Just returned from a week in Fort Bragg, CA. I thought that CA was the ultimate Nanny State; does all your thinking for you and protects you from stuff you hadn't even thought of.

We did a lot of hiking on the headlands in the Mendo area. Trail is about 1' wide, in uneven dirt, and often within a foot or two of the cliff face. With the first step off said cliff being straight down to rocks 100' below. No handrails, no fences, few or no warning signs. This is how it was at every public access site. Made for some great views.

Those trails predate the CA nanny state era. If CA weren't broke, it would install handrails and other safety measures. Lacking that ability, authorities proposed installing a sign closing the trail to public access and use. But they can't afford the sign either. It's quite the conundrum.

That's Governor Moonbeam but there have been a lot of fences put up in a lot of places over the decades. I was surprised at the lack of them, given all the previous chances.

Not complaining, though, as the fences and paved trails sure don't enhance the view or experiance.

I ate a burrito for lunch. Just sayin'

Saw a sign in Australia, at a trail up some cliffs:

"Your safety is our concern and your responsibility"

Coming to your state soon...

Got an introduction to weekend traffic in the nanny state Friday. Took the kids 4 1/2 hours from SF to Roseville as the cities emptied out and everyone headed in the general direction of Tahoe. I watched rafts on the Truckee River and explained to my youngest daughter's fiance that 1/10th that many boats on the Skagit or Sauk would be considered way over-crowded. There's a lotta' peeps in the nanny state.

We went from the Sacramento airport to Roseville on 7/26 (a Friday) at 4:30-5 and it was not as bad as trying to get through Seattle/Tacoma/JBLM most days at most time. The real slow time was Sunday morning on 37 when we got stuck in going to the races at Sears Point traffic.

Sounds like your confused about the term nanny state. The nanny state term refers more to paternalism than protectionism. If you choose by your own free will to walk on a cliff edge and you fall to your death than that is your fault. If they do not let you make that choice because they think you are incapable of making the choice they want you to make than that falls under the nanny state umbrella.

I expected that CA would have all sorts of fences, well paved trails, and generally keep you away from the edge. I was surprised that there was nothing but air there; and very few warning signs.

As it should be.

If you fall off a cliff - well too f'n bad. I guess you should have been a little more careful.

+1 Don't go surfing if you want life jackets and shark repellent provided via state.

At least the bike lane money was well spent. Maybe they should have a special jumper's spot on the bridge, where the jumpers hit only water, much cleaner than having them step in front of buses or trains.