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:''This article is about the Sierran province. For other uses, see [[Gold Coast (disambiguation)]].''
{{Infobox Sierra province
|Fullname   = Gold Coast ({{W|English language|en)}}<br /><small>Côte-d'Or ({{W|French language|fr}})<br />Costa del Oro ({{W|Spanish language|es}})<br />黃金海岸州 ({{W|Chinese language|zh}})<br />Bờ Biển Vàng ({{W|Vietnamese language|vn}})<br />황금의 연안 ({{W|Korean language|kr}})<br />{{ruby|金色|きんいろ}}{{ruby|海岸|かいがん}}{{ruby|州|しゅう}} ({{W|Japanese language|ja}})<br />Goldküste ({{W|German language|de}})<br>الساحل الذهبي ({{W|Arabic language|ar}})<br />Ոսկի Ափ ({{W|Armenian language|hy}})</small>
|the = the
|Name = Gold Coast
|Flag      = Flag of Gold Coast.svg
|Seal    = Seal of Gold Coast.svg
|status          = [[Provinces of Sierra|Province]] of [[Sierra]]
|SealAlt         = 
|Nickname        = Pearl of the Occident (official) • Creole Province • Motley Province • La-la Province • Sunshine Province • Geaux Ceaux
|Motto           = Solius veri nos deducit<br /><small>({{W|Latin language|Latin}}: Truth alone guides us)</small>
|provincial_song     = "Onward, Gold Coast!"
|image_map             = Map of Gold Coast.svg
|MapAlt          = 
|official_languages = {{Collapsible list
|title = 10 languages
|{{W|English language|English}}
|{{W|Spanish language|Spanish}}
|{{W|French language|French}}
|{{W|Chinese language|Chinese}}
|{{W|Vietnamese language|Vietnamese}}
|{{W|Korean language|Korean}}
|[[Tondolese language|Tondolese]]
|{{W|Japanese language|Japanese}}
|{{W|German language|German}}
|{{W|Arabic language|Arabic}}
|{{W|Armenian language|Armenian}}
}}
|Demonym         = Gold Coaster
|capital         = [[Porciúncula]]
|largest_city    = capital
|AreaRank       = 18th
|TotalAreaKS    = 6,959
|TotalArea      = 18,030
|PopRank        = 1st
|2010Pop      = 11,383,987
|2010DensityKS = 1635.86
|2010Density = 631.4
|DensityRank = 3rd
|HighestPoint = {{W|Mount San Antonio|Mt. San Antonio}}
|HighestElevKS = 10,068
|HighestElev = 3,069
|LowestElevKS = 0
|LowestElev = 0
|HighestElevRank = 5th
|admission_date  = November 28, 1858
|admission_order = 4th
|viceroy         = [[Pamela Reeves]]
|governor        = [[Antonio Zaragoza]] ([[Democratic-Republican Party of Sierra|DR]])
|deputy          = [[Lisa Renfroe]] ([[Democratic-Republican Party of Sierra|DR]])
|Legislature     = Gold Coast Provincial Legislature
|Upperhouse      = Gold Coast Senate
|Lowerhouse      = Gold Coast General Assembly
|senators        = [[Gil Franz-Martinez]] (DR)<br>[[Daniel Laaksonen]] (DR)<br />[[Christopher Chu]] (SD)
|commoners       = '''44 total commoners'''<br>19 [[Social Democrats of Sierra|Social Democrats]]<br />16 [[Democratic-Republican Party of Sierra|Democratic-Republicans]]<br>8 [[Royalist Party of Sierra|Royalists]]<br>1 [[Christian Democratic Party of Sierra|Christian Democrat]] 
|time_zone       = {{W|Pacific Time Zone}} <br /><small>{{W|UTC –8}}/{{W|UTC –7}}</small>
|PostalAbbreviation = GC
|TradAbbreviation = Gol., GoCo
}}
The '''Gold Coast''' is a [[Administrative divisions of Sierra#Provinces|province]] located on the southwestern coast of [[Sierra]], a {{W|constituent country}} of the [[Kingdom of Sierra]]. The most populous province in Sierra with over 11 million people, the province is the 18th most extensive province by area. It is the 4th province in order of admittance into the Kingdom of Sierra, and wad admitted on November 28, 1858, the same day of the Kingdom's own creation. The Gold Coast shares borders with [[Kings (province)|Kings]] to the north, the [[Inland Empire]] to the east, [[Orange]] to the south, and the {{W|Pacific Ocean}} to the west. Together, these provinces form the central apparatus of the [[Southwest Corridor]], one of the world's largest megalopolises, and the Kingdom's most important region. It is the only second-level administrative region in the Kingdom to include {{W|Armenian language|Armenian}} as one of its official language, and one of the two to have {{W|Arabic language|Arabic}} as one.

The capital, [[Porciúncula]] is the most populous city in the Gold Coast and the Kingdom of Sierra. It is also where the seat of government of [[Sierra]] and the [[Kingdom of Sierra|Sierra]] is based (which is technically located within in the geopolitically distinct [[City of Porciúncula]]). [[Grands Ballons]] is the second most populous city in the province and eighth largest in the Kingdom. The Porciúncula–Grands Ballons and Oxnard Plain areas are respectively the first and ninth largest metropolitan statistical areas in the country. The triprovincial Greater Porciúncula, which includes the Riverside–San Bernardino metropolitan area in the [[Inland Empire]] and the New Rothenburg–St. Anne metropolitan area in [[Orange]], is the largest urban region in the country and the fourth largest in the Americas.

Much of the Gold Coast, including the overwhelming majority of the population, lies within in the central {{W|Los Angeles Basin|Porciúncula Basin}}, {{W|San Fernando Valley}}, and {{W|San Gabriel Valley}}, which are integral sections of the Greater Porciúncula Area. The {{W|Santa Monica Mountains}} and {{W|San Gabriel Mountains}} (both part of the {{W|Transverse Ranges}}) separates the main basin from the northern regions of the province, which features the {{W|Santa Clarita Valley}} and the {{W|Antelope Valley}}. Several, smaller mountain ranges are scattered throughout the province's northern, western, and southwestern regions, including the {{W|San Emigdio Mountains}}. The {{W|Los Angeles River|Porciúncula River}}, {{W|San Gabriel River}}, {{W|Rio Hondo (California)|Rio Hondo}}, and {{W|Santa Clara River}} are the province's principal rivers, and all flow into the {{W|Pacific Ocean}}.

Originally inhabited by the {{W|Tongva language|Tongva}} tribe and other Native Sierrans, the land of what is now known as the Gold Coast had its first contact with Europeans in 1542 by {{W|Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo}} and {{W|Sebastián Vizcaíno}} in 1602. Claimed by {{W|Spain}}, the Gold Coast was eventually inhabited by Spaniard civilians and soldiers following a successful 1771 expedition led by {{W|Franciscan Order|Franciscan}} friar {{W|Junípero Serra}}. By 1777, several cities including future capital Porciúncula was established, affirming Spanish control of the land. The Spanish cohabitation with the French in the [[Channel Islands]] (formally known as the [[French-Spanish Condominium]]) helped establish a large French population on the mainland, and subsequently, the rise of the [[Sierran Creole people|Sierran Creoles]].

