Any “labor-friendly” prosecutors would have a field day in my neck of the woods (which is <9 mi north of the int'l border). No one is minding the store here and that's the way the homeowners in SD County like it.
I can't tell you how many fantastically-talented "authentic" journey-level tradesman that I have known throughout life who, up to 20 years ago could make a decent living for their families in the trades under subcontractors but can now no longer even support themselves in this county in their chosen line of work so are working doing something else or “semi-retired” and doing “odd jobs.” Some are either collecting union pensions or are eligible for one but have not yet begun to collect it.
I believe all CA community colleges should re-emphasize the Regional Occupational Program (ROP) and bring back all programs and trades with a vengeance. There is absolutely NO REASON in this day and age for a young person to borrow $30K+++ to obtain an (overrated) bachelor’s degree when one can make $28+ per hour (w/benefits) as an apprentice HVAC technician … straight out of the gate after just 12-24 mos training to earn a certificate!
ROP is FREE to qualified low-income students and only $46 per semester hour to everyone else. There’s absolutely no excuse whatsoever not to have a way to make a living by age 20 if not pursuing a four-year degree.
