Several Western states are launching aggressive efforts to poach jobs, talent and industry from California, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on the Golden State’s current political and financial woes.

Colorado is the first out of the box with a Valentine-themed banner that will trail behind an airplane circling rush-hour traffic in Los Angeles on Friday morning, urging Californians to give Colorado a try. Ads in newspapers from San Diego to San Jose will feature a Cupid in ski boots over a bold-faced tease: “California, can you feel Colorado’s love?”

California’s business boosters say they will be hard-pressed to respond. At the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., Jack Kyser is preparing to mail thousands of postcards to local business owners, offering the services of a “business ombudsman” to help them cut red tape or find trained workers. He has never taken such a step before, he said, adding that he hopes it will build loyalty to California.

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