Steps you must take to become a true Californian This is what you have to do to really call yourself a Northern Californian, at least according to the stereotypes.

A quick warning before you get started: While reading this, you may discover that you aren't quite as "Californian" as you once thought. That can be an uncomfortable feeling. If that happens, take solace in one thing: disagreeing with Californians about what makes you a Californian is possibly the most Californian thing you can do. We're a complicated people. less A quick warning before you get started: While reading this, you may discover that you aren't quite as "Californian" as you once thought. That can be an uncomfortable feeling. If that happens, take solace in one ... more Photo: Jessica Mullins, SFGate Photo: Jessica Mullins, SFGate Image 1 of / 64 Caption Close Steps you must take to become a true Californian 1 / 64 Back to Gallery

How does one truly become a Californian? It's a complicated question. Some people born here are no more Californian than the Prius they drive, while other transplants know so much about surf-spots and flip-flops that you'd never guess they were actually born in New Jersey. So what is the true essence of California-ness that make our state, and the people who populate it, truly unique?

The SFGATE staff decided to hone in on many of these California stereotypes with a collection of the "steps" one must accomplish before they can be a real "Californian."

Special note: While many general California stereotypes work for the whole state, we decided to focus on what it takes to be a "Northern Californian." And if any of Los Angeles is upset about this, remember: you can take our water, but you can never take our freedom.