I admit it. I'm angry with California! (San Diego: high crime, unemployment)

[Curmudgeon]

I'm angry because I don't believe my once beloved, native state has lived up to its potential. Rather, I think it has squanderd it riches to the extent that the gold has become tarnished and it's continued decline is almost inevitable.

For all of my youth and much of my early adulthood there was a magical quality about being in and from California and it was a source of both pride and joy for its natives and envy from others. I think it's lost that; except, of course, for the delusion fostered by some that Hollywood, CA really represents it.

Unfortunately, political correctness, extreme partisanship, porous borders and misplaced "progressiveness," sanctuary cities and the like have resulted in stagnation, monstrous debt, social upheaval, ethnic enclaves, stunted government, high taxes, disintigrating infrastructure, poor schools, high crime, clogged freeways, bad air, serious water issues, over-priced housing, crowding, loss of major industries, rampant unemployment and mean streets in everything that term connotes.

I take no joy in any of this. Rather, I wish I could turn back the clock to better times. But for these very real issues to be ignored, minimized or obfuscated is doing nothing positive to effect change and simply parallels the pandering of pettifogging politicians who talk the talk but cannot walk the walk.

I, for one, who left to seek a better quality of life elsewhere in retirement resent it keenly. If California was even a shadow of its former self I'd have stayed.

Diatribe over!

[Donna7]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

I'm angry because I don't believe my once beloved, native state has lived up to its potential. Rather, I think it has squanderd it riches to the extent that the gold has become tarnished and it's continued decline is almost inevitable.

For all of my youth and much of my early adulthood there was a magical quality about being in and from California and it was a source of both pride and joy for its natives and envy from others. I think it's lost that; except, of course, for the delusion fostered by some that Hollywood, CA really represents it.

Unfortunately, political correctness, extreme partisanship, porous borders and misplaced "progressiveness," sanctuary cities and the like have resulted in stagnation, monstrous debt, social upheaval, ethnic enclaves, stunted government, high taxes, disintigrating infrastructure, poor schools, high crime, clogged freeways, bad air, serious water issues, over-priced housing, crowding, loss of major industries, rampant unemployment and mean streets in everything that term connotes.

I take no joy in any of this. Rather, I wish I could turn back the clock to better times. But for these very real issues to be ignored, minimized or obfuscated is doing nothing positive to effect change and simply parallels the pandering of pettifogging politicians who talk the talk but cannot walk the walk.

I, for one, who left to seek a better quality of life elsewhere in retirement resent it keenly. If California was even a shadow of its former self I'd have stayed.

Diatribe over!

So I checked the weather in your neck of the woods and I see it's about 29 degrees? I think it's a bit colder here (23 degrees - "feels like 10" in NE OH), so yes, I can see why you're a bit shook up considering that you had to leave CA and come to 29 degrees in January. Spring should bring a new breath of life as the sunshine and warmer weather come.

Nasty weather (defined as cold, freezing, gray and ugly - according to me) seems to make things look worse than they really are. I do hope that you have a more pleasant day!

P.S. - in spite of all the calamities listed above, my goal is to still relocate to San Diego within the next two years.

[Archan]

California is much like the nation itself. While both have not lived up to their potential, I think they are still the best going. I am a native Californian. Economics aside, I think that the natural beauty of California is unrivaled. Much of that, of course, has to do with the sheer size of the state.

I do understand your feelings though.

[Charles]

What's the probability that 1) The situation in California won't improve and 2) The climate in Missouri will?

[Fontucky]

Jeeze Curmudgeon, you seem like a jilted lover. You're in your new digs, enjoy it. Don't look back.

[Clarks]

He is, as he states, a curmudgeon. We have found out though, that he is driven not by reality, but by his prejudices.

California is a pretty scenic place

[1AngryTaxPayer]

Once you get used to Unions, debt and Illegal Aliens you'll be ok.

[NYSD1995]

When you leave, never look back. Only forward. It may be time to hang up your CD account.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Donna7

So I checked the weather in your neck of the woods and I see it's about 29 degrees? I think it's a bit colder here (23 degrees - "feels like 10" in NE OH), so yes, I can see why you're a bit shook up considering that you had to leave CA and come to 29 degrees in January. Spring should bring a new breath of life as the sunshine and warmer weather come.

Nasty weather (defined as cold, freezing, gray and ugly - according to me) seems to make things look worse than they really are. I do hope that you have a more pleasant day!

P.S. - in spite of all the calamities listed above, my goal is to still relocate to San Diego within the next two years.

I don't think it's nasty. I love four distinct seasons. Besides, after three winters in MN, three on the Korean DMZ and several in other snowy places, this is a piece of cake.

I truly hope you achieve your goal!

Originally Posted by Charles

What's the probability that 1) The situation in California won't improve and 2) The climate in Missouri will?

LOL! About even! It's been many a year since we had a white Christmas like we had here; and it was here today and gone tomorrow!

Originally Posted by Fontucky

Jeeze Curmudgeon, you seem like a jilted lover. You're in your new digs, enjoy it. Don't look back.

You're right. Sometimes I feel that way. However, it's difficult to not look back when we have a combined six children and as many grandchildren still living there. Thus a bit of angst!

But beyond that, the digs are good!

[EscapeCalifornia]

LOL at everybody attacking the weather in Missouri and posting pretty pictures of California. You can't defend the state's downward spiral, so just post pictures.