Paradise Lost: How Progressive Policies Destroyed California
Paradise Lost: How Progressive Policies Destroyed California  
Podcast: The Daily Signal
Published On: Sun Mar 30 2025
Description: Author and California resident Steve Hilton discusses his new book, "Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America's Worst-Run State." Hilton details California's dramatic decline from a beacon of American opportunity to a state plagued by homelessness, crime, and an exodus of residents. Hilton, known for his appearances on Fox News, delves into the policies that have led to high taxes and urban decay in California, as well as the potential presidential ambitions of Gov. Gavin Newsom. Drawing from his personal experience raising a family and running a business in California since 2012, Hilton identifies the ideological "pathologies" that have led to the state's downfall—from extreme environmentalism to union control and misguided compassion policies. Hilton offers a vision for California's revival through his policy organization Golden Together. He provides a stark warning about the consequences of one-party rule and offers practical solutions for turning America's Golden State around. 00:00 Introduction 01:08 California's Decline: Hilton's Personal Experience 01:46 The California Dream: Past and Present 03:29 Policy Failures and Solutions 05:34 Signs of Political Change in California 07:45 Economic and Cultural Metrics: California at the Bottom 09:07 Ideological Pathologies and Political Dynamics 18:23 The Exodus: Why People and Businesses Are Leaving 25:33 Conclusion: A Call for New Leadership The Daily Signal cannot continue to tell stories, like this one, without the support of our viewers: https://secured.dailysignal.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices