In the interim period if a person is under imminent threat, they can carry a Taser. In California these are $300-$350 with no waiting period. Pull trigger, assailant stops, pull trigger twice more, drop Taser and run with a thirty second head start. Taser will replace the unit for free if used in self-defense (just send them a copy of the police report).

Pepper spray also has its uses, with some likelihood of both victim and assailant being sprayed. This is better than nothing.

I note that it is nearly impossible to get a concealed weapons permit in California, so a woman outside her home is "fair game." Many states have a "shall issue" permit process, but California allows administrative denials of CCWs. Only judges, lawyers, developers and powerful politicians seem to get permits in many counties. In LA county, forget it! "God made men and women, Smith & Wesson made them equal" . . . but not outside your own door.

I'm heartened that you are no longer controlled by fear. It's a form of enslavement.

I have to tell you, I was extremely careful with what I said to the young lady. I'm no expert, just a dopey Hollywood screenwriter. Her fear and rising panic were palpable. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing and making a bad situation ever worse. I hope you're right, that I did help her in some small way.

Here's me and dogs: Achoo!

Hey, how's my IDF chaver? There's also a run on ammo here in La La Land. Comrade Obama might be the best thing that's ever happened to the gun lobby. Take a close look folks, there's a little man behind the curtain full of bluster and wind and little substance. Just ask the Europeans, the Norks, and the Mullahs.

Did you know that Arthur Miller's only novel, "Focus," is based on the Kitty Genovese story?

Thanks so much for your feedback. I'm sorry your hair took such a hit. Let me explain my advice:

1. The girl in the gun store was terrified. Melt-down mode. I believe that the relative complexity of a 1911 .45 would have made her flee.
2. She is tiny. Her hands are like Barbie doll hands. Racking the slide on a .45—no way.
3. I know because my wife is also quite small and she cannot rack the slide on my Springfield .45. She uses the S&W .38 and likes it quite a bit. With a little time at the range she's a pretty good shot.
4. Look, I used my best judgment at the moment. I hope my advice was useful.
5. If I was wrong, I deeply regret it and now I'm gonna have even more sleepless nights.