why did California grow for so long in terms of population?

[Beet]

It's the western end of the US. Consider the strategic implications if it were too sparsely populated. I mean, it would be like how the Russians are always worried that the Chinese are going to overrun Siberia. This way is much better; the state can absorb as much immigration as it has without the risk of sectionalism.

[Beet]

At least housing prices are still falling in California. They've been rising in Washington DC, the only major market to do so. I heard a report that in the past 3 months, there has been a 5% appreciation in my metro area. 5% of $400,000 is $20,000. That's more than I make in 3 months. That means, if I'm saving for a house, 3 months' of my work is just gone. This isn't like inflation where "wah wah my fixed income and savings isn't keeping up with 3% inflation, so I lost 2%". It isn't like taxes "wah wah why do I have to pay a third of my money to the gov't". No. This is all of it. I didn't net a single cent for that three months of work. The money is just out the window. I worked for nothing.