Pros and Cons of living in California

[Southflaguy]

What are the Pros and Cons of living/working in California?...Living in Florida all you mostly hear about in NYC,Texas and a few other states...I am just curious about California?...

[madchiken]

Its not all that bad down in San Diego. Although, for an area this populated, I'm still surprised how early everything closes here. Its not like South FL where everything is 24 hours. Hell, IHOP and most Walmarts close at 10pm...

[DOAcop38]

PROS? plenty of things to do,plenty of jobs-beaches ,babes,mountains,rivers,desert,beautiful state from the north to the south,great weather

CONS? high COL, overly crowded inner city areas,expensive housing.earthquakes,floods,wild fires

[Southflaguy]

That's a good thing....Alot of the 24 hour stores are being robbed almost weekly down here...Especially drug stores CVS,Walgreens,ect...

[Southflaguy]

Is LA nice?...

[pulicords]

Los Angeles County is huge and while some parts are s***, others are very nice. I wouldn't live in the City of Los Angeles because of the crappy city council and the way they mismanage the local public services (including the police department). Within the County you'll find areas as nice as Beverly Hills, Torrance and Malibu, or as nasty as Inglewood, Compton or Maywood. Choose your neighborhood wisely!

One nice thing about working in Southern California is that once you retire, you'll be living on a retirement plan designed to enable you to continue living in a high cost of living area. If you do decide to move out of state, at least you can afford to live well!

[LA Copper]

Is LA nice?...

It's nice to work in: always busy and plenty of different things to do.

It's not nice to live in: too crowded, too much crime, too much traffic.

Guess it depends what you mean by "nice."

[MT2658]

pro- earthquakes instead of hurricanes

con- earthquakes and crappy CCW law

[The Dude]

If you like living in America, think twice, if you're from China and would prefer Communist-Lite, welcome home.

[DOAcop38]

the dude or "dud"? communism? this state is out of control,ala "near anarchy",which is WORSE than any notion of living in a commie state could ever conjure up- where do you guys get this stuff???? please STOP listening to KFI when you are STUCK on the fwys and trying to FLEE the urban areas to those "pseudo G-d fearing,all things americana,uber republican places like financially BROKE OC or San Diego county".....:rolleyes:

STILL- it beats Michigan or NJ any day of the week, or you can try living in some of those flood and tornado smashed states where what we call "recreational camping" (living in a trailer and using propane gas tank attached to heat and cook) is what most struggling folks call "home"...............(got alot of friends who have "escaped" those worn out states and LOVE IT HERE)

[LA DEP]

Communism isnt quite the correct term.....SOCIALISM is.......

The 'nanny state' types in Sacramento arent happy unless they are controlling every little aspect of your life......

I plan on moving out of this state about 5 minutes after I retire......

[deputy x 2]

Every location has a bad part of town.

With that, there are very nice area to live in....the cost of living is very high but the pay equals it all out.

I too plan to move out of state.....after retirement.

Funny alot of people are drawn here for some reason or another. My question is WHY?????:confused::confused:

[Copp'rPenny]

Me? Born and raised.

Maybe because I'm not a cop yet, but I love California. We spent the first 11 years of our marriage in Ventura County, the Thousand Oaks area. It's clean, safe, pretty, not too crowded at all. Great schools for the kids.

Now we're in South OC, also clean and safe, although more crowded than I like. Still, we were able to get a quarter-acre lot (which is average or small for TO but humongous for this area), where the fruit trees are always producing. The beaches are nearby and both San Diego and LA are an hour away. Life is good.

Guess I'll have a whole other perspective once I'm patroling the streets, eh?

[R1pilot]

One day last year...


Surfed Huntington Beach in the morinng.

Went to work for about 3 hours.

In 'n out Burger for lunch.

Drove to Mountain High and snowboarded the afternoon session.

Where else can you do that? And get a 4X4 animal style?

[417Lt]

Like any place, you have to find the nook or cranny that suits you. When you get off the beaten path you find the places that are really worth living in, IMHO. Here's a picture of my Los Angeles County house last winter. My zip code says I live in Santa Clarita, my phone number says I live in Lancaster. I live over 20 miles from both of them.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1599/8205299/15345903/234351111.jpg

[Southflaguy]

I was just curious about California...Seems nice place to live,after all California is a big state...San Diego, L.A,San Fransisco: would be places I would like to visit...I was checking out the LAPD and LAcounty sheriffs web-site looks pretty cool...

By nice I mean you can go out and have a good time w/o much trouble around,nice house/apt,good career opportunities (in LE,and other aspects that are non-LE),and raise a family....Great weahter..No snow, I hate the cold...

Deputyx 2, I don't know Cali seems like a nice place to live,there're worst places to live...People that want to be movie stars..lol...

Those that want to get out of California what other state would you like to live in,if you don't mind me asking?...

[LA DEP]

I was just curious about California...Seems nice place to live,after all California is a big state...San Diego, L.A,San Fransisco: would be places I would like to visit...I was checking out the LAPD and LAcounty sheriffs web-site looks pretty cool...

By nice I mean you can go out and have a good time w/o much trouble around,nice house/apt,good career opportunities (in LE,and other aspects that are non-LE),and raise a family....Great weahter..No snow, I hate the cold...

Deputyx 2, I don't know Cali seems like a nice place to live,there're worst places to live...People that want to be movie stars..lol...

Those that want to get out of California what other state would you like to live in,if you don't mind me asking?...

One that doenst have the same amount of idiot socialists running the state, all the while trying to run every little aspect of your life...........

Other than that, I will be keeping my options open....maybe Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado ect.....I will be doing alot of research when the time comes

[Southflaguy]

Florida...Hey we're a red state...LOL..

[Copp'rPenny]

let's see if this works ...

the view from my backyard on Jan. 1 of this year

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL294/7646955/17738061/326759656.jpg

Big Bear Lake in summer

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL294/7646955/17738061/305379715.jpg

[DOAcop38]

Communism isnt quite the correct term.....SOCIALISM is.......

The 'nanny state' types in Sacramento arent happy unless they are controlling every little aspect of your life......

I plan on moving out of this state about 5 minutes after I retire......

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! more like "socialized ANARCHY"- still the sun sets in the west and shines on all of our overly tanned,sociopathic, drug addled ( xanax and booze), overly pampered ,and "barely" english speaking butts..............LA DEP. As soon as you retire you'll probably go no further than Colorado,Idaho,Nev,AZ,Was, or Ore- all states FULL of CA "Ex patriots" and escapees ( 'cause you KNOW you'll want to drop in on the "golden state" every now and again):D

Was at the Saddle Ranch bar and grill on sunset Bl (watched alot of We Ho Deps stopping in for those 16 oz steaks "on the house:") ALL the Waiters,barkeeps and cutie girls bopping around that place were from every state East of the Mississip'; they griped about L.A. and Calif in general,BUT they also praised it for being BETTER than where they came from.......

