As reporters, we go the place the news is.

That means we’re typically displaying up in cities and cities after the unimaginable has occurred. Writing about locations on their very worst days, after a taking pictures, a hurricane or another disaster that has upended the lifestyle.

This is a painful lens by which to see the world, for journalists, readers and the residents of those communities. I want it weren’t the case that I’ve frolicked in locations like San Bernardino and Santa Rosa primarily to report on tragedy. And it saddens me that many individuals’s understanding of Thousand Oaks, the place I grew up, comes solely from protection of a mass taking pictures there in 2018.

So The New York Times has just lately been attempting to broaden that lens, to report on what life is like in cities and cities throughout America on extra regular days.

This month is the anniversary of The Times’s Across the Country feature, which has informed some particularly enjoyable and interesting tales about issues just like the bounty of mangoes that mark Miami’s summer, or why so many Cuban immigrants are moving to Kentucky.

Last fall, between reporting on excessive warmth and on monkeypox, I spent a couple of days mountaineering by the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest of California, house to what’s believed to be, at 4,800 years, the oldest tree on the planet.

I wrote about these gnarled, otherworldly trees and the way they full California’s “tree-fecta”: The Golden State is house to not solely the world’s oldest timber, but additionally the most important and the tallest. Taking the time to find out about these seemingly immortal residing issues and to ponder California’s id was a rejuvenating expertise for me as a reporter, and I prefer to suppose it was refreshing for readers, too.

Across the Country has typically informed tales about life in California, and I extremely advocate studying any that strike your fancy. Enjoy:

Where we’re touring

Today’s tip comes from Jane Abrams, who lives within the Pacific Palisades. Jane recommends visiting Lotusland, a botanical backyard in Montecito:

“Lotusland is amazing! It’s a horticultural wonderland blending whimsy and fantasy with exceptional beauty, according to the brochure. Around 37 acres of 18 different gardens, including Japanese, rose, topiary, tropical, water, fern and succulent gardens to name just a few. Docent-led, two-hour tours explain the fascinating history of Lotusland and the various gardens. You need reservations! We stayed in Summerland, a small charming town about 10 minutes away. Had a terrific dinner at Lucky’s Italian restaurant in Montecito.”

Tell us about your favourite locations to go to in California. Email your strategies to CAtoday@nytimes.com. We’ll be sharing extra in upcoming editions of the e-newsletter.

What we’re recommending

In Los Angeles, assemblage artwork is having a moment.

Tell us

Today we’re asking about love: not whom you like, however what you like about your nook of California.

Email us a love letter to your California metropolis, neighborhood or area — or to the Golden State as an entire — and we could share it in an upcoming e-newsletter. You can attain the group at CAtoday@nytimes.com.

And earlier than you go, some good news

Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino Counties have begun a three-year marketing campaign to maintain their famend coastal lands clear.

Called the “Cleaner California Coast” initiative, the brand new marketing campaign asks guests to abide by “leave no trace” guidelines, packing out waste introduced in or generated in an space, or utilizing reusable and compostable gadgets as a substitute. The challenge represents a brand new tack for the three counties, whose waste administration methods have been just lately overwhelmed by an inflow of tourism.

The aim is to cut back air pollution and preserve native ecosystems wholesome by conserving the realm’s picturesque seashores clear. “It’s kind of a simple message: If you’re at the coast, come prepared,” stated Cristina Torresan, the communications supervisor at Marin County Parks and Open Space.

In its inaugural yr, the challenge is concentrated on native consciousness, however organizers plan to increase the advertising and marketing marketing campaign to the better Bay Area within the coming years.