Really? Tucson is not in the desert? Because that is where I saw an enormous one.
Never saw one in exurban California growing up but when I lived in San Francisco fuck yes. I am cool with almost all insects but NOT ROACHES. Give me the shivers and make my gorge rise. It’s been forty years since I’ve moved out the City and nary a sighting since.
I was only stationed in Tucson for 13 months back in the 70’s but I don’t remember seeing them there. Only in Hawaii and California, but that was pre-80’s.