Final answer:
The approval of Obama's economic policies by most Californians is tied to California being a 'blue' state, which signifies its Democratic-leaning tendencies, shaped by diverse and progressive economic and historical factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection between most Californians approving of Obama's handling of the economy and California being known as a "blue" state relates to the state's political leanings. California is traditionally considered a Democrat-leaning state, which is often referred to as a blue state in the context of electoral college maps, such as those from the 2012 Presidential Election. This Democratic preference is further substantiated by historical events like the gold rush that precipitated the state's rapid population growth, fostering diverse economies in agriculture, tech, and entertainment, which have often favored progressive policies aligned with the Democratic Party. The approval of Obama's economic policies among Californians is consistent with the state's overall political tendencies.