Fresno (Mark Arax): Fresno is the thirty sixth largest city in the US and fifth largest in California. I didn't realize how large Fresno was. Over 500,000 people live in Fresno compared to 1950 when the population was 91,000 plus. Fresno is one of the most rapidly growing cities in California. Much of Fresno's history is steeped in agriculture and it is still a prominent aspect of the city today. Fresno is an industrial and agricultural powerhouse and a lucrative asset for the state's economy. Fresno does not appear to be well known outside of California, but deserves a lot of credit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresno
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1632343
Beverly Hills (Aimee Liu): Beverly Hills is located among several wealthy neighborhoods in West Los Angeles such as, Bel-Air. Many of the buildings and homes in Beverly Hills are unique and extremely large. The city is relatively small with a population of nearly 34,000. Liu discussed how wealthy the city is and it can be seen walking along Rodeo Dr. as exotic cars cruise by. Oil was discovered on present day Beverly Hills in 1865 and the city saw a rise in the number of its residents. I can now see how a homeless individual could feel small and disconnected from the residents of 90210. There is a status quo in Beverly Hills that must be maintained and they frown upon those who fall short. Some of the most famous hotels in Southern California are located in this city such as, the Beverly Hills Hotel and Beverly-Wilshire Hotel. I have never been to Beverly Hills before but, I would like to go, especially to find if all of the stereotypes are true. The beauty of Beverly Hills is stunning and fascinating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly-Wilshire_Hotel
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7883674439858882180&ei=eQJgSpb-G5HyqAPT6KkS&q=beverly+hills&hl=en
Owens River (Jefferson Parker): Prior to reading Parker's essay on his experiences on the Owens River I had no knowledge that it even existed. I had never heard of it until now. I have been to Yosemite where part of the river travels through, near Yosemite Village so I have a good idea of what it possibly looks like. Sadly a large portion of the river is channeled to the Los Angeles Aqueduct which provides Los Angeles water. Many people are enraged over providing water to Los Angeles and believe it poses environmental concerns. The river is located near the small town of Bishop, Ca in the Owens Valley. The Sierra Nevada Mountains add to the rivers wildlife and great views.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Owens_River
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CN1VYCczw9U&eurl=http://video.google.com/videosearch%3Fq%3Dfresno%2Bca%26hl%3Den%26emb%3D0%26aq%3Df&feature=player_embedded
American River Parkway, Sacramento (Mary Mackey): Mackey describes the American River as a place where she found peace and serenity. I have traveled along the American River Parkway and seen many parts of the river. It is a great place to escape the fast pace of nearby Sacramento. The river provides relief for many residents. The parkway stretches twenty three miles and is right next to Highway 50. Discovery Park is one of the highlights of the parkway and features a thirty two mile long bike path named the Jedadiah Smith Bike Trail. The parkway was confirmed in 1844 and has remained a local attraction ever since.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_River_Parkway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmFyO1bFsOs
Classmate Responses:
Andrea: "The way he described the highways in LA made me think that maybe I am very fortunate to live here in Sonoma County." I feel fortunate as well to live in Sonoma County. I did not realize how confusing and busy the highways are in LA. They are a highly complex system of roads.
Daniel: "He [Humes] makes the town come to life with a vibrant description, making it sound like the ideal town to get away from the stresses of big city life in Southern California, I mean, he makes me want to go down and take a visit. " Seal Beach sounds like a great place to visit and live. I had never heard of it before this project. The city seems to have small town charm and diversity.
Marissa: "Thomas goes on to describe Big Sur and how beautiful it was when he was young riding around the bluffs." I remember visiting Big Sur when I was young and the huge bluffs have always been a vivid part of my memory. Big Sur is in an ideal location and features panoramic views of the coastline.
Preston: "But, she also describes the honesty of Beverly Hills which consists of homeless people, pregnant and alone, young woman begging for money and the unrecognized people on the streets." I understand Beverly Hills has a homeless problem but, every California city has similar circumstances. Homeless flock to Beverly Hills because that is where the money is.
Hilary: "This story made me think of how Santa Rosa has become more and more industrialized." Santa Rosa much like Fresno has indeed seen more industrial growth. Northern Santa Rosa used to be fields and crops and now it is shops and medical facilities.
Nicholas: "The law of evolution has dictated our adaptation into homo californus mobilus, and clever tool-making - the hands-free cellular phone, the multi CD player, and the radar detection device- has saved our breed from extinction." This is a great quote from Hector Tobar. It describes Californians in a humorous matter and is not far from the truth. Californians seem to enjoy multi-tasking.
Chris: "I think it’s neat to learn about Berkeley’s styles and it’s fun to think about various neuroses of all it’s inhabitants." Berkeley definitely contains many different styles and perspectives. This is what makes the city unique and intriguing. It is a melting pot for all walks of life.
Jason: "I can picture these communities with their matching flowers, their same grass, and their same color." Yes, many houses in Newport Beach look alike and people appear to enjoy buying similar things. Newport Beach is a vibrant place to visit.
Katherine: "I learned about some of the wildlife (i.e. ducks, coyotes, snakes, and beavers) that can be found on the river, as well as the cultural/spiritual gatherings (i.e. baptisms, prayers, offerings, picnics) that take place there." I have been to the American River as well and did not know there were beavers and spiritual gatherings. It would be interesting to visit the same places as author, Mary Mackey.
Teresa: "The story made me think of how life was 20 years ago, how life was simpler before all of this computer madness and cell phones and how everyone feels it is their right to be able to contact anyone at anytime of day, no matter what they may be doing.” Hector Tobar writes a lively and colorful essay and makes me regret cell phones and computers. Being able to contact anyone at anytime can become annoying, I agree.
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