Following the {{W|Mexican War of Independence|independence}} of [[Mexican Social Republic|Mexico]], the Gold Coast became part of the Mexican territory of {{W|Alta California}}, remaining so until the [[Mexican-American War]]. The war saw the eruption of the {{W|Bear Flag Revolt}} and the formation of the {{W|California Republic}}, the entity that would eventually evolve into the present-day Kingdom of Sierra. The {{W|California Gold Rush|gold rush}} attracted many foreigners to immigrate to Sierra, and many began settling in the Gold Coast where cities such as Porciúncula were rapidly expanding. Following the decision for the national government to relocate from [[San Francisco City]] to Porciúncula, the Gold Coast experienced massive demographic and social change, as well as a booming economy. Continued, intensive urbanization has placed the province at the epicenter of the [[Southwest Corridor]] megaregion. One of the densest and most developed provinces in the country, its urban sprawl has proliferated beyond provincial lines. The Gold Coast's rich colonial history has contributed to a strong multiracial, and multilingual heritage that predates the [[Sierran Cultural Revolution]]. By the 20th century, the province was so heavily influenced by Hispanic, French, Native Sierran, African, and Asian cultures, it became the bellwether indicator in Sierra's transition towards a more pluralistic society as a whole.

The Gold Coast accounts for nearly 30% of the nation's entire GDP and has the largest [[Economy of Sierra|economy in the country]]. Home to {{W|Hollywood}}, the Gold Coast is renowned for its entertainment industries in film, music, television, and publishing. The Gold Coast is also the home to various major conglomerates and corporations and the [[Porciúncula Stock Exchange]], one of the most prolific {{W|stock exchange}}s in the world. Other important contributors to the Gold Coast's economy includes aerospace, tourism, medicine, law, and manufacturing. In 2016, it received over 11.3 million international tourists, the most out of all of the Kingdom's [[PSA|PSALTs]].

==Etymology==
{{Infobox Sierra province symbols
| Name         = Gold Coast
| Flag         = Flag of Gold Coast.svg
| Flagsize     = 150px
| Flag link    = 
| Seal         = Seal of Gold Coast.svg
| Sealsize     = 150px
| Amphibian    = {{W|Arroyo toad}}
| Bird         = {{W|California condor|King condor}}
| Butterfly    = {{W|Monarch butterfly}}
| Crustacean   = 
| Dog          = Golden pueblo dog
| Fish         = {{W|Garibaldi (fish)|Garibaldi}}
| Flower       = {{W|Strelitzia|Bird-of-paradise}}
| Grass        = 
| Insect       = 
| Mammal       = {{W|California sea lion|Sierran sea lion}}
| Reptile      = {{W|Loggerhead sea turtle}}
| Tree         = 
| Beverage     = [[Mayarí]]
| Colors       = {{W|Gold}}, {{W|Green}}, {{W|red}}
| Dance        = Colombo
| Dinosaur     = 
| Firearm      = 
| Food         = [[Chicken dessiné]]
| Folk dance   = 
| Fossil       = 
| Gemstone     = 
| Instrument   = 
| Mineral      = {{W|Gold}}
| Motto        = Solius veri nos deducit
| Poem         = 
| ProvinceRock = 
| Shell        = 
| Ships        = HIMS ''Gold Coast''
| Slogan       = Prosperity Awaits
| Soil         = 
| Song         = Onward, Gold Coast!
| Sport        = 
| Tartan       = 
| Toy          = 
| Other        = 
| Route Marker = Gold Coast Road Marker.svg
}}
[[File:Laguna Beach sunset.jpg|thumb|250px|left|A sunset over the {{W|Gulf of Santa Catalina}}, the waters by which the name the "Gold Coast" refers to, in {{W|Laguna Beach}}, [[Orange]].]]
The name, the ''Gold Coast'', originally only referred to the coasts further south of the province along what is now known as [[Pacífico Norte]], a Sierran [[Administrative divisions of Sierra#Territories|territory]]. The name was used to describe the waters and surrounding lands by the Spaniards who were in search for gold in their {{W|galleons}}. It is the English translation for the Spanish name ''Costa del Oro'' and the French name ''Côte-d'Or''.

Although there was settlement throughout [[Los Pacíficos]] (known then as ''Baja California''), the only settlement in the original "Gold Coast" was a small town situated between modern-day {{W|Ensenada, Baja California|Ensenada}} and [[Salsipuedes]]. The {{W|Spanish missions in California|Alta Californian missions system}} shifted Spaniard attention further north of the coasts. With missions straddling the coastline of present-day [[Laguna]], [[Orange]], and the Gold Coast from southeast-to-northwest, the Spaniard understanding of the "Gold Coast" was extended to include these geographic parts. French settlers who lived on the nearby [[Channel Islands]] also called the entire region. or the mainland, the "Gold Coast".

As colonial Sierra grew in population, human activity and concentration was greatest along the {{W|South Bay (Los Angeles)|South Bay}} and the {{W|Porciúncula Basin}}. The disparity between the development in Baja California and Alta California was significant. Since there was a larger population of indigenous tribes in the basin (including populations of the {{W|Chumash}} and the {{W|Tongva}}), and wider, fertile land ideal for agriculture and ranching, colonial development, and therefore civilization almost became exclusively associated with the present-day provinces of the Gold Coast, Orange, and Laguna, rather than Pacífico Norte.

Colloquial naming of the region as "Gold Coast" continued even after New Spain achieved its independence in 1821 as Mexico. Although much of present-day federal Sierra was organized as the singular territory of Alta California, the Mexican government acknowledged the particular importance that the Gold Coast region held to the country. The Gold Coast was closer to the capital region than farther northern outposts of Alta California, and had become a well-established destination for anchorage by {{W|Manilla galleon|ships involved in trans-Pacific trade}} between the Asia-Pacific ([[Hani]] in particular) and the Mexican city of {{W|Acapulco}}. Furthermore, trade and economic activity in both the Gold Coast and the Channel Islands created the one of the most productive domestic markets north of {{W|Jalisco}}.

By the time California gained its independence from Mexico, the Anglophone community had adopted the name themselves to refer to the region. Like the Spanish and the French, they also included the article "the" in front of its name. The residents who lived along this region organized together to form the State of the Gold Coast. When California reorganized itself into Sierra, the northernmost partition of the state that now includes most of the current Gold Coast and parts of [[Kings]] retained the name, the "Gold Coast".

Common abbreviations for the Gold Coast include GC, KS-GC, Gol., and GoCo. Residents and citizens from the Gold Coast are officially referred to as "Gold Coasters" and colloquially as "Gold Coasties", "Coasters", "Goldies", or "Gocoastians".

