Going on Vacation to Good Ole California, Need Some Advice!

[GuyWithQuestions]

In the next month, I will be going to Southern California for a two week vacation. What would be a good self-defense strategy when I'm there? California doesn't honor concealed carry permits from any other state, and I don't live in California. I was thinking about bringing a 1.9 oz can of Hi-Power pepper spray, which has the label on it "CA Warning: ...". I've heard that recently the airlines will now allow you to bring in your check in baggage one less than 4 fluid oz bottle of pepper spray as long as it's secured so that it won't go off. I will be visiting the San Diego, Orange, and LA County areas. I know that you can carry pepper spray in California if it's less than 2.5 oz? Can you carry pepper spray that follows legal standards into places like Sea World, sports' stadiums, etc, in southern California? That's one thought I have. What are some good self-defense strategies in southern California?

 

[anotherKevin]

I live here, I'd suggest just picking up a can of OC from a local Turners or other "sportsmans" store. I've even seen small cans in auto parts stores. Folding knives of any size are OK, but be wary of how "assisted" the opening mechanism is. Other than getting a city stick or equivalent (the tactical umbrella would be ridiculous here) that's pretty much your options.

 

[CountGlockula]

Pepper spray should be fine here. Just like the above poster said, go to a local Turner's store and pick on up...I think they go for under $10.

I hope you have a great time here and enjoy the sun!

 

[MudCamper]

Guy, you are correct. Any pepper spray less than 2.5 oz is legal. Kevin is also correct. Any size folding knife is legal. However, some city govs and private orgs (like sports arenas and theme parks) have their own rules. Bring it, but be prepared to leave it in the car at some places.

I carry this and this just about everywhere.

And both are legal to check in your bagage for the trip.

 

[obxned]

Just don't go there! Spend you vacation money in a state that has some respect for your rights as a citizen.

 

[glockman19]

While the laws of CA make no sense I hope you and your family have a nice visit. I'd bring a knife in addition to the pepper spray. Beware of concealibility of fixed blade knives they are a Felony. A nice folder that can be slipped into your pocket should wouk out fine.

 

[f3rr37]

Turn around.

 

[mpmarty]

+1 on Dont Go There! If those slimeball politicians see tourist revenue dropping off due to their lack of respect for the Constitution and its first ten amendments, perhaps they will wake up and smell the roses.

 

[jaholder1971]

Gotta go with avoiding California. Unless you're going to visit a dying relative or something like that it's not worth dealing with all the stupid laws.

 

[dralarms]

STAY HOME:banghead::banghead::banghead:

 

[ta4]

I have got to chime in on this one. If you're staying in a hotel, make sure the rooms are air conditioned! The San Diego area has hotels that charge 400/night, no ac. I found out the hard way staying in La Jolla last year.

 

[PistolPackin'Papa]

Earlier comments about knives are correct. Parts of S.D. can get pretty hairy. Since you mentioned LA County also, you might consider staying in Dana Point. Southern Orange County. Right on the highway,and the Ocean. very pretty town, but small. My best friend has lived there for over 27 years. Very low crime. He carries but has never needed it. Located kinda half way between SD and LA. YOU don't want to stay anywhere in LA county. The good areas cost toooooo much, and in the other areas you could wind up dead real easy.

PPP

 

[JCF]

Just don't go there!

STAY HOME

Etc.

Whatever...

Cali has its problems, but it is a great place nonetheless. Memphis, St. Louis, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte... etc. all have higher crime rates than San Diego. Be aware and have fun.

 

[packarat]

Dude, I have to agree with CFriesen.

The best advice I can give you outside of traveling with a large group is to be aware. Looking like a tourist and confused can make you a target. Out here most of the trouble you may encounter is harrasment, groups of kids that are playing tough. You will also only see this if you are on the streets late at night and just cruising. The best defense is to just go about your business and stay in the well populated areas at night.

Do not be paranoid, this will only lesson the fun. If you are going to be doing the amusement park or night club scene you will be searched and can not bring any of the aformentioned carry items, so they are of no real use.

Another good bit of advice is to learn the freeway systems and keep your car full of gas. This way you do not find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time and needing defense or weapons of any sort.

