Unmodified, it's just that the state system is far more onerous than it needs to be.

I'm aware of that - I was a computer tech for a couple of years. Everything from home computers through large enterprise networks, Windows and *nix. If it costs that much to maintain records, they're doing something wrong.

Don't get me started.

I grew up in Indiana, we're looking around Four Corners to unass this backwards state (and yes, we also plan to leave it behind. Municipal codes? Stupid smog regs that prevent progress? CA can keep 'em! Get out from under my hood, and I can make things run so much more cleanly. If I've got a non-op vehicle in my driveway - it's not dripping fluids, it's not dropping parts, and it's chocked so it doesn't roll - how is that anyone else's business?)

It's just with the economy the way it is right now, we can't afford to move across the street.

California is often called a "bellwether," because CA often does things first. Perhaps, but I think of CA more as a "Judas goat" than a bellwether" - ideas spreading out from CA proves the maxim that "There's nothing that spreads faster than a bad idea."

 

We have lots more people, and more vehicles to create smog than Indiana ever even thought about.
The emission control laws are to help make the air more breathable - and they work!
Sure, sometimes people try to get creative and try to fool or bypass the laws, but they end up paying the price.

I;m not defending some of the stupid laws, but the majority are needed.

Since you know "everything" about computer systems, maybe you could take advantage of your "knowledge" and work in Sacaramento and show them how to do it. The pay would allow you to be abe to move across the street or to wherever you like.