What Does The California Dream Mean Today?

California, as a state, has long been connected to the idea of a dream.

For instance, you might have moved here to pursue your dream job. Or someone in your family brought you here because they were following their dream.

But in its long history, the California Dream has meant different things to different people. And today, the state’s identity stands in marked contrast to much of the rest of the country; some of that is progressive politics and some is shifting demographics. It’s also marked by skyrocketing housing costs, declining economic mobility and devastating natural disasters. The dream may still be alive, but it’s challenged at every corner.

So what does it mean today?

We’re kicking off a new initiative exploring the history, promise and reality of the California Dream with a special statewide call-in show called “Today’s California Dream.” It’s a new partnership between public and nonprofit media outlets across the state.  We’ll look at how the state has changed, where it’s headed and what it means to the people who live here.

And, as part of the show and the coverage, we want to hear your story of the California Dream: What brought you or your family here? What makes you stay? Or, if you’re thinking of leaving the state, tell us why.

Join us Thursday, February 15, at 12 p.m., for “Today’s California Dream”. You can also experience the show via Facebook Live on KQED’s Facebook Page.

Guests:
Richard White, professor of American History, Stanford University
Matt Levin, data reporter, CALmatters
Amita Sharma, reporter, KPBS

The California Dream series is a statewide media collaboration of CALmatters, KPBS, KPCC, KQED and Capital Public Radio with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the James Irvine Foundation and the College Futures Foundation.