Why We Came to California, and Why We Stay

A year and a half ago, I left the Los Angeles neighborhood that I had lived in for a decade and relocated to San Francisco. The move was daunting — just me and my rescue cat, Kit, in a quiet apartment overlooking Golden Gate Park.

I felt awed by the beauty of the Bay Area, but the transition wasn’t all roses. Building a social life from scratch, I soon learned, was considerably harder than it had been in my 20s. I had heaped more tumult onto an already stressful, pandemic-inflected few years.

There was, however, one helpful constant: the community built in this newsletter. As I’ve often said here, the observations, suggestions and notes that you send me are drops of delight in my inbox. And they’ve allowed us to find connection and common ground in a time when that feels increasingly rare.

Together we’ve chronicled California culture, creating a comprehensive Golden State playlist, reading list and movie list. We’ve tapped into the California psyche by sharing how we mark time with disasters and rely on wacky roadside attractions to tell us that we’re almost home.

And, of course, we’ve discussed why we continue to live in California, despite its myriad problems. Hundreds of you have sent me thoughtful emails over the years about your experiences in the state — how your family arrived here, what you adore about your block, your favorite places to visit on summer break. Reading these missives feels like indulging in a conversation among friends.

Today, as I end my tenure leading this newsletter, I’m sharing some of my favorite California love letters from you. Thanks for sending them in.