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Califailure: Reversing the Ruin of America's Worst-Run State – California's Decline Under Gavin Newsom and the Path to Reform
Steve Hilton tackles the (literally) burning What will it take to save California?
California is a "model for the nation," Governor Gavin Newsom keeps telling us. "We're following a formula for success." In Califailure, Hilton compellingly captures exactly where this far-left experiment has gone fundamentally—catastrophically—wrong.
Great cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland collapsed into squalor as crime and homelessness were allowed to explode. The state that used to pride itself as the home of innovation and opportunity became the state with the worst rate of poverty, highest unemployment, and most hostile business climate in America—as well as the highest taxes.
How did this happen, and what is needed to turn things around? Hilton identifies the nine key "pathologies"—from Elitism to Cronyism to Narcissism—that define the ideology at the heart of California's decline. And he lays out a comprehensive program of policy reform ("CaliFuture") that will restore the Golden State to its rightful place as the very best of America.
Californians are starting to wake up from the long and fitful nightmare. In 2024 far-left politicians were removed from leadership positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Proposition 36, which in the words of its proponents "makes crime illegal again," passed overwhelmingly with majorities in every county.
Califailure is what happens when Democrats get everything they want. Increasingly, it's not what Californians want. This book explains why America must reject it, too.
California is a "model for the nation," Governor Gavin Newsom keeps telling us. "We're following a formula for success." In Califailure, Hilton compellingly captures exactly where this far-left experiment has gone fundamentally—catastrophically—wrong.
Great cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland collapsed into squalor as crime and homelessness were allowed to explode. The state that used to pride itself as the home of innovation and opportunity became the state with the worst rate of poverty, highest unemployment, and most hostile business climate in America—as well as the highest taxes.
How did this happen, and what is needed to turn things around? Hilton identifies the nine key "pathologies"—from Elitism to Cronyism to Narcissism—that define the ideology at the heart of California's decline. And he lays out a comprehensive program of policy reform ("CaliFuture") that will restore the Golden State to its rightful place as the very best of America.
Californians are starting to wake up from the long and fitful nightmare. In 2024 far-left politicians were removed from leadership positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Proposition 36, which in the words of its proponents "makes crime illegal again," passed overwhelmingly with majorities in every county.
Califailure is what happens when Democrats get everything they want. Increasingly, it's not what Californians want. This book explains why America must reject it, too.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
72 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 14, 2025
There are over 200 state agencies in the Golden State! Each one creates regulations and implements statutes that the state citizens have to abide by. The bureaucracy is out of control! And when people realize a measure or edict is failing, another disastrous measure is passed to try to blunt the damage. Governor Newsom is doing his best to drive out businesses from the state. He signed SB 205 in 2019 which made all businesses with certain Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes have to prove they held an Industrial General Permit in good standing before they could have their annual business license approved. The consequences of SB 205 have been devastating. The fee for the permit is $2,000 per year. If the business has outdoor storage, they have to pay between $30k-$100k in retrofits, then have to pay expert consultants to quarterly test their soil. The thresholds to be met by California's Dept. of Toxins and Substance Control seem to be arbitrary and people are being fined between $3,000 and $1 to $2 million dollars for each infraction. A consultant relates to Hilton that he has closed more businesses since the law took effect than in the last 25 years.
Steve Hilton is a brave man in that he wants the job of governor of the once great state. He sees the downward trajectory the state has taken the past two decades and wants to get in there and reverse the bureaucratic nonsense. He provides a devastating takedown of every issue CA residents face on a daily basis. San Francisco spent $423 million paying for more than 5,000 homeless to stay at hotels during the pandemic and the state spent $24 billion on the homeless in five years and nobody can account for the lost money. In 2020, wildfires produced more than double the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in one year than all the reductions made in CA between 2003 and 2019 combined, fires that were aided by the enforcement of environmental regulations that limit logging and forest management.
Billions have been spent on the train to nowhere. Newsom signed laws allowing non-citizens to be paid government funds, free education and housing loans, while his own legal citizens are left to scramble to pay the rent. Then he signed SB 960 which permits law enforcement to hire non-citizens as police and correctional officers. It has already been proven that the drug cartels have their soldiers in place in CA. It is absolutely appalling that he is even attempting to run for president. He has no self awareness at all. California needs a strong leader who will stand up to the unions (CA's education system ranks at the bottom in the country despite spending the most!) and the special interests. Maybe Hilton is that leader.