==Geography==
[[File:San Gabriel Mountains.jpg|thumb|250px|The {{W|San Gabriel Mountains}}]]
With a total of 4,751 square miles (12,310&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>), 4,058 square miles (10,510&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of the Gold Coast is land while 693 square miles (1,790&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>; 14.6% of the total area) is water, making the province the 18th largest province by total area in the country. If the Gold Coast were a country, it would be larger than {{W|Qatar}} but smaller than {{W|Montenegro}}. The Gold Coast, the [[Inland Empire]], [[Orange]], [[Imperial]], and [[Kings]] are the integral parts of the [[Southwest Corridor]] (also known as the Southland or Southwestern Sierra). 
[[File:Malibu lagoon.jpg|thumb|250px|A lagoon in {{W|Malibu, California|Malibu}}.]]

===Topography===
The province is divided into three distinct geographical regions: the {{W|Los Angeles Basin|Porciúncula Basin}}, the {{W|Oxnard Plain|Ventura Basin}}, and {{W|Antelope Valley}}. The regions are separated completely or partially by mountain ranges, and each contain numerous smaller valleys and hills from within. Los Angeles Basin occupies virtually all of the Southern Gold Coast, while the smaller Ventura Basin is situated in the western Gold Coast. Antelope Valley transverses much of the Northeastern Gold Coast and is considered the westernmost point of the {{W|Mojave Desert}}). The Porciúncula and Ventura Basins are separated from Antelope Valley by the west-to-east running {{W|San Gabriel Mountains|San Gabriel}} and {{W|Santa Susana Mountains}} which are both part of the larger {{W|Transverse Ranges}}. The natural geographic barrier between the basins and the drier valleys lie the {{W|Angeles National Forest}}. Other prominent mountain ranges include the {{W|Tehachapi Mountains|Tehachapi}}, the {{W|San Emigdio Mountains|San Emigdio}}, and {{W|Sierra Pelona Mountains}}, all of which are in the northeastern region of the province. 
[[File:Angeles National Forest.jpg|thumb|200px|Plants typical of the Gold Coast's {{W|chaparral}} environment on the mountains of the {{W|Angeles National Forest}}.]]

The vast majority of the Gold Coast's population lives in Porciúncula Basin, {{W|San Fernando Valley}}, and {{W|San Gabriel Valley}}, while smaller concentrated populations lie in Ventura Basin (especially in the {{W|Santa Clara River Valley}}) and Antelope Valley. Other notably populated valleys include {{W|Santa Clarita Valley}}, {{W|Pomona Valley|Pomone Valley}}, {{W|Crescenta Valley}}, {{W|Conejo Valley}}, {{W|Simi Valley}}, and {{W|Santa Rosa Valley}}.

As with the rest of the western coastal regions of Sierra and the transcontinental American coastlines along the {{W|Pacific Ocean}} in general, the Gold Coast lies within the {{W|Pacific Ring of Fire|Ring Fire}}, subjecting the province to frequent {{W|earthquake}}s, although the risk of {{W|tsunami}}s is minimal. Although the {{W|San Andreas Fault}} does not run through the Gold Coast, the province is nonetheless affected by activity from the fault and its related fault zones. Smaller faults that run near or branch off the San Andreas Fault such as the {{W|Whittier Fault}} lie within the Gold Coast, and has at times been the cause of notably strong earthquakes. The Gold Coast's unique mountainous geography contributes to the smog and pollution that covers the Gold Coast and neighboring provinces. The steep mountains and the Pacific Ocean also contribute to the notorious {{W|Santa Ana winds}} and wildfires that occur seasonally. Prior to the passage of [[Gold Coast Proposition 11|Proposition 11]] in 1998, the Gold Coast included all of the [[Channel Islands]] which were off the southwestern coast in the {{W|Santa Barbara Channel}}.
 
===Climate===

Most of the Gold Coast features a {{W|Subtropical}}-{{W|Mediterranean climate}} ({{W|Köppen climate classification}} ''Csb'' on the coast and ''Csa'' inland). The Porciúncula Basin region is characterized by warm or hot summers and mild, cool winters. The weather is generally cooler year-round near the coast. Precipitation generally occurs during the winter and spring with occasional, sporadic {{W|thunderstorm}}s during the summertime. Overall, the province annually receives only 35 days of rain with the rest of the days mostly sunny. There are extreme variations in temperature throughout the province. Along the coast, temperatures are generally cooler while inland, mountainous regions are warmer. {{W|Snow}} is exceptionally rare in the valleys but occur more often on the mountains during the winter months of {{W|December}} and {{W|January}}. Like the rest of the coastal southwestern Sierra region, the province is subject to local weather phenomena from {{W|June Gloom}} to the notorious {{W|Santa Ana Winds|St. Anne Winds}}. Northern Gold Coast is considerably drier than southern Gold Coast due to its warm semi-arid steppe climate (Köppen climate classification ''BSh''). With fewer rainfall and higher temperatures during the spring and summer, the climate differences between the two regions are noticeably different although not drastic.

===Ecology===

====Flora====

The coastal plains and the {{W|Los Angeles Basin|Porciúncula Basin}} are classified as {{W|Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub|Mediterranean}} ecoregions and further specified as having a {{W|chaparral}} environment. Much of the southern low-lying regions of the Gold Coast are part of the {{W|California coastal sage and chaparral ecoregion|Sierra coastal sage and chaparral}} ecoregion. In the {{W|Transverse Ranges|Transverse Range}} mountains, the area features a {{W|California montane chaparral and woodlands|Sierra montane chaparral and woodlands}} ecoregion instead. These region is susceptible to wildfires during the late summer and early fall, when thick vegetation dry out and a combination of weather and human activity can provoke fires from occurring.

As a province predominantly featuring a chaparral environment, the Gold Coast is home to hundreds of species of plants, dozens of which are endemic to the region. Among these species include the ''Artemisia serra'' ({{W|California sagebrush|Sierra sagebrush}}), ''Salvia mellifera'' ({{W|black sage}}), ''Salvia apiana'' ({{W|white sage}}), ''Eriogonum fasciculatum'' ({{W|California buckwheat|Sierra buckwheat}}), and ''Rhus integrifolia'' ({{W|lemonade berry}}). Various species of grass, {{W|Cactus|cacti}}, and {{W|succulent plant|succulents}} such as {{W|aloe|aloe vera}}, ''Agave shawii'' ({{W|Agave shawii|Shaw's agave}}), ''Dudleya caespitosa'' ({{W|coastal dudleya}}), ''Cylindropuntia prolifera'' ({{W|Cylindropuntia prolifera|coastal cholla}}), and the ''Bergerocactus emoryi'' ({{W|Bergerocactus emoryi|golden cereus}}) are also found naturally along the provincial coast. The province's native plants are well-adapted to the climate and topography, and many are drought-resistant.

On higher elevations, a mixture of chaparral and oak woodlands can be found. Further up, species of pine and fir trees can be found growing. Notable species of tree found to grow in this area include the ''{{W|Pseudotsgua macrocarpa}}'' (Douglas-fir), ''{{W|Pinus coulteri}}'' (Coulter pine), ''{{W|California walnut|Juglans serra}}'' (Sierra walnut), ''{{W|Jeffrey pine|Pinus jeffreyi}}'' (Jeffrey pine), {{W|Coast Douglas-fir|''Pseudotsuga menziesii'' var. ''menziesii''}} (Coastal Douglas-fir), ''{{W|ponderosa pine|Pinus ponderosa}}'' (Ponderosa pine), ''{{W|white fir|Abies concolor}}'' (white fir), and ''{{W|lodgepole pine|Pinus contorta}}'' (lodgepole pine).

