Nevadans Try to Rustle California Companies

WASHINGTON — The Nevada raiders came to town Thursday, hyping their state as a paradise of low-cost housing, open roads and low taxes, eager to seduce Californians from the once-Golden State.

Lt. Gov. Sue Wagner contended that one in four California firms has an escape plan. Thirty-one small firms, employing 1,600 workers, left California for Nevada last year.

For the second year, Nevada has set aside $50,000 for ads, conferences and recruiting forays in California.

With two-thirds of workers in the gambling industry, Nevada wants to diversify. It says ideal businesses are financial services, biotechnology or medical instruments--all paying well and consuming little water.