People like bagging on California. Makes them feel better about themselves. California has homeless people. Most places do. Compared to some places with a high cost of living like Hawaii- it’s not so bad- but making sure no one was homeless would be better. The weather in much of the state (especially the major cities) allows homeless people to live outdoors pretty much all year- so unlike back east where the homeless are more hidden- in California <gasp> people have to see homeless people and not have it be a hidden problem out of sight and mind.
Now- as for plastic straw bans and garbage and the homeless- littering is already illegal. Being homeless is illegal. The same issue almost every state has is: what do you do about that? Unless a homeless person behaves dangerously- arresting people for being poor is not only draconian- but it’s a waste. It defeats the purpose doesn’t it? If the crime is being homeless, and the punishment is getting a roof and food and medicine paid by the government- why wouldn’t they just find programs to do those things without imprisoning people?
Usually for budget reasons. So if you don’t have the budget to care for the homeless so that they aren’t homeless- you don’t have the budget to arrest the homeless. What are the cops gonna do? Give a homeless guy a ticket for littering? How’s he gonna pay it? When he doesn’t pay you’ll need a court date- where he’ll likely say he can’t afford to pay. But where will you serve him since he has no address? And when he doesn’t show and you put a warrant out you what? Have to arrest him.
So, certain areas like the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles area are popular with the homeless. There is good weather almost year round, usually somewhat mild climate, places to hunt and fish for wild game to eat, enough wealthy people that pan handling can be very profitable, places to wash yourself and your clothes like the beach or lakes or other public facilities such as showers at parks.
There’s also a HUGE benefit that most people don’t think about. One of the biggest challenges of living on the streets is boredom. Yeah. Sounds silly? It’s not. No job, often no family, few or no friends. No TV etc. many homeless who drink or use drugs do it simply to pass time. California is full of things like amazing regional parks, public fitness facilities, scenic vistas, gorgeous beaches, festivals and live entertainment and more. So a person with nothing but time on their hands has some things they can do that don’t cost much or any money.
There aren’t just opportunities for Pan handling either. So many people in one place- recycling is a huge cash source for many homeless and hiked alike. You can collect hundreds or thousands of dollars a week going through trash cans- and with so many wealthy folk people often throw out or donate perfectly good items that are actually very high end. I knew a trash collector and they’d find things like new in box designer shoes, 1-3 year old flat screen televisions, laptops, etc.
So that higher quality of life can translate to a higher quality of hand me downs as well. California is a major economy and largely liberal. That means job opportunities and programs and the like for those trying to get out of homelessness. The majority of homeless tend to either have untreated mental illness- or be temporarily homeless- usually a year or two before they can get back on their feet.
But all that is too much for people to process or care about. Besides- not learning about what they are talking about gives them something they can hold against California. “Look at them, in their beautiful state people around the world travel to and dream about- with Hollywood and tech geniuses and billionaires and comparably high pay, their booming economy and post card weather. Poor them. All trapped in a liberal fascism with fake people and high property tax and no straws or bags and all them homeless!”
If that’s what gets some poor sod through the day then I suppose it’s a small price to pay. In fact, in light of all the transplants that have been flocking in for the tech boom let me jus say: it’s all true. They’ll put a microchip in you if you come to California. Every toilet gives you AIDS. Every single one. It’s aerosol. They’ll steal your children and big LGBTQ will turn them and then the government will force them to do drugs. Stay away. Don’t come to California. Nebraska is a much nicer state. Austin Texas. Portland. Go there instead of you lean left. Try Florida. The beaches are much nicer. North Carolina. Go there. Don’t go to California. Everything you’ve heard is true. Stay away. Trust me.
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TLDR: People making fun of California exaggerate some non-issues (plastic straws) while much larger issues (homelessness) are still a problem.
guest_ is from a small farm community that no longer exists and has lived all over- including California. guest_ has spent enough time in all sorts of places to know that everywhere has things to love and hate- but people tend to like what is familiar to them and dislike what is not because that’s our comfort zone. guest_ has seen problems all over the world and seen people living their lives. guest_ has seen people with next to nothing who love their home despite the parts they do not love. guest_ knows that everywhere had some aspects that appeal to some people, and for some people being ignorant isn’t just a hobby- it is a full time job.
TLDR: People making fun of California exaggerate some non-issues (plastic straws) while much larger issues (homelessness) are still a problem.