Steve Hilton is a brave man in that he wants the job of governor of the once great state. He sees the downward trajectory the state has taken the past two decades and wants to get in there and reverse the bureaucratic nonsense. He provides a devastating takedown of every issue CA residents face on a daily basis. San Francisco spent $423 million paying for more than 5,000 homeless to stay at hotels during the pandemic and the state spent $24 billion on the homeless in five years and nobody can account for the lost money. In 2020, wildfires produced more than double the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in one year than all the reductions made in CA between 2003 and 2019 combined, fires that were aided by the enforcement of environmental regulations that limit logging and forest management.
Billions have been spent on the train to nowhere. Newsom signed laws allowing non-citizens to be paid government funds, free education and housing loans, while his own legal citizens are left to scramble to pay the rent. Then he signed SB 960 which permits law enforcement to hire non-citizens as police and correctional officers. It has already been proven that the drug cartels have their soldiers in place in CA. It is absolutely appalling that he is even attempting to run for president. He has no self awareness at all. California needs a strong leader who will stand up to the unions (CA's education system ranks at the bottom in the country despite spending the most!) and the special interests. Maybe Hilton is that leader.
May 18, 2025
Thoughtful and Visionary
Accurate and rational analysis of the misguided politics and policy in California over the last two decades. Mr. Hilton then offers his own practical and visionary solutions to fix the problems. A must read for all residents of the past and hopeful future of the Golden State.
Accurate and rational analysis of the misguided politics and policy in California over the last two decades. Mr. Hilton then offers his own practical and visionary solutions to fix the problems. A must read for all residents of the past and hopeful future of the Golden State.
June 4, 2025
I loved this book! How can I help? Where do we start? I’m going to get active in CA reform starting today!
February 18, 2026
I enjoyed learning about the issues impacting California from the ostensibly conservative perspective during the first half of the book, however, the latter half of the book suggests that Steve Hilton is out of touch with the current trajectory of the Right (especially Gen Z). His persistent "El Futuro Es Latino" mantra is reminiscent of Jeb Bush's egregious 2016 presidential campaign (e.g., the slogan "!Jeb!"). That rhetoric didn't work in 2016, and it won't work in 2026.
Additionally, Steve Hilton calls Daniel Lurie a friend
(p. 185) and a political outsider, but Mayor Lurie just signed the black reparations fund that Hilton rebukes on p. 106, p. 124-129. Very ironic (and I don't think someone with degrees from Duke University and University of California, Berkeley can be a political outsider).
Lastly, Steve Hilton is opposed to what the people of California voted for in 1994 California Proposition 187 (and 2008 California Proposition 8), yet claims to be opposed to current aims by the Democratic Party to provide illegals with free healthcare, mortgages, interest-free loans for businesses, etc. Are these things that he is evidently opposed to really that big of a jump from free public education, non-emergency health care, etc.? Steve Hilton also uses the Columbia Journalism Review and AP News standard for capitalizing "Black", but not
"white." He also calls illegal immigrants
"undocumented” per the euphemistic treadmill.
Per Fool’s Gold by Crabtree and McFatter, “Ronald Reagan signed an immigration reform bill in 1986 that provided amnesty to 3 million illegal immigrants, for paving the way for more amnesty bills, and making California, along with the rest of the country, a magnet for illegal immigration.” (p.85). One suspects Hilton is a Reaganite in this respect.
Additionally, Steve Hilton calls Daniel Lurie a friend
(p. 185) and a political outsider, but Mayor Lurie just signed the black reparations fund that Hilton rebukes on p. 106, p. 124-129. Very ironic (and I don't think someone with degrees from Duke University and University of California, Berkeley can be a political outsider).
Lastly, Steve Hilton is opposed to what the people of California voted for in 1994 California Proposition 187 (and 2008 California Proposition 8), yet claims to be opposed to current aims by the Democratic Party to provide illegals with free healthcare, mortgages, interest-free loans for businesses, etc. Are these things that he is evidently opposed to really that big of a jump from free public education, non-emergency health care, etc.? Steve Hilton also uses the Columbia Journalism Review and AP News standard for capitalizing "Black", but not
"white." He also calls illegal immigrants
"undocumented” per the euphemistic treadmill.
Per Fool’s Gold by Crabtree and McFatter, “Ronald Reagan signed an immigration reform bill in 1986 that provided amnesty to 3 million illegal immigrants, for paving the way for more amnesty bills, and making California, along with the rest of the country, a magnet for illegal immigration.” (p.85). One suspects Hilton is a Reaganite in this respect.
February 5, 2026
An epic overview of all the horrible policy decisions that have turned California from paradise to pathetic. Really runs the entire gauntlet and explains the intertwined nature of bad liberal led decisions. Unfortunately, it will be ignored because it's a bit dry and everyone is too brainless nowadays to sit through an entire book that speaks sense. The unhinged masses will always prefer to nauseatingly parrot quick, catchy, stupid nonsensical slogans like "everyone is illegal on stolen land" instead of sit down and read about the destruction an ideology has caused and how it hurts the very people it purports to help.
