Statewide Region Canon Articles


Image caption: Dalip Singh Saund,  the first Sikh, Indian American and Asian American to be elected to Congress and Kamala Harris, the first Asian American vice president.
25 AAPI Leaders From California

California has been home to many Asian American and Pacific Islanders who have transcended barriers and reshaped society, from education to advocacy, art to sports, politics, and beyond.

Image caption: The city of Downey is home to the oldest McDonald’s restaurant still in operation.
Beyond the Burger

McDonald’s might be the biggest fast-food chain to get cooking in California, but many others have followed, serving up hot dogs, tacos, and more.

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February Reading List

Mark Black History Month by reading these novels, nonfiction books and collections that feature Black voices exploring the Black experience in the Golden State.

Image caption: From its factory on the San Francisco Peninsula, Guittard makes chocolates that are used by professional pastry chefs and confectioners, including See’s Candies.
Beans, Bars and Bonbons: A Guide to California Chocolate

From giant companies with roots in the Gold Rush days to local microproducers with a focus on fair trade, California is ground zero for high-end chocolate.

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Bending the Arc of History

Here’s a short list of just some of the organizations working to build better futures for African Americans in California.

Image caption: Though Pea Soup Anderson’s signs may be a bit worn, the restaurant exterior retains its homey charm.
Century Club: A Tour of Classic California Eateries

Pea Soup Anderson’s closed before its 100th birthday. Here are 24 restaurants 100 years or older that you can still visit.

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Facing the New Year

California Local looks back at 2023, with an eye toward what stories will matter most in 2024.

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California Music Docs

Tune in, turn on, and drop into these California-focused documentaries—only some of which are about the ’60s San Francisco sound.

Image caption: A state park since 1962, Bodie is one of California’s best-known ghost towns. Read about nine more below.
Explore the Past in 10 California Ghost Towns

It’s happened more than 300 times in the state’s history: a once-bustling town is abandoned, leaving behind ramshackle houses, crumbling roads and forlorn tableaux.

Image caption: A statue of Ishi, the last of the Yahi, would serve to honor an Indigenous man who survived the brutalities of the pioneer era.
10 Californians Deserving of Statues

Many statues can be found in California of its pioneers, but other historical figures are also deserving. Here are 10 who made the Golden State shine.

Image caption: In 2001, Barbie faced her first real competition when MGA’s Bratz hit the market.
Ten Trendsetting Toys

Barbie is the most famous California-born toy. But there are other iconic playthings that were created or brought to market here.

Image caption: Among the events commemorated by E Clampus Vitus is the founding of the group’s first California chapter.
Atlas Absurdum

Dedicated to commemorating parts of history that sometimes offend the local chamber of commerce, E Clampus Vitus has studded California with plaques.

Image caption: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon were married twice in San Francisco: in 2004, when Mayor Gavin Newsom began issuing same-sex marriage licenses, and again in 2008 (pictured).
California’s LGBTQ Trailblazers

Learn about the charismatic leaders who founded Daughters of Bilitis, Mattachine Society, ONE Inc. and other “homophile movement” groups in the Golden State.

Image caption: Rip Off Press, once located in San Francisco's Sunset District and now headquartered in Auburn, was part of a movement that blossomed in California.
Graphic Content

Comics may have been born in New York, but they came of age in California. And there’s more to the story than San Francisco comix.

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Setting the Table

Before foodies and food porn came California cuisine. These 10 people helped create a movement that celebrated dishes that are local, seasonal and sustainable.

Image caption: Dramatic coastal views, barren deserts, a lush Central Valley, and multiple mountain ranges allow California to emulate many spots around the globe.
California Plays Itself

The Golden State has masqueraded as everything from the Sahara Desert to the Swiss Alps. But which films best capture the real California?

Image caption: Fresh and dried fruit, wine, nuts and more can be found at Casa De Fruta, a venerable stop for drivers traversing Pacheco Pass.
Roadside Attractions

California is the top agricultural producer in the U.S., and a top beneficiary of visitor spending. So naturally, we’ve got fun, food-driven tourist magnets.

Image caption: Clockwise from upper right: Architect Paul R. Williams, Assemblyman Frederick Madison Roberts, abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley (with President Gerald Ford).
California Pioneers

Black History Month provides an opportunity to remember the achievements of African Americans who fought for equality in the Golden State.

Image caption: California has produced a stellar field of athletes in many different sports. The hard part is just naming 10.
Golden State All-Stars

Ten of the greatest athletes born or raised in California.

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