You have my condolences. I had the good sense to get out of there in 1972. I am making repeated trips back these days because my mother (99) broke her leg, and I am tending to her financial and health needs while she is in rehab.
Frankly, I am appalled at the state of my old State. Everywhere we looked there are pan handlers on the street soliciting donations, as well as bumper to bumper traffic. Californians cannot manage their own state, yet they want to impose their rules everywhere else. You might consider changing regimes in California first. You just might discover a hidden groundswell of conservative conviction.
We were there during the Primaries when my governor (Scott Walker) decidedly fought off a recall attempt. As soon as people found out we were from Wisconsin they befriended us and congratulated us on Scott Walker's win. They all wanted us to "send him to California". Not a chance. We still need him. It reminded me of when Reagan was our Governor (I lived in N. California at the time) and nobody would ever admit to voting for him, yet he always won in a landslide.
Aren't you sick of Jerry Brown already?
I was sick of Brown the first time.
My sister had a yard sign that said “keep California green stamp out Brown”.
I was born here (Santa Monica), raised in Santa Barbara, lived in Santa Cruz mountains during college and kids, now my husband and I moved back to Santa Barbara.
There are lots and lots of conservatives here, unfortunately the liberals all congregate together in clumps, districts are drawn to favor them and tada they win elections.
Reagan was a great governor.
Do you remember when he ran against Pat Brown?
Brown told a bunch of black kids to never forget it was an actor who shot Lincoln.
When Reagan was asked about it at a press conference, he did his famous smile laugh and said “and never forget Booth was a democrat”, even the press laughed.
There is always hope.
Prayers for your mom and your familie’s strength while caring for her.