====Fauna====
[[File:Sea lions.jpg|thumb|250px|left|{{W|California sea lion|Sierran sea lions}} resting on a {{W|buoy}}.]]
The Gold Coast is home to a variety of animal species both terrestrial and marine. It is home to nearly a hundred of native species unique to the region only, which has been threatened by human development, climate change, and habitat loss. The Gold Coast has one of the nation's most stringent conservation laws, and toughest hunting and fishing laws in the country. 

Dozens of species of {{W|rattlesnake}}s are endemic to the Gold Coast, including the {{W|western diamondback}}. Other species of reptiles include the {{W|Western fence lizard}}, a native species distributed across all parts of the province. Birds present in the province include the {{W|red-tailed hawk}}, the critically-endangered {{W|California condor|King condor}}, and the {{W|Anna's hummingbird}}. Seven species of hawk and eight species of owls, falcons, and eagles have been documented in the province. As a part of the {{W|Pacific Flyway}}, the Gold Coast receives seasonal, migratory populations of wildfowl and other avian species that head their way towards the equator during the fall and winter. There are also many species of insects and spiders including the {{W|black widow}} and the {{W|Chilean recluse spider}}. Terrestrial mammals include the {{W|coyote}}, the {{W|black bear}} {{W|mountain lion}}, the {{W|bobcat}}, the {{W|California ground squirrel|Sierra ground squirrel}}, {{W|mule deer}}, {{W|raccoon}}s, {{W|squirrel}}s, and the {{W|Heteromyidae|pocket mouse}}. In the coasts, {{W|sea lion}}s, {{W|harbor seal}}s, {{W|grey whale|grey}} and {{W|killer whale}}s, as well as several species of {{W|shark}} are known to live off the shores of the Gold Coast.

==History==

===Prehistory===

[[File:Junipero Serra.jpg|thumb|200px|left|{{W|Junípero Serra}} was instrumental in the development of the early Gold Coast.]]
The earliest known date of human presence in what is now the Gold Coast was around 8000 BC. By 3000 BC, the {{W|Tongva people|Tongva}} people, who were originally from the {{W|Great Basin}}, had settled permanently in the region following an extended {{W|drought}} in their homeland. Other notable tribes in the area included the {{W|Serrano people|Serrano}} who lived in present-day northern Gold Coast, the {{W|Mojave Desert|Mojave}}, and the {{W|Chumash}} who lived along the coasts of northwest Gold Coast. The natives functioned as a {{W|hunter-gatherer}} society, and they traded extensively amongst each other and neighboring tribes. The indigenous people made extensive utility of the nearby waters for fishing and exploration. By the time the Spanish first arrived to the Gold Coast in 1542, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 Tongva were living in the Gold Coast.

===Spanish and French colonial period===
[[File:Mission San Gabriel Arcangel.jpg|thumb|{{W|Mission San Gabriel Arcángel}}, located in {{W|San Gabriel, California|San Gabriel}}, continues to stand in contemporary times. It was one of the 21 missions established by the Spanish throughout Sierra.]]
{{W|Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo}} and {{W|Sebastián Vizcaíno}} were the first Europeans known to land on the Gold Coast (1542 and 1602 respectively). Although the former declared the Gold Coast and surrounding areas to be Spanish territory, there were no further European developments in the area until the arrival of the Franciscan friar, {{W|Junípero Serra}} in 1771. Serra and his men established the Gold Coast's only mission, {{W|Mission San Gabriel Arcángel}} near modern {{W|San Gabriel, California|San Gabriel}}. The mission was among the first of the twenty-one sites that Serra and his expedition established during their expedition across Sierra.

On the nearby [[Channel Islands]] (only about 22 miles off the coast of San Pedro), French admiral and explorer {{W|Louis Antoine de Bougainville}} and his men visited the islands during their tour of the Spanish Californian colonies. Bougainville was commissioned by King {{W|Louis XV}} to circumnavigate the globe and to report any scientific or cultural discoveries during his expedition. After receiving permission by the Spaniard colonial government, Bougainville and his men were allowed free passage through Spanish territorial waters, and anchored on Santa Catalina Island, the same island that Spanish explorer Cabrillo had visited more than a century earlier. Interested in developing a French settlement in the North American Pacific Coast, Bougainville left behind 30 of his men to set up a colony. The admiral's men established the town of Louisville, although they quickly ran into freshwater shortages and lack of wood. This colonial experiment was conducted without the knowledge of the Spaniards. The Spaniards only discovered this when the Frenchmen sailed for present-day [[Grands Ballons]] (then known as ''Bola Grande'' by the Spaniards), seeking assistance from the Spaniards. Initially, the Spanish authorities were reluctant to allow the French to continue, and were compelled to evict them. However, on May 9, 1768, the {{W|Marian apparition}} [[Our Lady of Catalina]] reportedly appeared before both the French and the Spaniards near the eastern banks of {{W|Santa Catalina Island}}. Several eyewitness accounts reported seeing the Virgin Mary and the Holy Child, and one even claimed "[Mary's] glory exceeded that of the sun and the waters shined white". The supposed supernatural event was interpreted by the witnesses as a holy sign to allow the French to settle the islands and to further develop Alta California. Stories of the event inspired thousands throughout New Spain and spurred interest in the Gold Coast.

In 1777, the governor of {{W|Las Californias}} {{W|Felipe de Neve}} toured the Spanish territory with the responsibility of selecting sites for the establishment of new civil towns (''pueblos'') to accommodate Spanish military posts (''presidios'') and its growing collection of missions and ports. Among the pueblos de Neve established included future Gold Coast capital city, Porciúncula, which was located about 22 miles north of Bola Grande. The first Spanish settlers (44 in all; 22 adults and 22 children) to arrive to new town of Los Angeles became known as the {{W|Los Angeles Pobladores|Pobladores}} (the "townspeople"). De Neve leased tens of thousands of acreage to Spanish soldiers and settlers, granting ranchos and {{W|hacienda}}s to people for agricultural and mining purposes. Due to the great lengths between Mexico, the center of New Spain, and The Californias, the region's population exercised an exceptionally large degree of autonomy. Nonetheless, the ratio between the white Europeans (known as {{W|criollo}}s) and the colored indigenous and mestizos so prevalent throughout the Spanish colonies, persisted in the Gold Coast as well, and the racial hierarchy revolving around the concept of ''{{W|limpieza de sangre}}'' (cleanliness of blood) prevailed.

