It really depends on what you are looking for on this move to California. If you're looking for clean air, you'll need to stay in a coastal city (the Los Angeles basin is an exeption - although it is coastal, the smog is worse than any part of the central valley.) If you're considering the valley, there are much better places than Bakersfield. As far as big cities go, Fresno or sacramento are both great. Fresno sits as the door keeper to three national parks (Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks) so it's a prime location for nature enthusiasts. It's about a two hour drive to the coast (San Luis Obispo and Pismo area.) Easy access to ski resorts and surfing. You'll really have to visit the area to get a good feel for it. You may like something on paper but unless you are actually there you may be in for a surprise. Also, yes on the hummers :) we have them by the dozen at my house year round

Nanelle, your $330K home price sounds way low. Maybe Vacaville is a lot cheaper than Sonoma and the Bay area. For someone from Washington or Oregon, the Spring wildflowers in California will amaze you. Good website: http://www.calphoto.com/wflower.htm. Sonoma is also close to the coast, where you can find Muir Woods, redwood groves, and Point Reyes National Seashore. You will also be a few hours drive from Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, and seven hours drive from Death Valley, with its amazing wildflowers in late Winter. California is a stunningly beautiful place. Don't go to Muir Woods or Yosemite on Summer weekends; they are packed with visitors. Winters are 10-15 degrees warmer than in Portland, with some rainy, overcast days. Summers can get quite hot and uncomfortable. The closer you are to the coast, the cooler it will be in the Summer, and the milder it will be in the Winter. A big difference between western WA/OR and Sonoma is that the natural Sonoma landscape gets brown and dry in Summer and Fall. I think of the climate there as a cool desert. Compared to WA/OR, summers are very dry, and you will need to irrigate a lot more. Gardens to visit: Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden, UC Berkeley Botanic Garden, Strybing Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Quarry Hill Botanic Garden. I lived in San Leandro for 6 years, and enjoyed gardening there. I grew blueberries and black raspberries very successfully, even though they are not supposed to grow there because of their winter chilling requirements. The big negative for me was the snails. They destroyed everything until I decimated the population with massive amounts of bait over a several year period. Daytime summer temperatures in San Leandro are actually lower than in Portland, because it is so close to the Pacific Ocean. The hottest weather seems to happen all through September, which is very strange for someone from Portland.

We had a high of 81 yesterday at1:30. I was out in my garden picking salad for thanksgiving. We have had a steady 30 mile an hour wind from the south for several days blowing the tall bluegrass in the front field to the south. The wind came to an end in the morning and it was still and ominous. I heard it coming up the gorge to my north, moaning loud. The wind hit and the temperature dropped 20 degrees in 15 minutes. We ended up with a low of 33. Almost 50 degree drop in a day. It is now down to 27. They say low 20's or upper teens in the morning but then back up to 60 and 70 the next day. I have been moving plants all day and all yesterday. The Vegetables are covered up. But I think I will let my Brugs die. They didn't bloom for me this year. I am a passive aggressive gardener with to many plants to move.

Naturegirl: Excellent planI donÂt think you could do better. Of course you will see the Mariposa grove of sequoias. They are a bit out of the way from the other park attractions, but I would say they are a "MUST." A couple of things to look for: By all means stop to see the "Grizzly Giant" tree. This is one truly spectacular tree and in its way as amazing a giant sequoia as you can see anywhere. The diameter is truly massive, but overall it is technically not one of the largest because it is not so tall as othersÂjust a bit over 200 feet--, but no matter. The crown of this tree is truly grizzled and gnarled, suggesting that has been growing there forever. Depending on how much time you have, a couple of suggestions: Try to see one of the fallen trees. There is one called "The Fallen Monarch," but I canÂt remember how far one has to walk to see it. And since I was last there, the Wawona Tunnel tree has fallen. You might want to make a point of seeing that--it should be right next to the road. One of the finest trees is the Galen Clark treeÂgiven that name because that is supposedly the first tree he saw when he discovered the grove. It is not unusually large, but perfect in its formÂat least the last time I was there. Also, I understand there is a kind of tram ride that has been built. Maybe you could get around more easily that way to see the grove. But anywhere you stand in this grove you will see wonderful trees. And if you see this grove, and Big Basin, you will really have more than just a "taste" of the most amazing trees in the world. I would recommend that you get up early, very earlyÂand get to Yosemite early enough to see the Mariposa grove the first day. Then you would not have to break up your stay in the valley area the next day. Two recommendations: first, for a hike in the valley, the vernal falls trail is nice. I canÂt remember exactly how far it is to get to the top of the falls, but it may not be too far. Some of the other falls in November may not have much water. Bridal Veil may be dry, and Yosemite falls itself will be at a low ebb. But Vernal Falls should still be very nice. Second, Glacier Point should be a must. It is a bit of a drive, but not much walking required once you get there. One bummer for you is the days are so short in Nov. Well, have fun!!