Born and raised in CA... left in 1987 after graduating High School and moved to Orange, TX with a nickel between me and my buddy when we got there. I live in Louisiana now and am doing quite well.
Leaving CA will be the best move you ever made, I'll wager money on that! My parents moved to NC about 2 years ago... welcome to the south!
being your a yankee from CA doesnt that make you part of the problem?