Wildflowers remind us of the California we love

The annual wildflower bloom has reached southern California.

Yellows, purples, even orange and white — a kaleidoscope of color has begun to burst forth across normally arid landscapes.

From Death Valley to Antelope Valley, from Lemoore to Lancaster, spring has come alive.

And this year’s superbloom is one of the best ever. California has enjoyed the remarkable good fortune of three wet winters in a row — plus unusually warm temperatures in between storms.

As The California Post has reported, there are many places to enjoy the wildflowers within a few hours’ drive of LA. 

Even residents of the Bay Area will find relatively easy road trips to see the magic.

The wildflowers are a reminder of why we love the Golden State — and why it is worth fighting for. 

We have a spectacular natural environment. Our Mediterranean climate — warm, dry summers and short, wet winters — allows use to enjoy the outdoors year-round. 

California is also blissfully endowed with spectacular landscapes. We have an abundance of national and state parks and forests to enjoy. 

The beauty of California is a constant source of inspiration — and it is worth preserving.

We know we can strike the right balance between economic development and natural conservation.

At the same time, we also know that our state is in trouble. Financial trouble, and cultural trouble.

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The cost of living, the deficits, the taxes, and the endless culture wars — all of these are challenges that make California an impossible place to live for many people.

The tragedy of mass migration away from California is that so many people who are leaving would prefer to stay. 

People don’t leave because they love another state more than California. They leave because California’s leaders don’t return that love. They govern as if they don’t care about what makes California special.

We can turn that around. And we must.

If you plan to visit the flowers, make sure to check out the updates on the websites of state and national preserves. And when you hit the road, try to spend money on local businesses.

Also — avoid stepping into private property, even if the flowers on the roadsides look enticing. There may be hazards that you can’t see beneath the rainbow blanket of blooms.

Above all, take photographs — not just to post online, but to compare to the blooms in years to come.

There’s always something different each spring. California’s always new.