I agree with you both. It seems at times when you think you have reached the limits of their insanity and derangement you quickly read or hear a news report that demonstrates just how wrong you are. Sometimes you have to shake your head and wonder if someone is just doing this for amusement or for their 15 minutes of fame but then it's sobering to know that there are really some people like this in the world (and most of them just happen to be Democrats these days and found in California).
I always wondered why homes were so expensive out in California but then I started hearing about all the restrictions, regulations, and permits that were required for every little thing and how many studies that had to be performed and finished before construction even begins that I now realize each of those burdens on people also adds cost to anything and everything that a person does, not to mention that in many places people have to submit their drawings/[plans for approval and must meet so many requirements and conditions as well as conform to various color schemes and building styles. Freedom at times isn't appreciated until you lose it or experience places that don't have as much of it.
And while I know some will mention it, and I do agree, California does need to have more stringent building requirements because of their susceptibility to earthquakes. Along the coastal states, there are requirements for stronger construction methods to conform to various wind requirements given their potential exposure to tropical systems and hurricanes.