> true hallmark of totalitarianism is when every aspect of civil society is politicized

No? The true hallmarks of totalitarianism are a lack of political competition (usually due to repression) and the state controlling “all aspects of society, including the family, religion, education, business, private property, and social relationships” [1].

Ancient Athens was a famously political society. It was not totalitarian.

[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totalitarianism

I agree. We've got a uniparty with two wings that doesn't allow any serious competition. We fight over things that will soon seem trivial in hindsight.

So, basically California is under Totalitarianism.