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Scott Baio says he’ll ‘exit stage right’ from California after 45 years: ‘It’s not a safe place anymore’

May 7, 2023 | | Print Article

Already scarce, conservatives in Hollywood are about to become even rarer after one actor announced his intent to flee California: “It’s just not a safe place anymore.”

The exodus from the Golden State hasn’t exclusively featured right-leaning figures with the likes of Joe Rogan and Katy Perry among those who’ve sought a higher quality of living away from progressive rule. However, “After 45 years,” Scott Baio announced that he had finally had enough as he cited one chief cause for concern.

“After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally ‘exit stage right’ from California,” he tweeted. “‘The most recent survey conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority found approximately 69,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County and 41,000 in the city in 2022.'”

Baio, known best for his roles on “Happy Days” and “Charles in Charge,” had quoted a report from KTLA that referenced figures from 2022’s count of the homeless population. The outlet noted that a number of homeless had claimed they were relocating to Beverly Hills at the urging of law enforcement.

“They told us to come over here,” James Boss, homeless for more than a decade, told KTLA. “The (sheriff’s department and the police department told us to come over this way because they were going to offer us housing.”

Previously, it had been reported that the numbers from LAHSA were dubiously low, but even underestimating the extent of the problem was enough for critics to lash out at Baio.

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“Yeah, no reason to live in a city where there’s homeless people. Your career in LA has been over for years. Superficial folks shouldn’t live in CA. Where you headed Chachi?” one social media user railed.

In response, the actor held firm to his position and offered up his financial and safety justifications, “This brings down property value. Also no consequences for crime that is rampant, making things higher in price and it’s just not a safe place anymore. #ImFree”

Additionally, when another person had suggested, “Why not stay and help?” Baio contended the futility of that effort by likening it to “rearranging the deck chairs on the titanic!”

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Though he did not specify where he and his family were considering relocating to, the 62-year-old actor had previously teased a possibility of getting more directly involved in politics by attempting to oust a sitting senator.

Late in 2020, the known supporter of former President Donald Trump took umbrage with Utah Sen. Mitt Romney’s reaction following the presidential election. At the time, the twice-failed presidential hopeful had said, “Having failed to make even a plausible case of widespread fraud or conspiracy before any court of law, the President has now resorted to overt pressure on state and local officials to subvert the will of the people and overturn the election. It is difficult to imagine a worse, more undemocratic action by a sitting American President.”

Quote tweeting the senator, Baio wrote, “Hey @MittRomney, beautiful golf courses in Utah……maybe I’ll move there, play a few rounds and unseat you. P.S. My wife is still waiting for her $2600 refund. Remember your wife canceled that Beverly Hills political luncheon fundraiser? But your campaign kept the money.”

Kevin Haggerty
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