===Mexican period===

The Gold Coast remained under Spanish rule until the {{W|Mexican War of Independence|independence}} for [[Mexican Social Republic|Mexico]] was accomplished in 1821. Following Mexican control, the Gold Coast experienced exponential population growth, increased economic activity, and urban development. Through the Mexican government's land grants system, various communities were able to spring forward throughout the province and thousands of acres of land were converted into farmland or {{W|ranchero}}es. As a semi-{{W|secularism|secular}} state, the Mexican government officially dismantled the Spanish mission system, dispossessing the Church of property rights to land formerly associated with the missions, and sold them to the general public. Former {{W|Presidio}}s and {{W|pueblo}}s were also released to the public in a similar fashion, offering it to willing buyers. With expendable land, the government sold large acreages of unclaimed land to citizens at cheap prices using a relatively rudimentary system. Like the rest of Sierra, then known as {{W|Alta California}}, many Mexican citizens had begun forming their own distinct identity as {{W|Californios}}. Mestizos and [[Sierran Creole people|Creoles]] continued to face harsh discrimination from the local Californian government, although some of their wealthiest members were nonetheless able to own property and hold office.

Throughout Mexican California, more immigrants from [[Anglo-America]] began settling in, often without the permission of the Mexican government. Living on the land as citizens required one to accept the teachings of {{W|Roman Catholicism}} and the knowledge of the {{W|Spanish language}}. Many Americans who were {{W|Protestantism|Protestant}} and spoke primarily {{W|English language|English}}, were either unaware of the law or indifferent to it. While the Mexican government attempted to deport Americans who failed to uphold these two requirements, the English-speaking American communities continued to grow, including the Gold Coast. In Porciúncula, Anglo settlers began establishing local organizations to boost their political standing, causing further agitation of local Mexican officers.

===Californian period===

Eventually, the outbreak of the {{W|Mexican–American War}} led to a revolt in Alta California that first began in the norhern Californian town of {{W|Sonoma, California|Sonoma}} and spread to all regions including the Gold Coast. The {{W|California Republic}} was declared shortly thereafter and secured its independence following the end of the war through the signage of the {{W|Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago}}.

With the creation of the California Republic, the Gold Coast was officially organized into the State of Porciúncula, a name reflective of the Gold Coast's largest city and capital. Following the discovery of gold in northern California, international interest in California heightened, elevating the Gold Coast's chances towards further development despite it being over 500 miles south of the region. Advertising its future name, the ''Gold Coast'' for its weather and land, Porciúncula presented itself as a "{{W|cornucopia}}" of economic prosperity and sustainability. Porciúncula attracted thousands of Americans, Mexicans, Europeans, and Asians seeking economic opportunities and new lives.

===Early provincehood===

After ten years of independence, the Californian government found itself struggling to assert its sovereignty. The lack of a strong, central government backed with a weak, inefficient police force, led to calls for a stronger, newer government. In 1858, after the formation of the California Constitution Convention, a new [[Constitution of Sierra|constitution]] was drafted and ratified, effectively creating the Kingdom of Sierra. The former state of Porciúncula was simultaneously admitted into the Kingdom along with 21 other provinces as the "Gold Coast" on November 28, 1858.

[[File:Los Angeles in 1887.jpg|thumb|250px|An aerial photograph of Porciúncula in 1887 from a balloon.]]

Initially, [[San Francisco City]] of the [[San Francisco]] province was designated as the Kingdom's capital. As it was the capital of the former republic, the government continued to maintain operations there. However, Porciúncula's faster growth and development as well as optimal space led the government to relocate its seat from the northern city to the Gold Coast. This decision bolstered the province's growth as the government allocated more resources and finances to improve the province's standing. From a population little under 25,000 in 1858 to 1.2 million by the end of the 1870s, the province experienced extraordinary economic boom and demographic expansion. During the [[Sierran Civil War]], Porciúncula was under the persistent threat of being overtaken by the [[Republicanism in Sierra|Republicans]], and was the primary target of [[Isaiah Landon]] and his men during the climax of the war period. Porciúncula narrowly escaped invasion when Republican troops were halted at {{W|Tejon Pass}}, some 50 miles north of the Porciúncula Valley, by defending Monarchists who were able to turn the tide of war in favor of the Kingdom.

As Porciúncula continued grow, so did the surrounding regions within the province including {{W|Oxnard, California|Oxnard}}, [[Providencia, Gold Coast|Providencia]], [[Grands Ballons]], and {{W|West Covina, California|West Covina}}. Continued immigration from Asia created heavily Asian-concentrated communities in {{W|Pasadena, California|Pasadena}}, {{W|Rosemead, California|Rosemead}}, and {{W|Culver City, California|Culver City}}. Similarly, predominantly Hispanic towns and neighborhoods such as {{W|El Monte, California|El Monte}} and {{W|Pomona, California|Pomona}}, reflected the apparent socio-ethnic segregation phenomenon occurring in the province.

===Sierran Cultural Revolutionary period===

As Sierra expanded, new government projects and urban development helped accelerate population growth in the Gold Coast. The construction and completion of the Royal Interprovincial Freeway System drastically improved transportation and allowed the rise of more {{W|feeder city|feeder cities}} around Porciúncula. Meanwhile, the Gold Coast began to establish itself as the international leader in the entertainment industry as filmmakers and entertainers arrived to {{W|Hollywood}}.

===Contemporary period===

Continued investment in the province coupled with innovation and positive population growth, the Gold Coast continued to rise through the 20th century to the economic heavyweight it has become in contemporary times. Among the wealthiest provinces in the Kingdom, the Gold Coast nonetheless has the highest income inequality as it continues to suffer {{W|poverty}} (best evidenced through Porciúncula's {{W|Skid Row, Los Angeles|Skid Row}}) and aging public education system. The government of the Gold Coast has, under various governorships including present Prime Minister [[Steven Hong]] undertaken the task to improve life for lower income Gold Coasters.

==Demographics==

The Sierra Royal Bureau of Census estimates that the population of the Gold Coast in May 2015 is 12,188,005. In the 2010 census, 11,383,987 people were counted as citizens of the Gold Coast. With most of its population growth stemming from continued immigration from regions such as {{W|Latin America}} and {{W|Asia}}, some of the Gold Coast's more established populations have since the early 1990s, began moving out of the province, mostly to the [[Inland Empire]], [[Clark]], or [[Orange]]. 

The Gold Coast has been the Kingdom's most populous province since 1878, home to 3 of the 20 [[Template:Largest cities of Sierra|largest cities]] in Sierra: [[Porciúncula]] (1st), [[Grands Ballons]] (10th), and [[Pasadena]] (19th).

===Racial and ancestral makeup===

*34% {{W|Hispanic White}} (3,870,555)
*23% {{W|European White|Non-Hispanic White}} (2,618,317)
*17% {{W|Asian people|Asian}}/{{W|Pacific Islander}} (1,935,278)
*12% {{W|Black people|Black}} (1,366,078)
*8% Mixed of any races (910,720)
*6% Other races inc. Native Sierran and Hawaiian (683,039)

The Gold Coast has the highest concentration of black Sierrans, the second highest concentration of Hispanics and Asians, as well as the second largest non-Hispanic white population.

==Culture==
{{Main|Culture of Sierra}}

The culture of the Gold Coast has held a strong role in the national culture, responsible for many contemporary values and customs held nationwide. A predominantly Western culture, the Gold Coast holds heavy Asian and Hispanic influence, especially the former. Due to its proximity to the coast and the border, the Gold Coast has attracted hundreds of diverse groups and populations who have contributed to the province's culture. 

