The Emotional Tapestry of Departing the Golden State

Have you ever waved goodbye to a place you once called home, only to hear others dismiss it with harsh words? Join us as we navigate through the heartfelt plea of Paul Thornton, who encourages Californians embarking on new journeys to remain kind to the state they bid farewell. This episode is a rich tapestry of emotions and rationale, weaving personal anecdotes with societal observations. We discuss the complex feelings tied to California's cultural exodus, from the nostalgia of its golden opportunities to the stark reality of what pushes individuals to seek life elsewhere.

As we honor the legacy of those who have shaped California's diverse culture, we also set our sights on the vital conversation of immigration—teasing a deeper dive in the next episode. Recounting the stories of my own immigrant grandparents, we celebrate the immeasurable impact of immigrant communities on our collective narrative. Listen in for a stirring blend of affirmation, inclusivity, and the heartwarming reminder that no matter where life takes us, I love you just for being you.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

Born in bitches and dolls. No one told you they love you today, that I love you because you're new and I love you. Okay, I'm going to read this letter from Paul Thornton I love you. Here's what you say. If you want to leave, fine, but don't insult California on your way out To the people living California. May the road rise to meet you as you seek better lives than new places. Now can you please extend some goodwill to those of us who remain? Like me, and my husband and several friends and members of my extended family have moved out of the state. So I can understand the factors that drive such decisions, but reasons to leave don't explain the impulse to insult California on the way out. More than 800 Californians moved away in 2022 and many thousands more left last year.

Speaker 1: 1:04

Often, the departees cash in hand from the sale of their million-dollar bungalows feel the need to express disdain to their home state and even some anger too. The urge to rationalize a difficult decision can be powerful. In trading at overpriced 900 square foot home in LA for a mansion in Texas often comes with a big catch. You need to stay indoors half the year and make good use of all that extra climate controlled space. As we watch you, our aging parents, our friends, our neighbors with kids of the same age, I, idaho and Nevada for home listings, we can hear the digs against California. Some are subtle, others less so. I'm clearing my throat for that one. I remember one relative of last year who, regaling me with tales of the charming small town he found several states away, said that his neighbors admonished him to not bring those weird California ways to his new home. Fuck you, weird California ways. And which ways would those be? I have a hunch it isn't California's low property tax rate and zoning rules that conspire to push up home values so home owners could sell their houses for a huge profit. Perhaps it's our embrace of the LGBTQ plus Californians. Or is it our liberal politics with the state? California Republican Party shrunk like a man's you know what to irrelevance after its vicious attempts in 1994 to marginalize immigrants with Proposition 187.

Speaker 1: 2:55

Perhaps I'm sensitive because California, and especially Los Angeles, used to be the place people would come, and plenty still move here, especially immigrants. I come from an immigrant family, me too, blessed by the working class riches our state once offered. But it doesn't work out for everyone and I've seen people decide to leave without verbally trashing the place. Okay, take my former neighbor, joe and Shan, and they left Los Angeles for New England in 2020. One more departure of a family from our block. They explained why the move was right for them and told us something I'll never forget this is a great neighborhood and you guys belong here.

Speaker 1: 3:39

California is big and powerful and therefore tempting the disparage. We have 39 people Hollywood and show hello Otani. This state is a haven for reproductive and LGBTQ plus rights, but income disparity and the housing crunch are critical problems we have to fix for our progressive ideals to match the reality on the ground. If you must leave California IA for Texas, arizona, new England or anywhere else, don't be a person who trash talks the home of 39 million people. You don't hear many new Californians. They exist. Bash Nebraska or Minnesota Instead. Be a Joe and a Shan and thank you, paul Thornton. Thank you very much.

Speaker 1: 4:29

This is a quick. This is one of my quick ones today, but I'm giving you some quick things and I'll probably do more stuff later. But anyway, here's something also I love and this is about immigrants, because my grandparents were immigrants the debate we need on immigration. So I'm gonna talk about this tomorrow on my podcast. This is just a quick little podcast to say hello. I know you missed your TikTok Bubby and she loves you too. And if nobody told you they love you today, I love you because you are you.