I moved away from San Diego in 2000 after being stationed there in the Navy many years before then stuck around until it got unbearable. I just couldn’t take the Mexican invasion and BS laws anymore. I had enough. I used to go visit from time to time but now and for the last 5 years or so; I just can’t stand the place anymore even to visit. I don’t even visit family up in the Bay Area for the same reason but I never lived there. CA has been spiraling downward since 1991 to my reckoning. It peaked in 1990 IMHO but others say it peaked much earlier; like around 1980 or so. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective. Either way; it sucks now. The beaches are still nice as far as I know though. Places like Big Bear and the Sequoias are probably just fine but the coastal cities suck big time.
Lived on the base in 69,deployed twice.
Got married and lived there last year of my term 1971.
Was pretty nice,went to the beach,Lajolla,mission valley,downtown was all military,but Balboa Park,went to padre games when VERY FEW showed up,we lived 5 minutes from the ballpark,on 40th st.
Like you said,not the same anymore,went with my son for his conference at the convention center and the homeless were everywhere,a shame