California Ladies - Can You Help Me Out?

[nordey]

Howdy West Coasters!

Would those of you who reside in California mind helping me out with a college paper and answer a few survey questions for me? If you could answer all questions that would be great but whatever you feel you can contribute is greatly appreciated!


1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?


THANK YOU LADIES!!!

[ee_chick]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California? I've lived in CA for 26 years. I was born when my dad was stationed elsewhere for the Navy, but both of my parents had roots in CA. Dad's family has been here for 70+ years, and my mom's family came 40-ish years ago. DH's family has also been here for 40+ years.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate). I have an MS in electrical engineering

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California? The families moved for various opportunities. My parents came back after their time away because it's home, and where the family is.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel. It's not particularly extensive - throughout the US, parts of Canada, coastal Mexico. I think that's more a reflection on my personality than my address though. I'm a natural homebody and not a particularly happy traveler.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California? We lived outside of Houston for six months when I was in high school. I wasn't blonde, didn't surf, wasn't in any way "Hollywood", etc. I think I was quite a disappointment to some of them. ;)

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not? Sure. I considered moving for a job just out of college. We sometimes discuss leaving now. It's expensive and it's crowded and we aren't always thrilled with the politics of the state. It's home though, and our family is here. It's hard to imagine living anywhere else.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? As with most things, I think there's a range. We have some of the finest colleges anywhere. We also have plenty of mediocre colleges and probably some poor ones. The same is true at the elementary and high school levels, I would imagine.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

[nordey]

Thanks for your prompt response ee_chick! Come on ladies, I need at least 2 more, ideally 4-5 more... :o

[chocolate_truffle]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?

I'm a native Californian, and I've spent time in both Nor Cal and So Cal. I was born and raised near Sacramento, I went to college in the Bay Area, and I've lived in Southern California for the past decade. My parents are also native Californians. In fact, my parents and I graduated from the same high school -- Dad in 1963, Mom in 1970, me in 1993.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).

I have a Bachelor's in English Literature from UC Berkeley.

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?

My great-grandparents came to California seeking a better life.

My paternal side of the family -- Have you ever read John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath? My ancestors could have been the models for the Joads. Both Grandpa's family and Grandma's family were farmers in Oklahoma, and lost everything in the Dust Bowl. So, the families packed up and headed for California. Everyone, including my grandparents who were just children at the time, went to work picking cotton and other crops. My grandparents had little to no formal education, and taught themselves to read and write.

My maternal side of the family -- One side of the family came from Europe(Alsace-Lorraine, a territory which alternated between France and Germany more times than I can count), and another side came from Canada. Both sides settled in the Bay Area, but eventually made their way to the central valley when my grandparents married. They wanted to start a chicken ranch, of all things. :-)

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.

I'm not much of a traveler. I've vacationed in Hawaii, Cancun, and France. In 8th grade, I did the traditional Washington D.C. trip. And, my Dad is a long-haul truck driver, so I spent the first few years of my life traveling the western US in a Freightliner. :-)

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?

Hmmm. The usual: liberal-minded, image-obsessed, star-struck, etc.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?

No. California is my home and my family and friends are here.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?

Like ee_chick said, there is a range. On one end of the spectrum, we have some excellent public and private universities: Berkeley, Stanford, UCLA, USC. On the other hand, the news is plagued with stories of California students failing to meet basic language and math proficiency on standardized tests. There's always room for improvement.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

Hmmm. I'm not very political, so forgive my naivete. However, it would seem one of the biggest problems is the discrepancy between average income and cost of living. California is driving its businesses and its middle-class workforce out, because it has become too expensive to work and/or do business here (e.g. taxes, insurance, median home prices, etc.).

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

What's the statistic? If California were an independent nation, it would have the sixth or seventh largest economy in the world (Wikipedia: Economy of California). California is a force to be reckoned with in terms of its contributions to agriculture, aerospace, and technology. In the years to come, I hope California will continue make contributions to these fields.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

Well, we need comprehensive immigration reform, but that goes without saying. We need to focus on both sides of the issue: border security and creating a system for immigrant workers to earn US citizenship. As soon as politicians realize the two concepts are not mutually exclusive, then perhaps we can stop debating and start enacting real change. :-)

[nordey]

chocolate_truffle - THANK YOU so much for your responses to my survey. I appreciate the thought and detail you put into your answers. I would actually like to use some direct quotes if that's okay with you. I won't need to cite your name or anything within the paper, I'll just cite you as survey respondent #2.