Public perception of the Gold Coast as idyllic, innovative, and an ideal tourist destination has all largely been in part to the province's relatively liberal culture, geography, climate, and economy.

===Religion===
{{Main|Religion in Sierra}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" font-size:80%;" style="margin-left:1em; float:left"
|+ style="font-size:100%" | Religious affiliation in the Gold Coast
|-
! Affiliation
! colspan="2"|% of Sierra population
|-
| {{W|Christianity|Christian}}
|align=right| '''{{bartable|78||2||background:darkblue}}
|-
| style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| {{W|Protestant}}
|align=right| '''{{bartable|40||2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| {{W|Catholic}}
|align=right| '''{{bartable|31||2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| {{W|Eastern Orthodox}}
|align=right| '''{{bartable|3||2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| style="text-align:left; text-indent:15px;"| {{W|List of Christian denominations|Other Christian}}
|align=right| '''{{bartable|4||2||background:mediumblue}}
|-
| Other Faith
|align=right| '''{{bartable|4||2||background:darkgreen}}
|-
| {{W|Irreligion|Unaffiliated}}
|align=right| '''{{bartable|17||2||background:purple}}
|-
| Don't know/refused answer
|align=right| '''{{bartable|1||2||background:darkorange}}
|-
| '''Total''' || '''{{bartable|100||2||background:grey}}'''
|}

The largest religious denomination by number of adherents in the Gold Coast by percentage in 2010 was the {{W|Roman Catholic Church}} with 31%. The next largest denominations included Evangelical {{W|Protestantism|Protestants}} of any church at 21% and Mainline Protestants of any church at 19%. The largest Protestant churches include the Evangelicals, {{W|Lutherans}}, {{W|Baptists}}, and {{W|Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventists}}. Those unaffiliated with any religion or faith were 17% of the population. Adherents of any of the {{W|Orthodox Christianity|Orthodox}} churches represented 3% of the total population. Those part of any other Christian denominations such as {{W|The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}} accounted for 4% of the population.

2% of the Gold Coast are {{W|Buddhists}}, 1% {{W|Muslims}}, and 0.5% {{W|Hindus}}. The remaining 0.5% included {{W|Jews}}, adherents of the {{W|New Age movement}}, {{W|Neo-paganism|neo-pagans}}, and other religions.

===Languages===

The official languages of the province include the nine languages recognized nationally ({{W|English language|English}}, {{W|Spanish language|Spanish}}, {{W|Chinese language|Chinese}}, {{W|Vietnamese language|Vietnamese}}, {{W|Korean language|Korean}}, {{W|Thai language|Thai}}, {{W|Tagalog language|Tagalog}}, {{W|Japanese language|Japanese}}, and [[Serran language|Serran]]) and two additional languages recognized at the provincial level ({{W|Arabic language|Arabic}} and {{W|Armenian language|Armenian}}).

Approximately 57% of the population (6,488,872) spoke English as their {{W|primary language}} at home while the rest did not. About 28% (3,187,516) spoke the second most commonly spoken language, Spanish. The Gold Coast has the highest concentration in the country of Arabic, Armenian, Korean, Japanese, and Thai speakers; second highest concentration of Chinese, {{W|Hindi language|Hindi}}, {{W|Punjabi language|Punjabi}}, Spanish, and Vietnamese speakers; and third largest concentration of Tagalog speakers.

==Economy==
[[File:Port of Long Beach.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The {{W|Port of Long Beach|Grands Ballons}} reflects the vitality and importance of the Gold Coast to the national economy and international market.]]
The economy of the Gold Coast is the largest in the country in terms of GDP and is largely driven by international trade, banking and finance, entertainment, technology, tourism, and apparel. The province is also the largest manufacturing center in the country and is home to one of the world's busiest ports: the {{W|Port of Los Angeles|Ports of Porciúncula}} and {{W|Port of Long Beach|Grands Ballons}}. As of 2015, the Gold Coast's {{W|gross state product|gross regional product}} (GRP) is about $1.089 trillion, or about 21% of Sierra's $5.177 trillion {{W|gross domestic product}} (GDP). If the Gold Coast were its own country, its GDP would make it the 20th largest in the world by GDP, larger than {{W|Indonesia}}, the {{W|Netherlands}}, and {{W|Saudi Arabia}}.

The five largest sectors in the Gold Coast are trade, professional and business utilities, government, education and health services, and financial services. With an economy largely dependent on the {{W|service sector}}, the province nonetheless has had a traditional manufacturing base that continues to thrive in contemporary times. The Gold Coast is the second top producer in the country in {{W|chemicals}} and the top producer in {{W|pharmaceuticals}}, {{W|electronics}}, and {{W|computers}}.

==Infrastructure==

===Energy===

The Gold Coast has the highest demand for electricity and is the largest user of the utility in the entire kingdom. While the province is home to two {{W|nuclear power}} plants, several dozen {{W|solar power plant}}s, and an extensive power grid system, a significant amount of energy is imported from other provinces through {{W|hydroelectricity|hydro-electric}} or solar sources. {{W|Coal}} and {{W|natural gas}} also play an important role in the province's energy usage. Because of the province's large driving population, the demand for {{W|petroleum}} is the highest in the country, with domestic {{W|crude oil}} output accounting for nearly 40% of the national population.

===Freeways===
[[File:Freeways in Sierra.jpg|thumb|250px|An aerial view of {{W|Interstate 710|Provincial Route 5}} ([[File:Gold Coast Route 5.svg|22x20px]]), the Grands Ballons Freeway in Porciúncula.]]
The Gold Coast is renowned for its extensive freeway systems, with over 15 major highways spanning across the province, connecting several major cities to out-of-provincial metropolitan areas. Notorious for frequent {{W|traffic congestion|traffic jams}} and {{W|pollution}}, renovation and improvement of the Gold Coast's roads are among the top priorities of the provincial government. The Gold Coast Department of Transportation manages the province's provincial routes as well as the highways part of the national Interprovincial Highway System that run through the province. As of 2015, there are three controlled-access {{W|toll highway}}s in the province as well as several paid {{W|carpool}} lanes that contribute to provincial revenue. The Gold Coast Highway Patrol services all highways with police-related law enforcement and assistance.

