It’s Tuesday. Introducing the California problem of The New York Times Magazine. Plus, reparations proposals put Democrats in a quandary.
The New York Times Magazine is doing one thing this week that it has by no means finished earlier than: dedicate a complete problem to California, the place a lot of its readers stay.
When conceiving of the problem, I used to be thrilled to suppose extra deeply about what’s subsequent for a state that has at all times gave the impression to be on the frontier of a lot transformation. A state whose total mythology is wrapped up within the notion of dreaming, of beginning recent, of reinvention.
I’m one of many journal’s story editors, and I’m presently based mostly in San Leandro. But I’ve lived in California many occasions, and witnessed its rebirths firsthand.
In the Nineteen Eighties, I spent my elementary college years residing within the Oakland hills, when such a factor was extra reasonably priced. I bear in mind by no means with the ability to plant flowers in our yard as a result of the deer would devour them instantly.
I spent my school years at U.C. Berkeley and acquired my first job within the coronary heart of San Francisco, earlier than the electrical scooters and supply robots descended. I finally moved to New York, seeing California solely in brief spurts in the course of the holidays, watching the hills roll by on my strategy to and from the airport. I’ve been again now for about six years, watching my children develop their very own private relationships with this state.
With each re-entry into California, I’ve encountered a brand new model of the state. I’ve watched it turn into drier and dearer. I’ve marveled at its pure magnificence, my eyes by no means fairly adjusting. I’ve watched neighborhoods crop up, spreading deeper into the suburbs, whereas cities have struggled to construct. So a lot appears to have modified in such a short while: We have been reshaped by fireplace and drought and tech and cash and politics. As somebody who lives right here, and has lived right here earlier than, and earlier than that, I ponder how the state will proceed to rework. What Californias will my children uncover as they develop?
That’s the lens by way of which I envisioned the California problem, which might be printed on-line this week and might be obtainable in print on Sunday. What does the way forward for this state maintain? And what does its future imply for the remainder of the nation?
I labored with a proficient staff of editors and writers, a lot of whom stay or have lived in California. The problem explores Silicon Valley’s obsession with A.I., how YIMBY-ism is reshaping housing within the Bay Area and the shifting political panorama within the San Joaquin Valley.
It additionally dives into the state’s evolving relationship with excessive bouts of moist and dry, the way forward for California’s means to set coverage in different states, Southern California’s embrace of Latinidad and what the state’s historical past can inform us about the place we’re headed.
Our articles might be printed over the following three days. I hope you take pleasure in studying and fascinated by the way forward for this huge, numerous and complicated place.
Read the primary few articles from the California problem:
Raha Naddaf is a narrative editor for The New York Times Magazine, and relies in San Leandro. She was previously the manager editor of The California Sunday Magazine.
Where we’re touring
Today’s tip comes from Janet Winsor, who recommends an escape alongside the Sonoma coast:
“We’ve been vacationing at Sea Ranch for over 30 years. Friends introduced us to this ocean paradise when our children were small, and we still enjoy a spring visit with the same friends every year. We hike along the 12-mile coastline, stroll along the endless beaches and swim in one of the three pools at the resort. This year we discovered the spring flowers behind the lodge; bright yellows, pinks and purples enveloping the hillside.”
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 publication.
And earlier than you go, some good news
Modern Love recently featured reader-submitted stories of 100 phrases or much less. Here’s considered one of my favorites:
“Windows down, music blasting as we drive over the mountains that divide the Sonoma and Napa valleys. My sister and I have memorized these mountains, as we’ve been making this commute between our two homes for 12 years. Through every life change, this drive has stayed consistent: 30 minutes of forced time together to say anything or simply sit in silence, 30 minutes to strengthen our bond forever. Now, the night before she moves away, I look over at her, wind in her hair, and I hope these drives meant as much to her as they do to me.” — Zoe Holman
Thanks for studying. We’ll be again tomorrow.
P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword.
Soumya Karlamangla, Allison Honors and Briana Scalia contributed to California Today. You can attain the staff at CAtoday@nytimes.com.
Content Source: www.nytimes.com
