I thought about that too. I like the little cans that you can buy, but when you think it through, you're liable for any injury to someone, and afterwards nothing is black and white. You may have to justify what you do in court, in "real life". It's better to not leave them with lifelong injuries such as blindness.

The cans I have state: "Causes moderate eye irritation"

Attorney for (blind) lowlife scum: "Can you identify the person who sprayed you?"
Lowlife scum: "Ummm, No I can't" :D

I keed of course, (and I don't live in CA), but your point is valid regardless of method imo.

flare pistol. nothing says "run away" like industrial sized roman candle balls launched in your direction.

the size and severity of the neighborhood fire is undetermined. maybe buy a better deadbolt.

LA as in Los Angeles?

Could some of you post links for pepper spray? (We have the small keychain type)

Wife has (admirably) shown and interest in learning how to use my 9mm (she doesn't like guns but said "if it is in the house I should know how to use it).

However I am 99% sure she wouldn't shoot anyone.

I don't know how to post the link but google SABRE RED. I know their products well and they will have something that you will find helpful. I've been TASED (5 sec of riding a dragon) and I've been sprayed. The spray last about 10-30 minutes even if you start washing it off within a minute. Hope you never have to use it. Al

Buy them a puppy. A Rottweiler sounds about right. At 8 weeks they're adorable, at 8 months they're formidable. She won't learn to use what you buy her or taker her security seriously, but the Rottie would.