I left in 1994 and all the reasons were political so not really appropriate to discuss here. Let's just leave it at I don't miss it all that much. I get my fill on our annual trips there. That gives me all the California I want or need.
I like riding on the beach trails but there are some spectacular places elsewhere too. It's just the seasons are shorter.
The whole benefit of the Brompton will be to always have a bike on my travels without the hassles of taking my mountain bike.
I'll see you for a couple weeks when the snow flies later this year or early next.