Sacramento is the cultural, educational, business and governmental center of a four county metropolitan region. As California's Capitol City, Sacramento is center stage for governmental policy for the entire state. It has a dynamic business sector, an expanding public transportation system (including Light Rail), affordable housing, and growing cultural, educational, and medical facilities serve the needs of 1.5 million people. Sacramento is also the heart of California's history including the Pony Express, The Gold Rush, and also the first continental railroad. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as well, being that Sacramento lies in a very close proximity to San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite Valley. Those living within the City also enjoy professional ballet, opera, theater, outstanding museums, one of the best small zoos in the country, and the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Each year the city hosts the world's largest Dixieland Jazz Jubilee, and many other recreational, entertainment and cultural activities.