California has a lot going for it, in spite of its politicians.
Just ask the myriad high tech companies that are disproportionately Californian and how their managements struggle to replicate success outside California, with most of them forced to keep R&D in the state while manufacturing and labor-involved, lower level activities move out.
That's a romantic view of California that has long gone by the wayside, James. Companies of every description, including high tech, have been leaving California in droves for many years now.
Sure, you'll still find a lot of big players in the high tech area based in California, but most of them have built satellite locations in other, more business friendly states, and are gradually shifting operations away from their headquarters.
Come to North Texas and see how many well known high tech company names you see emblazoned on business park structures. I don't think there's a one that I haven't seen here.