The news out of California is increasingly more dystopian with each day’s passing. The state that was once known for its own brand of the American Dream has now become associated with unchecked crime and violence, a chronic homelessness issue, drug addiction and filthy cities.

And the beat goes on, as one Los Angeles environ was forced this week to discontinue mail service to homes due to a rise in attacks on mail carriers.

In January, a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier was assaulted while delivering mail in the 1300 block of 14th Street in Santa Monica. A few weeks later the USPS sent a notice to local residents explaining they would be suspending mail delivery for the time being.  From CBSLA:

Residents in the area were delivered notices from USPS, disclosing that “delivery service is hereby suspended to all addresses located on the 13-hundred block of 14th street.”

As expected, homeowners in the area are more than upset, especially since the actions of just one person seem to have put them all at a loss.

“My immediate reaction was just disappointment… frustration,” said Courtney Smith.

Residents were directed to pick up their mail at the closest USPS branch.

The notice pointed to the recent spike in violence against mail carriers in that area.

Multiple carriers have been subjected to assaults and threats of assault from an individual who has not been located or apprehended. The safety of our employees and of the mail they deliver to you is our highest concern. Until we can ensure the safety of both, delivery services will remain suspended.

Authorities have indicated they are familiar with the individual responsible for the January attack and have a record of “domestic” incidents with the suspect.

This is a recurring theme in California justice. A disturbed, violent individual severely injures (or worse) an innocent citizen and almost without exception it turns out that individual has a long history of interaction with law enforcement. They’ve simply been dumped back onto the streets by a feckless system that no longer has the teeth to hold and prosecute criminals or protect innocent taxpayers.

This suspension is not simply about one attack. It is a sign of a larger issue. “Defund the Police” initiatives, Prop 47, and a cold-hearted, ruling elite class have all combined to create a chaos that is nearly unbearable in the once great state of California.

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” 

Santa Monica doesn’t have snow, or a lot of rain, and its coastal location keeps the temperature nearly perfect. But it looks like it does have the one thing that can stop the post office…unchecked crime and a government unwilling to do anything about it.