Let's get real. Yes Southern California was raped by developers in large part because that is where people ruched to move after WW II. And yes, there is a greater appreciation of nature to the north in large part because nature down this way isn't trees but sage brush and other not so glamorous plant life.

I lived in NorCal for several years and that 580 extension is just as bad as is the trip south of the City and oakland. Not really any difference from the burbs down here.

I have fought against the horrors of development in both locales and continue to do so. Here in Los Angeles we are now at the stage where most development is in filling and higher density developments, much as happened in east coast cities long ago.

Now if you want us to go back to a less developed time, then I hope you are willing to take some of the 20 million people who moved in this area after I did, because they have to go somewhere.

If anything, you should kiss our feet for taking them so you did not have to. did we do it well? Decidedly not. But that was then and now we are doing what we can to rectify and correct some of those excesses.

Life is a banquet -- and most poor suckers are starving to death -- Auntie Mame
You are born naked and everything else is drag - RuPaul