If you're genuinely asking (quite irreverent to ask in this thread, I must say), what keeps me here personally are its people. Californians are a passionate folk who are without a doubt the most non-judgmental Americans I've ever encountered as an immigrant, and I've lived in many states. It feels like here, regardless of your background, gender, etc. you can truly be who you want to be - as long as you love to work!

you were in no way asking in a nice way. You were incredibly condescending in a post about a natural disaster striking the area. Don't be disingenuous.

Sorry you feel that way ... wasn't my intent!