Readers share strong reactions to our article last Monday: California Killed the American Dream…

Jan M. writes: “I understand that our state is now a BUST! Most people I speak to agree that Gov. Gavin Newsom is ultimately responsible. I may be leaving the state that I call home — NOT FAIR.”

Tom S. voices his concern: “The trouble with the exodus from California is that these liberal idiots bring their ideas to other states. Stay in California, and take responsibility for your costly and idiotic ideas.”

Mary D. explains her decision to move: “The CRIME in California is out of control…

“I left California one year ago because I was afraid to live by myself anymore. I lived in my house for 55 years, and raised my kids there. But law enforcement and victims became the bad guys, not criminals.”

Don B. says: “My family emigrated to California in the 1600s when it was still Spanish territory. Needless to say, we have deep roots in the state. But less than half my family is still there, and more move away every year.

“When I see what has happened to California,” he laments, “it makes my heart ache.”

These personal accounts highlight the frustrations of daily life in California — now amplified by the turmoil gripping Los Angeles over the weekend…

Your Rundown for Monday, June 9, 2025...

LA’s Timeline of Trouble

Friday, June 6, 2025

Early in the morning, several federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a series of raids in Los Angeles — targeting the Fashion District, a clothing wholesaler and a Home Depot. As a result, over 100 people were arrested.

Protests began almost immediately after the arrests, with demonstrators gathering near the Metropolitan Detention Center and Westlake Home Depot.

Clashes broke out as some protesters threw chunks of concrete at officers, prompting law enforcement to use tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowds.

By evening, about 200 protesters remained at the detention center; the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) ordered them to disperse, authorizing the use of less-lethal munitions if necessary.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

In Paramount, protesters observed Department of Homeland Security officers staging near a Home Depot, and soon around 1,000 demonstrators gathered.

Protesters blocked streets with shopping carts and recycling bins; federal agents deployed flash-bang grenades and pepper balls. At least two people were injured, and a reporter was shot in the back with a rubber bullet.

In Compton, demonstrators threw glass bottles, and an abandoned car was set on fire. Meanwhile, the LAPD issued dispersal orders and used tear gas to break up crowds.

That evening, President Donald Trump announced he would deploy 2,000 National Guard members to Los Angeles, citing the need to restore order and protect citizens from what he called “radical left protests” and “troublemakers.”

By the end of the day, ICE reported 118 illegal immigrants apprehended in Los Angeles.

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Protests continued in downtown Los Angeles, with demonstrators gathering outside federal buildings and the Metropolitan Detention Center.

LAPD declared an unlawful assembly and ordered protesters to disperse, and the police shut down parts of the 101 Freeway after protesters blocked traffic. National Guard troops arrived to support law enforcement, and skirmish lines were formed.

Protesters threw objects at officers, and several vehicles — including five Waymo driverless cars — were vandalized and set on fire. Arrests were made throughout the day, and both police and protesters sustained injuries.

Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the National Guard deployment as unnecessary and a breach of state sovereignty, while President Trump defended his decision, stating he would not tolerate violence against law enforcement or property.

This morning, Los Angeles remains uneasy as police maintain an unlawful assembly designation for downtown. But events over the weekend reflect a city on-edge from federal immigration enforcement, mass protests and the deployment of military resources.

For middle class Californians? The ongoing unrest only adds to the challenges of living in a state where rising costs, crime and now civil instability make it harder and harder to call California home.

Market Rundown for Monday, June 9, 2025

S&P 500 futures are up 0.15% to 6,015.

Oil is up 0.75% to $65.05 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold is down 0.30% to $3,336.10 per ounce.

And Bitcoin’s up 1.30% to $107,725.