Exactly. California is, hands down, the innovation capital of the world, and has been for decades. Whatever lunacy the political winds are blowing these last few years doesn't undo the accomplishments of the last 100 years: the movie industry, microchips, software (both desktop and internet) to name a few. Entire sectors of the world economy were born there. More than a few cultural movements started there too if the argument can be extended beyond business and tech innovation.
What is really sad in California is the cost of higher education. In the mid 80s, U.C.S.D cost me about $400 per quarter (which covered health insurance), plus I had to come up with another $300/month on rent. My summer job as a Domino's Pizza guy (at $10/hr after tips) and my part time job throughout the year as a high school teacher's assistant ($7/hr) covered most of my expenses for the year. Folks worrying about California should be looking at the cost of education, and the impact that that might have on innovation.
What is really sad in California is the cost of higher education. In the mid 80s, U.C.S.D cost me about $400 per quarter (which covered health insurance), plus I had to come up with another $300/month on rent. My summer job as a Domino's Pizza guy (at $10/hr after tips) and my part time job throughout the year as a high school teacher's assistant ($7/hr) covered most of my expenses for the year. Folks worrying about California should be looking at the cost of education, and the impact that that might have on innovation.