Senator Adam Schiff’s luggage was stolen in South San Francisco, exposing the rampant crime plaguing California. Two years ago, the Democrat, then a congressman, left his bags in a car trunk, only to find them gone. This personal encounter with theft underscores a broader public safety crisis in the state.
The New York Post reported that in 2023, Schiff’s misfortune in South San Francisco led him to a local Target store. There, he needed to purchase toiletries to replace stolen items.
The incident took a revealing turn when a store clerk commented on the theft and locked-up shampoo, blaming Democratic policies for the crime surge.
The clerk’s remarks struck a chord with Schiff, who later shared the story on “Real Time with Bill Maher” on April 25, 2025. He recounted how the cashier’s frustration reflected a widespread sentiment among Californians. Many residents feel that crime has spiraled out of control under the current governance.
Schiff admitted that Californians face high crime rates, a reality that demands attention. He acknowledged the need to address “people’s legitimate concerns about crime.” This sentiment is not isolated, as even Governor Gavin Newsom faced a similar experience.
In 2024, Newsom witnessed shoplifting at a Target store, an incident he discussed in a leaked Zoom meeting. A clerk explained that a thief walked out with unpaid items, citing lax accountability. The clerk pointed to policies Newsom supported as enabling such behavior.
Newsom recalled the clerk’s words: “The governor lowered the threshold and there is no accountability.” Frustrated, he sought the store manager to discuss the issue. These encounters highlight a growing perception that California’s leadership has failed to curb crime effectively.
Schiff, reflecting on his Target experience, recognized a “major problem” for Democrats. He noted, “If the cashier in San Francisco at 10:00 at night believes that Democrats are a-holes because that shampoo is locked up and my stuff gets stolen out of the trunk, we’ve got a major problem.” This blunt assessment signals a need for policy reform.
The senator conceded that Democrats must improve governance in California. He emphasized the urgency of addressing public safety to restore trust. This introspection follows a strong Republican electoral showing in November 2024, prompting Democratic soul-searching.
During the “Real Time” panel, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens criticized California’s high taxes and regulations.
He argued that these policies drive industries, particularly entertainment, out of the state. Stephens called California “Exhibit A in progressive misgovernance,” a view resonating with many conservatives.
Schiff agreed that the entertainment industry is leaving California for richer incentives elsewhere. “They’re leaving because they’re getting richer incentives in other states and other countries,” he said. This exodus threatens a key economic driver for the state.
California has begun offering tax incentives to retain its entertainment sector. Schiff noted, “If we want to keep the industry here, we’re going to have to compete with tax incentives.” However, he stressed that federal incentives are also needed to compete globally.
Stephens urged California to compete for all businesses, not just entertainment. Schiff echoed this, stating, “We need to be competing for business with the rest of the country.” Improving the state’s business climate is critical to reversing economic decline.
Schiff’s and Newsom’s experiences reflect a state grappling with crime and economic challenges. Both leaders faced clerks who linked policy failures to everyday thefts. These interactions reveal a public frustrated with California’s direction under Democratic rule.
The senator’s call for better governance aligns with conservative critiques of progressive policies. High crime and business flight signal a need for accountability and reform. California’s leaders must act swiftly to address these pressing issues.