@heidih I think our proximity to both Baja and the Mexican mainland, and the overall makeup of our population influence the availability and cost of Mexican produce.
ETA I still remember an acquaintance of mine who was raised in Orange County, then made her home in Virginia telling about going into a Mexican restaurant in Virginia. She ordered Chile Rellenos. The rellanos they served her were made with green bell peppers. She was horrified and became hesitant to order ethic foods in places she didn't know after that.
