California Vs. Any other state?

We all know that the U.S. is in a bind, we can't afford the debts we owe, we cannot stimulate labor, much less spending. But does anyone think California seems to have been infected the most? I just got laid-off 2 days ago from a job i held for over 2 years. My dad is also expecting a pink-slip on the 22nd of this month. We're thinking of moving to Texas, there's jobs there, cheaper cost of living (and I mean f'real), and the people seem to be nicer from everywhere but here in the californicating state, life just seems to be slower and calmer out there, here its' either you survive the bullet or you die from it, why is that? out-of-staties seem nicer, calmer, friendlier, and generally happier all around. I wish i was one of them, also because I need to get a job, my savings that I prepared for this, will only allow me to survive for 12 months. oh, and does anyone know if I can collect unemployment if I was part-time and sort of fired? hah, editorials on all my random thoughts is much appreciated! ;)