I'm a huge California fan. The is just so much to do and the weather cannot be beat. And if you don't like it, just about any climate is close enough to drive to for the weekend. Just make sure you plan the drive around the traffic - there are a lot of people here.
And there are many different parts of California, even some that are conservative!
For the most economic opportunity - bay area. Ski courses in berkeley and foster city, and fresh water site at the south end of San Jose. Culture isn't my favorite there - the kind of place where people spend time with each other to further careers and make connections.
Sacramento has more water and is way more low key. Still liberal until you get to placer/el dorado county to the west, then it's conservative politics. Lakes all over and a ski season from april to october. (you can ski longer but it's just cold)
Socal for the best weather and most people. A more friendly culture than norcal, but a lot less water and longer commutes. Courses in San Diego, carslbad, Canyon Lake, and then a bunch of private sites that are really too far to commute from in bakersfield, barstow, and palm springs.