California's 21 Missions- Which is the Largest?

Question: Which is the largest of California's 21 mission?

It strikes us just how rich the California heritage is when we look to the missions of California's past. 21 were founded this side of a border created long after the missions in Baja Mexico and California were built. Be Californians only study the 21 on this side of the border. Some have virtually disappeared, but thanks to those who cared, many were saved and rebuilt. They aren't the original structures that could not survive earthquakes, but they do provide the look and feel of the original buildings, and they contain graves of those who lived on the grounds, and sometimes even built the missions, themselves.

Answer: The largest of the missions is located in San Juan Bautista. That mission will have a Fiesta on June 20, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What's New at The Beach?

With BP oil out of control, one rumor has it that the spill wasn't an accident, but was done on purpose by a certain country. The rumon on the net is that North Korea started it. From a PR perspective, who would want to take credit for such a disaster? The enemy would, but certainly not British Petroleum.

What we've been watching to see is how the disaster is used by competing states such as California. Come to our beaches where there's relatively little oil? Or if you fear the East Coast this year, California's doing fine? We've yet to see the State Tourism Commission here in California capitalize on the misfortune of the East Coast. Instead, they are handing out money and asking recipients to help track how the money spreads.

As for the summer heating up, all bets are off on what types of ad campaigns will attempt to lure visitors to one place or another. So far California seems to be taking the high road.

Vacations not always tied to travel these days

Californians have some of the highest unemployment in the nation. And it struck me while driving to Los Angeles the other day that I am seeing more older model cars on the road than ever before. It used to be a sign of status in L.A. to have the Porsche or the Ferrari. I drove to Pasadena where a Ferrari car show actual took to the streets on the weekend. But I have been amazed at how many are giving up the newer models, and hanging onto their cars longer. Same with vacations. People are trying to hang onto their houses, which means staying in hotels less and paying the mortgage instead. Some of the highest rates in home loan delinquincies were just reported in May 2010.

When you reside in California, vacations are so abundant and close to home, all you have to do is pack up and go to beach for the day. Last weekend I packed up and spent the day learning about MOTA, and consortium of five Los Angeles Historical buildings and museums. I topped it off with a nice dinner in Long Beach at Johnny Reb's and headed home, feeling like I'd be gone for a week, instead of a day. It was as good as any vacation I've spent a fortune on--and it was absolutely free.

I am proud to report that someone near and dear to me launched another web site, about a subject close to his heart. Be sure to check out Surf City News.com.

Los Bano Blossom Trail Map Now Out

Los Banos Blossom Trail in the Central California Valley offers beautiful springtime drives on a road trip between Los Angeles and the favorite mountain destinations such as Sequoia and Yosemite National Park. If you want to check it out, you can get info from the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce. Call: (209) 826-2495, online Visitors Guide-losbanos.com.

We'll be posting more information about this unique destination on SeeCalifornia.com

We're Feeling Your Travel Pains, USA!

California Tourism is down, as is the spending in on vacations in our Golden State. Recent reports from the Office of Travel and Tourism in the U.S. only confirm what we already (painfully) know. International Visitor Spending in the United States in 2009 shows that total international visitor spending in the United States dropped to a record-setting year-over-year decline of nearly $21 billion or 15%. That's about what the unemployment is in some California cities right now --15%.

The information doesn't make one feel better, but here are some of the conclusions of the 2009 study:

• International visitors spent $121.1 billion in the United States in 2009.
• U.K. visitors spent nearly $5 billion less (down 27%) in the United States in 2009.
• Every single country and region reported suffered declines in total travel and tourism-related spending in the United States, except Brazil. Spending by Brazilian residents increased 2 percent in 2009. Go Brazil!
• Americans cut travel spending nearly 12% less abroad in 2009.
  

Do you feel like traveling in California? Be sure to check out the great destinations that await.

Hit the Road While the Going is Good on Ca Vacations

Sure the prices have already crept up on hotels in desirable locations such as San Diego, but the traffic is light comparatively speaking. Places where the traffic becomes a "bear" include Yosemite National Park in the summer; San Diego beaches such as PB and OB; Malibu; Santa Barbara and even Pismo.

It's not too late to get moving and enjoying. There are just a few weeks remaining till Memorial Day arrives, and then all bets are off.