The People

Although California's population density is some 217.2 persons per square mile (83.9 per km2)—almost three times that of the nation as a whole—there are great expanses with few people, and relatively small areas where nearly all the people are concentrated. Millions live in the huge urbanized areas centering on Los Angeles and San Francisco; a third major population center is the San Diego area.

Of the total population in 2000, 59.5 were white; 6.7 per cent were black; 10.9 per cent were Asian, mainly Chinese and Filipino. People of Hispanic origin, the vast majority from Mexico, made up 32.4 per cent of the population.

Annual events in California
January-June
Tournament of Roses in Pasadena (January); Chinese New Year Celebration in San Francisco and Los Angeles (January, February, or March); Whiskey Flat Days in Kernville (February); Aleutian Goose Festival in Crescent City (April); Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco (April); Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival in Arcata (April); Monterey Wine Festival (April); Red Bluff Round-Up in Red Bluff (April); Stockton Asparagus Festival (April); Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee in Angels Camp (May); Kinetic Sculpture Race from Arcata to Ferndale (May); Oakdale Chocolate Festival (May); Sacramento Jazz Jubilee (May); Salinas Valley Fair in King City (May); Strawberry Festival in Galt (May).
July-December
California WorldFest in Grass Valley (July); Garlic Festival in Gilroy (July); Mozart Festival in San Luis Obispo (July); Shakespeare Santa Cruz (July-August); Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara (August); State Fair in Sacramento (August-September); Lodi Grape Festival and Harvest Fair (September); Monterey Jazz Festival (September); Rolex Monterey Historical Automobile Races in Monterey (September); Stater Bros. Route 66 Rendezvous® in San Bernardino (September); Clam Festival in Pismo Beach (October); Lone Pine Film Festival (October); Christmas Boat Parade in Newport Beach (December).