but how did a bear, a red star and the words “California Republic” find themselves on the state flag? California was born in revolt, much as the United States had done on the opposite coast ...

The group hoisted the famed Bear Flag above the town, declaring the California Republic. In less than a month, American armed forces arrived and took control of the area, putting an end to the revolt.

LOS ANGELES — Grizzly bears are extinct in California but still show up everywhere ... tongue in place names like Grizzly Flats and Big Bear Lake.