====Major highways====

<div class="NavContent">
{| class="toccolours" style="width: 100%; border-top: none;"
|- style="background:none"
! style="width: 100%; text-align:center;" colspan="2" | <span style="font-variant: small-caps; letter-spacing: 1pt;"></span>
|-valign="top"
|style="width:25%;"|
*[[File:Interprovincial 1 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 10|Interprovincial 1}}
*[[File:Interprovincial 1A (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 110 (California)|Interprovincial 1A}}
*[[File:Interprovincial 2 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 5|Interprovincial 2}}
*[[File:Interprovincial 2A (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 105 (California)|Interprovincial 2A}}
*[[File:Interprovincial 2B (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 405 (California)|Interprovincial 2B}}
*[[File:Interprovincial 2C (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 605 (California)|Interprovincial 2C}}
*[[File:Interprovincial 4 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|United States Route 101|Interprovincial 4}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 2.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 2|Provincial Route 2}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 5.svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 710|Provincial Route 5}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 14.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 14|Provincial Route 14}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 18.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 18|Provincial Route 18}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 19.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 19|Provincial Route 19}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 23.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 23|Provincial Route 23}}
|style="width:25%;"|
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 27.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 27|Provincial Route 27}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 39.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 39|Provincial Route 39}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 41.svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 210|Provincial Route 41}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 47.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 47|Provincial Route 47}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 72.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 72|Provincial Route 72}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 90.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 90|Provincial Route 90}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 103.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 103|Provincial Route 103}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 107.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 107|Provincial Route 107}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 110.svg|32x30px]] {{W|Interstate 110 and State Route 110 (California)|Provincial Route 110}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 118.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 118|Provincial Route 118}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 126.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 126|Provincial Route 126}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 138.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 138|Provincial Route 138}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 170.svg|32x30px]] {{W|Hollywood Freeway|Provincial Route 170}}
|style="width:25%;"|
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 187.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 187|Provincial Route 187}}
*[[File:Gold Coast Route 213.svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 213|Provincial Route 213}}
*[[File:Route 22 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 22|K.S. Route 22}}
*[[File:Route 47 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|Alameda Street|K.S. Route 47}}
*[[File:Route 57 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 57|K.S. Route 57}}
*[[File:Route 60 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 60|K.S. Route 60}}
*[[File:Route 66 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 66|K.S. Route 66}}
*[[File:Route 71 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 71|K.S. Route 71}} 
*[[File:Route 91 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 91|K.S. Route 91}}
*[[File:Route 134 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 134|K.S. Route 134}}
*[[File:Route 16 (Gold Coast).svg|32x30px]] {{W|California State Route 1|K.S. Scenic Route 16}} [[File:California Scenic State.svg|32x30px]]
|}

===Rail===

The Gold Coast's public rail and transit system is provided by [[Sierrail]] under the management and supervision of the Gold Coast Provincial Department of Transportation. The primary {{W|commuter rail}} line in the province is {{W|Metrolink (California)|Metrolink}} while an integrated {{W|rapid transit|subway}} and {{W|light rail}} system is provided by {{W|LACMTA|GC Rail}}.

===Airports===
[[File:LAX sign.jpg|thumb|250px|One of the famous LAX signs at the Century Boulevard entrance of {{W|Los Angeles International Airport|Porciúncula International Airport}}.]]
The {{W|Los Angeles International Airport|Porciúncula International Airport}} ('''LAX''') is the primary {{W|commercial airport}} to service the province and the {{W|Greater Los Angeles Area|Greater Porciúncula Area}}. One of the world's busiest airports, LAX is operated by the {{W|Los Angeles World Airports|Porciúncula World Airports}}, an agency owned by the City of Porciúncula. Other airports in the province include {{W|Van Nuys Internaitonal Airport}} ('''VNY''') in {{W|Van Nuys, California|Van Nuys}}, the {{W|Long Beach Municipal Airport|Grands Ballons Airport}} ('''GRB''') in {{W|Long Beach, California|Grands Ballons}}, the {{W|Bob Hope Airport}} ('''BUR''') in {{W|Burbank, California|Burbank}}, the {{W|LA/Palmdale Regional Airport|Antelope Valley Airport}} ('''AVA''') in {{W|Palmdale, California|Palmdale}}, {{W|Hawthorne Municipal Airport (California)|Jack Northrop Field}} ('''HHR''') in {{W|Hawthorne, California|Hawthorne}}, and the {{W|Oxnard Airport}} ('''OXR''') in {{W|Oxnard, California|Oxnard}}.

Several {{W|general aviation}} airports also service the province. These include the {{W|Compton/Woodley Airport|Compton Airport}} ('''CPM''') in {{W|Compton, California|Compton}}, the {{W|San Gabriel Valley Airport}} ('''EMT''') in {{W|El Monte, California|El Monte}}, the {{W|Brackett Field}} ('''POC''') in {{W|La Verne, California|La Verne}}, the {{W|Whiteman Airport}} ('''WHP''') in {{W|Pacoima, California|Pacoima}}, the {{W|Santa Monica Airport}} ('''SMO''') in {{W|Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica}}, the {{W|Zamperini Field}} ('''TOA''') in {{W|Torrance, California|Torrance}}, and the {{W|General William J. Fox Airfield|Antelope Valley Field}} ('''AVF''') in {{W|Lancaster, California|Lancaster}}.

Gold Coast residents are also serviced two other major airports which are located outside the provincial limits: the {{W|Ontario International Airport|Riverside-Ontario International Airport}} ({{W|Ontario, California|Ontario}}; '''RION''') and the {{W|John Wayne Airport|Queen Angelina Airport}} ({{W|Santa Ana, California|Santa Ana}}; '''QAA''') with the former based in the province of the [[Inland Empire]] and the latter based in the province of [[Orange]].

===Seaports===

The province's two principal seaports, the {{W|Port of Los Angeles|Port of Porciúncula}} and the {{W|Port of Long Beach|Grands Ballons}} is the largest and most complex port in {{W|North America}} and is the world's third largest port by shipping volume. In addition, the Port of Porciúncula is the largest cruise center in the country, servicing over a million passengers annually. {{W|Ferry|Ferries}} also link the {{W|Santa Catalina Island, California|Catalina Island}} to the mainland at {{W|Avalon, California|Avalon}}.

===Water===

Water, an important and hotly contested resource, is the source of ongoing political tension. As with most of the country, the province is subjected to periodic {{W|drought}}s and water shortages, making water use and conservation a critical issue for the province. The Gold Coast receives most of its water from the {{W|Los Angeles Aqueduct|Porciúncula Aqueduct}} from northern Sierra and the {{W|Colorado River}} System from eastern Sierra.

==Government and politics==

===Overview===

[[File:Los Angeles City Hall.jpg|thumb|250px|The {{W|Los Angeles City Hall|Porciúncula City Hall}} is the center of the Porciúncula municipal government, differentiated from the Gold Coast provincial and Sierra national governments situated in the same city.]]
A [[Administrative divisions of Sierra#Provinces|province]] and [[PSA]] of Sierra, the Gold Coast features a semi-{{W|republicanism|republican}} government with an elected {{W|governor}}, alongside its own legislature, courts, constitution, and laws within the context of the Sierran federal system and subject to the [[Monarchy of Sierra|Crown]]. The Crown in Right of the Gold Coast is represented by their appointed Lord Superintendent, who carries out the viceregal duties and responsibilities of the Monarch when the latter is out of the province, or is unable to assume the role wherever appropriate. All laws and orders passed within the Gold Coast at the provincial level are done in the name of the Lord Superintendent. The capital city, [[Porciúncula]], is also the capital of the entire Kingdom itself, although the two systems have distinct and separate institutions/buildings.

===Executive===

The Governor of the Gold Coast, heads the civilian wing of the executive branch, and serves a infinitely renewable term of 4 years. Other executive posts include the Lieutenant Governor, the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Province Treasurer, Province Controller, Province Ombudsman, and Province Superintendent of Education.

