"Elmer, the reason they get so much snow and bad weather there is because of all the moist air coming off the ocean....." That's what I said and tried to be brief. I've spent my life in the state immediately to the south, where through the 700+ miles from there to the Mexican border, all areas are affected by that very same phenomenon on a much greater scale. Rain and snow on the west facing sides, deserts to the east of mountains in the lee. I actually had a class in university on the subject, The Geography and Regions of California. Weather variations are significant and are a prominent factor that influences differences from one part to another. . Didn't you see Fun2BHere's photo a few days ago with the palm trees in Newport Beach in the foreground and snow on the mountains in the not too distant background?

Lounge chair and ottoman that I designed, upholstered in silk velvet

Thirty or more years ago I was at a community yard sale. An elderly lady had this light for sale. A man saw it first and was trying to buy it from her. It was $50 and she wouldn't come down on the price. She said it hung in the foyer of her parents' house in Chicago. He said he would be back later to see if she came down on the price. The moment he turned away, I whipped out my $50 and bought it. It has isenglass inserts. I love it.

American Lady Butterfly. Note how different the pattern is on the top and underside of her wings