Dear Cali  Chica:

Having lived in SoCal for most of my life (Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Santa Monica, Venice, Encino, and in other places), I can assure you that the allure is just that, an allure established by music (“It never rains in Southern California”- yes it does) and Hollywood TV shows and movies. True, the beaches are beautiful and the weather near the beach is so much better than almost anywhere in the USA (not inland, like in the San Fernando Valley- way too hot in the summer). But getting stuck in traffic is not at all a freeing experience (no subways to avoid above ground heavy traffic). And I was tired of the beach, walking on the sand.. got to be the same-old-same-old.

“the illusion and allure of CA is magical perhaps..  for those who are retired or independently wealthy”-  I don’t think so. Magic  belongs to children. Adults have moments of it, at best.

anita