A.C. says:
Tue, 26th May 200912:20 pm 

As a native Californian….seriously? I agree, CA is being a giant, collective idiot in refusing to repeal prop 8, but what about all the other states that don't allow gay marriage? Where's the post bashing them? Honestly, you've made sweeping generalizations and stereotypes about I state I honestly love. Earthquakes? What about the Midwest's tornados, the South's hurricanes or the North's ice and snow storms? And the only way you're seeing famous people is if you're hanging around places their known to frequent and they don't bother you if you don't bother them… As a UCLA student I'm used to movie premiers in Westwood and celebrities using our gym, but it's not a big deal. They're just people too. And the women on The Real Housewives? Give me a break. They're nothing like the millions of real, hardworking, kind women who call CA home. Please don't bash my home, I don't make unsubstantiated claims about yours.

Morgan says:
Tue, 26th May 20092:10 pm 

you need to proofread your complaint, UCLA student… you lose 20 points in respect for your dissent

Oli says:
Tue, 26th May 20092:22 pm 

oye, I got to UCLA, and well. . . a lot o' girls here still manage to wear the Ugg boot in 150 degree weather. . . .There is no stopping that wretched boot! :- ('

haa, but your right about the earthquakes. That's something I could never get used to. I'm still waiting for the BIG one to crack our precious state in half.

But when it comes down to it, I L-O-V-E California. . . they say we got mo' bounce here.

(. . . but idk if that's true!)

Lynn says:
Tue, 26th May 20092:24 pm 

Yeah, as someone who has lived on both coasts – what a stupid article. That's really all that needs to be said. Why didn't you just write an article about Prop 8 instead of including a lot of other bullshit to be (not very) funny?

As for Prop 8 – yeah, it sucks that it was passed. But the issue that was decided today was a little more subtle that just "anti-same sex marriage." It was about the ability of voters to add an amendment to the constitution about marriage, or whether that would be considered a revision and would need a 2/3 vote in the legislature. Considering how a lot of other states have added amendments about gay marriage to their constitutions via ballot initiative, it doesn't surprise me that it was ruled legal to do so. Nevertheless, it WAS terrible that Prop 8 was passed in the first place.

liz says:
Tue, 26th May 20092:25 pm 

too bad you just stereotyped SOUTHERN California. There are many millions of us north of Santa Barbara County too…

Mary says:
Tue, 26th May 20092:46 pm 

No one from the CC staff has obviously been to California.

1) Earthquakes do happen, but mainly in the bay and a few spots of southern California. That makes the state about 90% earthquake-free. Not to mention they're usually little trembles.

2) Only some areas of the bay area and southern Cali have people like this. Colleges often have orange skinned and peroxide-blonde people as well, but that's because people come from every where to go to college.

3) No one gives a shit about the celebrities. And don't worry, you won't see any of them on a daily basis, cuz they don't wanna see you. And there's places in California other than LA.

4) It really isn't that bad compared to other places. Yeah rush hour is a bitch, but it is everywhere.

5) Don't worry, people still drop an unnecessary amount of money on those hideous things people put on their feet as well. You wouldn't feel too out of place. And a lot of the state gets snow-and if your area doesn't, its less than two hours to drive to it.

Its ironic that Prop H8 inspired this article to be written-thanks for continuing the hate and stereotypes! Its much appreciated! Don't judge a state on what you see on "reality" TV shows you fucking idiots. You people are in college, haven't you been taught to think critically and to do research on things?

Aiko says:
Tue, 26th May 20093:29 pm 

Agree with Mary 100%

California is awesome, and it's such a ginormo state you can get a lot of different experiences from different areas. Like all the hippie shit on Hate street. (This is actually a place, which is really awesome….I'm not rying to make a joke about hippies) And redwoods.

A lot of bad things could be said about NYC too…but they'd all be stereotypes too, eh?

Court says:
Tue, 26th May 20094:10 pm 

Hey!

Be nice to California.

Becca says:
Tue, 26th May 20094:28 pm 

I actually completely agree with everything in this article. I grew up in California and come back for the summers while going to college in new york city, and the culture really isn't for everyone. California is so big that, while allowing different experiences, it prevents the state from really feeling like a part of the larger USA. The cost is a lot of people who think California is such an incredible state of being that it feels like coming back to a self-centered country outside the US every time I visit.

Kelly says:
Tue, 26th May 20094:30 pm 

The entire state sucks just because of Prop 8? I'm not happy it passed either but that is a little extreme. You can move to Iowa, they just legalized gay marriage and 97% of its citizens were outraged until they learned it was just to boost their economy.

