Readers respond to Question of the Week:

Was Newsom’s red-state tour a worthwhile trip?

Bad for Newsom and California

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s red state tour takes gaslighting to a whole new level. The harsh reality is that people are leaving the Golden State in droves. The cost of living here is much higher than the national average. Soaring taxes, out of control crime, and the homelessness problem have forced residents to flee the state. For the first time in history, California lost one seat in the House of Representatives. I urge Newsom to get his own house in order first before even thinking about going to other states to gaslight the nation with his imaginary accomplishments.

— Tom Walsh, Los Angeles

Could be good thing for California if Newsom runs for president in 2024

If anyone in a red state that has eyes and a brain looks at what California has become and continues to spiral downward, and wishes his words would help them in any way they should visit San Francisco. This guy has an ego and is only looking out for himself. Total political stunt and yes I hope he runs for president so we can get a better governor in our state that cares about businesses, kids and all citizens safety.

— Jon Reitz, San Pedro

Newsom’s red state tour

First, what money was used to pay for the governor and his entourage’s tour? Were my hard-earned tax dollars used for his political ambitions? That thought infuriates me. Secondly, the great governor, the one who thinks he will single-handedly end climate change, used how much polluting fuel on this boondoggle? Thirdly, Newsom apparently has no idea that the rest of the country laughs with derision at him. I’ve traveled through a lot of the country in the past year, and I quickly learned to keep my home location to myself. Californians are viewed with scorn, and Newsom is at the top of that list.

— Barbara Hainey, Torrance

Newsom’s trip was a bad idea for California

It was wrong for Gov. Gavin Newsom to take that trip. He should have stayed in California and taken care of the many neglected issues here.

— Richard Metzger, Porter Ranch