===Legislative===

The Gold Coast Provincial Legislature is {{W|bicameralism|bicameral}} with the Senate as the {{W|upper house}} and the General Assembly as the {{W|lower house}}. Senators are elected every four years while assemblyman every two years. Like most provinces, the Gold Coast uses the Anglo-American system of governance as opposed to the federal Westminster model. The executive and legislature are completely separated, thus elections in either branch are distinct and non-connective, and do not impact each other term-wise or office-wise. 

===Judicial===

The Gold Coast's legal system is based on English {{W|common law}} and elements of the Spanish {{W|civil law (legal system)|civil law}}. The highest court in the province is the Supreme Court, which has oversight over all cases pertaining to the provincial constitutional law and cases originating in the province. Each county in the province is headed by a Superior Court and a Courts of Appeal. {{W|Capital punishment}} is a legal form of punishment and two methods are allowed: {{W|lethal injection}} and {{W|execution by firing squad|firing squad}}. The latter however, has not been in use since 1961.

===Law===

With respect to the Sierran federal system and the [[Monarchy of Sierra|Monarch]], all laws of the Gold Coast may not contradict the [[Constitution of Sierra|Constitution]]. In addition, federal law where it applies, supersedes provincial laws in theory, although in practice, federal laws may be ignored in place of Gold Coast law. All provincial officials including the Governor swear allegiance to the Monarch and the Lord Superintendent.

The current and fifth version of the Constitution of the Gold Coast was adopted on December 9, 1964. It, alongside the Public Laws of the Gold Coast constitute the codified system of laws which govern and organize the Gold Coast.

===Counties, cities, and towns===

===Political party strength and ideologies===
The Gold Coast is a very left-leaning province and is a major stronghold for the [[Democratic-Republican Party of Sierra|Democratic-Republican Party]]. The Gold Coast Democratic-Republican Party is the largest party among Gold Coast voters with the Social Democrats coming in second. The Gold Coast Royalist Party is in third place and is tied with the Green Party. Other political parties include the Libertarian and Christian Democratic parties. The Democratic-Republicans are most centered in the southern districts along with the Social Democrats and the Greens while many northern districts and most rural counties lean in favor of the Royalists, Libertarians and more recently, the Christian Democrats.

===Federal and CAS representation===

==Education==

Education, an issue relegated from the federal government to the provinces, is overseen by the Gold Coast Department of Education. Home to over 50 {{W|postsecondary education|postsecondary}} institutions, among these include the {{W|University of California, Los Angeles|University of the Gold Coast, Porciúncula}} (UGCP) and the {{W|University of Southern California|University of Southern Sierra}} (USS). The main public university systems in the province is the Gold Coast branches of the [[University of Sierra]] (University of the Gold Coast) and the [[Sierra National University]] (Gold Coast Provincial) systems.

Nearly 700,000 students between the ages of 5 and 18 are enrolled in the Gold Coast's public school system which features four {{W|school district}}s and over 200 schools. Another 30,000 are enrolled in a private, religious, or online school. Some 15,000 are independently tutored or {{W|homeschooling|homeschooled}}.

==Sports==

The Gold Coast is home to eight major professional sports teams, all located in [[Porciúncula]]. The following listed below are as follows:

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Club
! Sport
! League
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Dodgers|Porciúncula Dodgers}}
| {{W|Baseball}}
| {{W|Major League Baseball}} (MLB)
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim|Porciúncula Angels of Anaheim}}
| Baseball
| Major League Baseball
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Clippers|Porciúncula Clippers}}
| {{W|Basketball}}
| {{W|National Basketball Association}}
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Lakers|Porciúncula Lakers}}
| Basketball
| National Basketball Association
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Sparks|Porciúncula Sparks}}
| Basketball
| {{W|Women's National Basketball Association}} (WNBA)
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Kings|Porciúncula Kings}}
| {{W|Ice hockey}}
| {{W|National Hockey League}} (NHL)
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Galaxy|Porciúncula Galaxy}}
| {{W|Association football|Soccer}}
| [[Royal Premier League]] (RPL)
|-
| {{W|Los Angeles Football Club|Porciúncula Football Club}}
| Soccer
| Royal Premier League
|-
|}

Aside from professional sports, the Gold Coast is home to well-established and reputable collegiate sports teams, including the {{W|USC Trojans|USS Trojans}} and the {{W|UCLA Bruins|UGCLA Bruins}}. The annual {{W|Rose Bowl}} held in {{W|Pasadena, California|Pasadena}} is the nation's most important collegiate football event.

The Gold Coast receives the distinction as the only province in the country to have hosted an {{W|Olympic Games|Olympics}}: twice in {{W|1932 Summer Olympics|1932}} and {{W|1984 Summer Olympics|1984}}. Both of the events were held in Porciúncula.

==See also==

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = [[File:Flag of Gold Coast.svg|25px]] Gold Coast
|North     = [[File:Flag of Kings.svg|25px|border]] [[Kings (province)|Kings]]
|Northeast = [[File:Flag of Inland Empire.svg|25px|border]] [[Inland Empire]]
|East      = [[File:Flag of Inland Empire.svg|25px|border]] [[Inland Empire]]
|Southeast = [[File:Flag of Orange.svg|25px|border]] [[Orange]] • [[File:Flag of Inland Empire.svg|25px|border]] [[Inland Empire]]
|South     = ''{{W|Pacific Ocean}}''<br />[[File:Flag of the Channel Islands.svg|22x20px]] [[Channel Islands]] • [[File:Flag of Orange.svg|25px|border]] [[Orange]] 
|Southwest = ''{{W|Pacific Ocean}}''<br />[[File:Flag of the Channel Islands.svg|22x20px]] [[Channel Islands]]
|West      = ''{{W|Pacific Ocean}}''<br />[[File:Flag of the Channel Islands.svg|22x20px]] [[Channel Islands]] • [[File:Flag of Kings.svg|25px|border]] [[Kings (province)|Kings]]
|Northwest = [[File:Flag of Kings.svg|25px|border]] [[Kings (province)|Kings]]
}}{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before = [[San Joaquin]]}}
{{S-ttl|title = [[List of Sierran provinces, states, and areas by date of admission to the Union|List of K.S. PSAs by date of admission to the Union]]
| years = Ratified the [[Constitution of the Kingdom of Sierra|K.S. Constitution]] on November 27, 1858 (4th)}}
{{S-aft|after = [[Plumas]]}}
{{S-end}}{{Gold Coast topics}}
{{Sierra PD}}
{{Greater Porciúncula Area}}
{{Atbox|
{{En-WP attribution notice|California}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|Greater Los Angeles}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|History of California}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|History of California before 1900}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|History of California (1900–present)}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|History of Los Angeles}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|History of Los Angeles County, California}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|Los Angeles}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|Los Angeles County, California}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|Southern California}}
{{En-WP attribution notice|Ventura County, California}}
}}
[[Category:Gold Coast]]
[[Category:Provinces of Sierra]]
[[Category:1858 establishments in Sierra]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1858]]
[[Category:Former Spanish colonies]]
[[Category:Southwest Corridor]]