ABSTRACT
This chapter intents to tie together the strands of information and insights about California presented in the foregoing pages. It focuses on positive steps that can make California successful again. Inconsistency is everywhere in California when it comes to ideas for rescuing the state from both its financial difficulties and social ills. As demonstrated California have an unusually varied demography, diverse population, and multi-faceted economy. A comprehensive study by the Public Policy Institute of California demonstrates beyond doubt that local taxes have little to do with the decisions of businesses to move from California elsewhere. The fact is that affluent interests have hijacked direct democracy, whether they are wealthy individuals, businesses associations, or organized labor. Too many Californians have left others behind, whether because of businesses outsourcing jobs, citizens fearing immigrants, or unions protecting unfit teachers. Just as California has a rich past, it can have a rich future.