[417Lt]

Ah yes, the scenery. Here's the East Fork San Gabriel River on any given weekend when the weather is good:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1599/8205299/18138141/296670451.jpg

[Southflaguy]

Those are beautiful pictures Copp'r penny and 417LT...The thing that turns me off about California are earthquakes...We have hurricanes in Florida and all,but at least we get a heads-up...In California one minute everything is fine the next the earth starts moving...:eek:

LADep you're might miss Cali...The action, always something to do,the only in California moments...When I left Florida for a few months I felt like that (home sick)...

[LA DEP]

Those are beautiful pictures Copp'r penny and 417LT...The thing that turns me off about California are earthquakes...We have hurricanes in Florida and all,but at least we get a heads-up...In California one minute everything is fine the next the earth starts moving...:eek:

LADep you're might miss Cali...The action, always something to do,the only in California moments...When I left Florida for a few months I felt like that (home sick)...

Earthquakes arent that big of a deal USUALLY.....the little ones in the 3s, 4s, and low 5s dont do much except rattle nerves........its the 6-8+ that they are expecting that wont be much fun.....the 6.7 in Northridge was bad enough......

I will come back and visit CA.....it has some of the most beautiful scenery around........I would love to retire to the Monterey Bay area, but the politics in the state are REALLY starting to bug me......

[ChRdy21799]

Southflaguy,

I'm in Broward. And I can tell you this. I've been living here for almost six years (everywhere between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale). I came down after high school from the midwest to do college.

I'm ready to leave. The only way I would stay is if I was hired by one department in which I have an app in (I won't say which).

I would love to re-locate to California. Why? I just think the quality of life is better there. California has so much to offer. From central California (I love the Fresno/Clovis area) all the way south to the Border. I spent one summer (three months) in Fresno/Clovis and had the opportunity to travel all over the state. It really is diverse, a lot more than Florida.

People in Florida, for the most part, just don't seem to give a rats a** about anything...even themselves. There is no regard for life here. The only people that are enjoying this state are the retirees and visitors.

I'm not a disgruntle citizen walking around cussing and bashing everyone I come in contact with. I have family here (Sarasota, Melbourne, JAX, G-Ville). I got my education here. I've made some life-long friends here. But this is from comparing how life is in other parts of the US, especially the west coast.

I know there are parts of California where it's not all glamour and not well liked by the citizens of the state. But the attitudes of people and lifestyles change when you travel to different parts of the state. Not Florida, everyone has the same pi** poor attitude here.

Again, I don't think everyone in Florida is like this, but more than enough to make me come to this conclusion. I know there are some that believe Florida is the best thing that ever happened to them. Not me, I've got my bags packed, got applications out there....just waiting for an opportunity.

Just my opinion.

[Southflaguy]

Southflaguy,

I'm in Broward. And I can tell you this. I've been living here for almost six years (everywhere between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale). I came down after high school from the midwest to do college.

I'm ready to leave. The only way I would stay is if I was hired by one department in which I have an app in (I won't say which).

I would love to re-locate to California. Why? I just think the quality of life is better there. California has so much to offer. From central California (I love the Fresno/Clovis area) all the way south to the Border. I spent one summer (three months) in Fresno/Clovis and had the opportunity to travel all over the state. It really is diverse, a lot more than Florida.

People in Florida, for the most part, just don't seem to give a rats a** about anything...even themselves. There is no regard for life here. The only people that are enjoying this state are the retirees and visitors.

I'm not a disgruntle citizen walking around cussing and bashing everyone I come in contact with. I have family here (Sarasota, Melbourne, JAX, G-Ville). I got my education here. I've made some life-long friends here. But this is from comparing how life is in other parts of the US, especially the west coast.

I know there are parts of California where it's not all glamour and not well liked by the citizens of the state. But the attitudes of people and lifestyles change when you travel to different parts of the state. Not Florida, everyone has the same pi** poor attitude here.

Again, I don't think everyone in Florida is like this, but more than enough to make me come to this conclusion. I know there are some that believe Florida is the best thing that ever happened to them. Not me, I've got my bags packed, got applications out there....just waiting for an opportunity.

Just my opinion.


I've been in Florida since I was 4 years old...I've lived in Miami and Broward (I live in Broward as well)...I love it here...I went up North about an hour away from NYC...The people were nice and all but I didn't like the vibe...I have fam in California, they tell me it's nice here cheaper,cleaner, and not a big gang problem...I agree w/ you some people here have a bad attitude,you'll find that everywhere...Anyway good luck to you...All the best...

[Copp'rPenny]

Those are beautiful pictures Copp'r penny and 417LT...The thing that turns me off about California are earthquakes...We have hurricanes in Florida and all,but at least we get a heads-up...In California one minute everything is fine the next the earth starts moving...:eek:
...


Don't you know:

And earthquakes are to a girl's guitar
They're just another good vibration

:D

[phialpha56]

I am also considering a move to California. The problem I am running into is that I can not travel all over the state until I find a place I would like to work/live. Does anyone have any recommendation as to good departments? I know this is vague but any help would be appreciated.

Not trying to hijack the thread.

[pulicords]

Try using the "Search" function. You'll find a lot of info about agencies throughout the state. There's big differences between Northern and Southern CA, urban, suburban and rural agencies here.

[natejpg]

Ah yes, the scenery. Here's the East Fork San Gabriel River on any given weekend when the weather is good:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1599/8205299/18138141/296670451.jpg

Are you sure thats the san gabriel and not the rio grande in a quieter spot? ;)

[mrwonderful]

Amen, its just a change of scenery for some. I'll tell you guys what, any officer in socal police dept preferably, in huntington beach, newport, culver city, or laguana beach want to trade with me. I live in a great part of pa called bucks county pa. Ill trade ya!

chris



Southflaguy,

I'm in Broward. And I can tell you this. I've been living here for almost six years (everywhere between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale). I came down after high school from the midwest to do college.

I'm ready to leave. The only way I would stay is if I was hired by one department in which I have an app in (I won't say which).

I would love to re-locate to California. Why? I just think the quality of life is better there. California has so much to offer. From central California (I love the Fresno/Clovis area) all the way south to the Border. I spent one summer (three months) in Fresno/Clovis and had the opportunity to travel all over the state. It really is diverse, a lot more than Florida.

