Forecast: Griping About the California “Cold”
Image Credit: Harper Gowen
California hosts nearly 40 million people and boasts iconic locations like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Santa Monica Pier, and Hollywood. Los Angeles, the largest city in California, in particular is portrayed in so much media, including award-winning films like La La Land and A Star Is Born. This iconic state is known not just for its many attractions, but also its especially good weather—so much so that upon moving to California, many never want to look back on cold and cloudy days. But, what is “good” weather? More specifically, what is “good” weather for a Californian? At Sequoyah, it’s pretty dang specific.
Sequoyah School is located in Pasadena, California (part of Los Angeles County) and is teeming with folks ready to discuss the weather. History teacher Ian Gutgold shared his take on Los Angeles weather, reflecting on its impact after living much of his life in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, which have clearly defined seasons. Gutgold recounted that when he was visiting California last year, many folks on campus apologized for the poor weather; Gutgold, however, noted, “I was thinking, wow, this is so beautiful.” Now that he is a California resident, he feels he is being spoiled by good weather. He is starting to relate to the classic Californian who is unsure what to do if it is not bright and sunny, saying, “If it’s rainy or cloudy, it throws everything off.”
Sharing similar sentiments to Gutgold, Sequoyah Spanish teacher Nicole Legnani related, “I have lived many years in New England, and I have never felt as cold as I do when it’s cold here.” She lists the lack of humidity and the fluctuations between temperature extremes as reasons why the California cold is so bone-chillingly brutal. Like Gutgold, Legnani feels generally satisfied with the weather, aside from the California cold.
For native Californian Keziah Mbugua ’28, colder places do actually feel colder, which suggests the possibility of a difference between how native and non-native Californians perceive the weather. Although California is “known for ‘good weather,’” as Mbugua explains, Sequoyahns agree there are still some downsides. Mbugua observed that since there is hardly any difference between seasons, the year can feel like one long disorienting ride. Unfortunately, there is no sledding in LA, and for those going to places with established seasons, the adjustment may feel like a shock.
If you’re a native Californian or just visiting, enjoy the beauty that so often surrounds you–just make sure to check the weather so you’re not caught unprepared in this special sort of cold.