A Conservative’s Love Letter To California

California. It’s a land where ocean waves etch poetry into cliffs, where redwoods whisper stories of resilience to the wind, and where the sun dips its gilded edges into endless fields of gold. To grow up here is to be embraced by a land of unparalleled beauty and vast contrasts—both in its landscapes and its spirit.

It is a place that has nurtured dreamers and pioneers, a crucible of creativity and innovation, yet it has become, for many, a battleground for the values that define it.  

I know this duality well. As a native Californian, my life has been intricately woven with the golden threads of this state’s splendor. My first trip to Disneyland felt like stepping into a storybook, as princesses from the tales I adored came to life, their shimmering gowns catching the sunlight as they glided through the park.

I remember the wonder of seeing snow for the first time in Lake Tahoe, lying on the frosted ground to make snow angels as I marveled at a world turned white. Driving through Napa Valley’s endless rows of grapevines felt like slipping into a painting, vibrant and alive with color and luxury.

Yet as I grew older, my deepening Christian faith and solidifying conservative values created a sense of estrangement in my own home. California, known as a liberal stronghold, seemed to drift further from the ideals I held dear. In 2020, I joined the wave of over 725,000 residents who chose to leave. I sought greener pastures in redder states, determined never to return. But hearts have their own maps, and mine eventually led me back home.

Four years away gave me clarity: California, for all its flaws, is worth fighting for.  

The Golden State’s Radiant Soul

California is more than its breathtaking scenery—it’s a cornerstone of America’s prosperous spirit. From hiking among the towering Sierra mountains to surfing the waves along the Pacific coastline, California is a symphony of landscapes. Yet, its glory extends far beyond its geography.

It was the land of dreams during the Gold Rush, when thousands of hopeful souls marched westward to chase the glittering promise of wealth. The discovery of gold in 1848 sparked a mass migration that helped shape the character of California–bold, driven, and full of aspiration. California became the 31st state in 1850, later earning its nickname “The Golden State,” – a moniker that accurately reflected both its treasures and the boundless ambition of its people.

Its cultural influence is irreplicable. Hollywood calls the state its own, where dreams are made and stories are told for the world to see. It is a land of artistic expression that has influenced industries from film and fashion to music and technology. Silicon Valley, home to the world’s largest tech companies, fuels a future where the impossible becomes possible. And as the world’s fifth-largest economy, California stands as a global leader, its industries—from agriculture to aerospace—touching every corner of the earth.

But, for all its success, California is not without its challenges. The skyrocketing costs, suffocating taxes, dangerous sanctuary cities, and toxic ideologies that creep into our public schools have left many disillusioned and weigh heavily on the hearts of those who cherish this place. It is easy to see all the trouble and wonder if the California we love has slipped away.

However, underneath it all lies an idea. California is a symbol of the enduring belief that beauty can thrive even in adversity. Its treasure trove of opportunity, history, and legacy far outweighs the temporary hurdles of our governance. And that is precisely why it is worth saving.

The Wildfires and the Will to Rebuild

The wildfires that ravage California each year are a haunting reminder of the state’s fragility, and that is more apparent now in Los Angeles than ever before. In cities like Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena, the flames have transformed beloved communities and habitats into shadowy ruins of ash and debris. Over 40,000 acres have been scorched, leaving the skies heavy with noxious smoke. Families flee their homes, clutching what little they can carry, as neighborhoods vanish into the inferno. The toll is staggering—24 lives lost, many unaccounted for—and the scars left behind stretch far beyond the land.

Every Californian knows the eerie cast of wildfire smoke. The flames that roar through this state are not just a consequence of nature but years of awful governance and mismanagement—policies that prioritize optics over ability, that value symbolic gestures over substantive action. These fires are devastating, yet they ignite something powerful in California’s people: an indomitable will to rebuild and restore.

California’s wildfire crisis is a reflection of political failures that have allowed this tragedy to repeat itself. Neglected forests, ignored reservoirs, and “inclusive” bureaucracies have exacerbated the threat and left the state vulnerable. But even in the face of such immense loss, the flames bring with them lessons: the desperate need for reform, the call for leadership rooted in competence, and the power of communities that refuse to give up.

What emerges from the ashes, time and again, is a reminder of California’s resilience. Across Los Angeles and beyond, neighbors become protectors, strangers become allies, and the strength of human connection burns brighter than the fires themselves. Firefighters from across the state, country, and abroad battle the flames with courage and resolve, risking their lives to save this cherished land. Volunteers offer shelter, food, and hope, weaving a tapestry of kindness that transcends politics, backgrounds, and beliefs.

In the devastation, there is a light—a reminder that we, the people, are the true stewards of this land. The recovery is not just about restoring what was lost; it is about rekindling the spirit of a place that has always inspired optimism and possibility. California’s beauty, shaped by its people and its promise, endures, and it is in the strength of our unity and the tenacity of our hearts, that we can rise together to protect our home and have the courage to believe in a brighter tomorrow.

California’s Redemption Story

The future of California demands more than wistful reflections on its past; it takes action, vision, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the beauty, diversity, and zeal that make this state extraordinary. It calls for active participation in the policies and choices that will shape the landscape for future generations. While California is often seen as a bastion for left-leaning politics, the 2024 election illuminated a powerful shift. Many counties cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump, representing an awakening among Californians who believe that their state can honor its legacy while embracing needed change. It’s a reminder that the fight to preserve California’s heart and soul is not only necessary but possible.

The decisions made at the ballot box directly shape the essence of our communities, from revitalizing forest management to ensuring safer streets. Supporting candidates who champion fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and policies that prioritize residents and taxpayers is a crucial step toward restoring California’s promise as a land of opportunity. But the fight for California’s future isn’t confined to the ballot box. It lives in everyday acts of care—volunteering to restore local parks, supporting sustainable businesses, and joining school boards and community organizations. These small but powerful efforts build the foundation of a state that honors its natural resources and invigorates its enduring spirit.

California remains a magnet attracting the brightest and most creative minds. From the culinary brilliance of San Francisco to the entrepreneurial pulse of Los Angeles, this state has always been a birthplace of ideas that shape the world. It’s a place where talent and determination converge, faith finds a foothold, and reinvention shapes its identity. Just as the grizzly bear on our state’s flag prevails as a symbol of strength and independence, we too must embody that same fierceness and initiative, rising to meet the challenges and protect the place we love. 

The state’s history is one of transformation, and its future holds that same promise. As communities rally together, elect leaders who reflect their values, and fight for policies rooted in common sense and care, there is hope yet. California’s rich culture, diversity of thought, and unparalleled inventiveness lay the roots for change that uplifts and inspires us all. 

So to my fellow conservatives–don’t be so quick to write off California. Its story is far from over, and its best days are still ahead. With love, faith, and unwavering dedication from across the United States and beyond, we can have hope in knowing that California’s future is bright and its golden legacy will continue to shine for years to come.