People in Florida, for the most part, just don't seem to give a rats a** about anything...even themselves. There is no regard for life here. The only people that are enjoying this state are the retirees and visitors.

I'm not a disgruntle citizen walking around cussing and bashing everyone I come in contact with. I have family here (Sarasota, Melbourne, JAX, G-Ville). I got my education here. I've made some life-long friends here. But this is from comparing how life is in other parts of the US, especially the west coast.

I know there are parts of California where it's not all glamour and not well liked by the citizens of the state. But the attitudes of people and lifestyles change when you travel to different parts of the state. Not Florida, everyone has the same pi** poor attitude here.

Again, I don't think everyone in Florida is like this, but more than enough to make me come to this conclusion. I know there are some that believe Florida is the best thing that ever happened to them. Not me, I've got my bags packed, got applications out there....just waiting for an opportunity.

Just my opinion.

[Southflaguy]

In this thread you have people wanting to leave California, and you got people dying to live/work in Californina...lol...

[Southflaguy]

Hayward California is that a good area or bad?...

[R1pilot]

Ah, Hayward, aka "The Haystack." The heart of the bay... Not really.

It's gotten worse and worse over the past few years; There are still some nice areas to live up in the hills: Woodland Estates, The Highlands, and another newer community in close proximity with the first two I listed. But, the rest of it (for the most part) is pretty depressing. The schools are horrible. If you are interested in the east bay, there are some other cities to consider.

[Southflaguy]

Ah, Hayward, aka "The Haystack." The heart of the bay... Not really.

It's gotten worse and worse over the past few years; There are still some nice areas to live up in the hills: Woodland Estates, The Highlands, and another newer community in close proximity with the first two I listed. But, the rest of it (for the most part) is pretty depressing. The schools are horrible. If you are interested in the east bay, there are some other cities to consider.

How bad is it?...

[Marko360]

Are you sure thats the san gabriel and not the rio grande in a quieter spot? ;)


LOL! GOOD ONE!!!

[alaskaflyer331]

Most people who aren't happy where they are, wouldn't be happy anywhere :rolleyes: I've been everywhere, man, and there are good and bad things about every city, town, and state in this country. The grass is always greener...

[natejpg]

LOL! GOOD ONE!!!

Sorry i cant resist and i know its probably a pet peeve so again i'm sorry but
POLO:D

[deputy x 2]

Hayward California is that a good area or bad?...

Depends on if you get your colors mixed up. :eek:

Red you're okay.....blue you're not.:p:p

Red for Norteno blue for Sureno.

LIVE in Hayward.......NOT!!!!! I'm sorry but there is NO area good to live in Hayward. My first house was in Hayward...moved from SF...didn't know the area......bad move...sold it and moved....

[Southflaguy]

Depends on if you get your colors mixed up. :eek:

Red you're okay.....blue you're not.:p:p

Red for Norteno blue for Sureno.

LIVE in Hayward.......NOT!!!!! I'm sorry but there is NO area good to live in Hayward. My first house was in Hayward...moved from SF...didn't know the area......bad move...sold it and moved....

That sucks...How bad is the gang problem?...I mean almost everytime you see something about California on tv it's about gangs...People are dying over the color of the shirt/skin color, thats just beyond messed up:(...

[rusty57]

I grew up in Southern California. My early years where in San Diego and some in Los Angeles. When we moved to LA, i thought the gangs were pretty bad. In the last few years, i've relocated to San DIego and find it now has the same problems all big cities have. The gangs are part of the culture here in Southern California. The traffic is the worst it's ever been and only getting worst. The cost of living is almost ridiculous and the wages can barely keep up. Add the additional fuel taxes California has and it's a miracle anyone can afford or want to live here. I'm in the military and have been stationed all over the states and abroad, and i find California is still a good place to hang your hat, if you can manage your stress and finances. Working in LE, you are more likely to see the bad side of things, so consider the source when you decide to move over here, based on other's opinions. Family is what keeps many folks here. If it wasn't for my family and my wife's family living here, i'd have left long ago. But, since we are probably here for life, i need to find a good job and figure out how to stay here. Good luck and hope it all works out well for you.

[Southflaguy]

Thank you guys for your post and time...

[DOAcop38]

Are you sure thats the san gabriel and not the rio grande in a quieter spot? ;)

hey,man !!! todays "visitor" is tomorrows "resturaunt worker"............:rolleyes:

[natejpg]

hey,man !!! todays "visitor" is tomorrows "resturaunt worker"............:rolleyes:

or janitor, warehouse worker, truck driver etc. So DOA what is your political platform on this issue when you run for president? Also will you be running in 2012? I'd bet 1042trooper and imachu would contribute and i'd contribute to your campaign :D

[Showboat]

or janitor, warehouse worker, truck driver etc.

Don't forget, they clean our toilets! Sorry couldn't resist...thank you Mayor Villaraigosa.:D


To the OP, I love and hate California at the same time. While I agree with LA Dep about the politics and cringe every time I open a newspaper, but you just cannot beat the abundance of things to do in Southern California. Maybe it's because I'm young and naive, but I really do not want to leave the state. I've done 2 "stints" in Arizona and Georgia for roughly a year each and always came back. Maybe it's the weather; maybe the fact that you can hit the beach and the mountains in the same day; maybe the seemingly neverending options for diversion and entertainment; or maybe just the high speed police pursuits on FOX 11:p; whatever it is...Randy Newman said it best, "I Love LA!"

[DOAcop38]

or janitor, warehouse worker, truck driver etc. So DOA what is your political platform on this issue when you run for president? Also will you be running in 2012? I'd bet 1042trooper and imachu would contribute and i'd contribute to your campaign :D

I'm a retro active ,Liberal republican with limited socialist tendencies! Honestly? would put job recruiting centers at the borders (after I had a good strong ,well monitored border WALL) That way, it would force our "neighbor" nation to the south to give their citizens varifiable id cards(not that "matricula" crap our L.A. city mayor,tony Vato sez' we must accept) and then they - the folks who want to come on over ,can get into the job centers,fill out varifiable applications,and get jobs LEGALLY in this country- they would then pay into taxes here, have legit bank accounts, could rent for the time they stay and work here,OBEY our laws, and - in general, be able to hold their heads high, and interact with U.S citizens and resident aliens,without problem.businesses that need labor, would have it, the laws of the land would be followed,and We could be more secure in not worrying as much about "who" the people who snuck into this country are ( that would kill alot of the "sneeking").I also like FLAT taxes and solid bonds for repair and maintenance of general public infrastructure. I also like min.socialized medicine- people could get regular check ups and general health maint. for free,to help reduce bad health issues( folks who have better finances and higher paying jobs could purchase additional insurance policies for more than the min.) i believe in limited abortion( rape, medical emergency) but i also believe in SUPPORT of unwed mommies to help them be better prepared for life.I believe in limited Welfare-no chronic abuse,and mandatory work program for easing people off dependence on it. i believe in a strong career military and mandatory 1-2 yr service for all AMERICANS and resident aliens between 17 1/2 to 22 yrs of age.I also believe in FEDERAL death penalty for violent crimes such as rape, murder, arson, and terrorist acts that seriously injure people. and i believe in gov't instituted 2 yr college degrees-but then again I'm a NUT, and probably should NEVEr leave California.....

