I Completely understand what you're saying, though California's tenant laws are definitely not some great capitalist utopia. Those laws are anti capitalist, so I.l now don't understand your capitalism argument from earlier, if you haven't experienced what capitalism would dictate.

Yeah, moving to Portland would be great, but good luck saving up the (at least) 500 bucks it would take to move you there, not including first and last month rent, loss of your entire family and support system, lack of a reason for them to hire you over a local (this is unskilled labor after all, you're not going to be interviewing for the corner store from a state away). Some people can do that, but to expect everyone to do so it's absurd. And if they all did, now who works at the 7//11 in the bay area?

Poorer people especially depend on their support systems. You might be short on rent one month, so you borrow some money from your best friend, who does the same when he's in trouble. Separately, both are insolvent, together, both survive.