When it comes to political and other type of thought in this country, I abide by the notion that RELATIVELY SPEAKING, California is one of the most progressive and enlightened places in this country. By saying this, I also acknowledge that it is far from perfect.
Nonetheless, in contrast to "red state, heartland America," it far outstrips ANY of those states' in terms of its willingness to be progressive and move forward.
As a most recent example of this, see what the State of California is trying to do with respect to environmental regulation and mandatory reduction of auto emissions and greenhouse gasses . . . and how the auto industry is fighting them every step of the way:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A45646-2004Dec7.html