First, on topic. I don’t know if Sheriffs in CA are elected or appointed, but if they’re elected, seems this town got exactly what they asked for. My concern is that should Newsom somehow succeed in his 2028 Presidential bid, this is where the US will be headed, sooner than later, and that will easily be in OUR lifetime.
I would almost concur 100% with your assessments. I just don’t think it will be a “Utopia”. I put the definition of Utopia, via Wikipedia, at the end of this post. Most will learn, too late, that Socialism and Communism is EXACTLY how it’s portrayed in the history books that apparently schools don’t use anymore:
“Historical and modern examples of perceived failed socialist states:
The Soviet Union (USSR): Established after the 1917 Russian Revolution, the USSR collapsed in 1991 following severe economic stagnation, widespread shortages of goods, and a failed coup attempt. Critics often point to its use of a totalitarian regime, suppression of dissent, and economic failures as a primary example of socialism's failings.
Venezuela: Beginning in the 2010s, Venezuela's economy has been in a state of severe crisis under its socialist government, experiencing hyperinflation, extreme poverty, and food and medicine shortages. Critics suggest that government mismanagement, over-reliance on oil exports, and populist policies contributed to its collapse.
Cuba: Since its revolution in 1959, Cuba has operated as a one-party communist state. It has struggled with severe economic crises and widespread poverty, often made worse by a U.S. economic embargo.
North Korea: An isolated, totalitarian state, North Korea's command economy has left a large majority of its population in poverty. It is often cited as an example of a failed socialist system, with economic stagnation and widespread suffering.
East Germany: From its founding in 1949 until reunification in 1990, East Germany suffered from economic crises, stagnant growth, and shortages of goods. These issues, alongside political repression, contributed to popular support for reunification.
Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge: This extreme communist regime in the 1970s led to the Cambodian genocide, in which an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people died from execution, starvation, and overwork. This is considered one of the most brutal failures of a state claiming to be socialist.”
“A utopia (/juːˈtoʊpiə/ ⓘ yoo-TOH-pee-ə) typically describes an imagined community or society that possesses highly desirable or near-perfect qualities for its members.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utopia. (For the utopia definition)