Section § 420

Explanation

The California State Flag, also known as the Bear Flag, features a red star, a brown grizzly bear, and a green grass plot on a white background, with a red stripe at the bottom, and the words "CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC." There are specific guidelines for the flag's dimensions and design, including the positions and sizes of the star, bear, and grass plot. The colors used are detailed with reference to specific shades, like ‘Old Glory’ for red and ‘Maple Sugar’ for brown. State agencies are required to use this official flag until they need new ones.

The Bear Flag is the State Flag of California. As viewed with the hoist end of the flag to the left of the observer there appears in the upper left-hand corner of a white field a five-pointed red star with one point vertically upward and in the middle of the white field a brown grizzly bear walking toward the left with all four paws on a green grass plot, with head and eye turned slightly toward the observer; a red stripe forms the length of the flag at the bottom, and between the grass plot and the red stripe appear the words CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC.
Dimensions, excluding heading and unfinished flag ends:  The hoist or flag width is two-thirds of the fly or flag length; the red stripe width is one-sixth of the hoist width. The state official flag hoist widths shall be two, three, four, five, six and eight feet. The diameter of an imaginary circle passing through the points of the star is one-tenth of the fly length; the distance of the star center from the hoist end is one-sixth of the fly length and the distance from the star center to the top of the flag is four-fifths of the star-center distance from the hoist end. The length of the bear diagonally from the nose tip to the rear of right hind paw is two-thirds of the hoist width; the height of the bear from shoulder tip vertically to a line touching the bottoms of the front paws is one-half the length of the bear; the location of the bear in the white field is such that the center of the eye is midway between the top and bottom of the white field and the midpoint of the bear’s length is midway between the fly ends. The grass plot in length is eleven-twelfths of the hoist width and the plot ends are equidistant from the fly ends; the average width of the plot between the rear of the left front paw and the front of the right rear paw is one-tenth of the grass plot length. The height of the condensed gothic letters, as shown on the representation, is one-half of the red stripe width and they occupy a lineal space of two-thirds of the fly length with the beginning and ending letters of the words equidistant from the fly ends.
Colors:  The following color references are those of the Textile Color Card Association of the United States, Inc., New York; the colors on the flag are to be substantially the same as these color references.  White—of the white field, front of bear’s eye, and on the bear’s claws is White, cable number 70001.  Red—of the red stripe, the star, and the bear’s tongue is Old Glory, cable number 70180.  Green—of the grass plot is Irish Green, cable number 70168.  Brown—of the bear is Maple Sugar, cable number 70129.  Dark brown—of the bear outline, paws, shading, fur undulations, iris of the eye, the 12 grass tufts in the grass plot, and the letters is Seal, cable number 70108.
The general design and the details of the Bear Flag, excluding colors, shall correspond substantially with the following representation:

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NOTICE OF INCOMPLETE TEXT: The Bear Flag
appears in the hard-copy publication of the chaptered bill.
See Chapter 1140, page 2639, Statutes of 1953.

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This shall be the official State Flag of all state, county, city and town agencies. The flags now issued or in use shall continue in service until replacement is required.

Section § 420.5

Explanation

This law states that "Eureka" is the official motto of the State of California.

“Eureka” is the official State Motto.

Section § 420.75

Explanation

This law designates "The Golden State" as the official nickname of California.

“The Golden State” is the official State Nickname.

Section § 421

Explanation

The golden poppy, scientifically known as Eschscholzia californica, is recognized as California's official State Flower. Every year, April 6 is celebrated as California Poppy Day.

The golden poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is the official State Flower. April 6 of each year is hereby designated California Poppy Day.

Section § 421.5

Explanation

This section makes West Coast Swing Dance the official state dance of California, and Square Dance the official state folk dance.

(a)CA Government Code § 421.5(a) West Coast Swing Dance is the official state dance.
(b)CA Government Code § 421.5(b) The Square Dance is the official state folk dance.

Section § 421.7

Explanation

The song “I Love You, California” written in 1913 by F. B. Silverwood and composed by A. F. Frankenstein is designated as an official state song.

“I Love You, California,” a song published in 1913 with lyrics by F. B. Silverwood and music by A. F. Frankenstein, is an official state song.

Section § 422

Explanation

The law officially designates the California redwood, also known as Sequoia sempervirens and Sequoia gigantea, as the state tree of California.

The California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens, Sequoia gigantea) is the official state tree.

Section § 422.3

Explanation

This law declares almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans as the official state nuts of California.

The almond (Prunus dulcis, Prunus amygdalus), walnut, pistachio, and pecan are each the official state nut.

