California

Last week, Pamela and I were in San Diego to celebrate Lauren's promotion from Ensign to Lieutenant JG.  While there, I saw an economy that didn't appear to be struggling, but certainly a state in distress.    Sure, there were people begging at almost every intersection (nothing new) and most were dressed better than the average Californian.  What I find especially fascinating are those talking on their cellphones behind the "Will Work for Food" signs.  But, the shopping malls were packed and the restaurants at capacity every night.

The “state in distress” part comes in the form of the condition of the roads, which was horrible.  Thank God that it doesn't snow in San Diego as winter would have made them far worse.  The sales tax in San Diego is already 8.75% and set to go higher.  (Cities and counties can set their own rates up to 10.75%.)  Trash strewn on the roads and highways was another indicator of a state in trouble.  Then, I read locally that Gov. Brown is planning to release as many as 40,000 prisoners from the state penal system over the next three years, a plan that he fought as Attorney General a year ago.  What a difference a year makes. 

I was thrilled that Lauren's upcoming assignment will be with an Amphibious Assault Group in Little Creek, VA, as she will be heading closer to home.  Now I am excited for a whole other reason, her safety.  And I thought the state of Maryland was in trouble.