WESTPEX^® 2025

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'The Golden State At 175: Dynamic and Diverse'

By Michael S. Turrini

           2025 marks the one hundred-seventy-fifth (175th) anniversary of the Statehood of California, nicknamed for decades 'The Golden State'. From its native First People, California Indians, the Spanish and their Missions plus rancheros, the Mexican rule, the Gold Rush, the successive waves of migrants seeking fortune or future, the vast lands under the plow, the grand rows of vineries and fruit trees, the towering glass and steel monuments that shine over the great mega cities, the invocation of the Silicon Valley, the creativity of the Hollywood, and the temples of higher learning and achievement, The Golden State now ending the First Quarter of the 21st Century has progressed and continues to progress into fertile land and open society----the Seventh Economy of the modern world----which is dynamic and diverse.

           From the majesty that is Mount Shasta, the towering Redwoods and Sequoias, the beauty of blue Lake Tahoe, the vast sand and dust of the southern lands, the depth of Death Valley, the walls of rock battling the waves of the Pacific Ocean along the coasts, the Delta, the rivers, the fertile lands that produce fine wines, fruits, and grains, and the flatness of the Central Valley mated to the roughness of the Sierra Nevada's, The Golden State is dynamic and diverse.

           Successive waves of migrants have made The Golden State a diverse land: Spanish explorers and then Franciscan friars, the Mexican rancheros, the famous Forty-Niners, farmers turning the plow on the fertile Central Valley, the oil drillers, immigrants of many cultures and many lands, China, Philippines, Italians, Irish, Germans, Asians, even those moving from Iowa and Nebraska, and the African-Americans seeking a better life and living, plus even later those escaping from Southeast Asia. All have added to the color and culture that makes The Golden State a dynamic and diverse place.

           California earned the name 'golden state' due to the rich mining of gold and precious metals, yet it has proven to be 'the golden land of opportunity.' The place where Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, AP Giannini, William C. Ralston, Andrew Smith Hallidie, Cecil B. DeMille, Henry J. Kaiser, Hewitt and Packard, the thinkers and innovators in Silicon Valley, and others created and changed the world, taking the first step----and the gamble----that The Golden State would prove a nurturing nursery for a better life and living. 

           California's contributions to the world of philately are a source of pride for The Golden State. The Golden State's philatelic history is rich and diverse, from the iconic Wells Fargo and express companies to the grand flyboats and Clippers  traversing the vast Pacific and the wooden hull Pacific Mail Steamship Company paddle-wheeled ships. The Pony Express, the first San Francisco Post Office, Fresno Bicycle Mail, and even Snowshoe Thompson in the Sierra Nevada all bear testament to California's significant role in the world of philately. 

           California, despite its share of failings and faults, has always shown remarkable resilience. The Golden State, the birthplace of the Progressive Movement and a champion of Gay Rights, has organized farm workers, created enduring Hollywood movies, pioneered environmental and ecological efforts, built the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, hosted three Olympics, paved the way for the modern highway system, played a significant role in the Space Age, and is home to major international firms. This resilience is a testament to the spirit of The Golden State, which continues to inspire and forge ahead.

           The Golden State still faces the Pacific and the setting Sun and still attracts others. Now approaching its Bicentennial in another Quarter Century, California remains dynamic and diverse, even for its active philatelic community, including WESTPEX. Founded in gold, The Golden State still is 'golden': 'gold of dynamic and diverse.'