Nowadays I have a family and going to Disneyland, Sea World, etc there is no need for anything other than my wits. Most of the element that would be causing any type of trouble on the streets are just there to enjoy Mickey Mouse and Shamu.

I would say to you, just have fun. Lurking on these types of posts have taught me one thing; I really do not need to have a weapon. Sure it's nice to have one when the zombies come banging at the door, and yes I will be armed. I'm just worried that we look to hard into protection that we miss just having a good time.

GuyWithQuestions have a good time in So Cal.

 

[Yosemite**Sam]

I have to laugh when you say don't stay in L.A. County. I've lived in the Los Angeles county area all my life and have worked various areas throughout Los Angeles County for the past 25 years. There are both good and bad areas in Los Angeles County. I have worked in the south central area of Los Angeles and it can be bad, very bad.

There are also some great areas to stay and visit in Los Angeles County. For instance: Nothern area of Glendale, La Crescenta, La Canada, Santa Clarita / Castaic, Malibu, Santa Monica, and many other cities.

 

[mr_dove]

I'd love to skip california but Disneyland is there. I guess Disneyworld could be an option but the in-laws in in Arizona and they'd rather meet me in California than Florida.

 

[obxned]

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

 

[longeyes]

What Yosemite Sam said.

Beware Caliphobia.

There are areas to avoid but most places are safe unless you plan to cruise around in the wee hours. Talk to someone who knows the areas you expect to see.

 

[jeepmor]

If you are using a rental car, spring the extra bucks for the navigation system. The freeway network there is hugely elabaorate and one wrong exit can have you in the wrong neighborhood.

Some people are entirely too paranoid. I was down there two years ago and didn't notice a thing out of the ordinary, if you call sunny and warm ordinary, I'm from Portland, OR area, so I don't. I was right next to the Disneyland and baseball park area. However, a navigation system would have saved me a lot of headaches, I was constantly in a state of being lost. Very few landmarks to keep tabs on your location.

 

[Prince Yamato]

Think of California as the weapons technology of 1942, mixed with the computer technology of 2010, combined with the restrictive laws of 1984.

So tell us how much fun you had shooting your Garand under the watchful eye of the LAPD, by posting it to THR on your new Windows Vista laptop

 

[KC&97TA]

Is your CCW good in Florida? I live in CA, but I'm active military... SanDiego County is better than Camp Lejune, I'm also under permits for my weapons, but no CCW, but I'll never come back to this state for a vacation, after I do leave the military.

I sugest you visit Florida, they're "gun friendly" there, and they're also "castle law friendly".

 

[GuyWithQuestions]

So far so good

I'm in California and I haven't had any trouble so far. I was able to bring my Hi-Power pepper spray on the air plane with me, since it was less than 4 oz (it's 1.9 oz) and had the safety features on it. It had to be in the checked in luggage, carry on is not allowed. I brought it with me on the ferry to Catalina Island, inside the San Diego Zoo, to the arena where they had the Padres game. Although the arena for the Padres game wouldn't let me bring in a half drunk bottle of water, which I don't understand why they let unopened bottles in.

 

[eltorrente]

Cracks me up when Johnny Reb comes running everytime California is mentioned. You guys must be truly miserable with your minds occupied with how evil the government is and how oppressed you are and all the doom and gloom.

California is a truly beautiful state and lots of fun. Yeah, we don't all have ccw's - but hey, you can still have fun without a pistol on your belt - don't be scared, Nancies.

 

[Black Adder LXX]

California is a beautiful place alright. Have fun, keep your wits and you should be fine. Florida is pretty much raining every day right now, anyways.

 

[Rey B]

I spent 12 years stationed in San Diego and Long Beach (2 ships and a shore tour) yes there are places I would recommend avoiding but there is also a lot to see and do in perfect safety. The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are outstanding. Sea World is a day, and Balboa Park has enough museums to keep you busy for a week. That said, if you are fool enough to stroll the park at night one little can of pepper spray may be insufficient. For a great experience spend some time in Seaport Village. It's a bit touristy but has lots of little shops that wives love.Most of what I know about the L.A. area other than visiting the mouse is not what a family on vacation would be interested in.