My wife was born and raised in Southern California. I grew up in So. Cal. but I was born in Georgia. And I am also NOT a leftist, nor do I live in California anymore. I'm not really half anything but I did live with 2 separate cultures, my Southern parents culture and the So. Cal. culture. When I a kid in Kindergarten I got laughed at by the other kids for saying, "Yes, ma'am" and "No, ma'am" to my teacher.
I've been to New Jersey once on business. That's about all I know of New Jersey.