The company I work for is based out of San Diego (I’m from the deep south) and they fly me out there occasionally for work. I also lived there for about a year a little over 10 years ago. Downtown San Diego is somewhat similar to what you mentioned but the rest of it is basically paradise. Granted, I couldn’t afford to live there (especially the paradise parts) but none of the stuff you mentioned has been a problem to me as an out-of-towner.

I rented a car so I can’t comment on taxis, but I’m willing to bet that’s not a California specific thing. In fact, if you’ve ever been to Seoul or Busan you would probably wish you had a California driver. The nice hotel I stayed at was around $250 a night I believe and it was around some nice shops that I visited for food. Never saw anyone steal anything and don’t recall seeing stuff locked up (at least not nearly as much as I do where I’m from in the south).

I went to Pacific beach, didn’t see anyone (noticeably) on drugs and ate a wonderful dinner and ran around on the beach at night with some coworkers. We also went to a Padres game (they lost) and had a blast. Parking sucked and was expensive. There were a good bit of homeless people packed downtown and it wasn’t nearly as nice as it was 10 years ago. The worst thing about it is it’s super expensive and things are really far a part and car centric, but I don’t know any place in the US that’s not really like that.

However, I absolutely believe every thing you said. I don’t doubt any of it. In fact it sound vaguely similar to my experience in San Fransisco many years ago. California is a massive state, like, super duper big. Some parts are better than others but overall I think it’s a pretty sweet place if you could afford it. There are definitely places I’d choose to live over California but it wouldn’t be too far down the list.