[chocolate_truffle]

nordey -- I'm happy to help. I've written my fair share of college papers, and I know how hard it can be to find interview subjects. By all means, quote away!

Good luck with the paper and be sure to let us know what kind of grade you get. ;-)

[ca_girl]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?
Grandparents on both sides came here when they were babies. Parents were born & raised in San Diego, as was I.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).
BS - Business Administration

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
I actually don't know why they moved out here! That's a great question to ask my family, though!

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.
Don't do business travel. Leisure - throughout California, drove through Oregon, been to Seattle a few times. Also have done the Grand Canyon thing. Mexico - TJ, Cancun, Matzatlan (travel hot spots), Hawaii a number of times.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?
Flaky, surfers, liberals (politically)

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?
Never. It's home (most of my family is here) & I don't think I'd be able to deal with actual weather!

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?
College-wise, I think we have some great colleges, but our Elementary through High School, I think is way below average. I feel bad for teachers who have a range in their classes that they have to try to get everyone on the same level (my sister taught 3rd grade & had one kid that couldn't read English at all (new to the US) & another kid that was reading at the 10th grade level).

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?
Healthcare crisis (no nurses) and our education seems to be failing a lot of the youth (passing kids that shouldn't go on to the next grade). I'm also concerned about water shortages. The cost of living in most cities exeeds the pay ranges for a lot of jobs, so it's difficult to live/own a home (& even a car - we always seem to have the highest gas prices of the country!).

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?
I'm hopeful that we can get our economy on the right track without having to raise any more taxes! I'm hoping the farming that we do have (I like to include wineries in that! ;) ) does well. Although, it's a touchy subject, the border fence is supposed to be going up & I'm hopeful it helps to stop at least SOME of the Illegal immigrants & the drug runners.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?
I have no problem with Legal Immigration. It's the Illegal Immigration that I have issues with. We don't know who is crossing our borders now. I'm very concrened that another 9/11 is going to happen & they will have gotten into the US through our non-existant borders.

I'm torn about how I feel about the "guest worker" program. I really need to read up on it more, since I feel I'm not informed nearly enough.

[Red'sGirl]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?
My family has been in California about 47 years, though it was over 49 yrs. because my father was Air Force so we did spent 2 years in Mass. My grandparents were in CA for about 5 yrs befoer that, so 52 yrs. in all (3 generatoins).

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).
I have a BA in English Lit., and a MFA in Film Producing.

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
My mom came out from IN to visit her parents in L.A. and my father was stationed in Oxnard.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel
As a kid, my family would drive from the West coast to the East, and I travel extensively for my job throughout the states - so I've been to 31 states. I've toured London, Paris/Orleans/Nice, Frankfurt(Germ), Brussels (Bel), Amsterdam (Neth), Madrid/Barcelona/Ibiza/San Sebastian (SP), Lisbon/Madeira (Port), Milan/Florence/Venice/St. Margherita (IT), Montego Bay/Negril (Jam), Nassau/Freeport (Bah), St. John/St. Thomas/St. Croix (USVI), San Juan (P. Rico), and Acapulco (Mex), Vancouver (Can) - For fun.
* Toronto (Can), Cannes (Fr) - for work

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?
Surfer types and Hollywood types

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?
Lately, yes. We'd like to raise our kids somewhere safe and with affordable housing - but we're in the film business, so it's a pipe dream.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?
Over all, we have more negatives than positives. I grew up in Sacto where schools can be decent, but over all, we're testing dismally low.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?
Cost of living is outpacing jobs - especially in the housing market. Schools and healthcare are extremely problematic.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?
Not sure. I hope that we'll have leadership that will truly put education and healthcare first.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?
I hate to admit that I'm not up on what's being suggested now - "guest worker" etc. I only know that we can't accommodate every single person who wants to come, we can't deny that many of the jobs being done are jobs that others aren't willing to do. It's just a really fine line between saving ourselves and still helping others. It would be less of an issue (some) if we had universal healthcare.

