For the Love of California
It has been a tough week for so many residents of California, my family included. Most of my family live in Thousand Oaks and had to evacuate due to the Woolsey Fire. One cousin lost her home, as did my niece’s future in-laws. They all tell me that there is so much devastation around, and this just after the massacre at the Borderline Bar just a day before the fire started…it is truly a community in shock.
The amazing news is that people are already helping each other out – my niece and her fiance raised $25,000 (and counting) in 2 days to help his parents with their losses. Neighbors are helping neighbors and opening their homes and their hearts – the way it should be. It reminds me of the time after 9/11 when we all cried together and made vows to be strong and stand as one.
Now to my point – California is a wonderful place to live. I have lived here since the day I was born and cannot imagine living anywhere else. When I travel I always enjoy coming home. Yes, we have problems – earthquakes and fires, homelessness and other city, county and state issues – I can think of a few problems in my own city that I would love to see resolved. But the fact is that there are problems in any city or state. You can generate statistics that make a depressing picture and discourage living anywhere, but I will continue to live here and try to do my part to make positive changes.
For those who think we Californians are crazy to live here, I thought I would share a few positive facts that highlight just how special this place truly is:
– Beaches (need I elaborate here?) California has about 800 miles of stunning coastline, and if you have never driven it I highly encourage you to do so.
– Despite belief to the contrary, there IS whether here in California. The average temperature in San Diego County hovers around 72 degrees, with climates across the state ranging from coastal to desert to mountain…you can surf and snowboard in the same day if desired
– There are so many incredible places to go and things to do here,
– People are always outside in California – walking, running, sitting – it is no wonder people here tend to be healthier than in other parts of the country
– Amazing, HEALTHY food options. Most of the state enjoys a very healthy lifestyle, with organic foods being served in most restaurants, and the ability to eat local, farm fresh produce and meats without pesticides and drugs, farmer’s markets all across the state and many items grown locally
-The mortality rate in California is lower than many other places, and people here tend to live longer
– Diversity is prevalent here. I would venture to guess that many Californians are much more accepting when it comes to differences in race, gender, sexual orientation and other categories
– Vast array of top-rated higher education institutes (yes, I know we can do better with primary education and hopefully that will come in time). Californians are among the top educated people in the country.
– California has an abundant choice of career options
Sure the cost of living, taxes and insurance tend to be higher in California than in many other places across the country, but the advantages outweigh the costs if you can afford to live here, for the reasons above and many more. Sure, there are natural disasters here…but the same can be said of most places in the country, where there is a risk of hurricanes, tornadoes and other crazy storms. Earthquakes can happen anywhere in the country, and many other states have wildfires as well due to the terrain.
So if you are contemplating moving to California my personal opinion – as a lifetime resident and one who works here and raised a family here – is that it is a wonderful place. If you don’t agree, there are of course many other places in this country you can choose to live. But I am staying here and I love it!