Foreign Travel?

[gsganzer]

Im also a fairly large person ..6-3' 220 pounds so most bad actors may look elsewhere for an easier target. ..

Situational awareness is everything. We were in Madrid a few years back with some friends. My friends wife got pick-pocketed and lost $4000 euro she had in her satchel. It was even one of those "pick-pocket-proof" satchels, but she had forgotten to latch the zipper. They hit her as she was on an escalator in a store.

When you watch her in a crowd, she just stands out as an easy target, completely unaware of what's going on around her and easily distracted.

 

[NoTrespassing]

As much as many like to disparage California, you can't deny how beautiful and vibrant it is. I was working near Santa Barbara last week and really had an enjoyable trip, from a relaxing and trendy hotel to a really nice beachside dinner.
I'm heading to San Jose later this week, near the Cisco campus. It might be that many people now work remote, but I can't help but notice how much commercial vacancy there is in that area.

On Feb. 21, 2025, California State Sen. Menjivar introduced Senate Bill 789 (SB-789), proposing a vacancy tax aimed at commercial real property (property) to address prolonged vacancies, incentivize property activation, and generate revenue to support first-time home buyers through the California Dream for All Program. SB-789 is scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2028, with initial annual tax obligations due in 2029.

Summary of SB-789 Changes​

Vacancy Tax on Commercial Real Property

SB-789 imposes an annual vacancy tax of $5 per square foot on properties remaining vacant for 182 or more days, whether consecutive or nonconsecutive, within a calendar year. The tax explicitly excludes residential spaces within mixed-use properties. Revenues collected would be directed exclusively to the California Dream for All Fund, aiding first-time home buyers.

 

[ultrarunner]

Yep… corporate relocations out of state is a big deal…

Also a lot of vacant retail here from fast food, grocery stores, CVS, Walgreens, banks, auto parts and strip malls.

The smaller operators that got hit hard during years of pandemic often folded.

Large retail chains closed profitable locations due in large part to theft… both upon patrons and also the establishments.

A lot of retail is dark…

 

[Eaglesfate]

Been to 11 countries in the world, here is a few things I took away from my travels, always keep your head on a swivel (being alert is a good way to catch trouble before it comes to you), sit in a corner with easy access to an exit, Big one don't be an @ss, keep your money in your front pockets, but not all of it, some of it in you socks, If you have friends there they should keep you safe, and the big one "have fun".

 

[ultrarunner]

On Feb. 21, 2025, California State Sen. Menjivar introduced Senate Bill 789 (SB-789), proposing a vacancy tax aimed at commercial real property (property) to address prolonged vacancies, incentivize property activation, and generate revenue to support first-time home buyers through the California Dream for All Program. SB-789 is scheduled to become effective on July 1, 2028, with initial annual tax obligations due in 2029.

Summary of SB-789 Changes​

Vacancy Tax on Commercial Real Property

SB-789 imposes an annual vacancy tax of $5 per square foot on properties remaining vacant for 182 or more days, whether consecutive or nonconsecutive, within a calendar year. The tax explicitly excludes residential spaces within mixed-use properties. Revenues collected would be directed exclusively to the California Dream for All Fund, aiding first-time home buyers.

Several Bay Area cities already have this and it applies to vacant lots and residential in addition to vacant commercial.

I truly find it insidious… like kicking someone when there down and going through this now…

Since 1942 a property was auto sales with office and detail area, etc. 100% paved and fenced and well lighted with monument sign.

City now says even parking cars over 72 hours on a car lot is zoning violation… city wants housing but who would build housing as population declines?

 

[dodge man]

When we went to Ireland we did a bus tour and they obviously take you places thar are safe. Out tour guide talked some about politics and talked about their immigration problem. She also talked about Britain pulling out of the EU and I got the idea there was some hate there.

 

[kenmbz]

Madrid and NYC are famous for their pickpockets, back to the 1970's.

Last time I was in Santa Barbara (last year) it looked very run down from when I was there in the 90's. We won't be back there for a while.

I've been to 41+ countries, plenty of places anywhere to get in trouble.

Worked in Johannesburg (actually Sandton) and loved it, though you could not walk outside of the gated areas and expect to live. But great access to safaris. Worked a lot in Asia and Europe.
You get more of a sense of culture hanging out with coworkers in other countries.

I felt safer in Cairo then I did in San Francisco last year.

Most fun city for me is Tokyo and London is also great fun.
Munich is a mess of jobless people wandering the streets, so is Paris in some areas.

Surprisingly we've not been to Ireland, my wife is half Irish and half English.
Nor have I been to Hungary, Lithuania or Ukraine/Russia where my family is from.

Still need to visit PNG, last place on my bucket list. Still haven't been to Alaska yet either.

I still love coming home to PA though.

 

[WinterDeere]

As much as many like to disparage California, you can't deny how beautiful and vibrant it is.

I've always said, California is great, if it weren't for all the damn Californians. Amazing landscape and natural resources, maybe second to no other state in that regard. But I'll take the east coast for food, culture, history...

 

[ultrarunner]

When I cancelled my Philippine trip over safety concerns I can’t help but thinking I may have over reacted.

The people telling me not to go are hospital co-workers from the Philippines…

I finally said ok… I will cancel and just stay home in East Oakland California where I know I am safe!

The same people said you live in Oakland… we never go to Oakland!!!

 

[2manyrocks]

California dreamin has turned into California fleein in spite of the climate.