The recent return of former vice-president Kamala Harris to her home in Los Angeles was expected to be a joyful event. After being flown to Los Angeles by plane, which was exclusively serviced by women, she prepared food for evacuees from forest fires, while previously expressing gratitude for the firefighters at the Altadena station. However, for neighbors in the well-known Brentwood area in the northern part of Los Angeles, her return triggered some discontent and jokes from some neighbors, as well as increased traffic flow.
One of the residents living near Harris's home stated: "I’m not thrilled about her return, except for the fact that they block the street when she shows up in the neighborhood." Harris did not disclose her plans after finishing work in Washington, but she promised she wouldn't "suck from the public trough," implying that she would remain active in politics.
After the unsuccessful appearance of the mayor and governor of California during the worst natural disaster in Los Angeles history, the former vice-president did not devote time to attempting to confirm her allegiance to her roots. She told journalists at a fire station in Los Angeles, shortly after arriving at Los Angeles airport last Monday, that she wanted to go out and share with people that "we see them and care about them."
The next morning, Harris did not leave anywhere, but four large black cars guarded the home of the withdrawing candidate for the presidency, valued at 4.8 million dollars, while Secret Service agents walked around, wearing earpieces and sunglasses.
All former vice-presidents of the USA receive protection from the Secret Service for at least six months after leaving office, but some neighbors are unhappy with the personal security of Harris. One neighbor, introducing himself as Luis, a real estate investor, stated: "I’m not happy that she lives here, and I’m not happy that she represents the United States." Luis felt a strong disappointment toward the Democratic leaders, such as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Governor Gavin Newsom, especially in how they addressed crime, immigration, and readiness for forest fires.
Among the widely discussed proposals about the possibility that she might run for governor of the state, Harris wants to remain distanced from California's politics. Luis added: "Eric Garcetti and Gavin Newsom ruined my state, and Kamala Harris would do the same if she became governor," stating: "It’s best for her to find another state for her destruction."
However, other residents are happy about the return of someone they consider a hero of their hometown. Former advocate Peggy Garretti said: "I regret that she isn’t taking over the White House, but I’m glad she’s our neighbor," adding: "This area is a mix of things; it’s not only a very wealthy area, but even among the wealthy, there are progressive and conservative views mixing, and in general, people do not see it as a problem when the street closes." Nikto, one of the residents who preferred to remain in the shade, does not express objections to the fact that the former vice-president lived nearby.
