Back in the late 60s some Indian Guru made some prediction that California would fall into the ocean, earthquakes, etc. An incredible number of hippies were taking LSD back then. So lots of deranged freaks decided to leave Calif. Most of them decided on Oregon and Colorado because hippies. This explains partially why you get such ridiculous centers of lunacy in otherwise conservative areas. Portland and Boulder seem to be the main epicenters of this diaspora of hippie nutcases.
Mary, Mary come with me,
On a hill we’ll take some tea,
And watch L.A. fall in the sea.
The Bagwhan!