Don't blame the state, blame the individual. I should know - I live in California.
There must be something seriously wrong with that guy's mentality if he drew a deadly weapon and went for a throat slash over a minor argument. He's a dangerous psychopath and should be treated accordingly. Thank God he's 18 so no slap on the wrist juvie court for him.
I carry a gun in the small of my back...I don't think it would be wise for someone to try this with me. Even if he cut me, I'd still aerate him before they hauled me off in the ambulance.