[natejpg]

Impressive DOA I agree with most of those things but also need more details on a few things like the mandatory service in a branch of the service. Don't get me wrong but I don't think some of the increasingly large population should not be in the forces due to their "disability" dragging others down. I think you could make it to DC instead of just sacramento. So the real question is where do we contribute? ;)

[WesternWayneCop]

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Reservetobe]

Los Angeles CountyOne nice thing about working in Southern California is that once you retire, you'll be living on a retirement plan designed to enable you to continue living in a high cost of living area. If you do decide to move out of state, at least you can afford to live well!


You are assuming those retirement plans will remain as is, I doubt the 3%at 50 plans will be around much longer!

[hbliam]

You are assuming those retirement plans will remain as is, I doubt the 3%at 50 plans will be around much loner!

The plans won't change for those already in the system. The new guys coming in will get the new plans.

[Reservetobe]

The plans won't change for those already in the system. The new guys coming in will get the new plans.

hbliam, you must not know about a recent court decision. My friends mother is a retired State Parole Agent, she retired with 30 years of service on a 3% at 50 plan including medical benefits, she has now lost most of her medical benefits due to the budget issues.

This case went to court and the court ruled in the States favor that benefits could be reduced when the economy warrants.

[EricDel]

The plans won't change for those already in the system. The new guys coming in will get the new plans.

Do you think it will change? I know SDPD changed their retirement however I haven't heard of LAPD doing any changes. Hopefully I'll be in the academy by fall so won't have to worry.

[DAL]

I am a Florida native but have lived in California for most of the last 40 years. California's most obvious advantage is the weather. You can get most any type of weather you want, and you can get variety. In Los Angeles, you can stand in your shirt sleeves while looking at snow-covered mountains. Florida does not have snow or mountains. Instead, it has lots of mosquitoes. However, Florida's beaches are much more usable. California's drop off steeply and have cold water, but are much more scenic.

Except for air quality, California has largely deteriorated over the last 40 years. It does, however, have far more cultural activities and entertainment than Florida.

Many of California's problems are attributable to increased population governmental efforts to control everything, and environmental groups opposing almost every form of development and farming (except, apparently, marijuana growing, which is a serious environmental problem). Construction of roads and housing in urban areas is next to impossible.

Florida will suffer similar problems as it continues to grow and its voters demand more from government. So many Floridians are from the New York City area that this seems inevitable.

[AZLawDawg]

I love it, I bought a house out there and divide my time between AZ and CA. The COL is high, but spending most of my adult life in NYC, I'm used to it. I love the scenery, I love the variety and I love the atmosphere. It's got just the right mix.

[CPLHARRISON]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDdakJ-X2C8

These kids put this project together and its cool. California is the Best State.

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[Reservetobe]

Is the medical benefits reduction a permanent reduction, or is it temporary? If it's temporary, is there still an accumulation of benefits (similar to the cost-of-living increase bank with some pension systems)?

I think it would be a whole different ballgame if the courts reduced vested pension benefits (3% at 50 annuity), not just the medical benefits. That would certainly cause a lot of problems and uncertainty, and you can bet that a whole lot of people will be unhappy.

Oh, but according to Forbes magazine, we don't deserve those benefits anyway and we are overpaid government drones. :rolleyes:

I don't know if the redcution is temporary, but is very difficult to get something back, once it has been taken away.

Her medical insurance insurace is around $1000 pre month, so you can see how that can definetly affect your retirement.

I also would not bet on a retirement plan being there unchanged until you actually retire, because conssesions can always be made before retirement by your respective union, and in this economy, I am willing to be that will happen to some agencies.

[SBSO_DISPATCHER]

What are the Pros and Cons of living/working in California?...Living in Florida all you mostly hear about in NYC,Texas and a few other states...I am just curious about California?...
I can only speak about southern california seeing as I have not gone further north than ventura.
CONS
1. Traffic (especially in Los Angeles County),riverside county and orange county, not so bad in San bernardino or ventura

2. People cant drive (but i guess thats nation wide)

3. state budget sucks

4. ccw is expensive

5. most clubs close at like 2 if not earlier

PROS
1. We have the best sport teams

2. We have beautiful beaches (of coarse there are those ugly 1's)

3. warm weather = less clothing

4. CLIMATE... you can live in the cold snow covered mountains, the super duper hot deserts... the warm valleys, or the cooler costal cities.

5. You cant throw a rock without hitting a hottie with a body.

6. California is very large and you can choose the way you'd like to live your life. (kinda goes along with climate)

7. Close to Las vegas (for southern california)

8. Natural disaster's arent really an issue. (northridge quake was the biggest one ive encountered and i was living in simi vally at the time (right next to northridge) not much damage if any at all)

9. California is so awesome I've never even been on an airplane... (never had to, everything i've ever needed was in california)

10. Culture is endless

[SBSO_DISPATCHER]

.......................

[GodIsLove3024]

I too live in South florida (Palm Beach). I did for 7 years lived in the Bay area of Cali. I loved it there. to me, anything south of Fresno is blah....I dont mean to offend. so forgive me. But I like to visit SD and LA and such, but i would never live there. People are a little different up in Nor Cal. i liked it better. Just my humble opinion. the mountains are great but the beaches are not so great.Florida beaches are def. better. SF is great, Tahoe is near by, napa valley, reno ,NV, alot of great mountains up in nor cal. Sacto is a hole but Nor cal is great. I am trying so hard to get baqck but the state is going so broke. I am not sure if its the right time to go back...No agencies are hiring. Instead alot are laying off, unfortunately. I hope this changes soon. i want to go back there. good luck to you all trying to get to Cali.

[SDPDApplicant]

^^^^^^^^^^ oh.. another con.. californians are idiots for thinking that the terminator could improve california. I liked his movies and all but I didnt vote for him

Well what did they expect? TERMINATOR. He's here to do one thing: Terminate. Whether it's your job, or the state budget, he'll always be back.

[CHUCKnmnV]

The way things are now, there's nothing pro about California.

