathon

San Francisco Bay Area resident J.T. Service, 28, won the 2009 Kauai Marathon on Sunday in Hawaii.  J.T. is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara who made Californians proud with his victory over runners from 44 states and nine countries.

The California champion finished with a time of two hours, 44 minutes after enduring a wet, drizzly course in Kauai that included 4500 feet of elevation change and some really tough inclines.

J.T. is the director of the Dean Karnazes Silicon Valley Marathon, happening on October 25th.  His birthday is coming up, so congratulate J.T. on his victory and wish him a happy birthday!

Way to go, J.T. Service!  Thanks for giving Californians something more to take pride in.  You totally rock!

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California Building New Bridges

Our Golden State is very long.  To travel from the bottom of Southern California to the top of Northern California is a long yet beautiful journey.  The scenery is as varied as the people along the way.

In San Francisco, I've heard many wild tales about how strange Hollywood people are.  In Los Angeles, I still get a constant earful of opinions on Bay Area society.  It's like some freaky tale of two cities which sends me into a bipolar vertigo if I listen long enough.

"L.A. people are alien zombies from all the cosmetic surgery.  By day, they fry their plastic bodies in the sun.  By night, Angelenos boil in a jacuzzi.  The bleach in their hair destroys all brain cells while they strip their clothes off for cameras to get famous.  When they die, they live forever on video!"

"San Francisco people are into weird alternative lifestyles.  They look like goth vampires, pale and wearing all black.  They protest everything in foggy streets, raising their pale, inked arms in anger.  After nightfall, they wear heavy, black eyeliner in dark Frisco clubs where transvestites talk to ghosts!"

Okay, whatever.  Most Californians I've seen are normal people who work and pay bills.  They appear to be human.  The stereotypes above are funny, but WAY OFF.  Let's get it together, California!  Where is the love?  The togetherness?

Currently, the San Francisco Bay Area is excited about the construction of a brand-new Bay Bridge.  It's a cool thing.  People are coming together in anticipation of something NEW.  It's great to look forward to a practical and positive change.

Other bridges can be built as well.  Bridges between people.  Bridges between societies.  Bridges between ideologies.

Let's all build a new bridge to a stronger California Dream.

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California Wildfire Survivors

We Californians are tough.  Although wildfires have been happening in California for ages, our society has only learned to deal with them effectively during the past century.  Now, we have the best firefighters on planet earth.

While the newest of many wildfires are yet popping up, Governor Schwarzenegger is quickly mobilizing resources and issuing speedy disaster declarations. 

Whether one agrees with Arnold's politics or not, our governor is definitely a hero in an emergency.

It is scary to see an approaching wildfire, and scarier to hear the sirens, helicopters and officials screaming for residents to immediately evacuate.  Where to go?  What to bring?  What to do?  How totally confusing!

With each wildfire experience, more California citizens are prepared to quickly evacuate, to reach safety, and to help others.  I am proud of our first responders and emergency personnel.  These brave men and women are seasoned and immensely prepared.

I am overcome with emotion at seeing neighbors helping neighbors, children helping animals and strangers helping strangers.  Californians have been called 'self-absorbed' and 'narcissistic' by many.  Come here and witness real heroes and heroines in action!

Maybe it's because we have lived through countless breaking news stories, but Californians are always prepared to act, to help, and to share.  I would not want to be anywhere else on earth during a disaster than California.

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