Mass shootings and higher prices. What Californians are worried about
Good morning, and welcome to the A.M. Alert!
CALIFORNIANS ARE WORRIED ABOUT MASS SHOOTINGS
Californians are understandably worried about mass shootings, both in the wake of the most recent shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and in the aftermath of countless such shootings that have taken place in the Golden State.
According to a May 2021 survey from the Public Policy Institute of California, about half of California adults consistently express concern about a mass shooting happening in the area where they live.
Though that number is actually down from September 2019, when 66% said they were concerned, and January 2016, when 57% said they were.
One thing is consistent though: Californians want gun control.
“During the six times between 2015 and 2021 when we asked whether laws covering the sale of guns should be more strict, less strict, or kept as they are now, majorities of California’s adults and likely voters have consistently favored stricter laws. Fewer than two in ten have supported more lenient laws, while about one-quarter have thought laws should be kept as they are now,” according to a blog post published by PPIC.
RISING PRICES A CONCERN FOR CALIFORNIANS, SURVEY SAYS
Via David Lightman...
The rapid rise in prices is causing “serious financial hardship” for more than one-third of people around the state, a new Public Policy Institute of California poll found.
Thirty-seven percent said they are financially worse off today than they were a year ago, and lower income Californians are feeling even more of the pain.
Fifty-three percent of lower income residents said inflation is causing them serious financial hardships, with 46% finding themselves worse off than a year ago.
Prices nationally have been rising at their steepest pace in 40 years. In California, gasoline prices averaged $6.07 on Friday, the most expensive in the nation. The poll was conducted May 12 to 22.
The percentage saying their finances are in worse shape is highest in the Inland Empire at 49%. Other regions’ percentages: San Francisco Bay Area, 30%; Central Valley, 41%; Los Angeles, 34% and Orange County/San Diego, 34%.
The survey found the economy is the top issue in the state, and people are generally not optimistic. Half said the state is headed in the wrong direction.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“To do nothing in the face of regular and repeated gun-related atrocities is a dereliction of duty. Anyone standing in the way of baseline reforms, which are proven to be effective, does not deserve a seat in Congress.”
- Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, via Twitter.
Best of the Bee:
Fact check: Gavin Newsom says California gun deaths dropped after state passed gun laws, via Andrew Sheeler.
Federal lawmakers are hoping to speedily pass legislation that would help California brace for longer, hotter and drier wildfire seasons, via Gillian Brassil.