Even though California has a reputation for left-of-center politics, activists complain that the state isn't progressive — it's just controlled by Democrats, who have failed to pass plans for single-payer health care, a bailout for renters and other progressive priorities.

Experts blame the influence of powerful lobbies, as well as a growing divide between establishment Democrats and liberal activists. "That’s going to limit the extent to which liberals get all of what they want," said Eric Schickler, a political scientist.