What's different about California?

A few years ago I had a business meeting in Los Angeles in the winter, flying in and out for one day from Minnesota. Something seemed really different, other than the obvious weather. Then it hit me: I didn't have to do everything I could to avoid rubbing up against the cars. They were clean. You could actually see what color they were. It's something those of us that live in wintry climates forget about this time of year. This weekend was clouds, melting snow, and lots of mud. For only a slight second I thought about what it would be like to live in San Diego. And then I went hiking and changed my mind.