California is known as the Golden State, but lately it's been nicknamed the Blackout State what with rolling blackouts expected to continue this summer.
Frustrated with the state's energy problems, crowded highways and a sky-high cost of living, California native, Randy Lee says the timing seemed right to launch Leavingcal.com, his new site designed for people who want out.
"We're not against California," says Lee. "We are doing what we must because we have no choice."
Lee, Webmaster for Baywideweb.com and Baydate.com, says the site can either be used for pure entertainment or an education tool for comparing present living conditions with those of other States.
"The reality is that with the housing cost soaring to astronomical levels the average person can not afford to buy a house here," says Lee. "This is a shame for those of us who have lived in this State their whole lives and cherish the cultural diversity it has to offer. And the outlook is even worse for our children."
The site offers tips on relocating outside of California as well as polls and a quiz.
For example, If you lived in San Jose, Ca. and made $30,000 a year and you moved to Las Vegas, Nevada you could maintain the same style of living and make only $17,838 a year.
Companies are also starting to feel the pains of California. A Bay Area Economic Forum warning that higher energy costs will also hit businesses and their employees. A recent study by the Northern California group estimates a 50 percent increase in power rates will lead to $500 million in lost output, a loss of 15,000 jobs over three years, and consumers will have $1 billion less to spend.
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Google Plans to Twitterize Gmail?Of the more than 500 Bay Area companies participating in that survey, one in five of them said they've already considered relocation or investment elsewhere because of the state's power crisis.
Since its launch earlier this week, Lee says the site has gotten 10,000 hits. About 80 percent of the respondents agree that the state seems to be on a downward trend.
Lee says he is planning to move out of state himself in the next two years.







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