Hey remember when Knott Berry Farm was still a farm with a pie stand & chickens on a Beach Blvd that was a 1 lane each way asphalt strip with a dirt shoulder?
I remember when it wasn't even a freeway. As a 54 year old native of California, I think I know the good and the bad of it.
We elected Reagan; passed propositions 13, 187, 209 and 227 (the last three fairly recently).
With a population equal to the country called Canada, we're bound to have problems. Demographics have worked against electing conservatives to statewide office.
My congressman is among the most conservative in the House (Rohrabacher). Next door is Chris Cox, also a very solid conservative.
California is the largest agricultural state in the Union, so while folks bitch and moan, they are most likely enjoying our food (picked by illegal, migrant farmworkers). Enjoying our movies, the good and the bad.
Enjoying our defense industry weapons, and space exploration launch sites (Vandenberg, Edwards). Vacationing at the many beautiful places. Driving on probably the best roads and highways.
Until a bunch of folks moved here from your states, we used to be an oil and gas exporting state.
I'm staying here. Just returned today from another scouting trip, to the as yet uncrowded central coast. Long term may find me somewhere between Ventura and Monterey.
Places with populations under 20,000 include Morro Bay, Pismo Beach and Carpinteria, to name some of the current leading candidates.