[irish74]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?
I have lived here my whole life, almost 32 years. My parents moved here in the late '60s/early '70s. I'm 2nd generation American. My DH calls me a newcomer since he is 5 generations in San Francisco.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).
Some college.

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
They left conservative states to move here to enjoy the counterculture and liberal views. Why else did anyone move to SF in the '60s? ;)

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.
Mainly leisure travel, I did not move for school and my field does not require travel. International: Mexico, Canada, France, Italy. Within US: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, I'm sure I'm missing a few others and of course all over California.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?
A lot of people from other states think all of California is like Southern California, but Northern and Southern California are very different. People think that we are all blonde, surf, drive a convertible, etc., but San Francisco is very much not that way.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?
Yeah, I think about it every time I pay the rent or look at the real estate ads, but I don't think I'd ever really do it, this is home and I don't know that I'd last one real winter. So far the only other place that truly felt like home was Nice, France. I'm quite sure I would be happy in San Diego too, but that's still California.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?
I have no first hand experience with public schools for K-12 education here in California and honestly very little knowledge of what they are like in other states, so I can really speak to that. I do think our state colleges and universities are top quality though.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?
I think we are running out of places to build and that our environment is truly going to suffer from the many, many track homes and developments that are being built where it used to be open country. The growth in population is going to hurt our natural resources.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?
I think California is and will continue to be a great economy. I believe it would be 6th largest national economy in the world?

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?
Immigration reform is highly needed. We need secure borders but I think citizenship should be made accessible to the farmworkers and other immigrant labor that helps keep the above mentioned economy running.

[LRL]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California? I have lived in California 26 years, all my life. I am a third generation Californian.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate). Post grad, MBA (ok, well I few courses away from it! :D )

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California? My grandparents came to California during the early part of the century for work during the real estate construction boom. My Grandfather was a contractor and helped to build many of the houses in the city which I live in today.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel. Business travel mainly in-state since we are a West Coast company. I have traveled throughout N. America, but have never ventured outside the continent for pleasure. I can't start to name off the many states I have been in... so many of them.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California? I think that Californians are viewed as liberal, sun loving people. The PP is correct when people assume that Southern Ca and Northern Ca are similar as this is most incorrect. Not only is the political arena different in N Ca, but there is also a different lifestyle here.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not? I have considered moving mainly because of the costs of housing, but have not done so because it is important for me to remain close to my family.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? I think that the educational system in California and the US for that matter is not up to par with competing countries with emerging/strong established economys. My DS will definitely be attending a private school where I can have a strong influence on his education. This is in regards to public K-12 schools. For universities, I think we have some great schools, particularly speaking the UC system. I have met people from all over the world coming to Ca for their undergrad and grad degrees and then taking their educations right back to their homelands to contribute to their economies.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

For the rest of the questions, I think it is necessary for you to tell us what you are looking for. Maybe be a little moere specific? Are you looking for political problems, environmental problems, educational problems, etc. And what type of successes? Being more specific may also help in your paper. I know it is hard writing this sort of interview paper- it helps to guide your interviewees in what you are looking for (without guiding the responses of course! ;) )

[laura]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?

I've only lived in California for ~3 years.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).

BA degree.

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?

My husband's job brought us here.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.

My travel is all leisure travel: Italy, Aruba, Hawaii, Mexico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, many other misc states (about 35 total)

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?

Hmm. When we moved to the bay area, nearly everyone we told made a joke about gay people - I'm not sure why they would think that's appropriate, but there you go. When people visit us, I think they're surprised that this area isn't the tropical/beach atmosphere a la Bay Watch that one may find in SoCal.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?

Yes, we will most likely move back east b/c we prefer it there.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?

I think the UC college system is practically an anomoly. I don't know much about lower education since we don't have kids.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

Closing or at least working to bridge the housing/income gap is going to be a challenge that plagues this area for a very long time, I think.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

[katiems118]

How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?All my life, 27 years, both parents born here, as well as both sets of grandparents.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).4 year degree, B.A.

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
No clue
4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.Education travel-Europe, Leisure travel- Hawaii, NV, AZ,Bahamas, OR

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?blonde beach bimbo's, oh any people from other states are always asking "do you see celebrities? Yeah we have a zoo where we go and get to look at them" , hey they are regular people too

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?I love it here, I hate the real estate prices, but I love the weather, and job opportunities are great.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?Not sure, I went to UCSD for college, didnt consider out of state.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?Housing price crisis, traffic problems, earthquakes, fires, flooding

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?Hmm, thats a tough one.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within CaliforniaI do not think that illegal immigrants should be given drivers licenses...

