The wealth production of CA is broad-based to an extent that *every* other state in the nation should be jealous of. It includes healthy amounts of tech, aerospace, agriculture, tourism, and yes -- even manufacturing (I'm sure I'm forgetting a few important ones).

"The defense industry" is as healthy in CA as it is anywhere else in the country.

CA does not have a "Wal-mart" economy.

Again (maybe it will sink in this time): current policy is similar to prior policy. Business (you called it corporate power?) is here as a result of prior policy. Therefore it is likely to continue to be here as a result of current policy.

If QOL is going down at all, it is because the population density is increasing. I wish we could keep all you foreigners from emigrating.