BillyBob says:
Tue, 26th May 20096:07 pm 

Hey, I just wanna see the home movies of Cali lesbians.mmmmmmmm

A.C. says:
Tue, 26th May 20096:12 pm 

"you need to proofread your complaint, UCLA student… you lose 20 points in respect for your dissent"

Can I have my points back? I'm missing where I messed up! Thanks!

Heidi says:
Tue, 26th May 20096:13 pm 

There's no need for you to go hating on our state. Plus like 90% of the things you're hating on (real housewives, heidi and spencer, fires, lack of cold weather etc.) only exist in southern california! I love my state, even though we haven't made gay marriage legal, it's still an amazing place to live.

Annie says:
Tue, 26th May 20096:37 pm 

God, why does everyone take CC articles so seriously, and why do they keep reading if all they're going to do is complain about them?

It wasn't a personal attack on Californians.

She wasn't saying Cali sucks, she was finding things that suck about an otherwise lovely state. Generalizations and stereotypes are a humor device used in a number of articles on here. Learn to lighten up- or just stop reading. Its really not a big deal.

I know I'd laugh at an article about West Virginia- although I do assure you that almost every stereotype about us is entirely untrue in the general population.

Anna says:
Tue, 26th May 20098:16 pm 

As A Californian I must say..those things DO suck. Seriously, it's ridiculous (except for earthquakes we get one like every 15 years). However, you may think we suck but you're still talking about us. That's how awesome we are And the good truly outweighs the bad. SOUTHERN California is a great place to live

Casey says:
Tue, 26th May 20097:37 pm 

I agree, A.C. deserves their points back. I didn't find anythng wrong in their post. And even if there were some grammatical errors they must only be ones that English majors or grammar freaks would notice. Nothing that warranted your comment.

Seriously people on this site need to get over spelling and grammar mistakes. No one is really going to spell check every one of their comments. They are just comments, not college essays. If spelling/grammar mistakes are the only thing you have to pick on someone about then it is just proof that you are hating on the person, because you have no substantial argument against the content of their comments. Basically, when you resort to picking on grammar/spelling you have already lost the argument.

SpongeBob says:
Tue, 26th May 20097:48 pm 

Little Oral Annie, spank me….

M says:
Tue, 26th May 20098:05 pm 

Im so happy about the banning of gay marriage!

Linda says:
Tue, 26th May 20098:20 pm 

You're from NY & you can't get used to traffic??

What are you from –upstate?

Melanie says:
Tue, 26th May 20098:34 pm 

Hey!

We all wear uggs and scarves here in CA, too Yes, even in Southern California as well.

Sphitz says:
Tue, 26th May 200910:06 pm 

I guess according to the writer, the greater LA area constitutes as "California" Maybe they should try to get a broader perspective of the state….?

Alluv says:
Wed, 27th May 20094:12 am 

So, let me tell you a story, it’s a little thing called the truth. I’m a born and raised Californian, and I know it’s one of the more popular states to have stereotypes that are fairly generalized among the rest of America, but I’m going to break down my observations. Don’t take this as an attack, as that is not it’s intention, but take it as something to shed light on the “So Cal” view from a very observant west coaster.
The state can be broken up into 3 main sections; Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. Northern California includes anything above the Silicon Valley (San Francisco, Sacramento, Redding, Napa, Chico, etc.) It’s a very different place than the south and people seem to be more outdoorsy and family oriented. Life is still fast paced, but Northern California is more connected with the lay of the land, and connected to it’s historical roots. Hyphy music is popular, and almost anything goes when it comes to fashion. There tends to be a great deal of fog near the coast line, and the Bart trains are some of the most popular forms of transportation. Central California is basically under the silicon Valley all the way down to Bakesfield/Santa Barbara area. It’s the agricultural patch of California that produces alot of almonds, peaches, dates, and nearly any other kind of crop you can think of. It has alot of valleys and flat lands, making it great for farming. Towns are usually smaller in Central California, and pretty spread out (similar to smaller towns in the mid west). Da dun dun Da! Were left with southern California! Home to Santa Barbara, San Diego, and anywhere in between! There are at least five different counties in Southern California and it can’t be described as distinctly beachy, mountainous, desert-esque, or full of valleys, because it possesses all. Los Angeles, is actually pretty ghetto in some parts, and Hollywood…is VERY touristy. Orange county has it’s rich spots, near the coast, but it’s like the Hannah Montana song, “The Best of Both Worlds,” there’s also extreme poverty stricken and run down industrial areas within 20 minutes of each other. You can have it all, the beach, snow, desert, and rolling hills all within a 30 minute drive.

