How do people afford to live in California, esp the minorities and gays?

I was there last year, and I was wondering where the hell these people get the money. I was driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and these gays have nice, fancy things! Do they just take care of one another by default or what? I know not all of them are doctors, engineers, and computer programmers, but they’re able to afford living in this inflated cost of living place.

Others who work at Wal Mart, fast food, or other menial jobs. How do they afford anything after rent? Welfare? I’m barely getting by as a young, white male in Louisiana with crazy car insurance and health insurance (never wrecked, never been in one, or even a speeding ticket). Illegal immigrants have it better than the taxpayers! It’s crazy.

I’m just really confused how these people survive and yet thrive in a state as expensive as California.