[Amuse Bouche]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?
I lived in California from birth to age 17 when I went away to college. I moved to New York after college and just moved back to California last year. My family has been here almost 100 years, I believe


2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).
I have a JD

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
My dad has been here since high school (he attended boarding school in SoCal) and his family eventually joined him, so my grandparents and my dad's sister also live here. My mother and grandmother were born here -- I believe my great great grandmother came out when my great grandmother was a baby because my great grandmother was sickly and her doctors recommended a warmer climate. I moved back here because my family is here and it feels like home.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.
For leisure I've traveled pretty extensively in Europe, including spending a semester abroad in college. I've also traveled throughout California and up and down the eastern seaboard.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?
My college roommate thought everyone was a hippie and asked me where I keep my yogurt. The stereotypes about northern and southern California are different though -- the ones about SoCal typically revolve around the movie industry (everyone is rich/shallow/surgically enhanced/thin/blond), and the ones about NorCal tend to revolve around political stereotypes (everyone is rich/liberal/crazy/hippie/eats raw food). There's some truth in all the stereotypes, though obviously there are exceptions to every rule.


6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not? I did for college, then law school and the beginning of my adult life. I was ready to leave and to experience something different, and I'm glad I did. I probably stayed away longer than I would have otherwise due to my DH.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? I think the college and university system is excellent - one of the best in the country. The elementary and high school system is wildly inconsistent -- it's all funded locally, and while you can get a fantastic education in the public system there's absolutely no guarantee. There are some very fine private high schools though - good enough IMO to compete with the big heavies of the Northeast (Andover, Choate, Groton, etc.)

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?
There's some serious issues with governance due to the Proposition system. Something like 90% of the state budget is tied up through propositions, which doesn't provide for much give as needs change. There's also the issue with the allocation of natural resources. Oil to some degree since it's a pretty oil dependent state as a whole, but the fulcrum is really water. Who's going to get the water, whether there will be enough water - it's a problem California has been facing since the 19th century. There's also a problem with an increasing disparity between wealthy and not wealthy, and more and more people are in the not wealthy category, and a lot of that has to do with real estate prices.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?
I think it will continue to be a source of new ideas and an economic powerhouse, the source of many agricultural and industrial products, and a lovely place to live.


10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

[CityGirl]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?
I've lived here all my life. My parents just moved to Florida 2 years ago after living here since they were kids. My grandparents moved here during the 40s.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).
4 year degree

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
My grandparents were looking for a better life for their families. They came from farming communities in Texas and Iowa.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.
I've traveled quite a bit, all for leisure. Many Euopean countries, several Eastern Asian countries, Polynesia, Mexico...

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?
That everyone lives near the beach, is good looking, and has money.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?
Yes. We considered moving to Portland because we value the city's general standard of living, but ultimately I don't think we could deal with the weather.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?
I think it really varies. Both DH and I grew up in public schools and went to a state school for college, but the reality of putting our kid in public schools here is totally going to depend on the city we end up living in. I get the impression that other areas of the country are similar.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?
Overcrowding & lack of a working class.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?
Continuing rise in tourism.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

[Surftraitor]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California? 5 years

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate). Undergrad degree

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California? DH was accepted into business school

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel. Extensive leisure travel...much of US, Mexico, Canada, South Pacific, Central America. Lived in Europe for six months. Business: domestic travel only.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California? Lazy, Surfer Dudes, Hollywood

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not? Yes, housing costs, education system and family living on east coast

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? Public education is awful. Private schools are overwhelmed with demand but no supply. We will eventually move out of California because of the schools.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future? Worsening education system, awful roads,

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future? Housing market will continue to sustain itself (relative to rest of country), silicon valley will become prosperous again, biotech industry

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California? Nope.

[Jennifer]

1.How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California? I know my grandparents on my dad's side were born in CA - so they've been here for over 80 years. Both parents were born in CA as was I - my mom's parents have been in CA for about 65 years.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate). 4 year degree


3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California? Honestly I don't know - I better ask while they are still around!


