California is a state of differences. It has the lowest, driest place in the USA: Death Valley, which is 86 metres below sea level. It is very hot there (56.7°C on the hottest day, in 1913) and in some years it does not rain at all. But the north of the state is quite cold and wet. This is where the great redwood trees grow - the biggest trees in the world. California grows more fruit and vegetables than any other state in the USA, and it is famous for its wine. But it is also a centre for computers and business. It has more people than any other state.San Francisco is, many people think, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It was nearly destroyed by an earthquake and the fire which followed it in 1906. There was a big earthquake in 1989 and everyone knows that one day, perhaps very soon, there will be another, but they continue living in San Francisco because life there is fun.Los Angeles is the second biggest city in the USA. It can take hours to drive from one side to the other - and people almost always drive! The number of cars means that the city has a problem with dirty air; it also has a lot of violence. But visitors still come to see Disneyland, Hollywood, where films are made, and Beverley Hills, where you can look at the houses of famous film stars.