I've lived in soCal my whole 35 years, except for two spent in Hawaii. California is changing, and not for the better. If you want to live in a welfare state with high taxes, high crime rates, graffiti everywhere, association Nazis, over regulation of everything, racial divisions, snobbery, smog, etc..., then CA is right for you.
I'm thinking northern Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, or Montana right now, but that kind of huge change doesn't sit well with the old lady.
Oh and don't forget the Grand Tetons, those mountains are spectacular.