4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel. Extensive US travel for both personal and business - most of the states (everything on both coasts - missing a few in the middle). Foreign travel is personal only and more limited than I want - only Mexico and French Polynesia.


5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California? Everyone lives near the beach, has a tan and surfs. Additionally we are all crazy fruit and nut granola's ;)


6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not? Considered it for business purposes - my industry has more opportunities elsewhere - but I LOVE it here. We'll only move West (ie Hawaii)


7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? Lower grades have really come down in quality. Higher education (UC/CSU) systems are very good...better than most other public systems. World-wide I have to say we are slipping.


8. What problems do you see California facing in the future? Lots of economic problems - we spend way more than our population can support - and do it in crazy ways - not investing in infastruction properly. We pass laws heavily taxing business and that drive up energy costs - again driving business out and causing more budgetary problems. Huge divide between haves and have nots. Finding labor to keep the agriculture industry going cost-effectively.


9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future? It's still a great place with great people - hopefully we can overcome them!

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California? While I am not a fan of illegal immigration - we have GOT to find a way to allow inexpensive labor into the state as needed - and as people want to do it. And the idea of a fence hundreds of miles long is offensive to me - that is not the way to deal with immigration issues.

[kalogrias]

1.How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?

We've been here about 4 years.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).

BA and MA


3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?

I came out here for grad school (NorCal) and my husband was posted out here with the Navy (SoCal).


4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.

Extensive personal travel history. All over Europe and Asia. A little bit of Africa (Togo, Ghana, Egypt). A lot of travel up and down both US coasts, but not all that much in the middle (just WY and CO).

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?

Fake boobs, tans, exercise nuts, bean sprouts and health food.


6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?

Yes. We're both originally East Coasters, and we'd like to get back there eventually. We're actually on our way to Korea now for at least 2 years (leave next week!)

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?

Awesome public university system -- esp. the UCals. High-school on down...eh, it really depends on where you live (like anywhere else). Some are good, some are bad. The good systems are VERY good and the bad systems are horrible. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground. Lack of funding is a big reason for that.


8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

Heinous economic issues. Overcrowding -- of areas, schools, etc. Job-loss, esp. in SoCal. Immigration.


9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

Californians really seem to love their state, so I'd say that most things will likely be resolved in the end because people will seriously put themselves out to make sure they do.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

Lots of ideas, but no time to formulate :o

[KK812]

I just got here a couple months ago, so IDK if you'd like my input or not. :)

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California? We moved to San Diego in August.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate). Some college

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California? My husband is in the military.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel. We travel a couple times a year within the US, but when we have the opportunity/time we will be doing much more traveling. Thus far, I have only traveled within the US & Canada.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California? Generally liberal, large focus on appearance, large hispanic population

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not? Yes. We are only here for about 15 months until we get PCSed, and will probably never move back.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? I think it depends a lot on the economy of a certain area. Compared to the country, average to above average. Compared to the world, well above average

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future? The cost of living is not feasible for the average person. We might have considered staying longer had we been able to buy comfortably.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California? I think a program should be implemented to allow illegal immigrants to become legal, but I don't think it should be an easy process, and I don't think they should be pushed to the top of the list ahead of those who are tryng to do it right the first time. I also think that the government needs to crack down on those who are not willing to cooperate with said program.

[losthoosier]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California? I have lived here for 7 years and my DH has lived here 36 years.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate). I have my MBA degree

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?
I came to Cali to attend school.
4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel. Leisure travel I have been around the country and Mexico and Canada

My husband was a marine and has been all around the world


6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?
Yes, the housing market is horrific, I want to be able to let my kids play in a backyard.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world? I am skeptical about California K-12 grade system. The schools are overpopulated

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future? Either a drop in housing or an extreme rise again

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future? The economy of California is strong.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California? I say let them in. They do the jobs I know I don't like doing. They are hard working, and are just looking for money to send home to support their families. If they commit crimes while here then send them back.

[Rosebud]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?

I was born in California and have lived here all my life, with the exception of 3.5 years for college (in Massachuetts). My parents and all four of my grandparents were also born in California. That is fairly unusual among my friends.

2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).

I have a BS in Film from Boston University.

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?

