By Molly Scott Santa Monica
I cannot understand why your paper gives more coverage to Bobby Shriver’s latest homelessness initiatives and the alleged mismanagement of Santa Monica High School than you give to an attempted kidnapping in broad daylight (SMDP, April 26, page 3).
I live north of Wilshire Boulevard and I walk the length of Washington Avenue every day with a stroller. To say that I was a bit unnerved by a brief account of the incident that was tucked into a corner of your paper is an understatement. I am not sure if it unnerved any other woman in the neighborhood because no one else I have told has even heard about this attack.
People from back East ask me what I think is different about living in LA. I have not been here long enough to give a fully informed answer, but I do know two things. First, when a woman is almost abducted in broad daylight efforts are made to get notice out to other women in the area who may be potential victims of predators such as this. Second, when I pay $2,300 in rent and the two-bedroom condo next door is listed at $1.3 million you would think I could count on certain level of safety and communication from my local law enforcement and community newspaper.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 9, 2006. Read the original PDF.