Section § 422.5

Explanation

This law designates the California desert tortoise as the state's official reptile and the Pacific leatherback sea turtle as the state's official marine reptile.

(a)CA Government Code § 422.5(a) The California desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) is the official state reptile.
(b)CA Government Code § 422.5(b) The Pacific leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the official state marine reptile.

Section § 422.7

Explanation

This law designates the California red-legged frog as the official state amphibian.

The California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) is the official state amphibian.

Section § 423

Explanation

The California valley quail is recognized as the official state bird of California.

The California valley quail (Lophortyx californica) is the official bird and avifaunal emblem of the State.

Section § 423.5

Explanation

The law declares that 'The Californian' is recognized as the official tall ship of the state of California.

“The Californian” is the official state tall ship.

Section § 423.6

Explanation

This law declares denim as California's official state fabric.

Denim is the official state fabric.

Section § 424

Explanation

The official colors of California are blue and gold. These colors are defined with specific technical standards to ensure consistency, including detailed references and numbers for precise identification.

The blue is similar to 'Yale Blue,' and the gold is termed 'Golden Yellow.' Various designations provide standardized color measurements to ensure accurate reproduction across different media and uses.

The official colors of the State are blue and gold. The specifications, references, and designations for the official colors are as follows:
Specifications: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Research Paper RP 1700.
International Commission on Illumination:
Blue: Y 0.063 x 0.204 y 0.165
Gold: Y 0.449 x 0.474 y 0.458
Munsell Renotation:
Blue: H V/C 7.3 PB 2.9/8.8
Gold: H V/C 2.0 Y 7.1/11.3
Munsell Book Notation:
Blue: H V/C 7.2 PB 2.9/9.1
Gold: H V/C 1 Y 7.3/11
References: Textile Color Card Association of New York, Inc.
Blue: Yale Blue, cable number 70086, Standard Color Card of America, 9th edition.
Gold: Golden Yellow, cable number 65001, United States Army Card of Official Colors for Arms and Services.
Designations: Inter-Society Color Council-National Bureau of Standards:
Yale Blue: Deep purplish blue.
Golden Yellow: Vivid yellow.

Section § 424.3

Explanation

The State of California has an official tartan, a specific pattern of colors, which any state resident can claim. This tartan is defined by a specific sequence of colors and threads that details a mix of green, blue, and other colors in a unique design, usually associated with 'Ancient Colors'.

The pattern consists of meadow green, pacific blue, gold, charcoal, and redwood colors, with a precise description and weave code that dictates how these colors are arranged in the fabric. The weave code outlines the exact order and number of threads of each color to create this distinct tartan design.

(a)CA Government Code § 424.3(a) The tartan defined in subdivision (b) is the official State Tartan, and may be claimed by any resident of the state.
(b)CA Government Code § 424.3(b) The official State Tartan is generally described as a pattern or sett consisting of alternate squares of meadow green and pacific blue that are separated and surrounded by narrow charcoal bands. The squares of meadow green are divided by a gold seam that is supported by charcoal lines on each side. There are three redwood stripes, the middle of which is broader, that are added to each side of the gold seam. The pacific blue square is divided by a sky blue stripe, which is supported on each side by charcoal lines.
The tartan is specifically defined by the following weave code:
Y..B..G..S..G...S..G..S..G..B..A..B..K...  Ancient Colors
8...2..20..4..20..8..20..4..20..32..56..2...8...  Full Pivots
This weave code means that the threads begin with 8 threads of yellow, followed by 2 threads of black, 20 threads of green, 4 threads of scarlet, 20 threads of green, 8 threads of scarlet, 20 threads of green, 4 threads of scarlet, 20 threads of green, 32 threads of black, 56 threads of azure, 2 threads of black, and 8 threads of sky blue. At that point the weave pivots and returns, beginning with 2 threads of black, and continuing the sequence in reverse order through 8 threads of yellow, at which point it pivots back again.

Section § 424.5

Explanation

The California dog-face butterfly, known scientifically as Zerene eurydice, is designated as the official State Insect of California.

The California dog-face butterfly (Zerene eurydice) is the official State Insect.

Section § 424.6

Explanation

The lace lichen, scientifically known as Ramalina menziesii, is recognized as the official state lichen of California.

Lace lichen (Ramalina menziesii) is the official state lichen.

Section § 424.7

Explanation

Surfing is recognized as the official state sport of California.

Surfing is the official state sport.

Section § 425

Explanation

This law designates the California Grizzly Bear as the official state animal. The bear is depicted in outlines, details, and colors as specified and is kept by the Secretary of State. All official representations of the bear must follow these guidelines and be consistent with a specific version noted in older documents.

