You know exactly what I'm suggesting, but here you go. California is as corrupt as NY.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/former-los-angeles-depu...

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-10-14/a-guide-...

https://www.sfexaminer.com/forum/san-francisco-government-sy...

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/city-hall-corruption-...

https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/san-francisco-deve...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Political_scandals_in...

Bribes like these are absolute peanuts. It would be hard for them to add up to $100m, let alone a significant part of $100b.

Ah yes. First the problem isn't there. Then the problem is there, but it's too small to be an issue. If you have heard of the "narcissist's prayer," that is the defense that the ruling parties of CA and NY always run when you call them out.

These are just the ones who were both obvious and politically disfavored enough to get punished. Read about building in SF if you want to hear about the big boys.