Central California

Central California is a subregion of the U.S. state of California, generally thought of as the middle third of the state, north of Southern California. It includes the northern portion of the San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast, the central hills of the California coastal range, and the foothills and mountain areas of the central Sierra Nevada.

Geography

Central California is considered to be west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada. The largest cities (over 50,000 population) in the region are Fresno, Modesto, Salinas, Visalia, Clovis, Merced, Turlock, Madera, Tulare, Porterville, and Hanford.

Agriculture

Central California is home to some of the state's most productive agricultural areas. The region is particularly known for its production of grapes, cotton, and nuts. The San Joaquin Valley is one of the most important agricultural areas in the United States; more than half of the state's farm goods are grown in this region.

Climate

The climate of Central California varies greatly within its boundaries. Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Inland, the climate becomes more continental with colder winters and hotter summers.

Economy

The economy of Central California is primarily based on agriculture, but also has strong sectors in healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. The region is home to several significant oil and natural gas fields, including the Kern River Oil Field and the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, the second-largest oil field in the United States.

Education

Central California is home to a number of colleges and universities. The largest university in the region is California State University, Fresno, commonly known as Fresno State. Other public universities include California State University, Bakersfield, California State University, Stanislaus, and the University of California, Merced.

Culture

Central California is rich in history and cultural diversity. The region is known for its historic Gold Rush towns, its diverse food scene, and its numerous festivals and events celebrating the cultures of the people who live there.