[qwerty49]

Well, Calif had the advantage of watching NY/NJ become the first epicenter in the USA, then locked down relatively hard.

I'm also guessing it's just relatively easier to quarantine in Calif than NY/NJ, especially with a job infrastructure in Calif that's more likely to accommodate remote working than in NY/NJ.  Ditto for Bay Area vs SoCal, w/r/t early shutdown and remote working.

Also way less population density almost anywhere in Calif than in NYC.

[qwerty49]

Well, Calif had the advantage of watching NY/NJ become the first epicenter in the USA, then locked down relatively hard.

I'm also guessing it's just relatively easier to quarantine in Calif than NY/NJ, especially with a job infrastructure in Calif that's more likely to accommodate remote working than in NY/NJ.  Ditto for Bay Area vs SoCal, w/r/t early shutdown and remote working.

Also way less population density almost anywhere in Calif than in NYC.