Opinion: Every Californian should watch ‘Leaving California: The Untold Story’
The untold stories of Golden State should matter to all its residents
The Hollywood sign is one of the state’s most iconic landmarks.
When it comes to California, people always remember the endless coastline, bright sunshine and star-studded Hollywood with its countless opportunities and dreams. However, in recent years, more and more people and businesses have left California, a place they once loved. In the more than an-hour-long documentary “Leaving California: The Untold Story,” the answer emerges as to why an exodus is occurring.
“Leaving California” unfolds from the perspective of “California Insider” host Siyamak Khorrami. She takes the audience to talk with government officials, educators, business owners and citizens to tell those helpless or beautiful stories and showing the shadow looming over California.
The documentary explores such issues as crime, education, housing, cost of living, wildfire, homelessness and more, gradually revealing the reasons behind these problems.
Touching stories of some ordinary people we meet every day are matched with smooth editing and appropriate music, which firmly catches the audience’s eyes throughout the whole documentary.
Californians will feel an innate connection to the film because of its visual tours through the state’s iconic and infamous trademarks – people coming and going through the Avenue of Stars, dense residential areas, downtowns full of tents, lush forests and more.
As a documentary, “Leaving California” has neither technological special effects nor funny plots. It uses precise analysis and unfiltered footage to inspire the audience. Maybe the reality is serious and not lovely, but it is the truth that people have to know.
The lack of comedy and tension breaks are vital for the film to make its message. It’s a necessary splash of cold water amid a media sphere laden with comedic and non-serious material blinding people from harsh realities.
According to a nonprofit and nonpartisan think tank Public Policy Institute of California, in just two years from 2020 to 2022, California lost 600,000 people. Although there are other factors to consider – COVID-19 deaths and a decline in immigration – the figure is undoubtedly inflated by those leaving the state due to its conditions.
With quality of life showing no signs of improving, Californians need to get a grasp of the issues plaguing the state and consider what role they may be able to play in making their home a better place to live.
Carol • Jun 28, 2023 at 10:32 pm
Interesting subject, to bad the article does not say how or where you can watch this documentary.
Becky Davis • Jun 28, 2023 at 11:18 am
We’re a small business that had to relocate out of state to survive. We were literally zoned out of our city (which has existed for less time than we have). We had over 20 separate licenses, permits, or required filings each year in California (for a 2 person business), but have 1 each year in Montana. Being a business in broken California costs a minimum of $800/ year, even if you do nothing, whereas Montana is $35/year.
We grew up here when California was an aerospace, entertainment, and agriculture wonder, with excellent, affordable education. We despair over what has happened to this once great state due to bad politics & policies.
Carmen • Jun 28, 2023 at 1:46 am
The Author of this story of people leaving California, in my opinion forgot to mention Governor Newsom is the main reason why people have chosen to leave, or will be leaving. However, it may not be a wise decision to make should you be a business owner, you will be paying taxes in two states, which is ridiculous. But leave it to the politicians to screw us over, one of them to be Newsom. California is not the place where you want to raise a family, don’t let the beaches along the 101 freeway fool you, it’ll cost you a pretty penny to stay somewhere that is affordable. California is not what it use to be. I remember as a little girl, my parents would leave our front door open on hot sunny nights just with a screen door and a little latch we were safe. But now we have security screen doors with door bell cameras because nobody is safe, and that we have our governor to thank for also. Stay safe, means to stay out of California.
Ron • Jun 27, 2023 at 3:37 pm
I am a life long resident but can’t take it anymore. The porhressive agenda has forced me out. Next mo th we are gone
StevieB • Jun 27, 2023 at 2:11 pm
Yep … so sad.
Lorelie Toribio • Jun 27, 2023 at 1:52 pm
Still better than red states
Joe Labarrere • Jun 27, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Only one political family has controlled the state for decades. Vote it out. My family came in 1800. We will probably leave.
Adolf • Jun 27, 2023 at 11:31 am
California is a sinking ship!! Politicians are snakes that don’t care. Just lining there pockets full of money. Time to leave.