Those of a certain age, like old, may remember the Mamas and Papas, the 1960s rock group whose song “California Dreaming” became an anthem for many of that era.
At that time, California was my dream destination, but, sadly, maturity reared its head and I relocated to Washington state while still retaining wistful memories of my time living the dream.
Now, however, my nostalgia is tinged with relief that I didn’t opt to live the dream because yesterday’s California Dream has morphed into a nightmare due to present-day management — mismanagement? — of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Although, when you think about it, Newsom’s California is not much different from Gov. Jay Inslee’s Washington.
Specifically, Newsom enjoyed a $97.5 billion budget surplus in 2022, but, in just two years, turned the surplus into a $56 billion deficit.
Way more than Washington state’s shortfall of $26 billion, but Inslee is trying.
And California’s lamentable deficits also include water because its long-term water security is in question due to controversial dam removals that threaten wells.
And Washington state seems to be moving in the same direction with similarly contentious dam removals.
Sadly, not everything in California is in decline as retail store smash-and-grabs and car jackings continue to skyrocket and, again, not to be left out, these crimes are on the increase in Washington, ranking Washinton among the most dangerous states in the country.
There is a phrase “As California goes, so goes the nation” and, judging by today’s Washington, it may well be true.
Sadly.
Dick Pilling
Port Angeles