Yep, I'm from California.
We do have guns here and unfortunately a lot of homeless in my area who are suffering from mental health issues and or drugs so a lot of them are unpredictable making it less safe. Most of them are generally nice people though.
I'm sure you've found some amazing places I'll have to take a deep dive into your past explorations.
It's been years since I visited California. I remember the beach right next to LA International, the plane rumbles were setting off car alarms.
I don’t make it up to LA very often since I’m down near San Diego, where the pace of life is a bit slower. Which I really like.