I must say that I have worked for almost 40 years as an institutional equities trader in LA. I’m retired recently but I used to talk to NY all day long .... and I have entertained visitors from NYC for many years.
Almost everyone from NYC talks about how great California roads are ... and they are good. Every once in awhile there might be a pot hole ... but a call to CalTrans means it will be repaired .... sometimes in 24 hours.
The roads are great ... but we do have a problem with the sidewalks that NEVER seem to get repaired. Tree roots burst through the sidewalk and distort the ability to walk safely.
But roads ... fine.
I’ve just been over Donner Pass on I-80 and in through the Sacramento area to Calistoga. Over to Bodega Bay and back. I do not share your opinion. Some of the worst roads I’ve traveled since leaving Albuquerque. I understand 80 over Donner, due to winter roads, but wine country for all the tourists (I’m here to see family) should not give such a lousy impression.