Life — February 26, 1925 — page 25: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical map of California landmarks and attractions, presented as a tourist's guide. The cartoon depicts famous sites like the Golden Gate, Telegraph Hill, and Yosemite Valley alongside natural resources and development projects. A character labeled "Life Print" addresses an "oldtimer," asking whether he's noticed California's changed climate—a joke about the state's rapid transformation through tourism and commercialization. The satire targets how California was being packaged and commodified for visitors, with natural wonders reduced to labeled attractions. References to "Baby Poppy" (California poppies) and various named locations suggest this mocks the over-commercialization of the state's landscape during the early 20th century, when California tourism was booming and natural areas were being increasingly developed and promoted.