[chazzz53]

There really is nothing like California. I've been out here my whole life and doubt I will ever leave. Only downfall is right now the state really is in one big s*** sandwich.

[LA DEP]

There really is nothing like California. I've been out here my whole life and doubt I will ever leave. Only downfall is right now the state really is in one big s*** sandwich.

so, if you agree that the state is one big crap sandwich, why do you say 'there is nothing like it'?.....

the crap sandwich is one of many reasons why I am dreaming on emmigrating to somewhere in the US......

[Reservetobe]

There really is nothing like California. I've been out here my whole life and doubt I will ever leave. Only downfall is right now the state really is in one big s*** sandwich.

Boy, you have that right!, there is no place with more leftist liberals, high taxes, arcane ridiculous gun laws for law abiding citizens, illegal aliens that get free health care, and smog.

About the only good thing we have left is the weather, granted that is a big one, but I would rather deal a bit more rain and have our freedom back.

[chazzz53]

so, if you agree that the state is one big crap sandwich, why do you say 'there is nothing like it'?.....

the crap sandwich is one of many reasons why I am dreaming on emmigrating to somewhere in the US......

Cause there really is nothing like it. The weather is great. It's a couple hour drive to many great places. Like the mountains, the river, the beach, Vegas. Just right now it's not in the best financial situation and won't be for quite some time, if it ever will be. Basically, there is nothing like living in this one big crap sandwich!

[Graydog]

California IS a great state. A lot of oppurtunities. I lived in both L.A. Co. and in the Fresno / Clovis area also. I'll take the latter over the crowds anytime. After retiring from L.E. just south of Fresno Co. the wife and I moved closer to family in Az. Now there you have no problems carrying, either in the open or concealed. In the town we now live in, it is said that it is the safest, (crime is very low), place in Az. and in the top 10 safest in the U.S. But, we still carry all the time. The country and sociaty has changed drasticlly.
If you plan a move to Ca., bring plenty of money. Property is not cheap any more.
Stay safe guys and girls.


Graydog,
Retired

[mcguire4]

Been in Texas for 11 years.....it sucks.....would come back to SoCal tomorrow if I could.....

[rubyrose]

I spent about 30 of my first 35 years living in California, with 7 of those 30 in the Bay Area.

To me, nearly everything that made California a great place to live is long gone.

What I hate about it:

Miles upon miles of beige stucco and asphalt where there used to be orchards, orange groves, vineyards, and open desert.

Traffic so bad (almost 24/7 - nearly all hours are "rush hours") it takes 45 minutes to go the 11 miles from my sister's to my mother's.

The "burbs" are bigger than most cities in other states and have the same problems as the cities.

The cost of living is so high in many areas that you can earn $35,000/year and still not be able to provide adequately for even a SMALL family.

Buying a home is out of reach for the average Jill and Joe. I have nieces and nephews who all have college degrees and teaching positions & they can't afford to buy even a modest home anywhere near the schools where they teach.

The small 3BR crackerbox house I left behind when I went off to graduate school -- for which hubby & I paid $45,000 is now on the market for $300,000. It's a little nothing of a house:

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/rubyrosewriter/oldhouse.jpg?t=1249179920

(picture taken in 07).


Little to no sense of community. In many places people don't even know their next-door neighbors' names, much less spend time with them. They can't. Many spend at least 3-4 hours round trip commuting to work. I was one of those commuters for a while, & even carpooling (so you can use the "diamond lane") meant 1.5 hours each way, getting up at the crack of dawn and not getting home until 7:30 pm or so. Completely exhausted, so very little time for family, much less friends.

Oh, btw, that was 1982, & it's much worse now with all the burgeoning burbs taking over what used to be open desert.

Wild horses couldn't drag me back. About the only way I'd go back to Cali is if I somehow inherited or won several million bucks so I could buy a little cottage in Monterrey or San Diego. Even then I'm not so sure, as that money could go much farther where I live now.

[Itchy]

.........................

[Itchy]

Why not checkout WA (Spokane) ID (Couer D'alene), SLC, etc.? Money Magazine just recently published their list of "Best Places" to live in the US...CA HAD ZERO CITIES!! Pick up the August issue for a good informative read...

[yellowreef]

The irrational touchy-feely gun laws suck, even for LEOs.

[Southflaguy]

I remember growing up here you could play football, baseball w/ very limited car interuption, not anymore, the beaches were mostly crowed during "winter" months, and thing moved at a some what slower pace...Florida has a lot going for itself...

During the past 40 years there have been many great inventions to keep mosquitos and bugs away...;):D

The problem w/ Florida I think is we some what over-developed...There are a lot of empty condos/houses down here...There was a report of a 32 story building w/ only 1 tenet...http://www.justnews.com/money/20249675/detail.html

Fear of hurricanes and the economy have people at bay...

Back then people stayed here the winter months then they would go back to their home state, but now they're staying for good...Also not a lot of Canadians are coming down like they used too...

Never been to Cali, but I'd love to visit one day, especailly San Francisco and LA...I'm not much of an outdoor person, so the woods and mountins doesn't really get my attention, the beach is another story...:cool:

Funny thing is I'm seeing more California plates down here then ever before...

Florida is a gun friendly state so LEO's nd CCW people have little to worry about when it comes to that issue...


I am a Florida native but have lived in California for most of the last 40 years. California's most obvious advantage is the weather. You can get most any type of weather you want, and you can get variety. In Los Angeles, you can stand in your shirt sleeves while looking at snow-covered mountains. Florida does not have snow or mountains. Instead, it has lots of mosquitoes. However, Florida's beaches are much more usable. California's drop off steeply and have cold water, but are much more scenic.

Except for air quality, California has largely deteriorated over the last 40 years. It does, however, have far more cultural activities and entertainment than Florida.

Many of California's problems are attributable to increased population governmental efforts to control everything, and environmental groups opposing almost every form of development and farming (except, apparently, marijuana growing, which is a serious environmental problem). Construction of roads and housing in urban areas is next to impossible.

Florida will suffer similar problems as it continues to grow and its voters demand more from government. So many Floridians are from the New York City area that this seems inevitable.

[CH47Doc]

Been in Texas for 11 years.....it sucks.....would come back to SoCal tomorrow if I could.....


yeah that whole stable job/housing market, low gas prices, low home prices, not dumping money into liberal feelgood projects that wreck your economy, (see US govt and kalifornia as examples), a sense of community, conservative values, clinging to god/religion/family, a place where we still address each other as sir and ma'am
yeah, texas sucks...:rolleyes:


Californians Might Want to Consider Moving to Texas
Study predicts California will recover slowly from economic recession
By SAJID FAROOQ
Updated 6:57 AM PDT, Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Hoping to beat the recession? Unemployed Californians might want to consider moving to Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington or even Texas.

