City and County News Articles
For a number of years, I served as the main editor for California City News and California County News—2 sites that provide news to roughly 10,000 Californians looking for more local-level reports. I was given the opportunity to write in-depth articles about some unusual California city and county history.
THE STATE OF THE STATE OF JEFFERSON
A detailed breakdown of the history of California’s proposed 51st state.
Highlight:
Before you whip out a map, an old Social Studies test, or your state quarters collection, we should mention, the state of Jefferson does not currently exist. At least not physically. Yet. But if a group of Northern Californians have their way, Jefferson will be our nation’s 51st state. The proposed area for Jefferson is still a bit hazy, and its hypothetical borders are always in flux, but it is clear most of its proponents are in the rural areas of Southern Oregon and Northern California.
CITY TRIVIA TUESDAY: THE MAN WHO WAS MAYOR FOR 10 MINUTES
A look into the legend of Joseph Spinney—a man who may hold the record for shortest time as mayor.
Highlight:
Legend says that he held the position for only 10 minutes, before resigning and allowing someone else to take over the position. Despite his incredibly short time as mayor, he still is named by many as the “most corrupt politician in Fresno history,” and went on to further influence the city.
CITY TRIVIA TUESDAY: HOW DID “COALINGA” GET ITS NAME?
The story of how the unusually named “Coalinga” was born.
Highlight:
“Coalinga” doesn’t have any origin in a different language, and it’s not named after anybody. So what does it mean?
While the exact origins are disputed, everyone can agree that Coalinga’s name came from its coaling background. Most sources will say that in the area, there were several coaling stations along a rail line, each designated with a letter. Coaling Station A became the region’s most notable station. Railway signs at the time abbreviated the name of the station as “COALINGA,” and the name stuck.