DC is alternatively hot and humid or cold and dreary, in the middle of a swamp, addicted to politics and little else, and full of crazy of all kinds. Who would want to go there!?!
I like my weather mild, plenty of natural beauty, my politics left, my wine red and robust, and nearly every kind of entertainment and activity within a 3-hour driving distance.
DC can suck it.
Y'all have already addressed the many transplants, including from plenty of ACC schools, that live in this area.
Also, while it doesn't have Big Ten or SEC levels of fandom, there is a strong Cal fan base. I think the bigger problem is convincing the University's administration to really invest in football. Also, I'm pretty sure Stanford and Cal both assume that college football will realign again--and soon--and that they will go back to playing in a geographically rational conference. I think that may be wishful thinking, but I suspect it is where they are at.