Most of California's neighbors, its arch nemesis (in terms of size, population and general intelligence), and the Badlands are expected to recover faster from these harsh economic times than the Golden State, according to a new forecast from Moody's Economy.com.

Moody says job growth will return to Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington quicker than the rest of the country. What makes these states so special?

Four of them have strong high-tech industries and Texas has all that oil and energy that everyone is fighting over.

Where is California on the list and what about its mighty tech sector? Moody says it's not strong enough to balance out its struggling housing industry.

The Moody economy gurus evaluate each state's job growth, industrial production, housing starts and house prices to predict when a state will recover from the recession. Texas, for example, was a latecomer in the housing boom, so its recession was not as deep as California's.

The forecast shows the recession hit "373 of the nation's 381 metro areas, and 49 out of 50 states." Gov. Sarah Palin's Alaska was the only member of the union spared.

When will California recover, you ask? Along with 31 states and the District of Columbia, unemployed Californians are not predicted to have much luck finding a job until the third quarter of 2010.

[ten08]

Being Federal my Pay in San Francisco was over double what I was getting paid in Pennsylvania. The Cost of Living may have eaten much of it but I was able to pay off all of my east coast bills, my east coast mortgage and put money away for my retirement so I could go out at 53 and never work again.

[Copp'rPenny]

Ruby, that was a good first house. Our first house was a condo. Everyone has to start somewhere. This is our third house:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL294/7646955/17738061/371005272.jpg

I find a lot people in California don't have patience. But hard work and smart investments work out.

[mcguire4]

yeah that whole stable job/housing market, low gas prices, low home prices, not dumping money into liberal feelgood projects that wreck your economy, (see US govt and kalifornia as examples), a sense of community, conservative values, clinging to god/religion/family, a place where we still address each other as sir and ma'am
yeah, texas sucks...:rolleyes:


Californians Might Want to Consider Moving to Texas
Study predicts California will recover slowly from economic recession
By SAJID FAROOQ
Updated 6:57 AM PDT, Wed, Jul 29, 2009

Hoping to beat the recession? Unemployed Californians might want to consider moving to Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington or even Texas.

Most of California's neighbors, its arch nemesis (in terms of size, population and general intelligence), and the Badlands are expected to recover faster from these harsh economic times than the Golden State, according to a new forecast from Moody's Economy.com.

Moody says job growth will return to Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington quicker than the rest of the country. What makes these states so special?

Four of them have strong high-tech industries and Texas has all that oil and energy that everyone is fighting over.

Where is California on the list and what about its mighty tech sector? Moody says it's not strong enough to balance out its struggling housing industry.

The Moody economy gurus evaluate each state's job growth, industrial production, housing starts and house prices to predict when a state will recover from the recession. Texas, for example, was a latecomer in the housing boom, so its recession was not as deep as California's.

The forecast shows the recession hit "373 of the nation's 381 metro areas, and 49 out of 50 states." Gov. Sarah Palin's Alaska was the only member of the union spared.

When will California recover, you ask? Along with 31 states and the District of Columbia, unemployed Californians are not predicted to have much luck finding a job until the third quarter of 2010.


Even with all of that.....yes it does

[ten08]

TO ANYONE THINKING OF MOVING TO THIS CESS POOL - PLEASE READ AND RE-READ THE ABOVE...RESERVE AND LA DEP PRETTY MUCH HAVE HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD THROUGHOUT THIS ENTIRE THREAD. THE REASONS THAT CA USED TO BE A NICE PLACE TO LIVE ARE ALL GONE. WHO CARES ABOUT FAKE PLATINUM BLONDE "BABES" THAT JUST ASSUME SPIT IN ANY LEO FACE? YOU WANT GANGS, ILLEGALS, ROAD RAGE ON THE JAM PACKED FREEWAYS, HIGH TAXES, POLLUTION, COME HERE...ILLEGAL ALIENS AND GANGS RUN THE SGV AND IE...ARE YOU TRYING TO GET INTO L.A. COUNTY OR LA CITY? GOOD LUCK IF UNLESS YOU ARE A "MINORITY"! THIS STATE IS A RIDICULOUS ABOMINATION AND I AM EMBARRASSED TO STILL CALL THIS MY HOME...

Then Leave, if you believe what you say

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[rubyrose]

Ruby, that was a good first house. Our first house was a condo. Everyone has to start somewhere. This is our third house:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL294/7646955/17738061/371005272.jpg

I find a lot people in California don't have patience. But hard work and smart investments work out.

It was a good first house when we bought it at $45,000. It was sold a few years later -- I don't know for how much bc hubby paid off my share of it in our divorce settlement. I left CA in 1984 and never looked back.

It is NOT a good first house at $300,000!

I couldn't find a single house listed in my city for more than $250,000. Here is what that will get you:

http://www.nothnagle.com/images/propertyphotos/GRARxlarge/918216_0.jpg


That is in one of the city's best neighborhoods.

So maybe, if you have kids, you want to get out of the city school district. Here's what $300,000 will get you in our TONIEST suburb:

http://www.nothnagle.com/images/propertyphotos/GRARxlarge/902921_0.jpg

And with that you get, at worst, maybe a half hour commute to work.

Can't afford that? Well, how about this "starter" home for $90,000 (payment including taxes: 694/month)

http://www.nothnagle.com/images/propertyphotos/GRARlarge/914073_0.jpg

Or this one at $64,900 (payment $499/mo, including taxes)

http://www.nothnagle.com/images/propertyphotos/GRARxlarge/901581_0.jpg

So that means -- hey, you could possibly (if you wanted) buy a house here with a single income, meaning someone could stay home with the kids if desired!

The average person with the average job, even with a two-income family, cannot afford even that crappy little thing we had in California.

Nope. Not for me.

I am especially not interested in spending 1/3 of my life inside a car.

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[RNM]

I guess she lives in the Rochester area. You can look trace the photos back to www.nothnagle.com.

I suppose if you live in downtown Oakland, SF, LA or something giant city then ya, some of things you people are saying are true. I live in a place called Pleasanton; It's great. We went for a 2 hour bike ride today and only saw a few cars, but lots of hawks, rabbits and even a little coyote.

A few months back we saw some some people with 'support prop 8' signs on the corner, and on the other corner there were some people with 'vote no on prop 8' signs. It was like, I don't know - A community of people with different opinions. Trippy huh.

