There is science, logic and reason.
There is thought verified by experience.
And then there is California.
...Edward Abbey
This was taken in Roseville, California last night when I met my sister in law for dinner. Best on Black.
California sung by Joni Mitchell
https://youtu.be/GxWM4k3wb2c
I was born in California. I have lived in California, both in southern and northern CA, my entire life. In 1954 there were 12.75 million people living in the state. In 2019 there are 39.75 million people living here! California's economy is now the 5th largest in the world.
California offers plenty to do and see with its beautiful beaches, forests, deserts, mountains, lakes, cities and Disneyland. California has the best weather in the United States. We have lots of sunshine and low humidity.
However, housing is very expensive. Taxes are outrageous. Traffic is a nightmare. There is high crime, shootings and drugs. The politicians are corrupt. Middle class is disappearing. There are laws and fees for everything. Gasoline is high. There are wildfires. There are homeless, transients and undocumented immigrants.
And now the PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company) has decided to shut the power off whenever there is wind because they didn't maintain their electrical lines and equipment but instead spent their big profits lining their own pockets.
In September, PG&E reached an $11 billion dollar settlement with insurance companies over wildfire claims. Now their retribution, under the guise of safety, is to shut off power. Luckily, our home and business has not been affected but I still feel sorry for those who are. This is not the answer.
Despite the negatives described, Californians seem to feel the pros of living in the state outweigh the negatives. But I am frustrated and sad. I do love the ocean and the palm trees and have many happy memories but after living in California for 65 years, I am beginning to waver, wonder and have my doubts.
https://apple.news/A3U8FsH82Tp-dt-AQA6Ka7A
http://www.businessinsider.com/california-economy-ranks-5th-in-the-world-beating-the-uk-2018-5
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/PGE-shutoffs-outages-Bay-Area-power-wind-cities-14564614.php
https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/412928-middle-class-is-disappearing-in-california-as-wealth-gap-grows
https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/top-10-us-states-with-best-weather.php
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disneyland
Beautiful image, by the way!
So sorry to hear about all the fires in California, I have fond memories of the time I spent there as a teen!
Stay safe.
Ian
Many thanks for you comments and favs on my California sunset, especially during all the fires and blackouts we have been experiencing. I am fortunate to not have been in the fire or blackout zone but do feel for everyone going through these trying times and hardships. Sometimes you get the most beautiful skies when there is particulate in the air. I had my fingers crossed it might make the top twenty but it did not. There were too many other gorgeous posts! I also try to stay positive about my home state but I have been feeling quite frustrated as of late. Thanks to you all at 365 again for keeping my spirits high.