I had the misfortune of watching the opening minutes of that ridiculous Fox News “debate” between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. I wasn’t going to come anywhere near it, but a friend wanted to watch it. I lasted about 15 minutes before I had to bail.
One of the things that irked me was the constant spin—by DeSantis, yes, but also by “moderator” Sean Hannity’s first few questions—claiming the state of California is a failing liberal hellhole that people are fleeing in droves because of unemployment, high taxes and unsafe borders. Depicting California as a failing state is a common refrain by a lot of folks on the right these days—and, well, I’ve had enough of it.
I’ve lived in other Western states (that were under conservative leadership for most of my years there)—and I am very, very happy to be in California right now.
To be clear, California has problems—massive problems. The high cost of living, especially housing, can cripple the budgets of both individuals and families, and I understand why some people would choose to go elsewhere as a result. While some complaints about the difficulties of doing business in California are overblown (I have to jump through just as many figurative hoops doing business in Nevada), there is something to them. The progressive wing of the Legislature can go overboard, passing well-intended legislation without realizing and/or caring about some of the consequences—and I say this as someone who considers himself a progressive. (The mess resulting from Assembly Bill 5, the state’s independent-contractor law, is one example that comes to mind.)
That said, California has plusses, too. A lot of plusses. Women here don’t need to worry about the state telling them what they can and can’t do with their bodies. Same-sex couples don’t need to wonder whether their marriages will be recognized here in a year or two. Diversity is valued in much of the state, and the arts and culinary offerings are without parallel. The state government actually seems to give a damn about climate change, the plight of workers and the environment—and isn’t trying to persecute drag queens for no good reason. California remains the world leader in the technology and entertainment industries, and that isn’t going to change anytime soon, no matter what Elon Musk wants or does.
I haven’t even mentioned California’s weather yet, nor have I talked about the amazing natural wonders in the state—including a lot of protected lands, including nine national parks.
If someone decides California isn’t for them, that’s fine. I really do understand why some people may choose to move elsewhere. But as the kids like to say these days (?): Don’t yuck my yum.
Every time I walk out my door and look up at Mount San Jacinto, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to live here. California is very, very far from perfect—but I like it here, and millions of other people like it here, too.
Note: This is the editor’s note that appeared in the February 2024 print edition. Much of this column was originally published online in the Jan. 18 Indy Digest.