The all caps rage monsters can move away. Take care guys. From a historical perspective Ruby's 2 decade old real estate info is interesting, but back then the Chargers were good and Magnum PI was a primetime TV show. Not so much anymore. The apples and oranges game is fun though, I can dig it. My grandma bought a house in San Diego in 1939 for $2500.00. It was in Balboa Park, on Oregon Street. We bought our fist home in 2009 (town home) for $384k. It was a good price for Pleasanton, CA, but if you compare it to some Canadian border town then yes, it's pricey. But we earn more than the people living in Canadian border towns. :)

If you're going to compare home prices you'll need to compare unemployment rates, incomes and populations, and I don't mean a persons income living in Manhattan vs. a person living in Napa.

[beachcop05]

I grew up in the LA area and have lived back east (upstate NY) and now live in the San Diego area. I dislike this state very much and am looking to get out.

The liberal politics, broke govt, stupid hippies who want to legalize weed, illegal aliens running rampant everywhere (you forget what country you're in sometimes), and way too much traffic and cars and people. If you want somewhere where you will be stuck in traffic at 12pm on a SUNDAY afternoon, then come to CA, it's absolutely ridiculous.

I can't wait to move back east. And it's not that I think the grass is greener on the other side, I know it's greener, I've lived it before.

[LA DEP]

RNM,

While there are areas in the state where you can escape some of the nonsense, there is no where in the state where you can escape the asshat politics and anti-firearm laws.

If those were to somehow to miraculously change, then I might consider staying in the state after retirement (not anywhere near LA though)....as it stands, I look forward to moving to the US after retirement....probably going to have to have someone sponsor me for citizenship though......:D

I have a minimum of 4 years before I can even consider retirement.....realistically, I have at least 13 years.....as you have to be at least 55 (and 30 years on) before you can retire at max percentage with us.....doesnt matter how long you have been on the dept if you are under 55......

[rubyrose]

I suppose if you live in downtown Oakland, SF, LA or something giant city then ya, some of things you people are saying are true. I live in a place called Pleasanton; It's great. We went for a 2 hour bike ride today and only saw a few cars, but lots of hawks, rabbits and even a little

If you're going to compare home prices you'll need to compare unemployment rates, incomes and populations, and I don't mean a persons income living in Manhattan vs. a person living in Napa.

That's easily done on the web here. (http://www.bestplaces.net/COL/)

According to those calculations, it is 151% times more expensive to live in your city than in mine. In other words, you would need an income of $87,886 in your city to get the buying power of $35,000 in mine.

The biggest difference is housing, of course. The only item that costs more here is utilities, and that is not as big a spread as I would think. Your utility rates must be pretty high!

BTW, according to that same cost of living calculator, an entry level officer here makes what would be the equivalent of $92,657 in Pleasanton.

[Copp'rPenny]

I thought that "hard work and smart investments" was overextending one's credit and taking out a 100% mortgage on an unaffordable house at the top of the housing bubble? :D

Sadly, for many people. But I said "SMART" investments. :D

[RNM]

LA DEP, I agree about the a$s politicians. I don't know much about gun laws, so I'll take your word for it being messed up.

My only issue is when when people go out of their way to slam the home team (in this case CA) when they don't even have a horse in the race. Or even worse, when what they post isn't applicable, or complete. Ruby's cost of living calculator for example - It's just that, a calculator.

It's like taking the yield of a tax free bond and converting it to a taxable equivalent. It's interesting, but not much more than that. Especially when Ruby hasn't even told us where she lives. I'm sorry Ruby, but you'll have to do better than 'here' if you're going to start dropping numbers.

..but assuming you do live in Rochester, NY:


Rochester NY Average Annual Income: $30,927
Pleasanton CA Average Annual Income: $92,644



Rochester estimated median house value: $69,100
Pleasanton estimated median house value: $408,200



Population change since 2000 in Rochester: -5.9%
Population change since 2000 in Pleasanton: +5.0%



The unemployment rate in Rochester is 10.60%
The unemployment rate in Pleasanton is 4.90%


So yes, it's more expensive where I live than Rochester NY, but on average we earn 3x more money and we have more jobs. Homes are less expensive in Rochester than in Pleasanton, but lets not discount the human factor - It doesnt snow in CA. Now Rochester is swell, for you, but it's got nothing on Muir Woods, The Golden Gate, Napa Valley, Yosemite, a thousand miles of beaches; and, despite the obvious and much lamented political short comings and financial woes - It's the place that I call home.

If you don't like it, cool, but you should at least have a horse in the race if you're going to slam it - Anything less is disingenuous, even more so if you're going to post $$ stats and attempt to pawn it off as fact when it's based soley on an online calculator and a home sale from 1984.

[MagnumPI]

So yes, it's more expensive where I live than Rochester NY, but on average we earn 3x more money and we have more jobs. Homes are less expensive in Rochester than in Pleasanton, but lets not discount the human factor - It doesnt snow in CA. Now Rochester is swell, for you, but it's got nothing on Muir Woods, The Golden Gate, Napa Valley, Yosemite, a thousand miles of beaches; and, despite the obvious and much lamented political short comings and financial woes - It's the place that I call home.

Right on the money. I don't care if they were giving homes away for free in Rochester, I'm wouldn't leave San Diego to live there...no way, no how. I've lived "back east" in NYC, Virginia, and also in the south (Florida panhandle) and you can have it. We have the best weather in the country, bar none. We have the beaches, the mountains, the desert...we have everything. If the politicians, the illegal immigrant situation, and the traffic are so horrible, then move back east where you'll freeze your keister off in the winter.

For me, I guess I'll just have to suffer, and live in San Diego, where the cost of living is high, and I can practice my Spanish on a daily basis...no problema. There isn't another place in our country that I'd rather live.

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[DAL]

Poll: For many, Golden State no longer shines

By JULIET WILLIAMS (AP) – 1 hour ago

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California dream has faded since the 1970s for many in the Golden State, according to a new Field Poll.

Just 41 percent of registered voters agree the state is "one of the best places to live," a sharp drop from the 76 percent who thought so 30 years ago when Field first asked that question.

The survey, released Wednesday, found that Republicans were the most likely to have lost that lovin' feeling about their state. Just 30 percent of GOP respondents said California remained a great place to live, compared with 80 percent in 1977.

The decades after saw dramatic growth in the state's population, from 22.8 million in 1978 to the latest estimate of 38.3 million, a 68 percent increase.

The Field Poll report compared Californians' attitudes on a range of social and lifestyle issues over the last 30 years. Findings were based on Field Polls taken from 1975 to 1978 and from 2006 to 2009.

Among the biggest changes in attitude was the increasing support for gay marriage, now favored by 49 percent of Californians and opposed by 44 percent. In 1977, voters were opposed by a 62-to-31 percent ratio.

There is a growing split between Democrats and Republicans on this and a range of other issues.