The specifics about the bear's appearance, such as colors, should follow another law, Section 420. There's also a note saying that a full description of the bear is available only in a hard-copy publication from 1953.

The state animal is the California Grizzly Bear (Ursus Californicus) as depicted in outline, details, and in colors on the official representation in the custody of the Secretary of State. The color references of the bear shall be in accordance with those set forth in Section 420.
All state representations of the state animal in details and in colors shall be in accordance with this section and shall correspond substantially with the following representation thereof:

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NOTICE OF INCOMPLETE TEXT: The California Grizzly Bear
appears in the hard-copy publication of the chaptered bill.
See Chapter 1140, page 2639, Statutes of 1953.

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Section § 425.1

Explanation

This law establishes native gold as California's official State Mineral and mineralogic emblem.

Native gold is the official State Mineral and mineralogic emblem.

Section § 425.2

Explanation

This law designates serpentine as the official rock and symbolic emblem of the state.

Serpentine is the official State Rock and lithologic emblem.

Section § 425.3

Explanation

This law designates Benitoite as the official state gemstone of California.

Benitoite is the official state gemstone.

Section § 425.5

Explanation

The law officially designates the California gray whale as the State Marine Mammal of California.

The California gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) is the official State Marine Mammal.

Section § 425.6

Explanation

This section of California law designates the garibaldi fish as the official state marine fish.

The garibaldi (Hypsypops rubicundus) is the official state marine fish.

Section § 425.7

Explanation

This law designates the Augustynolophus morrisi as the official state dinosaur of California and the saber-toothed cat (Smilodon californicus) as the official state fossil.

(a)CA Government Code § 425.7(a) The Augustynolophus morrisi is the official state dinosaur.
(b)CA Government Code § 425.7(b) The saber-toothed cat (Smilodon californicus) is the official state fossil.

Section § 425.8

Explanation

The Chipped Stone Bear, which is shaped like a bear, is recognized as California's official state prehistoric artifact.

The Chipped Stone Bear (bear-shaped eccentric) is the official state prehistoric artifact.

Section § 425.9

Explanation

This law officially recognizes San Joaquin Soil as the state soil of California. It highlights the soil's historical significance, being one of the first to be studied in California, and explains that it formed during the glacial period from runoff in the Sierra Nevada.

(a)CA Government Code § 425.9(a) The Legislature finds and declares that San Joaquin Soil is the official soil of California. It is one of four soils to be originally described at the beginning of this century, and the beginning of soil studies in California. San Joaquin Soil is approximately 50,000 to 250,000 years old and was derived from and deposited by the runoff of swollen streams during the glacial period, from mountain glaciers in the Sierra Nevada.
(b)CA Government Code § 425.9(b) The Legislature hereby designates San Joaquin Soil as the official State Soil.

Section § 425.10

Explanation

Purple needlegrass, scientifically known as Nassella pulchra, has been designated as California's official State Grass.

Purple needlegrass, or Nassella pulchra, is the official State Grass.

Section § 425.11

Explanation

The California Golden Chanterelle, scientifically known as Cantharellus californicus, is designated as the official state mushroom of California.

California Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus californicus) is the official state mushroom.

Section § 425.12

Explanation

The law declares the pallid bat as the official state bat of California.

The pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) is the official state bat.

Section § 425.13

Explanation

The law designates the banana slug, scientifically known as Ariolimax, as the official state slug of California.

The banana slug (Ariolimax) is the official state slug.

Section § 425.14

Explanation

The black abalone's shell is officially recognized as the state seashell of California.

The shell of the black abalone (Haliotis cracherodii) is the official state seashell.

Section § 425.15

Explanation

Dungeness crab is designated as the official state crustacean of California.

The Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is the official state crustacean.

Section § 426

Explanation

This section describes the design guidelines for the Seal of the Governor of California. The seal's general appearance and details must closely match a specific representation, although colors are not specified. The design features include Roman numerals that indicate the order of the Governor's office.

The general design and the details of the Seal of the Governor of the State of California, excluding colors, shall correspond substantially with the following representation thereof:

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NOTICE OF INCOMPLETE TEXT: The Governor’s Seal
appears in the hard-copy publication of the chaptered bill.
See Chapter 963, page 2203, Statutes of 1957.

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The roman numerals shall designate the sequence in office of the Governor.

Section § 427

Explanation

This law outlines the specific color scheme needed for the Governor of California's seal when it is prepared in colors. It specifies colors for various parts, including the Bear Flag, lettering, stars, sun, and the poppy flowers, using specific shades from the Textile Color Card Association. Each color mentioned has designated shades and numbers to ensure consistency, including details like Yale Blue for the field behind the flag and Jade Green for the poppy's stem.

