I get it. My wife is from Kern County. Our entire family on her side, except one nephew and his wife and family, have moved out of California to Idaho and Arkansas. 10 adults and 16 kids.
We didn’t have any idea the entire clan was thinking about moving out. They had been in California since the Dustbowl days. I see a lot of depression like you exhibit from all things California. Victor Davis Hanson one of my favorite historical authors from California, articles are so full of gloom, I have to read his articles in shifts now.
I’m in just as bad of a place, perhaps even worse, because of the same disease infecting California. We have a genuine, certifiable moron governor jay inslee.
My grandparents are from Kern County - the dry side. My grandfather bought acreage there thinking he could farm - he never could get the water so he gave up. My family sold the last of the property about three years ago. They love the area, heat, pollution and all and will never leave. Ditto for family in So Cal.
I will be wherever my family is, which is this mis-managed state. I don’t hate California, this is my home; I hate the lefty politicians that have destroyed this state - and especially those who continue to vote for them.