Once again, it's time for you to tell me where to go next. Which place do you want to know about the most?

• Joshua Tree/Anza Borrego/Salton Sea
• Mt. Lassen Volcanic Park
• Muir Woods/Stinson Beach/Point Reyes
• Sacramento
• Big Bear
• Ventura/Ojai/Solvang/Santa Ynez

View Results

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.