California Dreamin'

When thinking about what the "California Dream" meant to me, I immediately thought of the song, "California Dreamin'" by the Mamas and Papas (1965). The lyrics of this song are about a man most likely in the cold of the east coast longing for the warmth and sun of California. To me, the California Dream is about warmth and sun and the beach, but it is also about much more--it is about living a more relaxed lifestyle, becoming famous to some/ making it in Hollywood and being successful (whether that refers to money or happiness depends on the individual). I have just touched upon the more positive aspects of the California Dream.
As a native Californian, I have had the opportunity to go to the sunny beaches and walk along the streets of Sunset Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. I enjoy the usually beautiful weather. I remember going in my backyard this Christmas with a t-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops on. Afterall, it was about seventy-six degrees outside. Those on the east coast experienced blizzards and heavy rainfall. This past week or so, however, has been cold and very rainy. I should not complain since we are actually in winter, but the sudden weather change has got me thinking about the California Dream. As the Mamas and Papas sang back then on the east coast, "...and the sky is gray...", the sky is gray here. If their lyrics do not ring true all of the time, then what exactly is the California Dream?