When the seal of the Governor is prepared in colors, the Bear Flag shall be shown in colors as set forth in Section 420; the blue field back of the flag, the outside border of the lettering “Seal of the Governor of the State of California”, and the roman numerals shall be in Yale Blue, Cable No. 70086; the 31 stars, and the background upon which the lettering and roman numerals appear, shall be of United States Army Color Card designation Golden Yellow, No. 65001. The rising sun shall be of Indian Orange, Cable No. 70072; the flowers of the poppy shall be shades of Poppy Orange, No. 70069, Princeton Orange, No. 70070, and Golden Poppy, No. 70071. The stem and pods of the poppy shall be in shades of Jade Green, No. 70166 and Irish Green, No. 70168. Colors herein specified are those of the Textile Color Card Association of the United States, Inc., New York.

Section § 428

Explanation

This section of the California Government Code describes the general design of the Governor's flag. The text notes that the details, not including the colors, should largely match a specific illustration. The complete visual representation of the Governor's flag was published in a hard-copy bill from 1957, indicating that the precise design can be found in that document.

The general design and details of the flag of the Governor of the State of California, excluding colors, shall correspond substantially with the following representation thereof:

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NOTICE OF INCOMPLETE TEXT: The Governor’s Flag
appears in the hard-copy publication of the chaptered bill.
See Chapter 963, page 2204, Statutes of 1957.

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Section § 429

Explanation

This section specifies the exact colors to be used when preparing the Governor's flag of California. It includes detailed color codes for each part of the flag's design, such as the field, stars, fringe, seal, and other elements like Minerva, the mountains, and the bear. The colors are based on the Textile Color Card Association's designations.

When the flag of the Governor is prepared in colors, the following colors shall be used:
The field of the flag shall be Yale Blue, Cable No. 70086; the four stars in each of the corners of the flag shall be white; the golden fringe, circle of the center seal, and the rising sun within the seal shall be United States Army Color Card designation Golden Yellow, No. 65001; the field of the seal shall be Independence Blue, Cable No. 70076; the 31 stars in the seal and the word “Eureka” shall be white; the rising sun shall be Indian Orange, Cable No. 70072; the mountains shall be shades of Orchid, Cable No. 70133, and Amethyst, Cable No. 70134; the water shall be Grotto Blue, Cable No. 70022; the ship shall be Independence Blue, Cable No. 70076, and white; the terrain shall be shades of Oakwood, Cable No. 70093, and Cork, Cable No. 70092; the miner’s shirt and pick shall be Plum, Cable No. 70135; the face and arms of Goddess Minerva and of the miner shall be Ecru, Cable No. 70134; the helmet and breastplate of Minerva shall be Robins Egg, Cable No. 70204; the dress of Minerva shall be white; the robe of Minerva and the pants of the miner shall be Cardinal, Cable No. 70081; the shield of Minerva and the sheaf of wheat shall be United States Army Color Card designation Golden Yellow No. 65001, and Oakwood, Cable No. 70093; the spear of Minerva shall be Oakwood, Cable No. 70094 and white; the cornucopia shall be white and Amethyst, Cable No. 70134; the grapes shall be Amethyst, Cable No. 70134; the fruit shall be Cardinal, Cable No. 70081, and Irish Green, Cable No. 70168; the grass shall be Irish Green, Cable No. 70168; the bear shall be in colors as set forth in Section 420.
All white shall be Cable No. 70001.
All Cable number colors herein specified are those of the Textile Color Card Association of the United States, Inc., New York.

Section § 429.4

Explanation

The law establishes the LGBTQ Veterans Memorial at the Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City as the official state memorial for LGBTQ veterans in California.

The LGBTQ Veterans Memorial at the Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City is the official state LGBTQ veterans memorial.

Section § 429.5

Explanation

The California Historical Society is recognized as the official historical society of the state.

The California Historical Society is the official state historical society.

Section § 429.6

Explanation

This law designates the California State Military Museum and Resource Center as the official military museum for the state.

The California State Military Museum and Resource Center is the official state military museum.

Section § 429.7

Explanation

Bodie is recognized as the official ghost town representing California's gold rush era.

Bodie is the official state gold rush ghost town.

Section § 429.8

Explanation

Calico has been officially designated as the state silver rush ghost town.

Calico is the official state silver rush ghost town.

Section § 429.9

Explanation

This law designates the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial as the official state memorial for Vietnam war veterans.

The California Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the official state Vietnam veterans war memorial.