Why California Is Going Bankrupt

From the August 10, 2012 Orange County Register, this amazing story of the meter maids of Hermosa Beach:

There are 10 parking enforcement employees for the 1.3-square-mile beach city southwest of downtown Los Angeles, and they pull down some disproportionate compensation, considering their job functions. In fact, the two highest-earning employees for fiscal year 2011-12 are estimated to have made more than $92,000 and $93,000, respectively, according to city documents provided by Patrick “Kit” Bobko, one of five council members and who also serves as mayor pro tem. Those two have supervisory roles. The other eight parking-enforcement employees make from $67,367 to $84,267 in total compensation.

There are four qualifications for being a city “community service officer,” Bobko told me: “You have to be able to drive a standard transmission; you have to able to handle large animals; you have to read and interpret statutes and regulations; and you have a high school diploma or equivalent.”

I can't tell if this "total compensation" includes health insurance costs or not, but even when you account for how expensive it is to live in that area, this seems rather a generous compensation for the job.  Is it really that hard to find people able and willing to do this work for somewhat lower salaries?  Especially since you get to live in Hermosa Beach, and work on your tan twelve months a year?