My Dad's family came here from Ireland and the Netherlands. My Irish great-grandfather was a poor fishermen looking for something better. He sailed from Ireland to San Francisco, all the way around the tip of South America. He met my great-grandmother there, who had also recently immigated from Ireland. My Dutch great-grandfather was the second son in the family and didn't stand to inherit anything, so he bought a bunch of land in the Midwest but soon ditched that and moved to California, where he started a small business. He met and married my great-grandmother, who had come from Australia looking for something different after deaths in her family.

On my Mom's side the family had been in the USA for a while and moved to California from other places in the country in the late 1800s for business opportunities. My great-grandparents on that side worked importing oil containers and Asian goods, as the port in Los Angeles was just opening up to the world.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.

When I was growing up my parents were teachers and had summers off. Every summer for many years we would drive around the country for 6 weeks. By the time I was 12 I'd been to every state in the union, Canada and Mexico. As an adult I've traveled to Europe multiple times, but a busy career has prevented me from doing further & more exotic travel. I don't really travel for work at all, it's all leisure.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?

I hate the stereotypes that we're all stupid, shallow and excessively liberal. This is the most populous state in the union, with a hugely diverse group of people living here. It's absolutely ridiculous and ignorant to say we're "all" one way or another. And different regions in CA are so different from one another, as well.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?

I went away for college because I really wanted to experience something different, and I'm really glad that I did. As an adult, I've considered moving from California because the cost of living here is so high, and even though DH and I each work 50+ hours a week and make a combined 6 figures, we can't afford to buy a starter home.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?

I think that, like most places in the USA, the educational system is what you make of it. I went to public schools and got an excellent eduction. If you put in the effort, you'll get something back. However, our schools in CA are severely underfunded and overcrowded. Poor and Spanish-speaking kids are at a huge disadvantage here. And I feel strongly that "No Child Left Behind" doesn't work for CA and makes our problems worse.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

Our population growth is staggering and will have a huge impact on our future. We see it already with pollution, school overcrowding and traffic congestion. Illegal immigration is a problem, but people moving here from other states is also a problem. I think this is the biggest issue of our future. The other big issue is the cost of living, which means that in most areas, a majority of citizens cannot afford to buy a home. If housing prices do not come down to a more reasonable level, you'll have a whole generation completely priced out of the market. There are a lot of people living at the poverty level because you cannot survive here on mimimum wage. Something's got to give.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

I think that our industry will continue to be essential to the country as a whole. The entertainment industry is a major economic power, and the food/wine business here should continue to flourish.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

Immigration is a problem. It's been a problem for a very long time and no one has ever figured out what to do about it. However, I hate it that the Republican party is picking this up as a "conservative issue" and trying to force through policy which doesn't consider all the issues involved. Most of the people who are being hysterical about this right now don't live here and don't clearly understand the complexities of the situation.

[pacificbliss]

1. How long have you (and your family if several generations have lived here) lived in California?

I was born here and my parents were born here. My grandparents came from the New England.


2. What is your eduction background? (eg. HS graduate/4-year degree/post-grad degree/other- elaborate).

4 year degree

3. Why did you (or your ancestors if you were born here) come to California?

My grandparents on both sides came here from the East Coast because there were more opportunities (jobs) for them.

4. What is your travel history? Please differentiate business/education travel from leisure travel.

For work I travel around the US and parts of Canada. For leisure I have been around the US, Mexico, and Europe.

5. What "stereotypes" come to mind when you think about the State of California?

I hate the Californians are all a bunch of crazies stereotype.

6. Have you ever considered moving away from California? Why or why not?

I actually just got back to CA after 7 years in NC. I still consider moving away again because the cost of living is so high.

7. How do you think the education system in California compares with elsewhere in the country/world?

We have some excellent Colleges and Universities but I think on the whole our public education system is lagging behind. In fact a January RAND report showed CA at or near the bottom on every measurement. They measured things like funding/student and scores on standardized tests.

8. What problems do you see California facing in the future?

I think congestion and the cost of living will be a problem. I am in biotech and this sector even sees a bit of a "brain drain" where talented people leave because a professional couple can't afford to buy a house.

9. What successes do you forsee California having in the future?

CA is a major world economy and I think that will continue to be the case.

10. Are there comments you'd like to share about the current/ongoing immigration debate within California?

The economy of CA is hugely dependant on the cheap labor immigrants provide and I hope that we can come up with something that's fair for all parties.