I wrote about this last week, but it seems people are still holding some misconceptions about visiting California this summer, thinking that the whole state is on fire or burned to a crisp. Someone wrote today to say "We do not think that it is worth the money to travel to California at this time and have to stay indoors because of the smoke particles in the air."

I'll try again to explain the current situation. According to Cal Fire as of the moment I'm writing this midday on July 22, 2008, only 33 of 2,000-plus fires are still active. Those that are still burning are more than 80% contained and most are nearly out. Ash is not falling from the air. The sky is clear in most of the state, but smoke still lingers in the far north (Trinity and Humboldt Counties), an area only lightly visited by tourists. If you don't believe me, take a look at some of the webcams we link to and see for yourself.

If you're reading this any time after July 22, check the California Air Resources Board for current conditions.

Tijuana, once called the world's most-visited border city may be losing its title. The U. S. Department of State issued a travel alert earlier this year that says, in part: "foreign visitors and residents, including Americans, have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the border region. In its effort to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens are urged to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways."

Tijuana lies just across the border a few miles south of San Diego and has long been a nice place for a San Diego side trip. Until this trouble dies down, we can't recommend it, but if you decide to go anyway, our Tijuana Visitor's Guide will give you the information you need. To get the latest information for your trip, check the Department of State website.