>>Correlation is not causality. Tell us, are STD rates trending up in California as well?<<
Yes. Chlamydia began to rise in California in the late 90's buck the overall national trend toward decreased STD's
But, like the rest of the nation Syphilis and gonorrhea had been trending downward until 2000.
I do agree with Mrs. Don-o that it looks like there are some California specific factors.