They are indeed part of the problem. Once people get it out of their heads that California is a pure "blue" state and has in fact had a complex political histo

They are indeed part of the problem. Once people get it out of their heads that California is a pure "blue" state and has in fact had a complex political history with a lot of moving changes, including many by the GOP, than it rapidly becomes less obviously a red or blue issue, but a very deeply purple one with no one lacking exposure.