Actor Scott Baio, best known for his role on “Happy Days,” announced that he is leaving California.
Baio explained on social media that he will leave California over the ongoing epidemic of homelessness and crime in Los Angeles, which is driving up prices and diminishing public safety.
“After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally ‘exit stage right’ from California,” Baio announced on Twitter.
He cited data gathered by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority showing that there were nearly 70,000 homeless people in Los Angeles County in a survey taken last year. The same survey showed there were more than 40,000 homeless people living in the Los Angeles city limits. It is the largest homeless population in the country.
“This brings down property value,” Baio said of the homeless problem. “Also no consequences for crime that is rampant, making things higher in price and it’s just not a safe place anymore.”
Meanwhile, Los Angeles battled growing crime problems in 2022. From USA Today:
Los Angeles saw an 11% increase in its overall crime rate in 2022, with 60 reported crimes per 1,000 residents last year compared with 54 per 1,000 residents in 2019. The data includes both violent crimes, defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include rape, robberies, armed assault and homicide, as well as property crimes, such as burglary, arson and vehicle theft.
It seems certain that Baio will make good on his promise to leave Los Angeles.
Last month, Baio listed his property located in Woodland Hills, an L.A. neighborhood, for $3.85 million. He purchased the five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home for $1.85 million in 2010.
Anything else?
California is experiencing a problem with residents moving out of the state.
Between April 2020 and July 2022, for example, more than 500,000 residents left, including high-profile celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Joe Rogan, and Matthew McConaughey, among others.
High taxes, crime problems, the homelessness epidemic, and government restrictions, especially those enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, are the primary reasons why people are leaving California.
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