CA is beautiful. Great climate. You can go from the ocean to the high mountains in a 4 hour drive. For us it isn't about politics. We plan to full time, or close to it so we will chase 70 degrees. Some states have considerable advantages for retirees. Things like state income taxes, pension taxes, vehicle registration costs, etc.
We are looking into becoming a "resident" of a retiree friendly state by virtue of a mail drop or very small cabin on a decent parcel that we can pay bills and register vehicles.
We have friends and family in CA and will always visit. I have lived here all of my 51 years and think as far as scenery and diversity of natural features CA is pretty hard to beat.
Wayne, I live pretty close to you in the foothills of the sierras as well. Pretty awesome country here. I certainly wasn't trying to disparage CA. It is expensive to live here though...