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Golden State, Golden Tans and Golden Opportunities CaliforniaBy Alia Curtis
Just what is it about California that inspires “wanderlust” in perfectly stationary homebodies enjoying a little downtime? What is the lure and subsequent “gotta move here” addiction? Speaking as one who left a perfectly good job, great (and cheaper) living quarters, lifelong friends and family, I’d have to say it’s “LOVE.”
alia_curtis@yahoo.com
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©2005 California Film Industry
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t is not unusual to get into a conversation with a total stranger who is not from California. However, what is unusual is that many of them say the same thing, “I came here on vacation, and I just never left.” 
Like an adept lover, California charms with its breezy, tropical setting and breath- taking scenery. It lures with fun in the sun, multi-cultural experiences, and never-ending social activities for the young, old and in between. Finally it seduces with opportunity, diversity, and a freedom to love yourself just the way you are. Paradise? Well… that’s stretching it…a place to start a new life? …Perfect.
New lifestyles and attitudes permeate the California culture. It is information based and one of the most technologically advanced societies in the world. Its political stability influenced foreign investment increasing international trade and commerce. In terms of higher education, in addition to having over 100 two- year community colleges, it is the home of Berkeley, UCLA, CAL Tech, Stanford University, all encompassing a global level of excellence in the areas of engineering and medicine. California developed a complex of teaching and research institutions resulting in a revolution of atomic energy and the silicon-based computer chip. 
Let’s see, what have we left out? Ahh, yes, transportation. In Southern California there is LADOT which services 30 million passengers throughout the city and in Northern California– the Bay Area Transit System (BART). In addition to traveling the bay area, it bypasses the congestion on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and efficiently and comfortably gets one to their destination. It facilitates handicap as well bike access. Commuters in both Southern and Northern California’s transit systems, who ordinarily spend time focusing on traffic, can spend the commute time to do some leisure reading or finish up a morning report. 
Finally there is the entertainment industry, which has projected California’s image worldwide and created a medium by which the world views the US. So, why live in California? It’s where you to come to be a star, fulfill the American Dream or like me, enjoy the life of a permanent tourist.