REAL CALIFORNIA:
1. You get a BIG earthquake maybe once in a lifetime, but other than that, there’s barely a difference between an occasional baby earthquake maybe once a year and living next to a railroad track. It’s practically the same feeling…you get used to it. Wild fires happen in the hills in the same spots every few years….they rarely affect where people live, and we have really good firemen .

2.The “real” housewives of OC cracks me up. I love them…they are very stereotypical…but I think thats what draws the audience. Of course there are always going to be those caught up in the lifestyle, but there are people like that everywhere..(Similar to the South’s apparent obsession with beaity pageants…wierd right?). California has alot of culture to it and a TON of diversity…especially in Orange County…So the people are as different as those are in NY.

3. The only way that you see famous people everyday, is if you stalk Rodeo Drive 24/7, or if you live next to Richard Simmons and Gary Coleman on the Balboa Penninsula and go to Yoga Booty Ballet together at 6:30AM…. We have the highest populated state in the United States….we have our celebrities…but there is a better chance of seeing a celebrity on a daily basis in Idaho…Where many celebrities have thier vacation homes…then just chillin out in LA. (Fact: My best friend saw Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore at her local grocery store in Idaho on more than one occasion, where I’ve seen Rachel Bilson Shopping in San Fran…once…and it was no big deal…just people going about with their daily routines.)

4. Yea, Traffic feaking SUCKSSSSS, but you learn to appreciate the little things in life. Like the fact that you have all that thinking time in between early morning and rush hour commutes to plan out your life, or that you can enjoy the sunrise/sunset…from the comfort of your very own car….and after about a week of the same commute…you get the timing right down to a science, and know how to not HIT traffic, and know all the alternate routes to get to your designated destination in good time.

5. You can wear any kind of shoe here. We don’t judge too harshly, because we probably own a pair as well! We dance to the beat of our own drum out here in California… and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s one of those places that you can have a love/hate relationship with, but when you’re having a “hate” moment…you can hop on a freeway and fall in love with it all over again within a matter of minutes. It’s all about perspective. Thank you for sharing yours… I would love to hear what you really love about New York, as it is very different, yet subtley similar.

maria says:
Wed, 27th May 20094:28 am 

Anyone can disagree with Prop 8 but the Supreme Court decided to uphold the voters decision. It seems that people are happy when the "people" decide, only when it suits them. The people voted to ban gay marriage in California, and immediately people want the Supreme Court to reverse it. But Obama wins the election, and it's all about the voice of the people.

We vote for a reason, you can't pick and choose which you're happy about and which you're upset about and expect those decisions to be reversed because then what's the point in voting?

nia says:
Wed, 27th May 20098:28 am 

Annie, i agree with u completely! that's all that ever happens when an article here gets a lot of comments.

Morgan says:
Wed, 27th May 200910:52 am 

I am an IR major. So those who hate to be generalized are hypocrites themselves. And, you all are taking yourselves too seriously. I live in New Jersey, one of the most joked about states [at least on the east coast] and I read and hear jokes about my state and laugh and tease right back. Lighten up and go to the gym if you are that angry about this… Yikes

Rose B says:
Wed, 27th May 20098:34 pm 

Um… wow, thanks guys… 4/5 of these do not apply to Northern Cal at all. I am pissed about prop 8 and all too, you guys could have written a complete article on how much it sucks… Better yet you could have named this article Five Reasons SoCal Sucks.

Joe says:
Fri, 3rd Jul 20095:09 pm 

I have lived all over the country and never have I seen such an Un-American place such as California! It's almost the 4th of July and in Northern California theres not even an American flag in sight.

I don't know too much about SoCal but this is NorCal:

1. Worst drivers in the country are here

2. English is a second language

3. Illegal immigration problems

4. Run down construction and housing

5. Overpriced pathetic housing

6. Rude arrogant people

7. Everything between the nice scenery is pretty dirty

Can we give California to another country? Maybe China is interested?

the bitch you love t says:
Sun, 6th Dec 20095:59 pm 

This about sums it all up…lol I have lived all over the country and never have I seen such an Un-American place such as California! It’s almost the 4th of July and in Northern California theres not even an American flag in sight.

