Eva, I feel the same way. Finally glad to be in California right now.

We have to remember, though, that California's current low infection rate was hard earned. We had a pretty horrific winter that scared people just enough to pull down the curve and prevent an India-like disaster.

A lot of disadvantaged people, especially poor latinos, got massively sick so that even with only 48% (latest number from the CDC) partially or fully vaccinated residents, we are much further ahead in terms of getting to herd immunity.

Just over the border, Oregon, with similarly strict lockdowns and similar vaccination rates is experiencing their worst numbers right now, because they had a much smaller sacrificial group of people.

We have been terrible at getting shots to this disadvantaged group. They are far far behind and if we don't do the hard work in reaching out to them, come winter, we will all be at risk again with the new variants and only a half-vaccinated population.

The inequality in the state is a huge flaw--made worst by the pandemic that allowed us WFH types to save money and buy houses--that has to be addressed. Going back to business as before would be a huge betrayal of our values. Now that we have a large surplus in the state budget, we have to do better in supporting our essential workers.

The manufactured housing shortage and overcrowded housing perfect for spreading disease in places like south L.A. is a disgrace when densities are so low and draconian zoning is enforced based on a racist redlining past.

We can't keep shoving low income people into the desert or Central Valley and forcing two hour commutes on them so that they can get to their supermarket or landscaping jobs on the coast while spitting out tons of the very noxious gases that drive our devastating wildfires and asthma-inducing smog.