Our California does have its problems, for sure. But I wouldn't live anywhere else. As I've said before, the only way I could move would be to take the Pacific Ocean with me. That would mean Oregon, Washington, Alaska or Hawaii. No thanks. Now if I could figure out a way to make a living on Catalina Island, that would be ideal. :-)
I've been living in CA since 1988 and I love it here, even if it is a little expensive and overly populated with libs! Can't imagine living anywhere else, either, except I miss my family in WA State. I do manage to visit them pretty often, tho.
I can relate Wolfstar - I feel the same way about the Atlantic. It's something mystical, I think.