I don’t know too much about SoCal but this is NorCal:

1. Worst drivers in the country are here

2. English is a second language

3. Illegal immigration problems

4. Run down construction and housing

5. Overpriced pathetic housing

6. Rude arrogant people

7. Everything between the nice scenery is pretty dirty

Can we give California to another country? Maybe China is interested?

Hitler says:
Sat, 19th Dec 20099:12 am 

I just had to reply to this old post, i have to live here, if you don't then don't! It is so frikken expensive, over-crowded with foreigners and their 5 kids stealing all the jobs, over-regulated with stupid laws and a million Gestapo-like cops, and over-taxed (10%). I can't wait to get the f^ck out i wish i could go now! There's 3 good things about California though, they are, the weather, the weather and the weather! Screw this Golden Nazi Hell hole!

steve says:
Sun, 20th Dec 20096:28 pm 

The state has no business regulating ANY marriage. It isn't their purvue. They do it to control peoples lives and make money. The real problem is most people look to the Gov to solve all issues in their life. Beauraucrats love this, they make more money, have more power, and it ensures they have job security. Marriage is a spiritual concept, not a legal one. States already have your legal issues covered, it's called a CIVIL UNION. But if you are using the gay "marriage" issue your trojan horse to attack people who disagree with you then you are just being what you call those you disagree with, BIGOTS!

UK Software company says:
Fri, 8th Jan 20106:38 am 

California does not suck!

Anyway, thanks for the post

kindergg says:
Mon, 30th Aug 20107:49 am 

I was born in California and I think the state is a really nice place. If there is anything to complain about, is that it is too crowded and too expensive.

On the prop 8 rant. No state has ever passed a bill by popular vote to allow same sex marriage period. Even the liberal enclaves of the Northeast can not accomplish this. The state where same sex marriage is legal it has been passed by state legislation. At least CA. put it on the ballot and the people spoke, sucks that majority rules can be used to oppress a minority, but thats what happened.

doopey says:
Tue, 7th Sep 20104:28 am 

California is a useless State. New York has everything; more job opportunities, better public transportation, and on top of all of that, our taxes are way cheaper. I seriously don't see what's the point of living in San Francisco or LA; really, you're just paying money to say you live there. With the "celebrities". Bwahaha. And the conservatives there are worse than the conservatives in New York. I mean really, I don't even think the Bigots here give a legit shit. We're the reason for STONEWALL. Even our Gays are better than your gays! Face it, California, you guys suck, PERIOD.

In fact, you're missing quite a ton of points from this article. California is responsible for the obesity epidemic; think of it this way, they're the reason women have a poor body image because the Hollywood Industry is in Burbank, since Hollywood is corrupt and dominates so much of the media with their blitz advertising. And McDonalds chain came from California so they're responsible for people being overweight. And now they have this stupid In-n-Out Chain. What has New York Contributed? Chains like Loving Hut, Better Burger, BRGR, New York Burger Co. and Shake Shack, which actually has PORTIONED burgers, not loaded with fat or done "Animal Style"; Stuff that's actually GOOD for you.

My point? California is useless as a state and should be nuked from Orbit. America doesn't need a West Coast anyway…

Joe Lee says:
Thu, 14th Oct 20107:00 pm 

Nuuyawwkuhs. Gotta love 'em.

steven says:
Wed, 7th Sep 20117:26 pm 

California does suck it is full of money hungry courts and retarded politicians. I'm practically living in poverty an had a court fine of 6,000 now there going to tack on 1,400 for administrative fees, just another way to bleed me to death they wouldn't accept payments of 50.00 a month there still going to freeze my bank account not that there is any money in it but i guess they just don't want me to have an account to try to make money. they did say i could send whatever i could but it wont stop them from coming after me. the new cod crap they made in law to collect tacks on 15% so ya this state is the worse that there is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

zzm says:
Sun, 11th Sep 20119:43 pm 

California sucks crap. Its mainly the people, especially in Orange County. A bunch of freaking poorly educated, backwards ass, pseudo-modern hollywood wanna be's. People in LA are better than the OC pricks & snobs. Most LA people are down to earth. OC is weak and snobby and pussies. San Diego isn't much better. THEN you can talk about how most of the state sucks for jobs, its totally anti-business and NOW the hollywood studios are even filming out of state b/c its cheaper than in California.

new yorker says:
Sat, 3rd Dec 20111:37 pm 

what a typical insecure passive aggressive californian thing to say. california reminds me of a typical blond bimbo from high school…..

popular, charismatic, LOOKS appealing… but deep deep down, miserable, self conscious, and empty inside.