This is why most tow truck drivers carry a weapon.

You don't want to fight a tow truck driver.

I don't know why this is being downvoted. It's a very good point. For being one of the most heavily-armed societies on Earth, Americans are awfully resigned to their lot.

To be fair, while Americans at large might be considered 'heavily armed' in general, that statement is proportionally untrue for most Californians.

Historically, getting a concealed carry permit was impossible, and open carry is generally prohibited as well.

This was recently overturned in _Peruta v San Diego_ as unconstitutional, but the nut of the matter is that except for criminals and law enforcement, the likelihood of a Californian being armed for bear is minimal.

Most of my female friends carry mace. I don't even know if that's legal, but it's a good idea, esp in the east bay.

So long as the mace is California compliant (which I think means 2.5 ounces or less), and they are not felons, minors, or addicted to any narcotics, it is perfectly legal -- so long as they only use it for the purpose of self defense.

Ah, okay now it's clear why the parent was downvoted. Same reason my post was: some idiot didn't like the sentiment, but being unable to engage the thought or present a counterargument, downvotes instead, and convinces himself this is equal to the negation of the idea. Nice work, anonymous fool.