[upchuck]

they can’t leave because their job in CA pays more than they can make elsewhere

Myth, likely. CA has one of the highest costs of living in the US.

I have developed a friendship with a guy that fled CA with his family about three years ago. He took a hefty pay cut to move. But the cost of living, especially housing, is much lower than CA. He says everything considered, he's breaking about even.

[riri]

Yes, but factoring the fabulous weather and nearly constant blue skies--I can imagine it is very difficult to turn one's back on California.

I agree about the deterioration. I went to California (LA area, a little north, Camarillo)...I couldn't believe the decay of the infrastructure. I hadn't been in nearly 15 years and it was staggering what they've done to that state.