"When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils, but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles: every other correction is either useless or a new evil."
Attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but may be quoted or paraphrased from Baron de Montesquieu whose works were read by the founders; not easy to find precisely.
Born and raised Californian here. Moved to Texas age 16, lived in California another 15 years of my life. Now back in Texas. I prefer the beauty and weather in California, but it has been ruined as you said. Miles of orchids and farms torn down and replaced with housing tracts and malls.
They had cut the water off before I left in 2012 and it’s gotten worse since. I went to San Francisco the night before I moved and had sourdough bread and seafood. From what I see that’s happened in the city since I’ll never go back.