My favorite thing about this is the introduction of two new all-important terms that desperately require more popularity, including "compassionist," an apt and incredibly accurate word for everyone who signals blind virtue but ignores the real-world consequences, often placing more importance on the "intent to do good" than the actual failed results.
Another refreshing thing about it is that towards the end, he has several chapters dedicated to detailing exactly what needs to happen in order to reverse the bureaucratic, financial, and educational nightmare that is the current status quo.
A+. Highly Recommend. California will vote Republican or it will continue to descend into d0g$h*t.
My favorite thing about this is the introduction of two new all-important terms that desperately require more popularity, including "compassionist," an apt and incredibly accurate word for everyone who signals blind virtue but ignores the real-world consequences, often placing more importance on the "intent to do good" than the actual failed results.
Another refreshing thing about it is that towards the end, he has several chapters dedicated to detailing exactly what needs to happen in order to reverse the bureaucratic, financial, and educational nightmare that is the current status quo.
A+. Highly Recommend. California will vote Republican or it will continue to descend into d0g$h*t.
July 12, 2025
This book was not helpful. It is very clear the author is politically biased and after reading the first part, I looked up his background and realized he doesn’t even have the credentials to speak on this subject. His criticisms of California, as someone who has lived there for 30 years, are subjective and emotional. I was looking forward to learning more about the shortcomings and benefits of California’s system for operating and proposed solutions to improve what is a great state that millions of people continue to live in and enjoy, but this was sadly a waste of me time.
August 4, 2025
Very logical book with solutions offered
California is a one party state and that one party has done nothing but make the state worse. The budget has more than doubled as their population continues to decrease. This can't continue forever. Steve Hilton does a great job of pointing out the flaws of liberal ideas and offers solutions that make total sense. This book is very easy to read and follies good logic.
California is a one party state and that one party has done nothing but make the state worse. The budget has more than doubled as their population continues to decrease. This can't continue forever. Steve Hilton does a great job of pointing out the flaws of liberal ideas and offers solutions that make total sense. This book is very easy to read and follies good logic.
June 29, 2025
California Can Be Unfornicated
I chose this rating, not because of the platitudes and wishful thinking, but in spite of them. Yes, there are paens to "working together" and "exploring possibilities ", but also to common sense solutions. Should be read by activists who want to go forward by going "back to the future.
I chose this rating, not because of the platitudes and wishful thinking, but in spite of them. Yes, there are paens to "working together" and "exploring possibilities ", but also to common sense solutions. Should be read by activists who want to go forward by going "back to the future.
August 3, 2025
A very thorough dissection of all that is wrong with California, who is responsible and how to correct it. The book is extensively footnoted. At heart the public labor unions control the Democrat party and all branches of government. They are making things increasingly untenable for working families and businesses.
October 4, 2025
comprehensive study of what happened to California
Steve Hilton details all the issues of California’s demise and poses interventions as to how to fix it! Great read especially for citizens of California. You have my vote!
Steve Hilton details all the issues of California’s demise and poses interventions as to how to fix it! Great read especially for citizens of California. You have my vote!
October 16, 2025
common sense
Must read for Californians. Identifies the issues and presents great solutions. Common sense for the 21st century. Not some utopian ideology that brings down the common person.
Must read for Californians. Identifies the issues and presents great solutions. Common sense for the 21st century. Not some utopian ideology that brings down the common person.
December 12, 2024
right wing bs fox news propaganda
March 28, 2025
You should read the book! It is a warning not to let this happen in your state. It shows exactly how the Democrats turned California from the crown jewel to the worst run state in the nation.
April 9, 2025
Spoiler: this will just piss you off.
May 21, 2025
A very sad eye opener that needed to be written... and read!
May 25, 2025
Clarifies issues and offers actual solutions.
January 26, 2026
Fascinating look at why the current state of affairs is as awful as it is and relatively simple solutions that can't be done because they make sense.
October 30, 2025
A Bold, Eye Opening Wake Up Call
Califailure is a sharp, fearless, and deeply engaging analysis of how California’s golden promise dimmed under political mismanagement. Steve Hilton blends personal insight with hard truths, exposing the real-world impact of failed policies and unchecked power. Thought provoking, urgent, and impossible to ignore this is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of America.
Califailure is a sharp, fearless, and deeply engaging analysis of how California’s golden promise dimmed under political mismanagement. Steve Hilton blends personal insight with hard truths, exposing the real-world impact of failed policies and unchecked power. Thought provoking, urgent, and impossible to ignore this is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of America.
October 27, 2025
Eye opening book! Poses the question of what is true compassion
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews