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California's economy is big, because it is a big state, with some of the best agricultural land in the entire world, with a good climate, and reliable/controllable water supplies for irrigation, which allows the growing of high-value fruits and vegetables at high yields. Which are then exported around the world.
The agricultural sector is being driven mostly by cheap migrant labor, making it artificially profitable, but most of those profits are going to the landowners, not the workers. Which is helping to drive the poverty rate, and the relative inequality of the state.
Much of the coastal economy is really just the byproduct of one of the best climates in the entire world, and its proximity to the coast. This brings in huge amounts of money from all over the country, and all over the world, to the real-estate market. Rich people want to live in a good climate, near the ocean, with their yachts. And nothing beats southern California.
The coastal cities were smart insofar as they have spent huge sums of money subsidizing a multitude of industries, to bring in and keep jobs in the area. Much of the industry on the west-coast, especially technology, was a byproduct of huge government investment, especially during WWII.
To fight the Japanese, the United States moved much of its industrial production of planes, and ships, to the West coast. With Boeing in Seattle, and massive shipyards all across the California coast.
Silicon valley was also a byproduct of billions in government subsidies during WWII. And the area continues to be heavily subsidized to this day, to attract tech companies around the country.
When it comes to poaching jobs with corporate subsidies, big cities/states always have an advantage. New York City for instance, spends billions every year subsidizing its corporations, and especially the media. New York spends $420 million every year subsidizing the television and film industry.
California really isn't a form of socialism by any means, it is just corporatism at its worst. To the extent that there is government money being thrown around, keep in mind, its real purpose is "Keynesian" in nature, to boost "aggregate demand" for goods and services. Thereby artificially driving the economy, while keeping people quiet, and dependent on the market.
It may "appear" as if California is prospering if you look only at the size of its economy, but it has the highest poverty rate in the country. And one of the highest unfunded public employee pension obligation liabilities.
According to this and other online sources, California is ranked in 17th place in terms of household poverty.
It's also top three based on median household income.
The allergies in Texas are supposed to be absolutely brutal.
Bugs and humidity.. worse than Florida..
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