Describe these "people asked me", OP.

I can’t speak for the entire state, but I’ve visited San Francisco many times (never lived there). It was one of the dirtiest, most disgusting cities I’ve ever visited, and I’ve visited Mumbai. I would leave conferences after speaking to people worth hundreds of millions of dollars, to be greeted by a sea of homeless people shooting up drugs, vomiting, and shitting in the streets. I’ve witnessed multiple crimes in the short trips I’ve taken, including mugging, theft, and assault. I’ve no doubt the city once held cultural cache and beauty, but it’s hard to find now. It’s hidden under a layer of crime, trash, boarded up stores, and graffiti.

Sadly my trips to Los Angeles were not much better. I am told other Californian cities are much nicer. It’s just such a shame to see what they have allowed to happen to such once beautiful cities.

I loved California. I just couldn't afford it anymore.

Also, their power grid has to be the only one worse than Texas. My power was ALWAYS going out there. Last time I visited my parents there, their power was out for 3 of the 7 days I was there.

It is too hot.

It's endless soulless suburbia interspersed by twelve-lane traffic jams, what's there to like?

I also like the "you get what you vote for" comments about CA. WE voted for the best candidate out there at the time for Gov., we've had both parties in the past and they were a mixed lot...the guy who lost during the last recall election was dragging around a live bear to do press events and didnt have much of a position on anything relevant and he lost...

So, what is it that California does (policy-wise) that people hate so much?

Consider the possibility that the "hate" is not an opinion being reached in good faith.