Democrats changed their stance on gay marriage from 2-to-1 opposed to 2-to-1 in favor over the last 30 years. Republicans "have not changed their views on this issue, and if anything, are now more opposed than they were 30 years ago," pollsters Mark DiCamillo and Mervin Field said.

In 1977, 65 percent of Republican voters said they opposed gay marriage, compared to 68 percent today.

Seven in 10 Californians now support abortion rights. While support has grown among Democrats and Republicans, there was a 30-point jump among Democrats in favor of abortion, while GOP support edged up only slightly over three decades, according to a 2006 Field survey.

On euthanasia, the number of Democrats who favor allowing the practice increased from 60 percent to 80 percent between 1975 and 2006, while slightly smaller majorities of Republicans and nonpartisans reported approving the practice.

Support for the death penalty remains strong across party lines, with two-thirds backing it, a slight drop from the mid-1970s, when three in four were in favor of it.

The Field Poll found unflagging support for California's landmark Proposition 13, the 1978 initiative that capped property tax increases and was approved by two-thirds of voters.

Last year, on the initiative's 30th anniversary, a Field Poll found 57 percent of voters support the measure, 23 percent were opposed and 20 percent said they were undecided. Support among Republicans remains much stronger than with Democrats.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[ateamer]

I am sitting on my couch right now, looking at the ocean a mile away. Yesterday afternoon, we could smell the ocean breeze, and went for a moonlight walk on the beach last night. In 15 minutes, I can be a couple thousand feet up in the mountains, and in half an hour, be in a major metro area. Half a day's drive will put us in the high Sierra, the deserted, or the sparsley populated north coast. Oh, and it's snowed here about five or six times in the 30 years I've lived here. The worst one was three years ago when we got an inch that melted by morning. Almost every New Year's Day, I can go for a motorcycle ride, often without a jacket. Deer populate the gully below our house and come down the driveway every night. It's not uncommon to see dolphins a hundred yards offshore past the surfline. If you buy strawberries at the grocery store, it's a good chance that they came from our county. Almost all of the artichokes and garlic come from this region as well.

California has stupid laws and way too many liberals (let's not kid ourselves, one is too many), but it has a lot going for it, too.

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[ateamer]

The Central Coast sounds nice. What's your take on Southern California?
I haven't spent much time in SoCal, but it has pretty much everything that NorCal has. Coast, mountains, desert, wildlife, water recreation, some of the most densely populated areas on Earth and some of the emptiest lands. Half an hour or so of driving from LA can put you in some pretty isolated mountains. There are some places down there I want to ride to, especially Lake Isabella (from the air, the roads up to there look like the perfect motorcycle roads) and San Diego.

[EricDel]

I am sitting on my couch right now, looking at the ocean a mile away. Yesterday afternoon, we could smell the ocean breeze, and went for a moonlight walk on the beach last night. In 15 minutes, I can be a couple thousand feet up in the mountains, and in half an hour, be in a major metro area. Half a day's drive will put us in the high Sierra, the deserted, or the sparsley populated north coast. Oh, and it's snowed here about five or six times in the 30 years I've lived here. The worst one was three years ago when we got an inch that melted by morning. Almost every New Year's Day, I can go for a motorcycle ride, often without a jacket. Deer populate the gully below our house and come down the driveway every night. It's not uncommon to see dolphins a hundred yards offshore past the surfline. If you buy strawberries at the grocery store, it's a good chance that they came from our county. Almost all of the artichokes and garlic come from this region as well.

California has stupid laws and way too many liberals (let's not kid ourselves, one is too many), but it has a lot going for it, too.

Exactly why I can't wait to move out there hopefully and be on board with LAPD.

Hey, maybe one day Cali will turn into a conservative state :D

[Code Seven]

http://www.officer.com/images/officer.com.jpg

[EricDel]

Yes...as soon as pigs start to fly.

LOL!!!

[SHU]

The key to living in california is never read the local papers or watch the local news. If you follow these rules you will be much happier than those who follow the issues in this state. For me, ignorance really is bliss in california. The only exception to this is just before some kind of vote comes up. I vote against any type of tax increase. I don't care if a thousand babies will die tomorrow if they don't raise the taxes. I say f'em, let them die because I'm not paying any more for anything whatsoever. I also vote against anything that will further deteriorate social morals and common decency in this state. After the vote, I go back to not having anything to do with my community or state. I read the local papers back in brooklyn on the net. I've found this makes me much happier than those folks who keep up with the issues here. It works for me.

[WesternWayneCop]

I lived and worked in L.A. (San Fernando Valley) for two years, having moved there from MI. I loved it for the first year. After that, it got old real quick. Insane traffic (what should take you 30 mins, takes 2 hours), cost for a decent rental house in a "just OK" area is $2,000 + a month. Being from the mid-west, people just seemed really fake to me. Kind of like they base the kind of person you are, on your material possessions. Not everyone is like that, because I still have friends there, but as a whole I just got that impression. Gang problem is pretty bad too compared to the east. Message me if you are considering moving out to Southern California from the east or mid-west. Ill tell you what you need to know, the good and the bad. I'm not bashing SoCal by any means. There are a lot of Pros to living/working there as well. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.

[Munlaw]

Other than that, I will be keeping my options open....maybe Wyoming, Idaho, NEW HAMPSHIRE, Colorado ect.....I will be doing alot of research when the time comes:D

[Munlaw]

yeah that whole stable job/housing market, low gas prices, low home prices, not dumping money into liberal feelgood projects that wreck your economy, (see US govt and kalifornia as examples), a sense of community, conservative values, clinging to god/religion/family, a place where we still address each other as sir and ma'am
yeah, texas sucks...:rolleyes:

Texas does suck...No mandatory worker's comp laws, Right-to-Work state (no unions), low pay, most polluted jurisdiction in the North America...

[SBSO_DISPATCHER]

RNM,

While there are areas in the state where you can escape some of the nonsense, there is no where in the state where you can escape the asshat politics and anti-firearm laws.

If those were to somehow to miraculously change, then I might consider staying in the state after retirement (not anywhere near LA though)....as it stands, I look forward to moving to the US after retirement....probably going to have to have someone sponsor me for citizenship though......:D

I have a minimum of 4 years before I can even consider retirement.....realistically, I have at least 13 years.....as you have to be at least 55 (and 30 years on) before you can retire at max percentage with us.....doesnt matter how long you have been on the dept if you are under 55......
that sucks.. i was hired when i was 20.. that means i will have to have 35 years on before i can get some good retirement? weaksauce

[SBSO_DISPATCHER]

well 30 years left.. hopefully it will fly by lol